Legislation sponsored by State Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook), known as the Roberts food truck inspection bill, has cleared the Alabama Senate and now awaits consideration in the House.

Senate Bill 197 would require mobile food vendors to obtain a valid health inspection certificate and fire inspection certificate that would be recognized statewide, eliminating the need for separate inspections in each local jurisdiction where the vendor operates.

The bill was introduced by Roberts during the 2026 Regular Session and passed the Senate on Feb. 19.

Under the legislation, food trucks and other mobile food vendors would be allowed to operate throughout Alabama once they have secured the required inspections. The measure maintains inspection requirements while creating a single set of certifications applicable across multiple jurisdictions.

Roberts sponsored the bill to create a uniform statewide inspection standard for mobile food vendors while maintaining existing health and fire safety requirements.

The Senate approved SB197 on Feb. 19 by a vote of 27–0, with bipartisan support.

Following Senate passage, the bill was engrossed and transmitted to the Alabama House of Representatives, where it has been referred to the House Health Committee for further consideration.

 Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].