Image Credit: The Tennessee Cobbler Co. / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By David Seal] –
Representative Elaine Davis (R-Knoxville) and Senator Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains) teamed up with the Institute for Justice and small business owners during the last legislative session to provide regulatory relief for food truck operators in the form of streamlined fire inspections. Five months out, the new legislative act is already paying off.
Prior to the passage of HB814 / SB907 food truck operators were required to obtain a fire inspection for each food truck in every jurisdiction where they operated. If a small business had 4 food trucks that operated in 8 counties, that meant 32 separate inspections, a loss of operating time, travel expenses, and a loss of profit on 32 occasions.
One master fire inspection now covers all 95 counties in Tennessee.
Small business owners praise Davis and Niceley for their sponsorship of the legislation. “The passing of HB814 not only helped streamline the fire inspection and renewal process for food truckers across Tennessee it helped save money for small business owners across the state as well. For those who serve in more than one municipality, the requirement of redundant inspections had become quite burdensome on our small businesses. Having to close and drive to each separate municipality for redundant inspections took time away from being operational and took shifts away from our employees. We are grateful the TN legislature supported this bill. It has saved us time and money and we are now more confident knowing we have the highest standard fire/safety inspection available to food truckers in Tennessee.” Said Jami Joe, Co-Owner of Tennessee Cobbler Company, Nashville
The architect of the legislation was attorney Meagan Forbes with the Institute for Justice who worked with Jami Joe in her lobby efforts to see the legislation to fruition.
“Jami Joe played a critical role in advocating for this much-needed reform. She organized support from food truck owners across the state, including the Nashville Food Truck Association, and helped make sure their voices were heard in the legislative process. For two years, she was a voice for change, and her dedication ultimately paid off when the General Assembly passed the bill.” Said Meagan Forbes, Institute for Justice
The result of Public Chapter 390 is more efficient state government, less red tape, and greater economic liberty for food truck operators in Tennessee.
About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and current Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level. David is also a 2024 winner of The Tennessee Conservative Flame Award. David can be reached at david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
