Relating to the regulation of food service establishments, including retail food stores and mobile food vendors; requiring an occupational license; imposing fees; authorizing an administrative penalty.

Contracts

• Commissary Leases: Review immediately. The law prohibits regulators from requiring a commissary base if your vehicle is "self-sufficient" (equipped for storage/sanitation). You may have grounds to terminate or renegotiate costly kitchen leases after July 1, 2026.
• Waste Disposal: While commissary requirements are loosened, grease and waste disposal contracts remain mandatory. Ensure these are standalone agreements not tied to a kitchen lease.
• Asset Purchase Agreements: State licenses are non-transferable. If acquiring a competitor’s fleet, the license does not convey with the asset; a new application is required prior to operation.

Hiring/Training

• Social Media Management: Designate a staff member responsible for "Itinerary Compliance." The law requires DSHS to track your location. You satisfy this by maintaining a public-facing social media page or website with your schedule. Failure to post requires manual itinerary filing with the state.
• Inspection Protocol: Train staff to recognize valid inspectors. Inspections may be conducted by DSHS agents *or* local health officials acting under a "collaborative agreement." Staff must grant access to either.
• Driver Qualifications: The statute links MFV operation to transportation code requirements. Ensure all drivers meet commercial driver standards relevant to the vehicle weight class.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

• Vehicle Compliance File: Maintain a physical or digital file for each VIN containing:
• Current State License (displayed conspicuously).
• Proof of Insurance (mandatory for licensure).
• Most recent Fire Inspection (valid for 12 months statewide; local jurisdictions cannot require a new one if a valid one exists).
• Menu Management: You must notify DSHS *before* changing menu items if the change alters your classification (e.g., moving from pre-packaged to food prep).

Fees & Costs

• License Fee: Capped at $150 per vehicle annually.
• Inspection Fee: Variable. The law allows DSHS to charge the "cost of conducting the inspection." If DSHS contracts this out to a local municipality, costs may remain comparable to current local rates.
• Small Business Exemption: Entities with <$1.5M annual gross revenue holding a state manufacturer/distributor license are exempt from local municipal health permit fees starting July 1, 2026.