H.B. No. 2156 aims to clarify and limit the authority of state and local governments in regulating the food service industry in Texas. The bill introduces several amendments to the Civil Practice and Remedies Code and the Health and Safety Code. Notably, it adds a new section that defines the applicability of regulations to include public health districts created by municipalities or counties. It also expands the list of statutes under which individuals can bring actions against municipalities or counties for violations related to food service regulations. Additionally, the bill establishes limitations on local permit requirements, ensuring that fees charged by counties, municipalities, or public health districts do not exceed those that would be charged if the establishment were located within the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Health.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits local health jurisdictions from requiring food managers to hold local food manager cards or charge fees for certificates issued under state law. It mandates that local entities provide stakeholders with opportunities for updates on fee and permit changes, and it restricts the ability of local governments to impose sound regulation permits or fees on food service establishments under certain conditions. The bill also repeals a section of the Health and Safety Code that previously allowed for additional local requirements. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 1.004, Health and Safety Code 437.004, Health and Safety Code 437.0091, Health and Safety Code 437.01235, Health and Safety Code 437.0124, Health and Safety Code 438.1055 (Health and Safety Code 437, Health and Safety Code 1, Health and Safety Code 438)