Longview, Texas—Food truck operators in Longview are optimistic about two new state laws aimed at reducing regulatory burdens, believing these changes will foster business growth. However, city officials express concerns regarding potential impacts on customer safety due to the shift in oversight.
In the recent legislative session, Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 2844, also referred to as the Food Truck Freedom Bill. This law transfers the responsibility of permitting, regulation, and inspection of food trucks from local municipalities to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Starting in July 2026, food truck vendors will be required to secure a single statewide permit, removing the need for individual permits in each city where they operate.
Meanwhile, Senate Bill 1008 has already taken effect as of September 1. This law prohibits cities from imposing additional regulations on food trucks and restaurants beyond those stipulated by state law. In Longview, this change means that food truck operators will no longer have to secure a commissary location within city limits, provided they maintain one elsewhere.
Nathan Elliott, owner of The Twisted Chef food truck, and Judy Raiford, who runs Street Licious, both believe these legislative changes will lead to cost savings and potentially attract more food trucks to Longview. Elliott criticized the city’s previous regulatory framework, which he claims unfairly impacted food truck operations by requiring costly modifications and local commissary locations.
“The burdens placed on food truck enthusiasts and entrepreneurs were stifling,” Elliott said, noting that he had stopped participating in Longview events due to these regulations but is now contemplating a return under the new laws.
On the city side, Michael Shirley, director of Development Services in Longview, raised worries regarding the capabilities of the state health department to effectively inspect the thousands of food trucks in Texas. With only 40 inspectors available for more than 12,000 food trucks statewide, Shirley questioned how thorough inspections could be maintained. In contrast, Longview has four inspectors for the 25 to 30 food trucks that typically operate within the city.
Although city officials retain the authority to respond to complaints against food trucks, their enforcement capabilities will be limited under the new regulations. “We’re very concerned about how it’s going to impact consumer safety,” Shirley stated.
Recent discussions between city officials and local food truck operators addressed these new legislative changes. While food trucks must still adhere to local fire and zoning codes, the overall environment for food truck operations is set to change significantly.
In addition to impacts on food trucks, Senate Bill 1008 also limits the city’s authority to impose extra permitting and inspection requirements on restaurants. Although Longview currently has few additional requirements, this law means caterers will no longer need city-issued permits, streamlining the process for them. Small-scale food manufacturers, earning $1.5 million or less annually, will also avoid local permit requirements if they possess a state-issued manufacturing permit.
Shirley noted that these alterations could result in inconsistencies in the permitting process. Establishments exempt from city permits will also be exempt from city inspections, meaning local residents will lose access to inspection scores previously provided by the city.
Despite the potential ramifications, Shirley indicated that the loss of these permits would not significantly impact city revenue. Both Elliott and Raiford hope to see a thriving food truck scene in Longview where new culinary talent can flourish.
“I want to see other great cooks and entrepreneurs be able to have food trucks and do events in the city of Longview,” Elliott expressed, looking forward to a vibrant food truck community.
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