SB 286 Utah Senate · 2026 General Session

Interior Designer Amendments

SB 286 modifies Utah's licensing rules for commercial interior designers by removing restrictions that previously limited their practice to specific building types (occupancy groups B and M) and an 8-foot wall height limit. The bill allows licensed designers to work on interior projects in *any* building classification, as long as the work involves only non-structural elements like finishes, fixtures, and non-load-bearing partitions. This directly affects Utah-licensed interior designers who can now practice more broadly without requiring architect oversight for certain projects. The changes clarify definitions, add penalties for misrepresenting certification status, and align rules with current building codes.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

House Passage

Mar 2026

Signed into Law

Mar 2026

Introduced Feb 11, 2026 Signed Mar 19, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Enrolled · 6 edits · Mar 19, 2026

MODERATE

This bill updates Utah's interior design laws to allow certified designers to work in any building occupancy type, provided the work is limited to non-structural, non-seismic, and non-load-bearing elements. It removes previous restrictions that limited practice to specific occupancy groups (B and M) and deletes a height limit on wall partitions. The update also clarifies what constitutes unlawful conduct and includes technical corrections to the legal text.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of practice for state-certified commercial interior designers from specific occupancy groups to any occupancy classification in the International Building Code, as long as the work remains non-structural.

SCOPE

Removed the limitation restricting interior design practice to occupancy groups B and M, allowing designers to work in any occupancy classification.

REQUIREMENT

Deleted the specific restriction regarding wall partition height limitations.

DEFINITION

Updated the definition of 'Practice of commercial interior design' to explicitly include any occupancy classification under the specified non-structural conditions.

Clarified the list of excluded activities, such as changes to structural elements, life safety equipment, and exterior building components.

ENFORCEMENT

Added specific conduct to the definition of 'Unlawful conduct' to clarify licensing violations.

TECHNICAL

Made technical and conforming changes to the text of the Utah Code sections to improve clarity and consistency.

Floor votes · Senate Feb 27, 2026 · House Mar 6, 2026

How they voted

26–0

Passed · 3 other

Total votes 29

Feb 27, 2026

D Democratic6

6 Yea

100% Yea

N Forward1

1 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican22

19 Yea 3

86% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 19, 2026

Signed into law

Governor Signed

executive

Mar 7, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate/ signed by President/ sent for enrolling

upper

Mar 6, 2026

Upper · Passed

House/ signed by Speaker/ returned to Senate

upper

Mar 6, 2026

Lower · Passed

House/ passed 3rd reading

lower

Mar 4, 2026

Lower · Passed

House/ committee report favorable [House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee]

lower

Mar 3, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Comm - Favorable Recommendation [House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee]

lower

Mar 2, 2026

Committee

House/ to standing committee [House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee]

lower

Mar 2, 2026

Introduced

House/ 1st reading (Introduced)

lower

Feb 27, 2026

Lower · Passed

Senate/ passed 3rd reading

lower

Feb 18, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate/ committee report favorable [Senate Business and Labor Committee]

upper

Feb 18, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation [Senate Business and Labor Committee]

upper

Feb 12, 2026

Committee

Senate/ to standing committee [Senate Business and Labor Committee]

upper

Feb 11, 2026

Introduced

Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)

upper

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor