While we were hopeful that the Chair of the House Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee would not hear the design licensing bill this year, we just learned that he has scheduled a hearing for Tuesday, April 9th at 4:00 p.m. in the Basement Hearing Room at the State Capitol in St. Paul. We must act now to let the members of the Committee know that, especially in this difficult economic climate, no legislation should be considered that will impact your ability to do business in Minnesota.AT ISSUE: Licensing Law which requires anyone performing interior design services to be licensed (with limited exceptions); design degree, internship and passage of NCIDQ exam required.

IMPACT: Members may no longer perform any services in connection with the planning or design of interior spaces, preparation of documents relative to non-load bearing interior construction, programming, space planning, finishes, furniture, fixtures and equipment except in one and two family dwellings and limited “decorating consultation”.

ACTION: Contact your Representatives and Members of the Committee

TIMING: ACT NOW!

At the behest of the interior design lobby, the Legislature has once again introduced an Interior Design licensing law which, if adopted, will be one of the most restrictive interior design laws in the country.  If passed, it will absolutely impact your ability to practice your profession, whether as a kitchen or bath designer, retail showroom, contractor or consultant. Action must be taken now to let your Representatives know about the widespread effect that such disastrous legislation would have, not only on your right to continue in business but on the rights of many thousands of employers and employees in the State of Minnesota who will be negatively affected by this restrictive and unnecessary legislation.

In today’s difficult economic climate, take a few moments to let your elected officials know that now is not the time to enact any law which will make it more difficult for you to remain in business and compete fairly in the free market based solely on your skill and ability.