Good news! It’s confirmed: The “lighting designer” language in Texas House Bill 2649 will be withdrawn and replaced with language requesting a study by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation of the feasibility of licensing in the industry, according to Texas State Senator Kip Averitt’s office.
IALD President Jeff Miller said the combined grassroots efforts organized by the architectural and theatrical lighting design communities paid off.
“We hope that the Texas legislature and executive branches will continue to work with us to help ensure the continued economic and creative health of our industry,” he added.
In other words, the issue may come back to haunt us in two years when the Texas legislature reconvenes. Hopefully, the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation will be open to working with groups like IALD to ensure that any new regulation is rational and does not unfairly restrict the lighting design profession.
A number of steps must be taken before the current legislative session ends on May 31, but the bottom line is lighting designers will continue to be able to practice in the State of Texas.
There is no further need to contact the Governor or involved legislators, but you may wish to write to them to thank them.
To all those who took the time to help stop this assault on the lighting design profession, the industry thanks you for a job well done!
And a special thanks to the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), which demonstrated excellent leadership over the past several days, lobbying quietly behind the scenes while keeping its members informed.
