SB1232 - Interior Design Practice Act

• Creates the Interior Design Practice Act requiring licensure of interior designers by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, establishing an Interior Design Licensing Board with 4 licensed interior designers and 1 public member.

• Requires interior design companies and professionals to obtain licenses before practicing or advertising interior design services; prohibits unlicensed practice and sets criminal penalties (Class A misdemeanor for first offense, Class 4 felony for subsequent offenses).

• Sets licensure qualifications including education requirements (ranging from 2-5 year programs) combined with 2-4 years of professional experience, examination, and good moral character; allows licensed architects to obtain interior designer licenses without examination.

• Establishes license fees ($100 application, $30 renewal, $10 restoration) and creates the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund from collected fees to support department operations.

• Preempts home rule authority and repeals the Interior Design Title Act; includes sunset provision repealing the Act on January 1, 2022.