Bill > SB197

This bill, effective July 1, 2026, aims to streamline health and fire safety inspections for mobile food vendors, such as food trucks, by requiring only one set of inspections to be valid statewide. Starting January 1, 2027, a mobile food unit that obtains a valid health inspection certificate from the county health department where its commissary (a permitted food establishment for servicing) is located, and a valid fire inspection certificate from a local fire department authorized by the State Fire Marshal, will be exempt from further local health or fire safety inspections to operate in any county or municipality. The State Fire Marshal will establish a uniform statewide fire safety inspection process, ensuring compliance with specific codes like the International Fire Code (IFC) Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles provisions and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for hoods, LP-gas systems, and electrical appliances, with fire inspection certificates being valid for six months. While this bill supersedes existing inspection requirements, local governments can still mandate business licenses or other ordinances not related to health or fire safety inspections, and health or fire officials can still inspect units if there's an immediate risk to public health or safety, or order operations to cease if significant violations are found. Operating a mobile food unit without the required certificates after January 1, 2027, will be a Class C misdemeanor, with repeat offenders facing a 30-day operating prohibition.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search