Texas Senate Bill SB1997

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/6/25

Caption

Relating to the renewal of a certificate of registration by certain interior designers.

Impact

The proposed changes would have a significant effect on anyone working as an interior designer in Texas who has not yet taken the certification examination. As it stands, those who do not fulfill the examination requirement by the deadline of September 1, 2037, will be unable to renew their certification. This could lead to a reduction in the number of practicing interior designers if individuals choose not to take the exam or if they fail to do so by the deadline, potentially impacting the industry standard and consumer protection in interior design services.

Summary

Senate Bill 1997 concerns the renewal process for the certificate of registration held by certain interior designers in Texas. The bill proposes an amendment to Section 1051.351 of the Occupations Code to revise the renewal eligibility criteria for these certificates. Under the current provisions, individuals who obtained their certification without taking the registration examination must pass the exam by a specified date to renew their credentials. SB1997 aims to clarify and enforce these requirements to ensure that only qualified professionals maintain their certification in the interior design field.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on ensuring the qualification of interior designers, it has sparked discussion within the industry regarding the accessibility of the examination and the potential impact on current practitioners. Critics may argue that setting a hard deadline for examination could disproportionately affect those who are already in the field yet may have limitations in preparing for or passing the exam. Additionally, there may be concerns about the implications for new entrants into the profession, as the bill emphasizes a stricter standard that could inhibit growth and diversity in the field of interior design.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Occupations Code

• Chapter 1051. Texas Board Of Architectural Examiners; General Provisions Affecting Architects, Landscape Architects, And Interior Designers; Provisions Affecting Only Architects
  • Section: 351