Interior designers.

(1) Existing law, until January 1, 2027, provides a comprehensive scheme for the certification and regulation of interior designers. Existing law establishes the California Council for Interior Design Certification (council) , which is a nonprofit organization consisting of certified interior designers, as defined. Under existing law, the council carries out the responsibilities and duties set forth in the aforementioned scheme, including by issuing certifications and stamps certifying specified interior designer standards to qualified individuals. Under existing law, the procedure for stamp issuance is subject to occupational analyses and examination validation every 5 to 7 years. Under existing law, the policy for the validation is developed by the Department of Consumer Affairs. This bill would extend the operation of these provisions until January 1, 2031. The bill would provide that protection of the public shall be the highest priority for the council in exercising its certification and disciplinary authority, and any other functions. The bill would also provide that when the protection of the public is inconsistent with other interests, the protection of the public is paramount. The bill would state that it is the intent of the Legislature in extending the council's powers and duties through the sunset review process that the council continue to serve as an entity entrusted with administering a state function in its certification of interior design professionals. Existing law authorizes the council to issue an interior design certification to any applicant who provides satisfactory evidence that they meet all of specified requirements and who complies with the bylaws, rules, and procedures established by the council, as provided. This bill would require a certified interior designer to report to the council within 30 days of the date the certified interior designer has knowledge of a certain judgment, settlement, or arbitration award of $5,000 or greater a