Senate Bill 475 proposes the creation of a new statute, 101.02 (26), which establishes the applicability of the commercial building code to certain public buildings, structures, or places of employment. Specifically, the bill stipulates that the commercial building code rules, as promulgated by the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) and in effect on August 1, 2025, will apply if the plans for these entities are submitted for examination by April 1, 2026. The bill also notes that prior to September 1, 2025, the commercial building code incorporated the 2015 International Building Code, but will transition to the 2021 International Building Code effective September 1, 2025.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision that exempts certain public buildings, structures, or places of employment from specific code requirements if their plans are submitted on time. This legislation may have implications for the costs associated with housing development and construction in Wisconsin, prompting the Department of Administration to prepare a report on the potential financial impacts, which will be included as an appendix to the bill.