On April 18, 2017, Senate Bill 262 (cross filed with House Bill 771), Public Health – Mobile Food Service Facilities – Licensing and Inspection by County Health Departments, was signed by Governor Hogan taking effect immediately as an emergency Act.
SB 262 (HB 771) Public Health – Mobile Food Service Facilities – Licensing and Inspection by County Health Departments
This new law requires a county health department to issue a mobile reciprocity license to Maryland mobile food service facilities that meet the requirements set forth in MD HEALTH-GENERAL Code Ann. § 21-304 (f) and that are in compliance with COMAR 10.15.03. The new law prohibits a county, under certain circumstances, from requiring that a mobile food service facility be inspected before issuing a mobile reciprocity license. A county health department may not charge a fee exceeding $300 for a mobile reciprocity license. A county health department that issued a mobile reciprocity license is authorized to inspect the mobile food service facility while the mobile food service facility is operating in the county; and to take certain enforcement action against the mobile food service facility.
To qualify for a Mobile Reciprocity License, the mobile food service facility must:
• Be in full compliance with the Maryland Food Service Regulations - COMAR 10.15.03;
• Hold a valid license from the [Maryland] county of origin;
• Have a Base of Operations or Commissary located within the county of origin;
• Operate within 90 miles of its Base of Operations or Commissary.
Mobile Reciprocity License Application