ADVOCACY

Protect Consumers • Preserve Competition • Support California’s Interior Design Profession

WHAT IS AB 1796?

AB 1796 proposes a major restructuring of how commercial interior design is regulated in California. It would require interior designers to obtain a new state license in order to continue performing commercial work they have safely delivered for decades.

This legislation affects more than 8,500 practicing interior designers statewide, including certified and uncertified professionals, association members, and independent practitioners.

THE CORE ISSUE: NO DEMONSTRATED PUBLIC HARM

For decades, interior designers in California have:

• Designed commercial interior environments in compliance with the California Building Code
• Worked in coordination with architects, engineers, contractors, and building officials
• Contributed to safe, functional, and code compliant commercial spaces

There has been no documented pattern of consumer health, safety, or welfare harm that would justify this expansion of licensure and enforcement.

Regulatory expansion should address a proven problem. No such evidence has been presented.

AB 1796 DOES NOT IMPROIVE PUBLIC PROTECTION

AB 1796 layers a new licensing structure over work that is already safely performed and regulated.

The bill would:

• Require interior designers to obtain a new state license to continue commercial work
• Impose a more restrictive scope of practice
• Introduce additional regulatory costs and compliance burdens
• Potentially expose professionals to enforcement penalties

There is no evidence these changes will improve public safety outcomes.

ECONOMIC AND CONSUMER IMPACT

Interior designers are small business owners, independent practitioners, and contributors to California’s commercial economy.

AB 1796 will:

• Increase licensing and compliance costs
• Reduce competition in the marketplace
• Create regulatory uncertainty
• Increase project costs for consumers

Higher regulatory costs ultimately impact clients, tenants, and businesses.

THE BOTTOM LINE

AB 1796 expands regulation without demonstrated public safety need.

It increases costs, reduces competition, and disrupts a profession that has served California’s commercial built environment for generations.

TAKE ACTION

We urge industry partners, business organizations, and consumer advocates to oppose AB 1796.