Chapter 227

227.01(13)(s) (s) Prescribes or relates to a uniform system of accounts for any person, including a municipality, that is regulated by the office of the commissioner of railroads or the public service commission.

227.01(13)(u) (u) Relates to computing or publishing the number of nursing home beds to be added in each health planning area under s. 150.33 (1).

227.01(13)(um) (um) Lists over-the-counter drugs covered by Medical Assistance under s. 49.46 (2) (b) 6. i. or 49.471 (11) (a).

227.01(13)(v) (v) Establishes procedures used for the determination of allocations as charges to agencies under s. 20.865 (1) (fm).

227.01(13)(w) (w) Establishes rates for the use of a personal automobile under s. 20.916 (4) (a).

227.01(13)(x) (x) Establishes rental policies for state-owned housing under s. 16.004 (8).

227.01(13)(xm) (xm) Establishes camping fees within the fee limits specified under s. 27.01 (10) (d) 1. or 2.

227.01(13)(y) (y) Prescribes measures to minimize the adverse environmental impact of bridge and highway construction and maintenance.

227.01(13)(yc) (yc) Adjusts the total cost threshold for highway projects under ss. 84.013 (2m) and 84.0145 (4).

227.01(13)(yd) (yd) Relates to any form prescribed by the department of transportation under s. 218.0171 (8).

227.01(13)(yg) (yg) Relates to standards for memorial highway designations authorized under s. 84.1045.

227.01(13)(yj) (yj) Relates to standards for memorial highway designations authorized under s. 84.1042.

227.01(13)(yk) (yk) Relates to standards for memorial highway designations authorized under s. 84.1038.

227.01(13)(ym) (ym) Establishes conditions for a waiver to allow the burning of brush or other woody material under s. 287.07 (7) (e).

227.01(13)(yo) (yo) Establishes procedures under s. 39.86 (3) (c) or fees under s. 39.86 (5).

227.01(13)(yp) (yp) Lists exempt institutions under s. 39.87 (2).

227.01(13)(ys) (ys) Establishes a technical standard for abating nonpoint source water pollution under s. 281.16 (2) or (3) (c).

227.01(13)(yt) (yt) Relates to implementing, interpreting, or administering s. 283.16, including determining social and economic impacts of compliance with phosphorus effluent limitations, establishing application and eligibility requirements for obtaining a variance, and providing guidance to the public.

227.01(13)(yu) (yu) Relates to guidance issued by the office of credit unions under s. 186.11 (2) (b).

227.01(13)(yw) (yw) Establishes additional services as bank services as provided in s. 221.1101 (6).

227.01(13)(yx) (yx) Relates to adjustments under s. 202.12 (8), exemptions under s. 202.12 (6m) (e), or the alternative registration of professional employer organizations under s. 202.22 (7) (b).

227.01(13)(yy) (yy) Expands the list of services that a credit union service organization may provide, as provided in s. 186.11 (4) (bd).

227.01(13)(z) (z) Defines or lists nonattainment areas under s. 285.23.

227.01(13)(za) (za) Is a manual prepared under s. 227.15 (7) to provide agencies with information on drafting, promulgation and legislative review of rules.

227.01(13)(zb) (zb) Establishes a list of substances in groundwater and their categories under s. 160.05.

227.01(13)(zc) (zc) Establishes a database under s. 292.31.

227.01(13)(zd) (zd) Establishes procedures for oil inspection fee collection under s. 168.12.

227.01(13)(ze) (ze) Relates to establishing features of and procedures for lottery games, under s. 565.27 (1).

227.01(13)(zf) (zf) Establishes the list of properties on the state register of historic places under s. 44.36 or the list of locally designated historic places under s. 44.45.

227.01(13)(zg) (zg) Designates under s. 30.41 the lower Wisconsin state riverway.

227.01(13)(zh) (zh) Implements the standard for the lower Wisconsin state riverway as required under s. 30.455 (2) (c).

