STATEHOUSE (March 27, 2024) – Gov. Eric Holcomb recently signed legislation co-authored by State Rep. Lorissa Sweet (R-Wabash) into law cutting red tape and simplifying regulations to support Indiana's growing food truck industry.
Sweet said local food truck operators raised concerns about the patchwork of sometimes costly regulatory ordinances from county to county, which can make it difficult to expand their businesses. Currently, some Indiana counties do not offer a permit for food trucks and some have their own regulations, licenses and fees. Sweet said that's why she co-authored legislation to simplify the process by capping certain fees and requiring local health departments to create mobile retail food establishment permits that follow a set of universal state standards by 2025.
"This new law is a direct result of local constituents reaching out and wanting to reduce barriers in the industry," Sweet said. "There are many different regulations and fees from county to county, which deters some owners from expanding their businesses. That's why we worked hard to cut red tape, streamline regulations and cap fees, so that we can bring uniformity and consistency that this growing industry needs to be successful."
Under House Enrolled Act 1258, application fees for a mobile retail food license are capped at $200 annually. Additionally, HEA 1258 prevents local health departments from charging additional fees beyond the application fee for inspections. Food truck inspections would also follow rules adopted by the Indiana Department of Health.
To view this and other legislation recently signed into law, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2024-bill-watch.
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State Rep. Lorissa Sweet (R-Wabash) represents House District 50,
which includes all of Huntington County, and portions of Miami, Wabash and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
