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House Bill 2844 (89th Legislature, signed June 2025) transfers sole mobile food vendor permitting authority to Texas DSHS. After July 1, 2026, Houston will continue inspecting food trucks — but under state authority, not city authority. No separate city permit or medallion fee will be required after that date.
This applies to every bar, restaurant, and lounge with a TABC primary license issued before 2025. Licenses and permits originally issued in 2025 or 2026 are exempt this cycle. The compliance report is a self-inspection confirming your business is following applicable TABC laws.
Senate Bill 1008 required Houston to align local food safety regulations with state and federal standards. The city also adopted a risk-based permit fee model aligned with DSHS. Most operators see no change in fees, but the inspection checklist has shifted — some items previously required under Chapter 20 may no longer apply, and new FDA Model Food Code provisions now apply.
TABC Rule 35.7 was proposed at the March 24, 2026 TABC commission meeting and published in the April 10 Texas Register. The public comment period closed May 11. The rule is expected to be formally adopted at a subsequent TABC meeting in summer 2026. This applies to any TABC-licensed business selling consumable hemp products — regardless of whether they have an alcohol license.