A new Texas House bill aims to simplify food truck permitting for owners like Damian Crockem, who currently pays $600 annually in Tarrant County. The state will assume jurisdiction over permits, allowing mobile food establishments to operate under a single permit without restrictions on business hours or locations.
The bill has gained support from the Texas Restaurant Association, which sees it as a way to reduce “government red tape” and make it easier for businesses to operate safely and grow. However, some municipalities have opposed the bill, citing concerns that it would limit their regulatory authority and create more bureaucratic hoops for food truck owners to jump through.
Under the new law, inspections can be conducted by the state or local authorities under a collaborative agreement. While some are optimistic about the changes, others have expressed skepticism about how the transition will play out, particularly given staffing challenges in Tarrant County.
The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and its full impact remains to be seen. For now, food truck owners like Crockem remain hopeful that they’ll be able to expand their operations across the state without undue restrictions.
Source: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/06/21/texas-house-bill-poised-to-create-statewide-opportunities-for-tarrant-county-food-trucks