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Colorado Legislature Approves Law to Boost Food Truck Industry

STREAMLINES PROCESS | Municipalities must adjust procedures under the new legal framework

TAKES EFFECT JANUARY 2026

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

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**HB25-1295 Enacted |** Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado, signed the legislation, which will take effect in January 2026. (Photo/El Comercio de Colorado)

The bill HB25-1295, which simplifies the approval and operational processes for food trucks in Colorado, was passed on its third reading in the State Senate — the final step before reaching Governor Jared Polis’s desk. María González, CEO of Adelante Community Development —the organization that promoted this legislation— celebrated the approval as a “historic victory for mobile entrepreneurs across the state.”

“This bill represents an incredible shift for all food truck entrepreneurs in Colorado,” said González. “It removes unnecessary barriers, promotes equity, and strengthens local economies. Now we hope the governor will sign this new law and show that Colorado supports small businesses and working families,” she told El Comercio de Colorado.

REP. MANNY RUTINEL | “HB25-1295 removes obstacles for small businesses.”

González explained that this is the third time her organization has promoted a similar initiative. “Year after year, we’ve worked on drafting and amending legislation to support this industry. Now we’re finally seeing a law passed by both legislative chambers,” said González. If signed into law, the measure will take effect on January 1, 2026, allowing municipalities time to adjust their procedures under the new legal framework.

Awaiting the Governor’s Signature

Coinciding with National Small Business Week (May 4–10), González highlighted the symbolic value of this achievement. “This validates that food trucks are legitimate businesses contributing significantly and resiliently to local economies. These kinds of laws eliminate bureaucracy and open more opportunities for Latino and diverse entrepreneurs who often lack access to traditional commercial spaces,” she affirmed.

The HB25-1295 initiative was sponsored by State Representative Manny Rutinel and received bipartisan support in the legislature. If signed by Governor Polis, Colorado would position itself as a national leader in inclusive policies and support for the mobile and community-based economy. “We hope the governor invites the entire food truck community to celebrate this achievement. It’s a huge step toward a more just, diverse, and innovative economy,” González concluded.