AL SB197

Mobile food vendors with valid statewide health and fire inspection certificates are exempt from additional local health and fire inspections as a condition to operate, effective January 1, 2027

State Fire Marshal must establish a uniform statewide fire inspection process for mobile food units and maintain a list of authorized local fire departments that can conduct inspections

Fire inspection certificates are valid for six months and require compliance with International Fire Code provisions, NFPA standards for hoods, LP-gas systems, and electrical appliances

Local jurisdictions retain authority to require business licenses and other ordinance compliance; health and fire officials may still inspect units at any time and order immediate shutdown for significant violations

Operating without valid health and fire certificates is a Class C misdemeanor; second or subsequent violations result in a 30-day operating prohibition