A bill to extend the state registration board for architects, engineers and land surveyors and create a pathway for qualified interior designers to register and obtain a construction stamp passed the House Finance Committee on a 10–1 vote May 17 after extensive public testimony and debate.

Senate Bill 54 would extend the existing Architects, Engineers, Land Surveyors (AELS) board for eight years and authorize qualified interior designers to register with the board to perform a defined scope of interior design services affecting public health, safety and welfare. Registration would be based on education, experience and the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam; registered interior designers would be able to submit stamped permitting documents for work within a defined scope. Sponsors described the change as a title‑act approach with permitting privileges determined by the board rather than a statutory practice act.

“Senate Bill 54 will extend the statutory authorization for the AELS board … and add a qualified interior designer to the board,” State Senator Matt Klayman said in a short introduction. He said the 2024 sunset audit found the board served the public interest and recommended extension.

The committee heard lengthy testimony from designers, architects, industry groups and the AELS board. Supporters argued the change would improve public safety for commercial buildings, allow qualified interior designers to take responsibility for their work and help Alaskan firms compete for federal and institutional contracts. Elizabeth Johnston, a registered electrical and fire protection engineer and past AELS board chair, said the NCIDQ exam tests competency in life‑safety topics such as fire safety and ADA compliance. “Interior designers are qualified by examination, experience, and education to perform this vital work,” she said.

Several member organizations and practitioners urged passage. Jessica Cederberg, speaking for AIA Alaska (the American Institute of Architects, Alaska chapter), said AIA was neutral on the bill so long as it stood as a title act rather than a practice act. “A Title Act is the essential condition for AIA Alaska to remain neutral on SB 54,” she said. Registered designers, architectural firms and the Alaska Professional Design Council also supported the bill.

Opposition and concerns were limited but present. Some testifiers urged caution about expanded regulation or potential economic effects. Ramona Schimheimer, a licensed architect, urged separating a simple board extension from the interior‑design addition so each matter could be considered separately; she questioned adding the interior‑design provisions during a tight budget and regulatory session.

The AELS board’s legislative liaison, Colin Maynard, told the committee the board voted 7–2 to support the bill earlier in 2025 and estimated that adding interior designers would increase registrants by about 1 percent, not a large burden on the board’s existing caseload. The Department of Commerce fiscal note estimated an FY26 operating request to add a licensing examiner and related costs; the board and stakeholders said registration revenues would offset the changes and the board anticipated the bill to be fee‑funded rather than supported by general fund dollars.

Representative Kathy Stout moved to pass SB54 out of committee with individual recommendations; the motion carried 10–1. The committee attached the fiscal notes and advanced the measure to the House floor.