Food Establishments - Portable Chemical Toilets

HB 559 allows specific food establishments - agritourism operations, Class 4 limited wineries, and Class 8 farm breweries - to meet Maryland's toilet requirements by using a portable chemical toilet instead of a permanent fixture. The bill amends health code to state that these businesses may comply with sanitation, ventilation, and handwashing standards (requiring soap, water, and drying supplies) using a portable unit that meets all existing criteria. This change applies only to the three designated business types and does not alter requirements for other food establishments. The bill takes effect June 1, 2025.