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HB 5144

Occupations: interior design; application for building permit; allow certain interior designers to submit. Amends sec. 10 of 1972 PA 230 (MCL 125.1510). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5142'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Noah Arbit and 11 co-sponsors

Michigan bill allows qualified interior designers to file building permit applications, traditionally restricted to licensed architects and engineers, potentially reducing project costs.

bill electronically reproduced 10/28/2025
#construction:code #occupations:individuallicensingandregistration #occupations:interiordesign
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Bill Summary · HB 5144

Legislative bill overview

HB 5144 amends Michigan's occupational licensing law to allow certain interior designers to submit applications for building permits, a responsibility previously restricted to licensed architects or engineers. The bill is tied to HB 5142, suggesting coordinated legislative changes to interior design regulations.

Why is this important

This change could streamline the permit process for interior design projects by reducing the need to hire licensed architects for certain work, potentially lowering costs for homeowners and businesses. It also affects professional licensing boundaries and may impact the competitive landscape between interior designers and architects in Michigan.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope definition: The bill references "certain interior designers" without clearly defining which designers qualify or what project types they can permit—this vagueness could lead to implementation disputes
  • Professional licensing standards: Architects may oppose this as encroaching on their licensed domain and express concerns about oversight and liability for work traditionally requiring their professional certification
  • Public safety considerations: Questions may arise about whether interior designers have sufficient training in building codes and structural safety compared to licensed architects, especially for complex projects

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

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