Illinois House Bill HB1052

Illinois 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/25
• Refer: 1/9/25
• Refer: 2/4/25
• Refer: 3/21/25

Caption

FOOD TRUCK FREEDOM ACT

Impact

The impact of HB 1052 extends to the interaction between local and state regulations, particularly concerning food service establishments. While the bill establishes a statewide standard for food truck operations, it also empowers local governments to enforce their own zoning and placement restrictions. This balance aims to simplify the licensing process for food trucks while still addressing local community needs and concerns over food safety and urban planning.

Summary

House Bill 1052, also known as the Food Truck Freedom Act, aims to establish a framework for food trucks operating across municipalities, counties, and townships within Illinois. The bill allows local governments to implement their own licensing and permitting systems for food trucks, ensuring that these systems are aligned with recommendations from health and fire authorities. Once a food truck receives a valid operating permit from one jurisdiction, it can operate throughout the state under that permit's authority, provided it meets certain health and safety inspection criteria.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1052 may arise from its restriction on the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Local governments may express frustration over their limited capacity to regulate food trucks beyond the requirements stipulated in the bill. Critics may fear that the bill could undermine local regulation efforts, particularly in managing food truck placements in sensitive areas or high-density neighborhoods, raising concerns about public health and safety and the enforcement of community standards.