Austin, TX – A bill by State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) to cut red tape for food truck owners and operators across Texas has passed the Texas House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support and is now headed to the Texas Senate.

House Bill 2844, the “Mobile Food Vendor Regulatory Consistency Act,” streamlines the permitting process for food trucks by establishing a single, statewide license—replacing the current patchwork of local permits and duplicate fees that hinder small business growth.

“Texas is a place where entrepreneurs should thrive, not get buried under layers of red tape,” Landgraf said. “This bill cuts through the bureaucracy and makes it easier for hard-working Texans to grow their businesses, provide for their families, and serve their communities.”

Under HB 2844, food truck owners will no longer have to navigate different health permitting and inspection requirements in every city they operate. Instead, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will issue a uniform license that allows mobile food vendors to operate statewide. The bill maintains rigorous food safety standards while preventing costly and duplicative local regulations.

Importantly, HB 2844 does not interfere with a city’s ability to enforce local rules regarding where and when food trucks can operate. Municipalities would retain full authority to adopt and enforce time, place, and manner restrictions to ensure compatibility with local needs and conditions.

“This is a win for small businesses, a win for public health, and a win for common sense,” Landgraf added. “I'm grateful that food truck owners in Odessa pitched the idea to me, and to have good feedback from local leaders like Councilman Craig Stoker in fine-tuning the bill.”

With House approval secured, HB 2844 now moves to the Texas Senate for consideration.