227.01(13)(zi) (zi) Lists responsible units, as defined in s. 287.01 (9), with an effective recycling program under s. 287.11 (3).

227.01(13)(zj) (zj) Establishes continuing educational requirements for real estate brokers and salespersons under s. 452.05 (1) (d).

227.01(13)(zk) (zk) Are guidelines issued under s. 440.035 (2m) (b).

227.01(13)(zn) (zn) Establishes criteria and standards for certifying instructors for the trapper education program.

227.01(13)(zp) (zp) Establishes water quality objectives for priority watersheds or priority lakes under s. 281.65 (4) (dm).

227.01(13)(zq) (zq) Designates the Kickapoo valley reserve under s. 41.41 (2).

227.01(13)(zr) (zr) Relates to the administration or implementation of a cooperative agreement under s. 28.15.

227.01(13)(zs) (zs) Establishes geographical areas under s. 49.143 for the administration of Wisconsin works under ss. 49.141 to 49.161.

227.01(13)(zt) (zt) Establishes a rate increase factor under s. 196.193 (2) or an overall rate of return under s. 196.193 (3).

227.01(13)(zu) (zu) Establishes standards under subch. IX of ch. 254.

227.01(13)(zv) (zv) Specifies the form required under s. 196.137 (4).

227.01(13)(zw) (zw) Determines whether a state law is reciprocal under s. 221.0901 (8) (e) 2. or 221.0904 (3) (b).

227.01(13)(zx) (zx) Determines a fee under s. 440.03 (9) for an initial credential for which no examination is required, for a reciprocal credential, or for a credential renewal.

227.01(13)(zy) (zy) Relates to any form prescribed by the division of banking in the department of financial institutions in connection with the licensing of mortgage bankers or mortgage brokers under s. 224.72 or the licensing of mortgage loan originators under s. 224.725.

227.01(13)(zz) (zz) Adjusts, under s. 551.206, the amounts specified in s. 551.202 (26) (c) 1. a. and b. and (27) (c) 1. a. and b.

227.01(14) (14) “Working day” means any day except Saturday, Sunday and holidays designated in s. 230.35 (4) (a).

227.01 History History: 1985 a. 182; 1987 a. 27, 119, 395, 399, 403; 1989 a. 31, 56, 335, 341; 1991 a. 39, 254, 269, 309, 315; 1993 a. 16, 123, 237, 349, 364, 419, 442, 481, 491; 1995 a. 27, 215, 227, 289, 363; 1997 a. 27, 35, 231, 237; 1999 a. 9, 70; 1999 a. 150 s. 672; 1999 a. 167; 2001 a. 38, 109; 2003 a. 33 ss. 2364, 2813; 2005 a. 217, 418; 2007 a. 20; 2009 a. 2, 28, 219, 391; 2011 a. 14, 32, 118, 167; 2013 a. 20, 22, 52, 101; 2013 a. 116 s. 31; 2013 a. 125, 134, 136; 2013 a. 151 s. 28; 2013 a. 210, 277, 278, 295, 320, 332, 361, 363, 377; 2015 a. 55, 90, 163, 196, 205, 208, 269; 2017 a. 262, 369; 2019 a. 169; 2023 a. 128.

227.01 Annotation A proceeding for the incorporation of a village is not a “contested case” under sub. (3). Westring v. James, 71 Wis. 2d 462, 238 N.W.2d 695 (1976).

227.01 Annotation A flood plain zoning ordinance adopted by the Department of Natural Resources under s. 87.30 (1) was a “rule” under this section. Citizens for Sensible Zoning, Inc. v. DNR, 90 Wis. 2d 804, 280 N.W.2d 702 (1979).

227.01 Annotation A rule: 1) is a regulation, standard, statement of policy, or general order; 2) is of general application; 3) has the effect of law; 4) is issued by an agency; 5) is to implement, interpret, or make specific legislation administered by the agency. The terms “rule” and “order” are mutually exclusive. Wisconsin Electric Power Co. v. DNR, 93 Wis. 2d 222, 287 N.W.2d 113 (1980). See also Cholvin v. Department of Health & Family Services, 2008 WI App 127, 313 Wis. 2d 749, 758 N.W.2d 118, 07-1350.

