Press Release- Jun 01, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2007
Contact:
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370
GOV. RITTER'S VETO MESSAGE ON SENATE BILL 84
June 1, 2007
The Honorable Colorado State Senate
66 General Assembly
First Regular Session
State Capitol
Denver, CO 80203
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am filing with the Secretary of State Senate Bill 07-84, "Concerning the Creation of a Database for Interior Designers and Making an Appropriation Therefore." I vetoed this bill as of ______________ a.m. and this letter sets forth my reasons for doing so.
Senate Bill 84 would require the State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers, and Professional Land Surveyors to create a database of interior designers who have obtained a private certification and who voluntarily register.
The statutory purpose of professional licensure is to ensure a minimum level of competency and practice standards for a profession in order to protect the public. Proponents of this legislation contend the purpose of this bill is to simplify the process for interior designers to obtain a building permit. However, local building departments already have the ability to issue building permits to qualified persons and businesses. More importantly, this regulation does not have a public safety element.
Interior designers are not trained to create or modify plans that involve the structural soundness of a commercial, industrial, or multi-family building. The construction or modification of those building types requires the expertise of a licensed architect or engineer. Currently, building departments will review plans for other types of projects when submitted by non-licensed individuals. This bill does nothing to change those existing practices.
A designer's education, experience, and private certification demonstrate a high level of expertise in his or her field. However, I believe that it is inappropriate to use powers of the state to provide the type of additional recognition provided for in Senate Bill 84.
Accordingly, I have vetoed this bill.
Sincerely,
Bill Ritter Jr.