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Texas Outlaws Lighting Design - Then Back Tracks.05-29-09 | News

Texas Outlaws Lighting Design - Then Back Tracks

The Texas State Legislature passed legislation on May 27, 2009, which would have had the unintended consequence of outlawing the practice of lighting design within its borders. Then they changed their minds.
Photo by George Gruel, www.georgegruel.com

After an enormous response, Texas State Senator Kip Averitt?EUR??,,????'?????<the bottom line is that lighting designers will be able to continue to practice in Texas!

WHAT ACTION YOU SHOULD TAKE NOW 1. NO MORE PHONE CALLS to any Texas legislative offices or to the Governor?EUR??,,????'?????<

As it was written, Texas House Bill 2649 (THB2649) prohibited lighting designers who work in Texas to work on projects without being licensed as either an electrician, architect, engineer, landscape architect or interior designer.

The IALD strongly urged the Texas Senate Business Commerce Committee remove language restrictive to the profession in THB2649 as a ?EUR??,,????'?????<

The IALD has been working tirelessly with lighting designers on the ground in Texas to voice collective concern before THB2649 passed, issuing a policy statement to all individuals in the Texas State Legislature, a press release to consumer and trade media, and communicating with the officials responsible for the bill and its language.

The IALD urged members to ask the Texas legislature to vote against THB2649, stating in part:

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We believe that the Texas Legislature does not mean to outlaw an entire profession, but that would have been the impact of the proposed legislation. The IALD will continue to vigorously oppose this language in all appropriate venues on our members?EUR??,,????'?????<

Rep. Wayne Smith initiated the bill in the Texas State House of Representatives without the language restricting the lighting design profession. You can email him: wayne.smith@house.state.tx.us and let him know your opinion.