STATEHOUSE (March 22, 2024) – Gov. Eric Holcomb recently signed State Rep. Joanna King's (R-Middlebury) legislation into law to support Indiana's growing food truck industry.
King 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. King said that's why she filed 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.
"Food trucks are a growing industry and we want to support these entrepreneurs who are working hard to expand their businesses," King said. "It's important to create uniform standards for them to follow instead of allowing bureaucratic red tape to create unnecessary hurdles. I'm excited to see the overwhelming support for this bill and grateful to see this bill signed into law."
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 will also follow rules adopted by the Indiana Department of Health.
“Mobile food has a longstanding presence in Indiana, but its popularity has surged since the onset of Covid. By aligning operators and health departments, we’re now entering the next phase: establishing a mobile food license recognized across all counties. Thanks to the diligent efforts of Rep. Joanna King, the Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association, and fellow food truck operators, we’re well-positioned for continued growth in Indiana. Our mission remains clear: serving our delicious food to neighbors while prioritizing safety and health," said Brian Krider co-founder and COO of Ben's Soft Pretzels.
To view this and other legislation recently signed into law, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2024-bill-watch.
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State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49,
which includes a portion of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
