SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 2513

As of February 20, 2004

Title: An act relating to protecting the title of interior design.

Brief Description: Regulating interior designers.

Sponsors: House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Hudgins, Holmquist and Pettigrew).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Commerce & Trade: 2/25/04.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & TRADE

Staff: John Dziedzic (786-7784)

Background: Interior design involves consultation with clients and the preparation and administration of design documents (drawings, specifications, etc.) relating to the nonstructural and nonseismic interior elements of a building.

Summary of Bill: A system of registering applicants as interior designers is established within the Department of Licensing (DOL). By definition, interior design does not affect the practice of architecture or engineering.

 Beginning July 1, 2005, applicants qualify for registration by paying a fee and providing evidence of (a) recognition by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), and (b) six years of combined work experience and formal education, two years of which must be formal education. Applicants recognized by NCIDQ and registered in another state with substantially equivalent requirements are also eligible to be registered. If, by July 1, 2007, an applicant provides evidence of 15 years of relevant experience and either (a) at least 2 years of formal education in interior design, or (b) recognition by NCIDQ as of the effective date of the act, the applicant shall also be registered.

To remain registered, interior designers must renew their registrations periodically, as determined by DOL, and must complete ten hours of continuing education course work every two years.

After July 1, 2007, only a registered interior designer may use the title of interior designer. Design documents must be either prepared by, or their preparation supervised by, a registered interior designer and must be signed, sealed and dated by the registered interior designer, and include the interior designer's registration number. A violation of the act is a misdemeanor.

Until July 1, 2005, interior designers who limit their practice to kitchens and baths are exempt from the act. DOL must conduct a review, by December 1, 2004, of the need for regulation of interior designers who limit their practice to kitchens and baths.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available for bill as introduced.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.