Bill
HB 5142
HB 5142 creates a state licensure framework for interior designers (Article 20A), granting title protection and a defined, limited scope that excludes work on building systems.
Status & procedural history
- Introduced March 13, 2025 (Rep. Carol Glanville listed among sponsors).
- Referred to committee (Regulatory Reform; earlier referrals to Public Health and a joint committee are noted).
- Electronically reproduced October 28, 2025.
- Companion Senate bill: SB 2720. Tie-bar with HB 5143 and HB 5144 (2025).
Purpose
- Establish a state licensing framework for interior designers by adding a new Article 20A to the Michigan Occupational Code (1980 PA 299). The bill moves interior design from an unregulated/exempt activity toward a licensed, regulated occupation with defined scope and oversight.
Key provisions and changes
- Adds Article 20A to the Occupational Code to create a statutory structure for interior design licensure (definitions and initial text for the article appear in the bill; full article text is truncated in the provided excerpt).
- Amends MCL 339.303a to list interior designers among occupations whose board members’ terms commence April 1, aligning interior design with other licensed professions for appointment timing.
- Amends MCL 339.601 (general licensing enforcement) to:
- Make licensed practice and title protection enforceable for occupations regulated under the act (including interior design under the new article).
- Preserve penalties for unlicensed practice (misdemeanor fines and possible imprisonment) and retain provision for enhanced penalties for certain unlicensed practitioners (e.g., architects, engineers, residential builders) — these enforcement mechanisms apply generally and would apply to interior design under the new article.
- Require courts to notify the department of convictions for violations.
- Include an explicit statement about what an “interior designer may perform”: services related to interior spaces, including preparation of documents for finishes, systems furniture, furnishings, fixtures, equipment, and interior partitions that do NOT affect building mechanical, structural, electrical, or fire-safety systems.
- The bill introduces definitional language in Article 20A (e.g., references to “architect” and the “Council for Interior Design Accreditation”), indicating licensure standards will rely on established education/accreditation concepts; full licensure criteria are not shown in the excerpt.
Who would be affected
- Practicing interior designers and firms offering interior design services (would need to comply with licensure, scope, and title-use rules once implemented).
- Employers, design and construction teams, and consumers—because the bill narrows the activities interior designers may perform without other professional licensure (no work that affects mechanical, structural, electrical, or fire-safety systems).
- Education and accreditation bodies whose programs may be used to meet licensure requirements.
- Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, licensing boards, courts, and prosecutors (new enforcement and administrative responsibilities).
Practical effects and uncertainties
- The bill transitions interior design toward a regulated licensed profession with title protection and a limited permitted practice scope.
- Exact licensure criteria (education, experience, examinations, fees, board composition and rulemaking authority) are to be set out in Article 20A; the provided text is truncated, so specific requirements are not visible in the excerpt.
- Enforcement uses existing Occupational Code penalties and remedies (injunctive relief, restitution, fines, criminal penalties, and forfeiture in some cases).
For readers seeking next steps: monitor the full text of Article 20A as reported out of committee for precise licensure requirements, grandfathering/transition provisions (if any), and implementation timelines.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
