EmR0925 Creates s. Ins 3.75, relating to continuation of group health insurance policies.  

  • Hearing Date:   February 25, 2010
    Earned Release Review Commission
    (Formerly Parole Commission)
    EmR0940 — Rule adopted revising Chapter PAC 1 , relating to the release of inmates through parole or other procedures.
    Finding of Emergency
    The Wisconsin Earned Release Review Commission finds that an emergency exists and that emergency rules are necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, safety and welfare. A statement of facts constituting the emergency is:
    Under 2009 Wisconsin Act 28 , the legislature provides for the release of inmates from prison if certain criteria are met. The Earned Release Review Commission (formerly the Parole Commission) is responsible for implementing several of those procedures. Specifically, the commission is responsible for considering the early release of inmates under: (1) section 304.06 (1) (bg)1. and 2. , Stats., after the inmate has served the term of confinement of their bifurcated sentence less positive adjustment time, (2) section 304.06 (1) (bg) 3. and 4. , Stats., after the inmate has served either 75 % or 85 % of their term of confinement, depending on the offense for which the inmate was sentenced, and (3) section 302.1135 (2) (a) , (b) , and (c) , Stats., based on age or extraordinary health.
    If the rule is not created promptly and immediately, the commission will not be able to proceed in reviewing inmates under these various release procedures. This could result in significant delay in the implementation of the statutory provisions which will negatively impact the ability of the department of corrections to manage the inmate population in a safe and effective manner. In addition, a delay will affect the management and control of inmate population levels of correctional facilities with the resources necessary to maintain public safety.
    The purpose of the emergency rule is to implement newly created statutory provisions providing for release of inmates under specified circumstances. The permanent rule process has been started. However, the permanent rule process will take approximately nine months to complete. Emergency rules are necessary to respond the legislatively recognized need to review inmates who meet the requirements under the statutes for potential release while the permanent rules are being developed.
    Publication Date:   December 31, 2009
    Effective Dates:   December 31, 2009
      through May 29, 2010
    Extension Through:   September 26, 2010
    Hearing Date:   February 23, 2010
    Government Accountability Board (2)
    1.   EmR1016 — Rule adopted to create section GAB 1.91 , relating to organizations making independent disbursements.
    Finding of Emergency
    Pursuant to s. 227.24 , Stats., the Government Accountability Board finds an emergency exists as a result of the United States Supreme Court decision Citizens United v. FEC , 558 U.S. ___, (No. 08-205)(January 21, 2010). Within the context of ch. 11 , Stats, the rule provides direction to organizations receiving contributions for independent disbursements or making independent disbursements. Comporting with Citizens United, this emergency rule order does not treat persons making independent disbursements as full political action committees or individuals under s. 11.05 , Stats., for the purposes of registration and reporting. With respect to contributions or in-kind contributions received, this emergency rule order requires organizations to disclose only donations "made for" political purposes, but not donations received for other purposes.
    The Board adopts the legislature's policy findings of s. 11.001 , Stats., emphasizing that one of the most important sources of information to voters about candidates is available through the campaign finance reporting system. The Board further finds that it is necessary to codify registration, reporting and disclaimer requirements for organizations receiving contributions for independent disbursements or making independent disbursements so that the campaign finance information is available to voters. The rule must be adopted immediately to ensure the public peace and welfare with respect to the administration of current and future elections.
    Publication Date:   May 20, 2010
    Effective Dates:   May 20, 2010 through
      October 16, 2010
    Extension Through:   December 15, 2010
    Hearing Date:   August 30, 2010
    2.   EmR1035 — Rule adopted to repeal and recreate Chapter GAB 4 , relating to observers at a polling place or other location where votes are being cast, counted or recounted.
    Finding of Emergency
    The Government Accountability Board repeals and recreates chapter GAB 4, Election observers, to establish guidelines for election inspectors and observers alike regarding observation by "any member of the public" of the public aspects of the voting process and regarding the conduct of observers at polling places and other locations where observation of the public aspects of the voting process may take place. The Board finds that an emergency exists and that an emergency rule is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or welfare. A statement of the facts constituting the emergency is:
    Pursuant to s. 227.24 , Stats., the Government Accountability Board finds that an emergency exists in the Board's May 5, 2008 decision to decline to reaffirm the administrative rule ElBd 4.01 because the rule was inconsistent with the requirements of its enabling statute, s. 7.41 , Stats. The statute states that any member of the public is allowed to be present at the polls on Election Day to observe; however, it does not specify standards of conduct by which observers must abide.
    The Board further finds that given the public interest in the 2010 General Election, the expected high turnout, the increasing use of observers in the polling place, and the comments of municipal and county clerks regarding the obstacles observers can pose to the orderly conduct of elections, it is necessary to codify standards to regulate the observers' conduct and that the attached rule governing observer conduct must be adopted prior to the General Election to ensure the public peace and safety with respect to the administration of the fall elections.
