This Is How Arizona Protects Local Creators in Cottage Industries

I lo

ve to support local creators and small businesses. Buying fresh sourdough bread from a mom who supplements her family income with a home bakery? Yes please!

I have several local cottage industries in my saved contacts. I’ve got a lady who sells fresh eggs, a small business that custom-bakes cakes, and a friend who makes fresh goat's milk soap.

These so-called “cottage” industries are thriving in our community, and thanks to Arizona’s “Tamale Law”, they’ll continue.

READ: 6 Arizona Cities Ranked "Happiest in America"

What Does the "Tamale Law" Mean for Culinary Freedom and Opportunity?

These so-called cottage industries are small, home-based operations. The small pop-ups help eliminate Arizona's food deserts, which are caused by the need to drive almost 20 miles into town to access healthy, affordable food.

The Arizona “Tamale Bill” is now law since Governor Katie Hobbs signed it in 2024. It’s a step toward culinary freedom, and it creates pockets of economic opportunity.

Officially known as House Bill 2042, the bill legalizes the sale of homemade perishable foods that require refrigeration, such as tamales, baked goods, tortillas, and more.

Get our free mobile app

How Does the Tamale Bill Benefit Arizona?

House Bill 2042 empowers small, home-based cooks. These small-batch creators can share their culinary creations with the public.

While the usual food-safety and safe-handling rules apply, these cooks not constrained by commercial kitchen regulations.

READ: Is Driving Barefoot Illegal in Arizona?

Saving Arizona's Cottage Industries

In 2023, the governor vetoed the bill, citing health department safety concerns. Following bipartisan uproar, lawmakers and the public highlighted the importance of this legislation to preserving Arizona’s Latino community.

If you’ve ever bought homemade tamales from a local vendor, you know what I’m talking about. The bill underwent significant changes and became law last year.

I’m so grateful this bill is now law. Last week, I bought a homemade cheesecake from my sourdough lady, and it was beyond delicious. This bill allows small creators the flexibility to support their families, while we get to enjoy the fruits of their labor.