By Mr. Walsh of Boston, petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 341) of Martin J. Walsh relative to certification of interior designers.  Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PETITION OF:

Martin J. Walsh

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In the Year Two Thousand and Seven.

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An Act relative to certification of interior designers .

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1. 60P.  Any individual who has passed the interior design examination administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), who is a graduate of an interior design program accredited by either the Foundation for Interior Design Education and Research or the National Association of Schools of Art and Design at the time of or within two years after such individual’s graduation, and who has completed the Interior Design Experience Program administered by the NCIDQ, may use the title “certified interior designer.” 

                60Q.        It shall be unlawful for any individual who is not so qualified by reason of having passed such examination, or who is not a graduate of such program, or who does not have such experience to use the title “certified interior designer” or any title or device indicating that an individual is a “certified interior designer.”  Any individual violating the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for not more than three months, or both.

                60R.        Nothing herein shall prohibit any person from performing interior design services or using the title “interior designer,” “interiors consultant,” “interior decorator” or the like, so long as the word “certified” is not used in conjunction with the word “interior designer.”  Nothing herein shall authorize any individual to engage in the practice of architecture, engineering, or any other occupation regulated under the laws of this state or to prepare, sign or seal plans with respect to such practice or in connection with any governmental permits unless licensed or otherwise permitted to do so under such laws.

                60S.         It shall be unlawful for any individual using the title “certified interior designer” to have an interest in the manufacture, sale, or installation of any component or process in a project for which that individual is the interior designer, unless that interest has been disclosed to the client.  Nothing in this section shall prohibit an employee of a retail establishment providing consultation regarding interior design, decoration, furnishings, furniture or fixtures offered for sale by such establishment from receiving compensation from such establishment.  Any individual violating the provisions of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for not more than three months, or both.