Sensible regulations for the interior design profession are officially enacted in Nebraska as of March 5. Nebraska is the 29th state and 31st U.S. jurisdiction to establish such regulation under Legislative Bill 16 (LB 16), which passed the Nebraska State Senate and was signed into law by Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen.
The bill received majority approval in a 42-1 floor vote, which has amended language to create a voluntary registry for qualified interior designers to independently practice within the scope of work defined. Nebraska is the latest state to establish or modernize legislation for registered interior designers, behind Iowa in 2023, Illinois and Wisconsin in 2022 and North Carolina in 2021. The multi-year effort by local chapters of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), with support and guidance from the Consortium for Interior Design, a collaborative advocacy group from ASID, IIDA and the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) was pivotal to the legislations passage.
“In establishing legal recognition for the interior design profession, this legislation will protect Nebraskans’ health, safety and well-being, while allowing qualified professionals to practice to the fullest extent of their education and training,” said Marilyn Hansen, 50-year ASID member and current president of ASID Nebraska-Iowa. “We are so appreciative of the support and guidance from the national organizations and the teamwork demonstrated among the ASID and IIDA chapters to make Nebraska consistent with 30 other U.S. jurisdictions recognizing the education and experience of NCIDQ Certified interior designers. The passage of LB 16 also speaks to the collaboration among design and construction professionals, and Registered Interior Designers are excited to join allied design professionals in protecting public health, safety and well-being in the built environment.”
Sen. Tom Brewer (R) and his staff held several meetings with interior design practitioners, educators and members of the American Institute of Architects Nebraska Chapter to tailor language eventually adopted as an amendment to LB 16, which was sponsored by Sen. Danielle Conrad (D). The bi-partisan legislation establishes a Title Act for Registered Interior Designers in Nebraska that includes the ability for qualified interior designers to stamp and seal documents for permitting; title holders will be regulated and overseen by the Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office.
