HB16-1401 Summary

• Increases annual license fees for retail food establishments over a phased period (2017-2018) with new fees effective September 1, 2018 for establishments preparing/serving food in individual portions ($385-$465 based on seating capacity) and varying fees for other establishment types based on square footage.

• Requires the Department of Public Health and Environment to develop a uniform system for communicating health inspection results to the public by January 1, 2017, with detailed information rather than simplified letter/number/symbol grading systems.

• Reduces maximum license suspension period from six months to one month and allows issuance of cease-and-desist orders for establishments that remain noncompliant after receiving civil penalties.

• Conditions fee increases on compliance with new standards including response to plans/specifications within 14 working days and ensuring 70% of retail food program staff meet national training criteria by December 31, 2019.

• Redefines exempt entities to clarify that nonprofit organizations providing food to food-insecure people (soup kitchens, food pantries, home delivery services) and local government entities serving food at special events are exempt from licensing fees.