Haltom City, known for its restrictive food truck regulations, may see a resurgence of mobile vendors thanks to a new state law. Texas House Bill 2844, the "Mobile Food Vendor Regulatory Consistency Act," passed on June 20, 2025, and was signed by Governor Greg Abbott. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and promises to simplify the permitting process by replacing local rules with a single statewide license issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
For years, Haltom City's ordinances have discouraged food truck owners. The current permit application is a four-page, single-spaced document requiring notarization, a $250 annual fee, and written permission from the property owner where the truck operates. That last requirement has been particularly onerous, as property owners of shopping centers or strip malls often have no incentive to provide such permission. The number of food trucks applying for permits has steadily declined since the rules were enacted, and council members have expressed bias against the trucks, claiming they compete with local restaurants.
In 2021, the Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA) objected to the regulations during a public hearing, arguing they presented insurmountable roadblocks. Now, HUBA sees the new state law as a chance to reinvigorate the local food truck industry. HUBA Communications Director Joe Palmer said, "Mobile food vendors are valuable small businesses, and Haltom City leaders need to do everything in their power to encourage them. Now that state lawmakers have passed legislation eliminating the burdensome permits and unnecessary fees, food truck owners can funnel their time, energy and money into improving and expanding their businesses. And that's a big win all around."
However, Palmer noted that the law preserves some local control, allowing cities to enforce rules on how, when, and where food trucks can operate. "We'll have to wait and see how Haltom City handles this, especially the part about requiring the property owner's permission to operate," he said. The city has seen a decline in small businesses due to an outdated and restrictive use matrix, and HUBA hopes the council will embrace the new law to foster growth.
Haltom City, located between Dallas and Fort Worth in Tarrant County, is a diverse, majority working-class community. The city is financially healthy and has a capable manager and staff who support diverse business development. But they need the support of the Haltom City Council to make it happen. The new state law could be the catalyst needed to bring food trucks back, offering residents and visitors more dining options at events and daily operations.
For more information about HUBA and its efforts, visit their Facebook page. HUBA offers annual memberships for $20 or lifetime memberships for $50, with 100% confidentiality.