227.01 Annotation Principles of statutory construction apply to the construction of rules. Law Enforcement Standards Board v. Village of Lyndon Station, 101 Wis. 2d 472, 305 N.W.2d 89 (1981).

227.01 Annotation School boards are not “boards” under sub. (1). Racine Unified School District v. Thompson, 107 Wis. 2d 657, 321 N.W.2d 334 (Ct. App. 1982).

227.01 Annotation When a fundamental and well-defined public policy is evidenced by a rule, a discharge from employment for refusal to violate that rule is actionable. Winkelman v. Beloit Memorial Hospital, 168 Wis. 2d 12, 483 N.W.2d 211 (1992).

227.01 Annotation Applying the definition of “rule” under sub. (13). Plumbing Apprenticeship Committee v. DILHR, 172 Wis. 2d 299, 493 N.W.2d 744 (Ct. App. 1992).

227.01 Annotation Materials developed by an agency as a reference aid for its staff that are couched in terms of advice and guidelines rather than setting forth law-like pronouncements are not a rule within the meaning of sub. (13) because they are not intended to have the effect of law. Chenequa Land Conservancy, Inc. v. Village of Hartland, 2004 WI App 144, 275 Wis. 2d 533, 685 N.W.2d 573, 03-2486.

227.01 Annotation An emergency order issued by the secretary of the Department of Health Services under s. 252.02 was a general order of general application within the meaning of sub. (13). Wisconsin Legislature v. Palm, 2020 WI 42, 391 Wis. 2d 497, 942 N.W.2d 900, 20-0765. See also Tavern League of Wisconsin, Inc. v. Palm, 2021 WI 33, 396 Wis. 2d 434, 957 N.W.2d 261, 20-1742.

227.01 Annotation If an agency’s policy meets the five-part definition of a rule, the policy is invalid and unenforceable when it has not been promulgated according to statutory rulemaking procedures. Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Inc. v. DNR, 2024 WI App 18, 411 Wis. 2d 462, 5 N.W.3d 903, 22-0718.

227.01 Annotation In determining whether an agency’s policy meets the five-part definition of a rule, a policy is “of general application” if the class is described in general terms and new members can be added to the class. Additionally, a policy can apply to all applicants even though it may affect only some of them. Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Inc. v. DNR, 2024 WI App 18, 411 Wis. 2d 462, 5 N.W.3d 903, 22-0718.

227.01 Annotation In determining whether an agency’s policy meets the five-part definition of a rule, the agency’s policy has the “effect of law” when criminal or civil sanctions can result as a violation; when licensure can be denied; and when the interest of individuals in a class can be legally affected through enforcement of the agency action. Moreover, statements using express mandatory language are more than informational. In those provisions, the agency speaks with an official voice intended to have the effect of law. Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Inc. v. DNR, 2024 WI App 18, 411 Wis. 2d 462, 5 N.W.3d 903, 22-0718.

227.01 Annotation If an administrative rule is properly adopted and is within the power of the legislature to delegate, there is no material difference between it and a law. 63 Atty. Gen. 159.

227.01 Annotation Agencies are subject to rule-making procedures in making discretionary choices even if those choices are based on opinions of the attorney general. Rule-making procedures do not apply if the opinion describes what a law mandates. 68 Atty. Gen. 363.

227.01 Annotation Regulatory Reform: Moving Policymaking from State Agencies to the Legislature. Jensen. Wis. Law. Oct. 2018.

227.02 227.02 Compliance with other statutes. Compliance with this chapter does not eliminate the necessity of complying with a procedure required by another statute.

227.02 History History: 1985 a. 182.

227.02 Annotation This chapter contemplates the limited use of civil procedure statutes that do not conflict with this chapter. Wagner v. State Medical Examining Board, 181 Wis. 2d 633, 511 N.W.2d 874 (1994).

