Senate Bill 1312
Fact Sheet
April 2008
The Interior Design Coalition of California (IDCC) has done considerable research and held meetings across the state with interior designers from different backgrounds, work types and specialties to hear the interior design community's concerns. Working with all this information, SB 1312 has been written to ensure these critical points:
· SB 1312 establishes the Practice and title of "Registered Interior Designer" in order to safeguard life, health, property and to promote the public welfare through a defined scope of work.
· Interior designers that need or want to work in areas of building codes can do so, regardless of specialty.
· Interior designers will have a legal avenue to ensure their work can be accepted in building departments in all cities.
· All interior designers and related specialties can continue in their present work environment.
· SB 1312 "grandfather's-in" interior designers and Certified Interior Designers with education and/or experience, and provides a four-year window for them to prepare and qualify for registration.
· The public has a State regulatory agency to facilitate complaints that may arise with a Registered Interior Designer (RID) with the passage of this Bill.
· SB 1312 establishes the education, experience and examination requirements for qualification as a Registered Interior Designer. The examination requirement, the NCIDQ, meets standards found in the California Business and Professions Code. The exam is used in all other states.
· The Bill provides for a fee-based registration process by modifying the current State Board of Architecture to become the State Board of Architecture and Interior Design, with disciplinary and enforcement actions established within the Board. The responsibilities and oversight of the Board are self-funded through the fees for the registration process as a part of the State Board of Architects.
Senate Bill 1312
Frequently Asked Questions
April, 2008
The following provides significant information, in the form of Questions and Answers regarding Senate Bill 1312 (SB1312).
Question: Will l have to give up the title Interior Designer?
Answer: Titles such as Interior Designer, Interior Consultant, Interior Decorator and Interiors can still be used. Business cards, signage or advertising can all remain the same.
Question: Will this statute exclude any practitioners from providing interior design services?
Answer: Just like the current title law for "Certified Interior Designers," registration is voluntary. Those designers who wish to provide building code-affecting services and chose to register can do so.
Question: Will it be hard to become a Registered Interior Designer (RID)?
Answer: No. The process is very similar to requirements in all other states with practice or title acts. The requirements take into consideration multiple methods of education and experience. Currently there are thousands of interior designers that could become an RID by applying with the state and submitting proof of passage of the NCIDQ.
Question: When this bill passes, could interior designers be subject to penalties?
Answer: The bill provides enforcement for acts which jeopardize the health, safety & welfare of the public only by "Registered Interior Designers" or those who falsely represent themselves as a "Registered Interior Designer". The proposed enforcement is similar to the enforcement mechanisms for architects.
Question: How does this law protect the consumer from harm?
Answer: Licensure as a Registered Interior Designer gives consumers a way to know that the State of California has determined that the qualifications of an individual meet minimum competency requirements.
Question: Doesn't this Bill add another level of bureaucracy at taxpayer's expense to our already overburdened state budget?
Answer: No. Rather than create a new layer of bureaucracy, SB 1312 becomes a part of the existing California Architects Board and will include Registered Interior Designers. Costs to register interior designers are paid by fees when registering; therefore, the impact is zero on taxpayer dollars.
Question: Will the exam and licensing costs result in higher prices being passed on to the consumer?
Answer: The fees for licensure have not proven to increase costs for the consumer in other states that have a Practice Act.
Question: I've heard this law may raise my insurance, is that true?
Answer: No. Insurance is not based on licensed or unlicensed activities. We understand that insurance companies that provide errors and omissions policies to the profession have indicated that licensure has no impact on the price of insurance.
Question: Since the NCIDQ exam doesn't allow for "experience only" to register for the exam, how will I be able to take it?
Answer: The NCIDQ has two methods of application for the exam. One is to apply directly and follow their process and qualifications. The other allows a State Board as a member of NCIDQ to put forward their applicants with the Board's criteria. In this way the NCIDQ accepts applicants with different qualifications.
Question: What is the provision for SB 1312 for a registered interior designer to submit plans to local building officials and state agencies?
Answer: As "registered design professionals," they may submit plans to local building officials as indicated in the new International Building Codes (IBC).
Question: Do I have to have attended a CIDA (formerly FIDER) accredited school?
Answer: No. There is a four-year transition period that provides for the opportunity to register based on a variety of education and experience requirements.
Question: Will it cost me a lot more money to become a Registered Interior Designer if I'm already a Certified Interior Designer?
Answer: SB 1312 provides a four-year window that allows current Certified Interior Designers to transition to become a Registered Interior Designer.
Question: I am an architect; can I still provide Interior Design Services?
Answer: Yes, there is absolutely no change to any architect's scope of services. In all cases it is the architect's license that governs their scope of work.
Question: Is it true that there is an exemption for interior designers working in a retail setting?
Answer: Yes. Those working in a retail setting are exempt regardless of job function or title.
Question: I am a licensed contractor, and I hear that SB 1312 could affect my ability to submit plans for my work; is that true?
Answer: Since you're a licensed contractor this bill doesn't affect you. You can still submit plans.
Question: My city allows me to submit plans right now; will I still be able to do that?
Answer: Yes. You can submit plans to the city as usual.
For other information please visit our web site at www.idc-ca.org
