House Bill 858 - Interior Design Profession Act

• Establishes voluntary registration system for interior designers administered by the North Carolina Department of Insurance, requiring passage of the CIDQ examination and proof of good moral character.

• Applicants must pay a $100 application fee, submit proof of general liability insurance, and provide personal qualification information; renewal required every two years with $50 fee and 30 continuing education units (15 focused on public safety and accessibility).

• Registered interior designers may sign, seal, and submit technical submissions to obtain permits from local governments for interior alteration or construction projects involving nonstructural elements.

• Prohibits registered interior designers from practicing architecture or engineering; exempts unregistered interior designers, interior decorators, licensed design professionals, and other licensed professionals from registration requirements.

• Violations constitute Class 2 misdemeanors with civil penalties up to $1,000 per offense; act becomes effective October 1, 2019.