227.03 227.03 Application of this chapter.

227.03(1) (1) This chapter applies to cases arising under s. 76.38, 1993 stats., and ss. 76.39 and 76.48.

227.03(2) (2) Except as provided in s. 108.105, only the provisions of this chapter relating to rules are applicable to matters arising out of s. 66.191, 1981 stats., s. 40.65 (2), 289.33, 303.07 (7) or 303.21 or subch. II of ch. 107 or ch. 102, 108 or 949.

227.03(3) (3) Any provision of s. 227.42, 227.44 or 227.49 that is inconsistent with a requirement of title 45 of the code of federal regulations does not apply to hearings held under ch. 49.

227.03(3m) (3m) 

227.03(3m)(a) (a) This chapter does not apply to proceedings before the department of workforce development relating to housing discrimination under s. 106.50, except as provided in s. 106.50 (6).

227.03(3m)(b) (b) Only the provisions of this chapter relating to rules are applicable to matters arising out of protection against discrimination in a public place of accommodation or amusement under s. 106.52.

227.03(4) (4) The provisions of this chapter relating to contested cases do not apply to proceedings involving the revocation of community supervision or aftercare supervision under s. 938.357 (5), the revocation of parole, extended supervision, or probation, the grant of probation, prison discipline, mandatory release under s. 302.11, or any other proceeding involving the care and treatment of a resident or an inmate of a correctional institution.

227.03(4m) (4m) Subchapter III does not apply to any decision of an agency to suspend or restrict or not issue or renew a license if the agency suspends or restricts or does not issue or renew the license pursuant to a memorandum of understanding entered into under s. 49.857.

227.03(5) (5) This chapter does not apply to proceedings of the claims board, except as provided in ss. 775.05 (5), 775.06 (7) and 775.11 (2).

227.03(6) (6) Orders of the elections commission under s. 5.06 (6) are not subject to this chapter.

227.03(7) (7) Except as provided in s. 230.44 (4) (bm), this chapter does not apply to proceedings before the employment relations commission in matters that are arbitrated in accordance with s. 230.44 (4) (bm).

227.03(7m) (7m) Except as provided in s. 292.63 (6s), this chapter does not apply to proceedings in matters that are arbitrated under s. 292.63 (6s).

227.03(8) (8) This chapter does not apply to determinations made by the secretary of administration or the secretary of revenue under s. 229.50 (1).

227.03 History History: 1985 a. 182; 1989 a. 31; 1991 a. 32, 295; 1993 a. 16, 263, 377; 1995 a. 27 ss. 6224 to 6226m, 9130 (4); 1995 a. 77, 227, 351; 1997 a. 3, 191, 237, 283; 1999 a. 82; 2003 a. 33; 2007 a. 1; 2013 a. 20, 334; 2015 a. 55, 118, 216.

227.04 227.04 Considerations for small business.

227.04(1) (1) In this section:

227.04(1)(a) (a) “Minor violation” means a rule violation that does not cause serious harm to the public, is committed by a small business, and the violation is not willful, the violation is not likely to be repeated, there is a history of compliance by the violator, or the small business has voluntarily disclosed the violation.

227.04(1)(b) (b) “Small business” has the meaning given in s. 227.114 (1).

227.04(2m) (2m) 

227.04(2m)(a) (a) Each agency shall promulgate a rule that requires the agency to disclose in advance the discretion that the agency will follow in the enforcement of rules against a small business that has committed a minor violation. The rule promulgated under this subsection may include the reduction or waiver of penalties for a voluntary disclosure, by a small business, of actual or potential violations of rules.

227.04(2m)(b) (b) The rule promulgated under this subsection shall specify the situations in which the agency will allow discretion in the enforcement of a rule against a small business that has committed a minor violation. The rule shall consider the following criteria for allowing discretion in the enforcement of the rule and the assessment of a penalty, including a forfeiture, fine, or interest:

227.04(2m)(b)1. 1. The difficulty and cost of compliance with the rule by the small business.