    Publication Date:   September 24, 2010
    Effective Dates:   September 24, 2010 through
      February 20, 2011
    Insurance (3)
    1.   EmR0925 — Rule adopted to create section Ins 3.75 , relating to continuation of group health insurance policies.
    Exemption From Finding of Emergency
    Under 2009 Wisconsin Act 11 , section 9126 , a Finding of Emergency is not required for this emergency rule. The relevant portion of 2009 Act 11 reads as follows:
    2009 Wisconsin Act 11 , SECTION 9126. 0 Nonstatutory provisions; Insurance.
    (4) Continuation coverage rules. (a) Notwithstanding section 632.897 of the statutes and subsections (1), (2), and (3), the commissioner of insurance may promulgate rules establishing standards requiring insurers to provide continuation of coverage for any individual covered at any time under a group policy who is a state eligible individual to whom subsection (2) or (3) applies or an assistance eligible individual, as defined under section 3001 (a) (3) of the federal act, including rules governing election or extension of election periods, notice, rates, premiums, premium payment, application of preexisting condition exclusions, and election of alternative coverage.
    (b) The commissioner may promulgate the rules under paragraph (a) as emergency rules under section 227.24 of the statutes. Notwithstanding section 227.24 (1) (c) of the statutes, emergency rules promulgated under this paragraph may remain in effect for one year and may be extended under section 227.24 (2) of the statutes. Notwithstanding section 227.24 (1) (a) and (3) of the statutes, the commissioner is not required to provide evidence that promulgating a rule under this paragraph as an emergency rule is necessary for the preservation of public peace, health, safety, or welfare and is not required to provide a finding of emergency for a rule promulgated under this paragraph . [Emphasis Added]
    Publication Date:   October 1, 2009
    Effective Dates:   October 2, 2009
      through October 1, 2010
    Extension Through:   November 29, 2010
    Hearing Date:   December 8, 2009
    2.   EmR0945 — Rule adopted revising section Ins 3.75 , relating to the continuation of group health insurance policies.
    Exemption From Finding of Emergency
    Under 2009 Wisconsin Act 11 , section 9126 , a Finding of Emergency is not required for this emergency rule. The relevant portion of 2009 Act 11 reads as follows:
    2009 Wisconsin Act 11 , SECTION 9126 . 0 Nonstatutory provisions; Insurance.
    (4) CONTINUATION COVERAGE RULES (a) Notwithstanding section 632.897 of the statutes and subsections (1), (2), and (3), the commissioner of insurance may promulgate rules establishing standards requiring insurers to provide continuation of coverage for any individual covered at any time under a group policy who is a state eligible individual to whom subsection (2) or (3) applies or an assistance eligible individual, as defined under section 3001 (a) (3) of the federal act, including rules governing election or extension of election periods, notice, rates, premiums, premium payment, application of preexisting condition exclusions, and election of alternative coverage.
    (b) The commissioner may promulgate the rules under paragraph (a) as emergency rules under section 227.24 of the statutes. Notwithstanding section 227.24 (1) (c) of the statutes, emergency rules promulgated under this paragraph may remain in effect for one year and may be extended under section 227.24 (2) of the statutes. Notwithstanding section 227.24 (1) (a) and (3) of the statutes, the commissioner is not required to provide evidence that promulgating a rule under this paragraph as an emergency rule is necessary for the preservation of public peace, health, safety, or welfare and is not required to provide a finding of emergency for a rule promulgated under this paragraph . [Emphasis Added]
    Publication Date:   January 7, 2010
    Effective Dates:   January 8, 2010 through
      January 7, 2011
    Hearing Date:   May 5, 2010
    3.   EmR1020 — Rule adopted to revise Chapter Ins 17 , relating to annual injured patients and families compensation fund fees and medical mediation panel fees for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010, and may have an effect on small business.
    Finding of Emergency
    The Commissioner of Insurance finds that an emergency exists and that an emergency rule is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or welfare. Facts constituting the emergency are as follows:
    These changes must be in place with an effective date of July 1, 2010 for the new fiscal year assessments. The fiscal year fees were established by the Board of Governors at a meeting on May 18, 2010.
    Publication Date:   June 15, 2010
    Effective Dates:   June 15, 2010
      through November 11, 2010
    Extension Through:   January 1, 2011
    Hearing Date:   July 19, 2010
    Military Affairs
    EmR1030 — Rule adopted to create Chapter DMA 1 , relating to military family financial aid.
    Exemption From Finding of Emergency
    Under 2009 Wisconsin Act 28 , section 9136 , a Finding of Emergency is not required for this emergency rule. The relevant portion of 2009 Act 28 reads as follows:
    2009 Wisconsin Act 28 , Section 9136 . Nonstatutory provisions; Military Affairs.
    (2c) EMERGENCY RULE; MILITARY FAMILY FINANCIAL AID. Using the procedure under section 227.24 of the statutes, the department of military affairs shall promulgate the rules described under section 321.45 (2) of the statutes, as created by this act, for the period before the permanent rules become effective, but not to exceed the period authorized under section 227.24 (1) (c) and (2) of the statutes. Notwithstanding section 227.24 (1) (a) , (2) (b) , and (3) of the statutes, the department of military affairs is not required to provide evidence that promulgating a rule under this subsection as an emergency rule is necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or welfare and is not required to provide a finding of emergency for the rules promulgated under this subsection. [Emphasis added]
    Publication Date:   July 26, 2010
    Effective Dates:   July 26, 2010 through
      December 22, 2010
    Hearing Date:   October 13, 2010
    Natural Resources (6)
    Fish, Game, etc., Chs. NR 1—
    1.   EmR1014 — Rule adopted to create section NR 45.13 (1m) (d) , relating to the establishment of a slow-no-wake zone on the Wisconsin River at the Dells of Wisconsin River state natural area.
