The bill amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code and the Health and Safety Code to clarify the regulatory authority of state and local governments over the food service industry. It expands the definition of municipalities and counties to include public health districts, enabling these districts to require permits for food service establishments. However, it limits local permit requirements to those that would also be necessary if the entity were under the jurisdiction of the health department. Additionally, the bill regulates the fees that can be charged by counties, municipalities, and public health districts, ensuring they do not exceed those imposed by the health department, and mandates prior communication of any changes to fees or permit requirements to stakeholders.

Moreover, the bill introduces provisions for the transportation and delivery of food by permitted food service establishments and mobile food units to workplace premises, exempting them from needing additional permits or certifications under certain conditions, such as compliance with food safety standards. It also amends Section 438.1055 of the Health and Safety Code to prohibit local health jurisdictions from charging food managers with valid certificates for local food manager cards or other credentials, thereby reducing regulatory burdens while maintaining safety standards. The provisions of this bill 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)
House Committee Report: 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)