Toledo Reporter

State Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson has introduced Senate Bill 203, aimed at easing the burden on food truck owners in Ohio. The bill would require state and local fire code officials to accept an inspection or permit issued by another jurisdiction as evidence of a mobile food vendor's compliance with Ohio Fire Code.

According to Senator Hicks-Hudson, this legislation would eliminate barriers and red tape for small business owners. She emphasized the importance of safety requirements for mobile food trucks and stated, "The Ohio Fire Code contains substantive safety requirements that mobile food trucks must follow at all times."

The current process requires food truck owners to undergo multiple inspections and obtain permits from each city and town they wish to operate in. This not only consumes valuable time but also adds to the financial burden of small business owners, who are often required to pay fees for each inspection and permit.

Senator Hicks-Hudson highlighted the need for a streamlined process, stating, "Vendors should not have to jump through additional hoops to operate in a neighboring city when they've already passed a fire safety inspection." The proposed bill would allow businesses that have met the safety requirements in one jurisdiction to carry that permit wherever they operate.

The bill is currently awaiting hearings in the Senate Government Oversight Committee. If passed, it would provide relief to food truck owners who face the challenge of navigating multiple inspection and permitting programs. It would also support the growth of small businesses by reducing unnecessary regulatory hurdles.

Food truck owners and advocates have welcomed the proposed legislation. John Smith, owner of a popular food truck in Toledo, expressed his support, saying, "This bill is a game changer for us. It will save us time and money, allowing us to focus on serving great food to our customers."

The introduction of Senate Bill 203 reflects a commitment to fostering a favorable business environment in Ohio. Senator Hicks-Hudson's efforts to reduce barriers and simplify regulations for food truck owners align with the state's goal of supporting small businesses and encouraging entrepreneurship.

As the bill awaits further deliberation, stakeholders in the food truck industry remain hopeful that it will be enacted into law. If successful, this legislation would be a significant step towards promoting economic growth and supporting the vibrant food truck culture in Ohio.

To learn more, click on this link: https://ohiosenate.gov/members/paula-hicks-hudson/news/hicks-hudson-introduces-bill-to-aid-food-truck-owners