SB 972 Summary

• Defines "compact mobile food operations" as mobile food facilities operating from individuals or nonmotorized conveyances (pushcarts, stands, wagons, etc.) that conduct only limited food preparation.

• Allows cottage food operations and microenterprise home kitchen operations to serve as commissaries for up to 2 compact mobile food operations with local enforcement agency endorsement, and permits nonpotentially hazardous foods from these operations to be sold via compact mobile food carts.

• Exempts compact mobile food operations with 25 square feet or less of display area selling only prepackaged nonpotentially hazardous foods or whole uncooked produce from most permit requirements, subject to specified health and safety compliance sections.

• Permits compact mobile food operations to display and sell food outdoors if overhead protection covers all food display areas and other specified conditions are met, and allows enforcement agencies to preapprove standard plans for mass-produced units to streamline permitting.

• Makes violations by compact mobile food operation operators or employees punishable only by administrative fines rather than misdemeanor charges, with tiered penalties starting at $100 for second violations and up to $500 for additional violations within one year.