IDPC has been in Minnesota this week, lobbying and testifying against the practice act. In addition to my testimony on behalf of my six trade association clients, there was also compelling testimony from the NKBA, AIA, IJ, students and an interior design professor.
But our best assistance actually came from the lead-off testimony from the cartel (the president of MIDLAC). Terrible!!! She rambled on for 20 minutes, basically saying nothing of importance, not showing any need for the bill, and main point was they’re the only ones in the built environment who isn’t licensed. Yeesh! Get over yourself! That’s not a reason to enact a new law that would put so many designers out of business.
It appeared that most of the Committee agreed with our position — four Representatives questioned the bill sponsor (Rep. Hilstrom) at the end of the hearing, and all questions clearly made it clear they had not been convinced there is a need for licensing.
I think we put this puppy to bed for now, but as usual, I’m sure we’ll see it again next year.
