The bill amends various sections of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code and the Health and Safety Code to clarify and limit the authority of state and local governments in regulating the food service industry. Notable insertions include the definition of a public health district as part of the municipalities and counties, and the establishment of a local permit requirement limitation that restricts counties, municipalities, and public health districts from requiring permits or licenses unless they would be required if the food service establishment were within the department's jurisdiction. Additionally, the bill introduces a local fee limitation, ensuring that fees charged by local entities do not exceed those that would be charged by the state.

Further amendments include the prohibition of local health jurisdictions from requiring food managers to hold local food manager cards or charge fees for certification, as well as the establishment of a registry for municipal ordinances and fee schedules. The bill also addresses sound regulations, stating that food service establishments cannot be required to obtain sound regulation permits for certain activities, such as deliveries or amplified sound under specific conditions. The act is 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 1, Health and Safety Code 438, Health and Safety Code 437)