Despite tremendous opposition to Interior Design Legislation at hearings on Beacon Hill in July 2007, the Interior Design Cartel led by ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) and their front group MIDC continue to work the halls of the State House on Beacon Hill with their lobbyists in an attempt to pass a “Witches Brew” of Interior Design Bills in both the House and Senate that will bankrupt and damage interior designers, interior design firms, their employees and their suppliers across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The Bills have multiple numbers but include: HB3209 (HB4731), HB341 and SB 178 (SJ 2626/SJ 1501)

Do not be fooled by promises of “Exemptions” and “Grandfather Clauses”; promises that these bills do not impact your business or statements that “you have nothing to worry about”.  

And in particular, do not be confused by statements that HB3209 (HB4731) is just about allowing interior designers to bid on “state contracts”. 
HB3209 (HB 4731) IS A “TROJAN HORSE” BILL DESIGNED TO SNEAK INTERIOR DESIGN LEGISLATION INTO THE STATUTES TO BE USED AS JUSTIFICATION FOR MORE LEGISLATION NEXT YEAR.

The goal of ASID is clear: to pass Interior Design Practice Act legislation in every state across the USA in order to create an ASID monopoly on the practice of interior design.  ASID HAS NEVER SEEN LEGISLATION THAT THEY DID NOT LIKE. THIS IS BECAUSE ASID VIEWS LEGISLATION WITH ANY LANGUAGE AS ONE MORE STEPPING STONE TOWARDS THEIR ULTIMATE GOAL OF ANTI-COMPETITIVE INTERIOR DESIGN PRACTICE ACTS IN EVERY STATE.

The time is NOW to contact your Massachusetts State Senator, State Representative and the members of the House & Senate Committees that are still considering these bills.  In addition, we have highlighted certain members of the legislature who have shown an interest in this legislation.  We urge you to contact these KEY LEGISLATORS TODAY:

HB3209 (HB4731) is currently with the committee on Bills in the Third Reading  It is urgent that you contact every member of this committee to voice your opposition to HB3209 (HB4731) so that it is NOT PUT BEFORE THE HOUSE FOR A VOTE!

 Find contact information for committee members here:  http://www.mass.gov/legis/comm/h36.htm

HB341 and SB 178 (SJ 2626/SJ 1501) continue to be considered by the JOINT COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE.  It is urgent that you contact every member of this committee to voice your opposition. 

Contact committee members here:  http://www.mass.gov/legis/comm/j17.htm

To find your individual State Senator and State Representative click here:  http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php

To find a complete list of House Representatives click here: http://www.mass.gov/legis/memmenuh.htm

To find a complete list of State Senators click here:  http://www.mass.gov/legis/memmenus.htm

During last year’s (Standing Room Only) hearings on Beacon Hill numerous trade groups and individual Interior Designers submitted passionate testimony opposing interior design legislation in Massachusetts. 

WHY DON’T OUR LEGISATORS “GET IT” when it comes to INTERIOR DESIGN LEGISLATION!

Opponents to Interior Design Legislation included:

BSA (Boston Society of Architects)

NKBA (National  Kitchen & Bath Association

RAM (Retailers Association of Massachusetts)

NFIB (National Federation of Independent Businesses)

Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts

Massachusetts Building Inspectors

IJ (The Institute For Justice)

Live Free and Design

In 2007/2008 the following states have REJECTED attempts by ASID and their front groups to pass new legislation:

New Hampshire, Texas, Washington State, Minnesota, Indiana, Tennessee, South Carolina, Arizona, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania and California.
The Alabama Supreme Court found the interior design licensing scheme in Alabama to be a violation of First Amendment Rights to FREE SPEECH and a Constitutional Challenge is pending in Texas.

DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE PROPONENTS OF INTERIOR DESIGN LEGISLATION!

While many working Massachusetts interior designers would be devastated by the proposed legislation, they are certainly not the only ones would be hurt. Consider the many ways in which these bills will impact the interior design community and the public:

Interior designers who do not meet the strict requirements of a four-year degree in interior design plus NCIDQ certification will no longer be able to practice interior design in Massachusetts.

Young designers beginning in the profession who do not meet NCIDQ requirements will be forced to go back to school and work as low paid interns under NCIDQ designers.

Design Students who do have a 4 year interior design degree will suffer from a massive reduction in the pool of potential employers and may never be able to take the NCIDQ if they can’t find a NCIDQ certified internship.

Suppliers will face a diminished roster of clients for their products and services.

Showrooms at the Boston Design Center will face a decrease in business causing them to either go out of business or cut back on the number of lines they represent.

Interior Design partnerships and corporations could be forced to add licensed interior designer partners and staff to their firms.

Out of state designers will be subject to the new Massachusetts statutes, and will be barred from practicing in the state if they are not licensed.

Kitchen Design Showrooms, Furniture Stores, Design-Build Contractors and General Contractors could be forced to add licensed interior designer partners and staff to their firms if they wish to market interior design services.

Interior Designers who do manage to get licensed will be subject to audit and regulation from a new Interior Design Board which will have the power to levy fines.

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