AlaskaHB 31434th Legislature - Second Session (2026)HouseWALLET

ARCH, ENG, SURVEYORS; REG INT DESIGN

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 6 mixed.

Liens now protect interior design work

Starting May 31, 2026, people who prepare registered interior design plans or drawings under a contract with the owner can file a mechanics’ lien to secure payment. This helps designers collect what they are owed.

Interior designers: titles, seals, practice

The law recognizes “registered interior designers” and says the board will define what interior design covers. People may do interior design without registering, but they cannot use the title “registered interior designer.” Saying or implying you are a registered interior designer in ads, signs, or cards is not allowed unless you are registered. Registered interior designers must stamp and sign final design documents with a board‑approved seal. A registration is personal and cannot be sold or transferred. Most of these rules apply beginning May 31, 2026.

Public contracts include interior design services

Beginning May 31, 2026, the state treats registered interior design as a professional service for procurement. Agencies must pick the most qualified firm and pay fair, reasonable compensation. Price can be a factor for repeat, well‑defined work when most evaluators are state‑registered for that service. Some contract routes cannot be used for these professional services, and preconstruction services exclude them. Governments may award design contracts only to registered or authorized people and firms. Cities and the state can count registered interior design fees as part of project costs and financed facility costs.

Licensing board extended; adds designer seat

The state licensing board now has 11 members, including one registered interior designer. That interior designer must have CIDQ certification and have lived in Alaska for two years before appointment. The board’s authority continues until June 30, 2033, retroactive to June 30, 2025. A subsection is repealed, and the board’s executive administrator pay is tied to Range 23 of the state salary schedule. These changes keep licensing and oversight running and add interior design representation.

Stronger penalties and discipline for violations

Starting May 31, 2026, registered interior designers face the same board discipline as other licensed design pros. Practicing or offering interior design without being registered is a misdemeanor, with up to a $10,000 fine, up to one year in jail, or both. The board can also issue civil fines for unregistered practice.

Workers' compensation rules cover interior designers

Beginning May 31, 2026, registered interior designers count as “design professionals” under Alaska workers’ compensation law. They get the same status and protections as architects, engineers, land surveyors, and landscape architects. Employers and insurers must handle claims and duties for these designers the same way.

Firms can offer registered interior design

Starting May 31, 2026, corporations, LLCs, LLPs, and LPs can offer registered interior design if they get a certificate of authorization and name responsible registrants. They must display the certificate and the names of those in charge at the business. Authorized entities and their leaders share legal responsibility for professional acts. Partnerships made only of registrants may also practice. The state’s authorization process now clearly covers registered interior design.

Interior design registration and reciprocity

To get registered, you must be of good character and show education, training, and experience. Applications must follow board procedures, and exams are held in Alaska and meet national standards. If you already hold a comparable license elsewhere, you can apply for Alaska registration by comity after board verification. An active certificate is proof of your right to practice while it is valid. You can switch to retired status for a one‑time fee; retired status lasts for life but you cannot practice. Most changes apply beginning May 31, 2026.

New exemptions and emergency utility rules

The law expands when licensing is not required for certain design‑related work, like some small residential jobs, shop drawings, and work by employees under a registrant’s direct supervision. The Department of Environmental Conservation can limit where the onsite wastewater system exemption (under 1,500 gallons per day) applies. Utility officers or employees may do emergency engineering on pipelines over 100 psi, with required notice to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. These changes apply beginning May 31, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Mike Prax
Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 35 • No: 4

House vote • 4/30/2026

PASSED Y35 N4 E1