Bills requiring annual food truck fire inspections would also prohibit local fees and ordinances

Legislation standardizing the fire inspection process for mobile food establishments would also prohibit a local unit from adopting any rule, regulation, code or ordinance that imposes a fee, tax or assessment for the operation of a food truck. Two bills, House Bill 5450, sponsored by Rep. Timonth Beson (R- Kawkawlin Twp.), and HB 5451, sponsored by Rep. Joesph Aragona (R-Clinton Chtr. Twp.,) were before the House Regulatory Reform Committee. While the main intent of HB 5451 is to require an annual fire inspection with required notification and inspection timelines and establish a state electronic database within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, HB 5450 prohibits local units of government from any and all other regulation and fees including electrical inspections, permits and protections to public water and sewer systems. MTA testified in opposition to the bills as introduced and is seeking an amendment to limit the restriction to only fire inspections of food trucks. It is anticipated the committee will vote on the bills soon.