OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed into law the Food Truck Freedom Act, a measure aimed at cutting red tape for Oklahoma’s growing mobile food vendor industry. House Bill 1076, authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, and Sen. Christi Gillespie, R-Broken Arrow, creates a streamlined, statewide licensing system for food truck operators.
Hildebrant, serving his first term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, said the new law eliminates unnecessary regulatory barriers while upholding safety standards.
“Too many food truck operators were being forced to shut down simply because they couldn’t keep up with the maze of local permits and fees,” Hildebrant said. “This bill changes that. By establishing a single statewide license, we’re making it possible for more vendors to stay in business, grow their customer base and contribute to the local economy without getting buried in paperwork.”
The Food Truck Freedom Act allows any mobile food vendor with a valid state food establishment license to operate anywhere in the state, provided they follow local health and zoning regulations. Previously, food trucks were required to obtain separate permits for each city or county in which they did business, resulting in duplicative fees and logistical hurdles.
Sen. Gillespie, who carried the bill in the Senate, said the reform reflects Oklahoma’s commitment to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship.
“The signing of the Food Truck Freedom Act is a big win for small business owners and entrepreneurs across Oklahoma,” Gillespie said. “Food trucks bring jobs, creativity and economic growth to our communities. This law cuts unnecessary red tape and makes it easier for these businesses to operate, thrive and serve Oklahomans wherever they go.”
Under the new law, mobile vendors must still adhere to operational standards, including keeping their vehicles clean and in good repair, displaying their licenses and notifying the State Department of Health and local officials before serving at mass gatherings. They’re also responsible for providing trash receptacles and maintaining cleanliness within a 25-foot radius.
Similar laws have been enacted in states like Nevada, Arizona and Georgia, where food truck industries have seen notable expansion.
“We’ve seen other states adopt similar measures and watch their food truck industries thrive,” Hildebrant said. “Now, that same opportunity is a reality for Oklahoma vendors. With a single statewide license, food truck owners finally have a clear path to turn their business dreams into reality.”
House Bill 1076 passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support on an 85-3 vote and received broad backing in the Senate before heading to the governor’s desk.
