Sen. Matt Klayman backs SB 246 to add interior designer registration and adjust board rules
March 23, 2026 | 2026 Legislature Alaska, Alaska
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Senator Matt Klayman introduced Senate Bill 246 on March 23 as a revised version of legislation vetoed last year, saying the new draft addresses the governor's three stated concerns while creating registration for qualified interior designers.
"In the governor's veto message, he identified 3 concerns with senate bill 54, and those are all addressed in senate bill 246," Sen. Matt Klayman said, noting the bill preserves AS 36.32.70(e), narrows exemption language for certain small wastewater contractors, and retains an 11-member board while adjusting engineer representation.
Chris Curtis, the state auditor, told the committee that a Division of Legislative Audit sunset audit of the Board of Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors was 'very clean' and recommended a full eight-year extension of the board.
Multiple invited and public witnesses urged passage. Charles Bettisworth, a licensed architect from Fairbanks, said licensure for interior designers would improve safety and infection-prevention in health and congregate-care facilities and argued the state needs "licensed qualified interior designers in Alaska." John P. Carr, president of the Alaska Professional Design Council, said APDC (representing roughly 1,100 design professionals) supports extending the board, the recommended changes and creating registration for interior designers. Brian Meister and resident Mary Knopf also testified in support, emphasizing the bill's voluntary pathway to credentials and representation for registered interior designers on the AALS board.
Sen. Kiel reported two fiscal notes: the Department of Environmental Conservation assigned a zero fiscal note; the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development estimated first-year costs requiring additional general funds and one permanent full-time position, projecting that revenues would offset costs in future years and noting regulations changes would be required.
The committee did not take a vote; Chairman Hoffman set SB 246 aside for further consideration.
"In the governor's veto message, he identified 3 concerns with senate bill 54, and those are all addressed in senate bill 246," Sen. Matt Klayman said, noting the bill preserves AS 36.32.70(e), narrows exemption language for certain small wastewater contractors, and retains an 11-member board while adjusting engineer representation.
Chris Curtis, the state auditor, told the committee that a Division of Legislative Audit sunset audit of the Board of Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors was 'very clean' and recommended a full eight-year extension of the board.
Multiple invited and public witnesses urged passage. Charles Bettisworth, a licensed architect from Fairbanks, said licensure for interior designers would improve safety and infection-prevention in health and congregate-care facilities and argued the state needs "licensed qualified interior designers in Alaska." John P. Carr, president of the Alaska Professional Design Council, said APDC (representing roughly 1,100 design professionals) supports extending the board, the recommended changes and creating registration for interior designers. Brian Meister and resident Mary Knopf also testified in support, emphasizing the bill's voluntary pathway to credentials and representation for registered interior designers on the AALS board.
Sen. Kiel reported two fiscal notes: the Department of Environmental Conservation assigned a zero fiscal note; the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development estimated first-year costs requiring additional general funds and one permanent full-time position, projecting that revenues would offset costs in future years and noting regulations changes would be required.
The committee did not take a vote; Chairman Hoffman set SB 246 aside for further consideration.
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