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H 2555MASSACHUSETTSSession 194thState Billin committee

Massachusetts bill designates Food Protection Program as sole licensor for mobile food trucks and requires local fire safety inspections

Original title: An Act relative to food truck licensure

Last action · March 16, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5235Sponsors: Marcus Vaughn and 8 others

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Law

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What This Bill Would Do

The Food Protection Program is designated as the sole authority to license s, establishing statewide standards while allowing municipalities to assess operating fees. Mobile food trucks must pass an inspection by the fire department in their municipality of record before operating.

Why it matters

Changes regulatory compliance for food truck operators by centralizing licensure through a single state program while introducing mandatory municipal fire inspections and local operating fees.

Background

The bill was introduced by Representative Marcus S. Vaughn during the 194th session of the Massachusetts General Court. context

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Mobile food establishment operators

Operators must obtain licensure exclusively through the Food Protection Program and pass a municipal fire department inspection.

Directly affected

Municipalities

Local fire departments must conduct required safety inspections, and towns gain explicit authority to assess operating fees on food trucks.

Directly affected

Food Protection Program

The program becomes the sole authority responsible for promulgating rules, standards, and licenses for mobile food establishments.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for issuing food truck licenses under this bill?

The Food Protection Program is designated as the sole authority empowered to issue licenses for s.

Are municipalities allowed to charge fees to food trucks?

Yes, towns and municipalities may assess a fee on s operating in their jurisdiction.

What inspection is required for mobile food trucks?

s must pass an inspection conducted by the fire department in the municipality where the establishment has its mailing address.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

5 actions

Mar 16, 2026House
Accompanied a study order, see H5235
Sep 10, 2025Joint
Hearing rescheduled to 09/10/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:35 PM in B-2 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
Aug 29, 2025Joint
Hearing scheduled for 09/10/2025 from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM in B-2
Feb 27, 2025Senate
Senate concurred
Feb 27, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to the committee on Public Health

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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