HB440 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Marcel Black

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Interior Designers, Alabama Board for Registered, established, State Board of Registration for Interior Design continued and renamed, board membership altered, registration, licensing, and regulation of interior designers, Alabama Interior Design Registration Act, Secs. 34-15C-1 to 34-15C-18, inclusive, added; Secs. 34-15B-1 to 34-15B-18, inclusive, repealed (2010-20336)

Summary

Establishes the Alabama Interior Design Registration Act of 2010 to regulate registered interior designers through a new state board, credentialing, and seal requirements.

What This Bill Does

Creates the Alabama Board for Registered Interior Designers (seven members) to regulate interior designers, replace the old board, and oversee registration, continuing education, and enforcement. Establishes a registration process for interior designers who seal construction documents for certain commercial interior projects, with exemptions for small projects; requires credentials (NCIDQ or equivalent), continuing education, and a seal to use the title and stamping authority. Imposes penalties for misuse of the title or seal, sets up a dedicated fund for the board, and outlines hearings, appeals, and disciplinary actions; includes a sunset provision that could end the act unless renewed.

Who It Affects

• Registered interior designers in Alabama: must apply for registration, meet ethical and credentialing requirements (NCIDQ or equivalent), pay fees, complete continuing education, obtain a seal, and comply with rules and penalties.
• Non-registered interior designers, building officials, property owners, and the general public: non-registered individuals are not under the board’s discipline; small projects and permit submissions may not require registration; building officials may rely on registered designers for certain plans, and the board cannot discipline non-registered designers.

Key Provisions

• Seven-member Alabama Board for Registered Interior Designers (five licensed interior designers from specified districts, one educator, one consumer), with terms and diversity requirements; district nomination and statewide nominating committee processes; governor appointment.
• Repeal of Chapter 15B and continuation of the existing board under the new Chapter 15C; transfer of authority and continuity of board functions.
• Registration requirements for interior designers: good ethical character; education/experience aligned with NCIDQ or equivalent; age 21+; reciprocity provisions for out-of-state registration; renewal timelines and penalties for lapse.
• Seal and display requirements: registered interior designers must have an official seal and stamp plans, with documents stamped only if the certificate is valid.
• Scope and exemptions: registration required for sealing and submitting documents for commercial interior projects up to 5,000 contiguous square feet in buildings with at least 2,500 square feet; exemptions for projects like farms, single-family residences under 2,500 square feet, and certain small interior projects as specified.
• Disciplinary provisions: board can revoke, suspend, or reprimand registration; fines up to $2,000; procedures for hearings, appeals to circuit court, and injunctive relief to enforce the act.
• Continuing education and enforcement: board sets continuing education standards, maintains a roster, and may employ staff or attorneys as needed; regulations follow the Administrative Procedure Act.
• Funding and administration: establishment of the Alabama Board for Registered Interior Designers Fund to collect fees and pay for board operations and enforcement.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Interior Design, State Board of Registration for