McHenry Times

Individuals with good taste in decorating and design shouldn't be kept out of Illinois because they don't want to pay fees and be restricted by two professional organizations that are afraid of competition, Rep. Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) argued in the House recently.

“I just see this as nothing more than a barrier to the entry of people who have a really good idea of taste without the requirement of them going through state legislation and paying a fee and taking away competition from the Illinois Interior Design Coalition and the American Society of Interior Designers,” Reick said during debate on Senate Bill 326.

The measure, which passed the House on the last day of the spring session, would impose fees on interior designers who are not members of the Illinois Interior Design Coalition or the American Society of Interior Designers. Reick argued that the bill would cost $250,000 a year, to be raised through the imposed fees. 

Rep. Steve Reick (R-Woodstock)

Supporters of the bill argued that the measure is necessary considering the scope of interior designer’s work, which includes ensuring compliance with building codes and requirements.

“This is just another indication of the state taking its heavy hand into places where it does not need to go,” Reick said. “This is a barrier to entry of people who serve absolutely no harm to the public or anybody else. This is people wanting to keep other people from competing with them.”