“When you have to do things that go against your better judgment, your morals and your ethics, it’s time to do something else,” Hertel said. He believes the agency is no longer committed to making decisions based on sound industry practices: “Under this administration, it’s just hit and miss and let’s get re-elected.”

Monte Ewing, formerly one of DSPS’s four regional electrical consultants, said the 2014 code requires “an awful lot” of new electrical safety features, especially for new one- and two-family buildings. “We expect the Builders Association to come out screaming,” he said.

Brad Boycks, vice president of advocacy for the Wisconsin Builders Association, said his group will monitor and “chime in” on any proposed changes to the code. “There’s always a delicate balance to be set between cost considerations and safety considerations,” he said.

The importance of being current

The question of motivation hangs heavily over the issue of the state’s approach to keeping its building codes current. Who benefits from the delays?