Wisconsin Administrative Code Department of Corrections
Here’s an organized overview of the Wisconsin Administrative Code as it relates to the Department of Corrections (DOC), detailing its scope, key chapters, and where to access them:
🏛️ Authority & Rulemaking Process
The Wisconsin Legislature empowers agencies—including DOC—to adopt administrative rules, subject to review by legislative standing committees, the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules, and gubernatorial approval (doc.wi.gov).
The DOC maintains an online portal listing its active administrative rules, rulemaking projects, and public comment opportunities .
🔍 Major DOC Administrative Code Chapters
The DOC code is structured into numbered chapters (DOC 300–399), each focusing on distinct aspects of corrections policy (regulations.justia.com):
| Chapter | Title / Subject Area |
|---|---|
| DOC 302 | Inmate Classification, Sentence & Release (doc.wi.gov) |
| DOC 303 | Discipline procedures & prohibited conduct |
| DOC 304 | Inmate Secure Work Program |
| DOC 306 | Security measures |
| DOC 308 | Administrative confinement & restrictive housing |
| DOC 309 | Resources for inmates (e.g., visitation, hygiene) |
| DOC 310 | Complaint procedures |
| DOC 311 | Observation status |
| DOC 313 | Prison Industries |
| DOC 314 | Mental Health Treatment |
| DOC 316 | Medical/Dental/Nursing Copay Charges |
| DOC 324–328 | Release programs (Work & Study, Temporary Release, Community Confinement, Supervision) |
| DOC 330–333 | Sex offender treatment, probation/parole revocation, sex offender registration, intensive sanctions |
| DOC 335 | Environmental policy implementation |
| DOC 346–399 | Juvenile corrections, jails, youth facilities, drug testing, and additional youth-focused chapters |
📄 Examples of Key Chapters
DOC 302 – Inmate Classification & Release
Covers policies from general classification standards to release eligibility (doc.wi.gov).
Revised and renumbered as of July 1, 2018 (law.cornell.edu).
DOC 303 – Discipline
Defines offenses (e.g., battery, contraband, rioting) and categorizes sanctions (minor vs. major) (law.umich.edu).
Includes procedural elements like conduct reports, hearings, and punishments (law.umich.edu).
DOC 309 – Resources for Inmates
Covers inmate rights and services such as visitation:
DOC 309.06–309.13 cover visitation definitions, lists, conduct during visits, and special cases (doc.wi.gov).
DOC 309.24 mandates standards for personal hygiene (casetext.com).
DOC 324 – Work & Study Release
Establishes the objectives and conditions for inmate participation in work/study programs (law.cornell.edu).
📚 Where to Access the Full Text
Wisconsin DOC Administrative Rules hub on Wisconsin.gov: Includes current rules, active rule projects, and public comment procedures (doc.wi.gov).
Wisconsin Legislature’s Administrative Code database: Browse each DOC chapter in full (docs.legis.wisconsin.gov).
Legal reference sites like Cornell LII and Casetext: Offer searchable versions with histories and appendices (law.cornell.edu).
✅ Summary
The Wisconsin DOC Administrative Code consists of a comprehensive series of chapters (DOC 300–399) regulating inmate classification, security, discipline, programming, health, and juvenile corrections. Each chapter is designed to provide clarity and structure for operational and inmate-related policies and is periodically updated and reviewed with legislative oversight.
RELATED Blog
0 comments