HB495 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arnold MooneyRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Self-service food vendors, vending machines and micro markets defined, Agriculture and Industries to regulate

Summary

HB495 would transfer regulatory authority over self-service food vendors—micro markets and vending machines—from the Department of Public Health to the Department of Agriculture and Industries.

What This Bill Does

It defines micro markets, micro market displays, and vending machines. It exempts these vendors and the foods and beverages they sell from Department of Public Health regulation and assigns oversight to the Department of Agriculture and Industries. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after it becomes law.

Who It Affects

• Self-service food vendor operators (micro markets and vending machines): regulation would move from Public Health to Agriculture and Industries, potentially changing compliance requirements.
• State regulatory agencies: the Department of Public Health would relinquish regulatory authority for these vendors, while the Department of Agriculture and Industries would assume it.

Key Provisions

• Definitions: Micro Market defined as an unstaffed, self-checkout food facility with displays, an automated payment device, indoors, and generally accessible only to people in the building; Micro Market Display includes displays such as racks, refrigerated units, or vending machines; Vending Machine is a self-service device that dispenses food or beverages after payment without needing replenishment between transactions.
• Exemption from Public Health regulation: Micro markets, vending machines, and the foods and beverages they sell are exempt from Department of Public Health regulation.
• Regulatory transfer: The Department of Agriculture and Industries shall regulate micro markets and vending machines, and the Notwithstanding clause indicates Public Health authority does not apply to these vendors.
• Effective date: The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and Governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health Department