House passes LP-gas bill after Q&A on food-truck fees and inspection capacity (65-22)

Representative Cornwell told colleagues House Bill 31 42 is an industry-request bill that returned after a governor's veto; he said the measure addresses the veto message and urged passage. Cornwell said the bill gives the agency authority to inspect LP-gas tanks and that it includes a class 5 permit provision for food trucks.

Representative Hildebrandt pressed the sponsor about potential fees for food trucks, noting the bill includes an installation (initial) permit fee and an annual fee, and asked whether the bill would cover out-of-state cylinders brought in for events. Cornwell said there is no set fee at this time and that the intention is to offset costs; he added the bill was intended to give the authority to perform inspections.

Why it matters: The bill affects inspection authority and permit structure for LP-gas, with specific implications for food-truck operators and out-of-state cylinders used at events. Hildebrandt noted inspection staffing concerns during the last sessionreporting that the state had fewer than 10 employees to inspect thousands of food trucksand asked whether the bill increases staffing or permits contracting for inspections. Cornwell said the intent is to provide authority to inspect but did not give specific staffing or fee numbers.

On third reading the House recorded 65 aye, 22 nay and the Speaker declared the bill passed.