Fond Du Lac Times

State Representative William Penterman (R-Hustisford) has announced his support for a legislative package intended to address the housing shortage in Wisconsin. The proposed measures aim to lower housing costs, reduce regulatory barriers, and increase the availability of homes for working families.

“These bills take meaningful steps to make housing more affordable and attainable for Wisconsin families,” said Rep. Penterman. “We need to make it easier—not harder—to build homes, so young families and first-time home buyers can put down roots in our communities.”

A key component of the package is Assembly Bill 450, authored by Penterman. This bill sets a clear timeline for transitioning to the 2021 International Building Code (IBC). The new code was scheduled to be implemented abruptly last month. Previously, all new buildings had to comply with the rules in effect when plans were approved by the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). The sudden change created difficulties for projects that had already been approved at the municipal level but were still waiting for DSPS review, as many were designed under the previous building code. If retroactive compliance had been required, it could have resulted in delays and additional costs.

“My legislation, AB 450, is about common sense and fairness,” said Rep. Penterman. “It ensures projects already underway aren’t derailed by sudden code changes, saving time and money while maintaining safety and quality standards.”

Penterman began representing Wisconsin’s 38th House district after being elected in 2025. He succeeded Barbara Dittrich as state representative.