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

Brief Description: Creating the registered interior designer professionals act of 2005.

Sponsors: Senators Keiser, Kohl-Welles, Brown, Deccio and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce, Research & Development: 2/22/05.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Staff: John Dziedzic (786-7784)

Background: A "Practice Act" is a law that defines and regulates the performance of activities described in the law. A "Title Act" is a law that does not regulate who may perform the activities described in the Act, other than to restrict the use of the title identified in the law.

Summary of Bill: After July 1, 2007, only a registered interior designer may use the title of registered interior designer. A system of registering interior designers is established within the Department of Licensing (DOL). Applicants qualify for registration by paying a fee and providing evidence of: (1) recognition by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ); and (2) six years of combined work experience and formal education, two years of which must be formal education. The required curriculum for such education is specified.

Applicants recognized by NCIDQ as of the effective date of the bill, and those registered in another state with substantially equivalent requirements may also be registered. Applicants may qualify without NCIDQ recognition by providing evidence by July 1, 2007 of 15 years of combined experience and formal education, two years of which must be formal education. 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.

Violation of the act, or of a rule adopted by DOL under authority of the act, is a misdemeanor, and may also be subject to a penalty of up to $5000. The act does not affect or prevent the practice of architecture or engineering

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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