California Interior Design Bill Stalled

1. The AIA reports that Legislation supported by the interior design industry has stalled in the California Senate. The legislation was pulled after a committee analysis raised doubts about the bill's merits, including several of the interior designers' arguments in support of the bill. Despite supporters' contention that the bill is only a title act, the analysis concluded that it "still appears to contain numerous practice act provisions." It also stated that proponents "failed to establish that there is any serious public harm - health or safety or serious economic - from an absence of regulation of interior designers."

AIA Comment: While the bill will not see action again this year, it may be brought before the Senate in the 2000 legislative session. The AIA has appointed a task force to evaluate the interior design and decoration industry. The task force is soliciting input from representatives of the architecture profession, interior design and decoration industry, insurance providers, educators and other experts. For more information or to submit input, contact Stan Bowman, (202) 626-7461 or bowmans@aiamail.aia.org.

2. Link to full text of California Interior Designers Bill AB1096 to see complete bill proposal.

3. Link to full text of California Senate Analysis of Interior Designers Bill AB1096 to see complete analysis returned by the California Senate in response to legislative committee's consideration of this bill.

4. CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR'S VETO MESSAGE :
October 30, 2000

“This bill would repeal the existing private certification program for interior designers and instead would establish a new state program, the Board of Interior Design, to administer a title act that would limit the use of the term "registered interior designer." This bill creates a new regulatory program for an industry where there is no demonstrated consumer harm. The creation of a new regulatory program a new state agency at a time when the Legislature is eliminating licensing boards and streamlining regulatory programs is inappropriate. Additionally, this bill does not provide for adequate start-up funding and is unclear as to what, if any, consumer protection would be served. Government intervention in a marketplace should be reserved for cases where there is consumer harm.”