IDS Takes a Stand
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Types of Interior Design Laws
Strategies to Fight Interior Design Legislation
Other Organizations Opposing Legislation
IDS Legislative Agenda
Legislative Issues Have an Impact on IDS Members
The Interior Design Society board and staff carefully monitor legislative activity that could have a negative impact on IDS members. Through committee work and our continued interest in the activities of the Institute for Justice, IDS provides members an “eye on Washington.” At the heart of our work is preserving our members’ constitutional rights, such as free speech…in this case, the right to call oneself an interior designer.
At its June 2008 meeting, the Interior Design Society Board of Directors approved position statements that clearly state where our organization stands on two key issues, title or practice legislation, and certification.
IDS position statement on Legislation: The Interior Design Society is of the opinion that title or practice legislation is not in the best interest of its members, the general public or the government.
IDS position statement on Certification: Certification is a step toward professional growth. It is a way to gain a body of knowledge that benefits our members, and in turn the general public and does not create a financial burden for the government. It is a continued education tool that will allow our members to distinguish themselves from their peers and display their proficiency.
IDS has alliances to fight legislation with NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) and NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry)
1) TITLE LAW –
- Bans a professional designer from using the title of "interior designer," unless granted the right to use the title by the government
- It does not regulate behavior, just speech
Bans a professional designer from using the title of “interior designer,” unless granted the right to use the title
by the government
Two Kinds of Title Laws:
1) “Certified” – “Licensed” – “Registered”
2) PURE TITLE ACT: “Interior Designer”
Consequences of Title Laws:
- First step towards regulating the industry
- Violation of the first amendment – infringes on right to free speech
- No clear definition of the profession
- Does not prevent anyone from providing interior design services
2) PRACTICE LAW -
- Regulates behavior and title as it is restricted to those who can practice
Consequences of Practice Laws:
- Not all practice laws regulate the same behavior (Example: some states make a clear distinction between
residential and commercial design – FL)
- Some states restrict all behavior
- Requires individuals who practice interior design to become licensed
**California has self-certification and Colorado has a permitting statute.
STRATEGIES TO FIGHT INTERIOR DESIGN LEGISLATION
1) Visit legislators in each state with your colleagues BEFORE a bill is passed.
2) Send emails and letters and call your legislators (they pay attention to the position of their constituents).
3) Assist IDS when you have been requested to send out faxes or letters to legislators in your state.
4) Spread the word to others in and associated with the design profession…they will also be affected by legislation.
5) Engage your vendors, remodelers, colleagues, associates, etc. to participate in the fight against legislation.
Other Points:
- There is no consumer outcry demanding interior design legislation.
- Legislation limits competition and increases fees.
- Legislation creates a monopoly.
- It is not in the best interest to all other professionals related to the interior design field, such as vendors.
Other Organizations Opposing Legislation:
**Some states also have a grassroots group fighting legislation.
IDS Legislative Agenda
The IDS Legislation Sub-Committee is working on important initiatives:
• Prepare position papers on legislation and certification requirements to be reviewed by the Education Committee for Board approval. (Completed!)
• Forge strategic partnerships with other interested parties. Work is underway with the National Kitchen and bath Assn. (NKBA), American Institute of Architects (AIA) and others.
• Provide focus. Prepare and provide actionable steps for each chapter and national office to take.
• Report to the Legislative Committee Chair with results of Sub-Committee meetings so these results can be communicated to board.
• Create a consistent message. Develop a letter for IDS members to send their legislators.
• Keep Chapter Presidents aware of the importance of legislation. Request that Chapter Presidents designate from their board a member to serve as the chapter’s liaison to the Legislative Sub-Committee.
For more information, contact IDS CEO Pamela White.
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