On March 1, the New Jersey General Assembly Consumer Affairs and Regulated Professions Committee passed legislation to regulate the interior design industry. Under the provisions of the bill, an individual would qualify for certification with as little as two years education combined with four years of experience and passing the National Council for Interior Design Qualification examination.

Committee Chair Jeffrey Moran expressed concern at the hearing over the bill's lax educational criteria and agreed to approve the bill only with the understanding that the educational standard problems would be addressed prior to further action on the floor of the New Jersey General Assembly. The committee also amended the bill to remove a provision that would have allowed interior designers to submit documents to building officials.

In related news, legislation to sunset the current Illinois interior design title act was held over in committee for further discussion.

The AIA national component is working with several state components on this issue and will continue to monitor legislative developments closely.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.