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What’s Happening Now and Next?

Through the efforts of ASID members throughout Wisconsin, ASID national leadership, ASID Wisconsin chapter advocates, and in concert with IIDA Wisconsin and IIDA and interior design allies, we passed our bill into law with Governor Evers signature as of March 18, 2022!  We have celebrated the historic win, but now what?  When can Wisconsin Registered Interior Designers (WRID) actually sign and seal their own code-compliant, non-structural documents and submit for permitting? Here’s what is happening now and next.

Even though the law became effective once signed by the governor, Wisconsin does not currently have the regulatory structure in place to implement the new law.  That’s where the administrative rules process comes into play – as the first step.  These administrative rules and regulations may include such items as the design and availability of application forms for individual WRIDs and firms, the design of the stamp, etc.

Setting up for the Administrative Rules Process

1.  On 10.03.22 the governor appointed three interior designers to the Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, Designers, and Registered Interior Designers.

Interior Designers on the Examining Board:

• Chairperson: Robin A. Stroebel, ASID, RID, LEED AP ID +C, WELL AP – rstroebel@intlogic.com
• Vice Chairperson: Melissa Destree, AIA, IIDA - mdestree@destreearchitects.com
• Member: Laura Schade Stroik, IIDA, WRID - schade.stroik@hey.com

You can contact any of these Board Members. They are public servants! This is also the FIRST time all-woman section of the board.
https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/BoardsCouncils/AE/RegisteredInteriorDesign/Default.aspx

2. The governor also appointed two “public” members.

• Secretary Jennifer Philips
• Public Member: Corissa D. Uselmann

3. Now that the interior designers and public members are appointed, the administrative rules process can take up to 18 months to put into place (see flow chart below). Here’s where we are now! https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/RulesStatutes/PendingRules.aspx

• A meeting occurred on June 22nd. The interior design section of the A-E Board has been approved to move forward with the rules and regulations per the bill – no changes to the current scope. Great news! 
• The A-E Board will develop the rules and regulations at the interior design section meetings on August 22, October 3, and December 12. These meetings are all public and links can be found on the DSPS website. https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/register/2023/809b/register/ss_notices/ss_028_23_notice_of_preliminary_hearing/ss_028_23_notice_of_preliminary_hearing
• Rules and regulations can only be presented for initial discussion for the first time, or for approval, to the entire Examining Board meeting scheduled for October 11.

What’s happening in the meantime?

1. ASID, IIDA, CIDQ, the ASID Wisconsin Governmental Affairs Committee, lobbyists, and other advocates and practitioners convene bi-weekly to prioritize Wisconsin-specific issues including issues that may become part of the administrative rules process.  ASID advocates in North Carolina have offered support, since they passed stamp and seal legislation in 2021 and is farther along in the administrative rules process.
   

2. The preparation of training sessions and educational webinars is in the works. The Government Affairs Committee is planning advocacy events for Fall of 2023.  Stay tuned for more information.
    
3. Advocacy does not stop!  Through this process, we have learned that we must continue advocating for ourselves and our profession and must stay alert to any bill that threatens our right to practice. Grassroots advocacy is an ongoing process and is an integral part of our chapter. 

What can YOU do as a member?

1. The Building Safety Journal (BJS) Weekly is a weekly newsletter from the International Code Council that covers the latest news on building safety and construction. It includes updates on time-sensitive industry issues you need to know immediately. Subscribe here:  https://www.iccsafe.org/about/periodicals-and-newsroom/subscribe/
   

2. Sign up for updates on interior design advocacy through the Advocate by Design newsletter. Subscribe here: https://www.asid.org/advocate-by-design/take-action
    
3. The legislators who are currently in office and are running again will likely be re-elected.  Consider donating to their campaign, noting your thanks for their support of the interior design profession, and sending wishes for success in the upcoming election.
    
4. By volunteering, voting and staying in touch with legislators and candidates, we can continue to bring awareness to the importance of the interior design profession and help avoid future threats.

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Reference Documents & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

These reference documents and FAQs were created to provide answers and to clarify the issues surrounding the proposed sign and seal legislation for interior designers in the state of Wisconsin. If you have other questions, please email administrator@wi.asid.org.

ASID National Publications: 

• AdvocatexDesign Video Series

• ASID-GPA_Handbook

Effects on the Interior Design Profession & Wisconsin

• How Does this Help the Profession of Interior Design

• State Economic Impact

Interior Designers & Their Impact on Public Health:

• ASID IIDA Fully Qualified Professionals 2019

• How does Interior Design Impact Health, Safety, & Welfare?

• Interior Design Functions Impacting Public Health, Safety, & Welfare

• Interior Designers Protect the Public

Signing, Stamping, or Sealing for a Project Permit:

• Are there advantages to the Sign and Seal Privileges?

• ASID IIDA Stamp & Seal Practicing to the Fullest Ability 2019

• What if I do Not Want to Sign and Seal My Own Documents?

• Where is a Plan Submitted?

• Will there be a Limit on the Size or Type of Space a Wisconsin Registered Interior Designer (WRID) can Design, Stamp, and Seal for Submittal?

Education, Experience, & NCIDQ

• A Comparison of Practice Analysis Defined Competency Requirements for the Architecture and Interior Design Professions

• NCIDQ-Certified Interior Designers: Highly Qualified Design Professionals

• What is the NCIDQ Examination?

• NCIDQ FUNDAMENTAL EXAM

• NCIDQ PRACTICUM EXAM

• NCIDQ PROFESSIONAL EXAM

• What Education and Experience is Needed to Take the NCIDQ Exam?

• NCIDQ Examination Eligibility Paths

• If One Has a 2 Year Degree, What Does this Mean?

Who Can be a Wisconsin Registered Interior Designer (WRID)

• Are There Any Limitations as a Wisconsin Registered Interior Designer (WRID)?

• How Much Does it Cost to Become a WRID?

• What is a Wisconsin registered Interior Designer (WRID) and Who can Become a WRID?

• Where Do I apply to Become a WRID?

The Interior Design Profession & Prior Legislation

• History of the 1996 Legislation

• Modernization of the 1996 Legislation

• Summary of Proposed Legislation

• Who carries professional liability insurance?

• What is Interior Design?

• What is the Timeline for this Legislation Going Through the State Capitol?

• State by State Practice Map

Who to Talk to & How/ Government Affairs Ambassadors

• How Can I Engage With My Legislator? (Sample Letter)

• How Can I Help Support This Legislation?

• How Can I Send a Text Message to My Legislators Via Phone 2 Action?

• Statewide Assembly Map

• Statewide Senate Map

• Who Should I be Talking to About this Bill?

• What is a Government Affairs Ambassador?

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 If you have other questions, please email administrator@wi.asid.org.