INTERIOR DESIGN PROFESSION ACT.

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View NCGA Bill Details2017-2018 Session
House Bill 590 (Public) Filed Wednesday, April 5, 2017
AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A FRAMEWORK FOR THE VOLUNTARY REGISTRATION OF INDIVIDUALS IN THE PROFESSION OF INTERIOR DESIGN AND TO ALLOW REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR DESIGNERS TO OBTAIN PERMITS FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.
Intro. by Riddell, McElraft, Saine, S. Martin.
Status: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate (Senate Action) (Jun 5 2017)

Bill History:

H 590

Bill Summaries:

  • Bill H 590 (2017-2018)
    Summary date: Jun 1 2017 - View Summary

    House amendment makes the following changes to the 3rd edition.

    Amends proposed GS 93F-3 (Definitions), definingbuilding equipment. Amends the definition ofpractice of interior design to exclude the selection of building equipment from that practice.

    Amends proposed GS 93F-5 (Expiration and renewals; continuing education). Raises the number of continuing education units required for renewal of registration from 24 to 30. Amends the requirement that 12 continuing education units focus on listed topics to require that 15 of the units focus on the listed topics, with at least 9 of them focusing on public safety, including application of State and local fire codes, building codes, and regulations. Makes a conforming change to the list of topics.

    Amends proposed GS 93F-11 (Authority and duties of registrants). Provides that only registered interior designers may sign and seal interior technical submissions within the scope of the practice of interior design (3rd edition further allowed those under the registrant's supervision and control to sign and seal them). Authorizes partners or corporate officers of registered business entities, who are registered interior designers (3rd edition: who are either registered interior designers or another licensed design professional) to sign and seal interior technical submissions prepared by or under the supervision of registered interior designers employed by the business entity, as currently specified.

    Business and Commerce, Occupational Licensing, Government, Local Government
    GS 83A, GS 93F, GS 153A, GS 160A
  • Bill H 590 (2017-2018)
    Summary date: May 23 2017 - View Summary

    House committee substitute makes the following changes to the 2nd edition.

    Adds good moral character to the defined terms set forth in GS 93F-3 that apply to new GS Chapter 93F (Interior Design).

    Adds proof of general liability insurance to the information that must be submitted to the Department of Insurance (Department) with an application for registration pursuant to GS 93F-4. Additionally, sets the proposed application fee to be established by the Department at $100 (was, not to exceed $75).

    Similarly, adds proof of general liability insurance to the information that must be submitted to the Department with an application for a renewal of registration pursuant to GS 93F-5. Additionally, sets the proposed application fee for a renewal at $50 (was, not to exceed $50).

    Sets the proposed reciprocal registration fee set out in GS 93F-6 at $50 (was, not to exceed $50). Adds a new requirement to GS 93F-6, requiring applicants seeking reciprocal registration to demonstrate to the Department a familiarity with the State Building Code in addition to meeting the application requirements provided in GS 93F-4 and paying the reciprocal registration fee.

    Adds to proposed GS 93F-7 (Disqualifications for registration). Allows any person to file with the Department a charge of misconduct in violation of new GS Chapter 93F. Provides that upon receipt of a charge of misconduct, the Department can give mailed notice as specified to the registrant and the person who filed the charge of either an administrative hearing, or dismiss the charge as unfounded or trivial. Requires the Department to include a statement of the reasons for the Department's action in the notice.

    Adds new section directing the Department to report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on General Government on the progress of administering new GS Chapter 93F by February 1, 2018.

    Business and Commerce, Occupational Licensing, Government, Local Government
    GS 83A, GS 93F, GS 153A, GS 160A
  • Bill H 590 (2017-2018)
    Summary date: May 17 2017 - View Summary

    House committee substitute makes the following changes to the 1st edition.

    Adds the term interior designer to the definitions set forth in proposed GS 93F-3.

    Clarifies that an applicant is only required to submit the applicant's employer's information if the applicant is employed at the time of application for registration pursuant to proposed GS 93F-4.

    Limits the fee for the renewal of registration that the Department of Insurance (Department) is authorized to establish under proposed GS 93F-5 to no more than $50.

    Modifies proposed GS 93F-6 (Reciprocity), requiring the Department to issue a registration to an applicant holding a valid license, certificate, or registration as an interior designer issued by another state or jurisdiction if the Department determines the requirements for that license, certificate, or registration are substantially equal to or greater than (was, substantially the same as) the requirements for registration pursuant to new GS Chapter 93F. Makes technical changes.

    Eliminates subdivision (5) in proposed GS 93F-8, which made it a Class 2 misdemeanor to willfully prevent a registered interior designer from obtaining a building permit from a local government in NC.

    Makes technical change to proposed GS 93F-9(d) pertaining to disciplinary costs to more specifically refer to the registered interior designer rather than the licensee.

    Modifies the powers and duties of the Department set forth in proposed GS 93F-12, authorizing the Department to adopt rules required for the administration of the act (was, to promulgate rules and regulations required for the administration of the act).

    Adds to proposed GS 93F-13 (Applicability of Chapter), establishing that nothing in the Chapter precludes an unregistered interior designer from the practice of interior design. Further, adds to the listed persons exempted from the Chapter's provisions general contractors licensed pursuant to Article 1 of GS Chapter 87 and unregistered interior designers, so long as the persons are engaged in the proper scope of their professions.

    Deletes the proposed new provisions in GS 153A-357 and GS 160A-417, that directed a county or city that denies or withholds the issuance of a building permit to provide a written explanation and a copy of the ordinance or other basis for its decision. 

    Business and Commerce, Occupational Licensing, Government, Local Government
    GS 83A, GS 93F, GS 153A, GS 160A
  • Bill H 590 (2017-2018)
    Summary date: Apr 5 2017 - View Summary

    Enacts new GS Chapter 93F (Interior Design).

    Defines interior designas five listed professional activities, including programming, planning, pre-design analysis, and conceptual design, including the selection of materials, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Lists eleven authorized actions and duties of registered interior designers. Charges the Department of Insurance (Department) with administration of the registration program. Provides for expiration of registration after two years, and for renewal of registration. Sets out qualifications for registration and renewal as an interior designer, and fees that may be charged by the Department. Provides for the Department's disciplinary authority, including assessing civil penalties and disciplinary costs, and seeking injunction against violations of this Chapter. Makes it a Class 2 misdemeanors to (1) affix a registered interior designer's signature or seal to any interior technical submissions without the registrant's permission; (2) use or attempt to use an expired, inactive, suspended, or revoked registration or seal, or the registration or seal of another, or impersonating a registrant; (3) obtain or attempt to obtain a registration by fraud; (4) make a willfully false oath or affirmation in any matter or proceeding as required by this Chapter; and (5) willfully prevent an individual from obtaining a building permit from a local government, provided that the individual seeking to obtain the permit is a registered interior designer. Allows for the assessment of civil penalties. Provides that the Chapter does not apply to interior decorators, licensed design professionals, or attorneys at law licensed pursuant to GS Chapter 84.

    Amends GS 83A-9 to only require one of the members of the partnership to be duly licensed to practice architecture for the partnership to practice architecture, and to refer to registration in addition to licensing.

    Amends GS 153A-357 and GS 160A-417 to direct a county or city that denies or withholds the issuance of a building permit or certificate of occupancy to provide a written explanation and a copy of the ordinance or other basis for its decision. Makes conforming changes.

    Effective October 1, 2017.

    Business and Commerce, Occupational Licensing, Government, State Agencies, Department of Insurance, Local Government
    GS 83A, GS 93F, GS 153A, GS 160A
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