Interior designers working on large construction projects may soon face a new interior design license agreement under a bill. On Wednesday, the Alaska Senate voted 18-2 in favor of Senate Bill 54, moving it closer to becoming law.
If the Alaska House and Governor Mike Dunleavy approve the measure, interior designers must register with the state licensing board. Senator Matt Claman, D-Anchorage, sponsored the bill, emphasizing that licensing will enhance the safety and quality of commercial construction projects.
During a speech on the Senate floor, Claman stated that the bill helps Alaska remain open and ready for business in the future. The bill also extends the operating term for the Board of Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors, overseeing the new registrations.
According to Claman, licensing interior designers will allow them to submit stamped plans, potentially avoiding costly engineering reviews altogether. The session marks Claman’s third attempt to pass legislation requiring registration for commercial interior designers working in Alaska.
Senator Shelly Hughes, R-Palmer, previously opposed the border version but supported this narrower bill after changes were made to its scope. Senators Robert Myers, R-North Pole, and Minority Leader Mike Shower, R-Wasilla, cast the only two dissenting votes against the measure.
After the vote, Myers expressed deep concerns about adding more licensing requirements for Alaska’s already burdened private sector. He warned that additional occupational licenses could create unnecessary barriers to employment and discourage business growth within the state.
Despite opposition, the bill has moved to the House Labor and Commerce Committee, where lawmakers scheduled a hearing for Wednesday. If approved, Alaska will introduce the license requirement for professionals involved in major public-use construction projects.
Supporters believe it will improve efficiency in the permitting process while boosting overall construction safety and standards across the state. Critics argue that the move adds more red tape and limits flexibility.
