Buys bill to reduce regulations on food trucks passes state House
Today, the state House of Representatives approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Vincent Buys that would help improve food truck operations in Washington state.
Right now, outdated health code regulations require food trucks to do most of their food preparation in commissary kitchens. House Bill 2639 would allow food trucks to prepare their food onsite so long as they meet certain, necessary health requirements.
Buys, who first got the idea for his bill last April when he met with food truck owners during Food Truck Lobby Day in Olympia, said House Bill 2639 is just one example of how lawmakers can help improve the state's business climate.
“Our current health code regulations date back to the 1970s, when mobile food units didn't have sanitation equipment, handwashing stations, running water or the proper refrigeration equipment to keep food at safe temperatures,” said Buys, R-Lynden. “Things have changed and it's time our rules and regulations changed, too. My bill removes excessive regulations, helps businesses so they can continue to bolster our economy and provide job opportunities, and maintains public health – all without costing government a dime.”
The bill now advances to the Senate for further consideration.
PHOTO: Rep. Vincent Buys on Food Truck Lobby Day, April 13, 2017, in Olympia, WA. Photo courtesy of the Washington State Food Truck Association.
