An Act to create 101.02 (26) of the statutes; Relating to: applicability of the commercial building code to certain buildings. (FE)
Summary
AB450 creates a new statutory provision governing when the commercial building code rules in Wisconsin Administrative Code chapters SPS 361 to 366 apply to certain buildings. Specifically, it provides that the 2025 versions of those code chapters apply to public buildings, public structures, and places of employment, and it limits the application of SPS 361.03(7) for projects whose plans are submitted by April 1, 2026. The bill is aimed at setting a clear transition rule for projects already in the pipeline when the updated code provisions take effect.
In practical terms, the bill affects the design, review, and approval of public buildings and workplaces by tying compliance to the commercial building code as it existed on August 1, 2025. It also creates an exception for projects submitted to the Department of Safety and Professional Services, or to a local government authorized to conduct plan examinations, by the specified deadline. This would influence builders, architects, engineers, local code officials, and state regulators by determining which code standards apply to qualifying projects during the transition period.
Impact
The bill amends Wisconsin Statutes by creating s. 101.02(26), which modifies how the commercial building code is applied to certain public buildings, public structures, and places of employment. It effectively freezes application of chapters SPS 361 to 366 at their August 1, 2025 versions for covered projects and exempts those projects from SPS 361.03(7) if plans are submitted by April 1, 2026. The change primarily affects state and local building code administration, plan review, and compliance obligations for affected construction projects.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill was supported by a majority in both chambers, passing the Assembly 54-41 and the Senate 20-13. That pattern indicates generally favorable sentiment among supporters who likely viewed the measure as a needed clarification or transition rule for building code compliance. However, the margin in both houses also shows meaningful opposition, suggesting the bill was not broadly consensus-driven. The bill ultimately failed to pass notwithstanding the Governor’s objections, indicating that executive opposition remained a significant factor in the final outcome.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be whether the bill appropriately limits or alters the application of updated commercial building code requirements for public buildings and workplaces. Supporters likely favored providing certainty for projects already underway and avoiding disruption from midstream code changes, while opponents may have viewed the measure as weakening or delaying safety, accessibility, or regulatory standards. The split votes in both chambers reflect this tension between construction certainty and maintaining current code enforcement standards, with disagreement centered on the scope and timing of the exemption.