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Bill

H 790

ARCHITECTS – Amends existing law to provide for certified interior designers to be able to sign and seal certain technical submissions and to make such submissions to state or local governmental entities.

68th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session (2026)

Idaho law now permits certified interior designers to sign and seal specific technical submissions to government agencies, expanding their regulatory authority beyond previous limitations.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 27, 2026 Session Law Chapter 219 Effective: 07/01/2026
#architectureandarchitects #licensesandpermits #occupationalandprofessionallicenses
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Bill Summary · H 790

Legislative bill overview

H 790 amends Idaho law to grant certified interior designers the authority to sign, seal, and submit certain technical documents to state and local government agencies. Previously, this authority was likely restricted to licensed architects. The bill became effective July 1, 2026.

Why is this important

This expands professional licensing privileges, potentially reducing project timelines and costs by allowing interior designers to handle specific technical submissions without requiring architect involvement. It affects the construction and design industry's regulatory framework and may impact competition between professionals and scope-of-practice boundaries.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope definition: The bill specifies "certain technical submissions" but the precise scope of what interior designers can seal and submit may require regulatory interpretation, creating ambiguity.
  • Professional liability and public safety: Critics may argue that interior designers lack the same structural engineering and building systems expertise as architects, raising concerns about design quality oversight.
  • Market impact: Licensed architects may view this as encroachment on their professional territory and reduced market share for architectural services.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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