A wise use of state resources?

As the calendar flips to 2025, Nebraska is proudly joining 28 other states in establishing a registry for interior designers. This initiative, according to State Treasurer Tom Briese, will allow qualified professionals to independently practice their craft without architect oversight, promising economic growth and career opportunities for the design industry. But before we cue the applause, a question looms large: Was this really necessary? Does our state government not have more pressing issues to address?

Consider the absurdity of the worst-case scenarios that could theoretically arise from unregistered interior design work. Perhaps a designer might go overboard with statement pieces, overwhelming a room’s function with oversized rugs, unnecessary throw pillows, or poor lighting choices. Or maybe a homeowner is lured into a trendy-but-impractical DIY backsplash project inspired by a Pinterest board gone awry. At worst, they end up with a poorly lit room, too many cushions to sit comfortably, and a chaotic “gallery wall” of mismatched art. Annoying? Sure. Dangerous? Not in the slightest.

Yet, the new registry allows qualified designers to apply seals to their work and provide schematics, drawings, and diagnostics — though only within narrowly defined limits. Structural alterations, HVAC, and fire safety systems remain out of bounds. In short, registered designers can now officially do what they have already been doing, with a bureaucratic stamp of approval to show for it.

This raises the question: Who benefits? Proponents claim the registry will help “highly educated” professionals gain career recognition and retain Nebraska graduates in the field. But in practice, it’s unclear how much demand exists for independent interior designers separate from architects, particularly given the already niche nature of the field.

The legislative effort behind this initiative feels curiously out of touch. At a time when Nebraska faces significant challenges — such as education funding shortfalls, rural healthcare access, and crumbling infrastructure — should establishing a registry for throw pillows and paint swatches really rank so high on the government’s to-do list? It’s hard to believe this was a legislative priority for most Nebraskans.

Supporters of the registry point to economic growth and support for women-led businesses as reasons for celebration. These are noble goals, but they hardly justify dedicating public resources to what is, at best, a tangential issue for most citizens. Small businesses in many sectors face far greater regulatory hurdles and far fewer government resources to help them grow. Why single out interior designers for special attention?

The irony is that this registry does little to address real risks or improve public safety. Designers are still prohibited from handling the critical aspects of building safety, such as structural integrity or fire codes. In essence, the registry formalizes what many interior designers were already practicing, with little added value beyond an official-looking seal and a pat on the back.

While proponents may tout Nebraska’s alignment with 28 other states as a milestone, it is worth remembering that following the crowd is not necessarily a sign of leadership. It’s a sign of complacency.

Perhaps Nebraska’s Unicameral and governor should shift their focus to matters that truly matter to everyday citizens. After all, no one has ever called their state senator demanding legislation to regulate who gets to decide the correct number of throw pillows. It’s time to get back to work on the real issues that shape our state’s future.