SB 918: Food facilities: retail food safety.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law, the California Retail Food Code, establishes uniform health and sanitation standards for retail food facilities, which are primarily enforced by local public health agencies. Violation of the California Retail Food Code is a misdemeanor, except as otherwise provided. Existing law limits the size of a passthrough window service opening to 216 square inches, and requires the opening to be provided with a solid or screened window, equipped with a self-closing device. Existing law authorizes a passthrough window of up to 432 square inches if equipped with an air curtain device.

This bill would remove the requirement that the 216 square inch solid or screened window has to be equipped with a self-closing device. The bill would require a passthrough window service opening of up to 432 square inches to be equipped with an air curtain device or a self-closing device. The bill would require a passthrough window service opening that is larger than 432 square inches to be equipped with both a self-closing device and an air curtain device. The bill would require a passthrough window or other service opening to be used specifically for food delivery operations and not as a general entrance or exit for employees or customers. By expanding the scope of an existing crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 5

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. September 30, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 988, Statutes of 2026.
2. September 30, 2026Approved by the Governor.
3. August 21, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 3 p.m.
4. August 17, 2026Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 5484.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
5. July 2, 2026In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
6. July 2, 2026Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 70. Noes 0. Page 5985.) Ordered to the Senate.
7. June 25, 2026Read second time. Ordered to consent calendar.
8. June 24, 2026From committee: Do pass. Ordered to consent calendar. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (June 24).
9. June 11, 2026Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
10. June 10, 2026From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (June 9).
11. May 4, 2026Referred to Com. on HEALTH.
12. April 16, 2026In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.