Rep. Humphrey Celebrates Bipartisan Passage of Bill to Expand Opportunities for Home-Based Food Entrepreneurs

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey (D-Columbus) today celebrates the passage of House Bill (HB) 134, bipartisan legislation that expands economic opportunity by authorizing Ohioans to sell certain homemade foods under a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations registration. 

HB 134 creates a pathway for residents to safely prepare and sell food from their primary home kitchen—allowing small food businesses to legally operate without requiring access to expensive commercial facilities, while still ensuring consumer protections.

“This legislation is about empowering Ohioans to build economic stability using the skills they already have,” said Rep. Humphrey. “House Bill 134 opens the door for home bakers, cooks, and food entrepreneurs across the state to earn income legally and safely—especially parents, retirees, and families searching for flexible ways to support themselves. When we invest in opportunity, small businesses grow and communities thrive.”

Under the bill, qualifying home cooks can produce and sell homemade food items—including items that contain dairy, meat, poultry, or seafood—after completing food safety training and maintaining a registered home kitchen that passes inspection by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

HB 134 now heads to the Ohio Senate to begin the committee process.