    Finding of Emergency
    The Department of Natural Resources finds that and emergency exists and that an emergency rule is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or welfare. A statement of the facts constituting the emergency is: Based on information received by the Department, user conflicts are increasing. Failure to enact this rule could lead to additional boating accidents and potential for injury during the upcoming high use season.
    Publication Date:   May 20, 2010
    Effective Dates:   May 20, 2010 through
      October 16, 2010
    Hearing Date:   June 22, 2010
    2.   EmR1028 — Rule adopted to amend s. NR 10.104 (7) (a) , relating to the use of archery deer hunting licenses.
    Finding of Emergency
    The emergency rule procedure, pursuant to s. 227.24 , Stats., is necessary and justified in establishing rules to protect the public welfare. Deer populations are well below goal in much of northeast Wisconsin, causing great concern from hunters and others who value deer. This rule is one of the ways the department is trying to rebuild the populations there. The federal government and state legislature have delegated to the appropriate agencies rule-making authority to control and regulate hunting wild animals. The State of Wisconsin must provide publications describing the regulations for deer hunting to approximately 250,000 archery deer hunters prior to the start of the season. These regulations must be legally in effect prior to printing nearly 1 million copies of the regulations publication. The timeline for the permanent version of this rule will not have it in effect in time for these deadlines.
    Publication Date:   July 8, 2010
    Effective Dates:   July 8, 2010 through
      December 4, 2010
    Hearing Date:   August 30, 2010
    3.   EmR1033 — Rule adopted to revise section NR 10.01 (1) , relating to hunting and the 2010 migratory game bird seasons and waterfowl hunting zones.
    Finding of Emergency
    The emergency rule procedure, pursuant to s. 227.24 , Stats., is necessary and justified in establishing rules to protect the public welfare. The federal government and state legislature have delegated to the appropriate agencies rule-making authority to control the hunting of migratory birds. The State of Wisconsin must comply with federal regulations in the establishment of migratory bird hunting seasons and conditions. Federal regulations are not made available to this state until mid-August of each year. This order is designed to bring the state hunting regulations to conformity with the federal regulations. Normal rule-making procedures will not allow the establishment of these changes by September 1. Failure to modify our rules will result in the failure to provide hunting opportunity and continuation of rules which conflict with federal regulations.
    Publication Date:   September 1, 2010
    Effective Dates:   September 1, 2010 through
      January 28, 2011
    Hearing Date:   October 26, 2010
    4 .   EmR1036 — Rule adopted to create s. NR 40.04 (2) (g) relating to the identification, classification and control of invasive species.
    Exemption From Finding of Emergency
    Section 227.24 (1) (a) , Stats., authorizes state agencies to promulgate a rule as an emergency rule without complying with the notice, hearing and publication requirements under ch. 227 , Stats., if preservation of the public peace, health, safety or welfare necessitates putting the rule into effect prior to the time it would take effect if the agency complied with the procedures. However, s. 23.22 (2t) (a) , Stats., authorizes the department to promulgate emergency rules to identify, classify, or control an invasive species without having to provide evidence that an emergency rule is necessary for the preservation of public peace, health, safety, or welfare or to provide a finding of emergency. In addition, such emergency rules may remain in effect until whichever of the following occurs first: the first day of the 25th month beginning after the effective date of the emergency rule, the effective date of the repeal of the emergency rule, or the date on which the permanent rule identifying, classifying, or controlling the invasive species, promulgated under s. 23.22 (2) (b) 6. , Stats., takes effect.
    Publication Date:   September 29, 2010
    Effective Dates:   September 29, 2010
      through: See bold text above
    Hearing Dates:   October 25 to 29, 2010
    5.   EmR1037 — Rule adopted to create s. NR 27.03 (3) (a) relating to adding cave bats to Wisconsin's threatened species list.
    Finding of Emergency
    The emergency rule procedure, pursuant to s. 227.24 , Wis. Stats., is necessary and justified in establishing rules to protect the public welfare. The proposed rule change seeks to provide protection to Wisconsin cave bat species, which face the imminent threat of white-nose syndrome. White-nose syndrome has spread across 14 states and 2 Canadian provinces in the last 3 years, spreading up to 800 miles per year. Mortality rates of affected bat colonies reach 100%. The disease was located last spring within 225 miles of the Wisconsin's southern boarder and 300 miles from the northern boarder. Because the known dispersal distance of the little brown bat is 280 miles, an affected cave is now located within the dispersal range of Wisconsin little brown bats. Listing the cave bat species before white-nose syndrome has been detected in Wisconsin will allow the Department time to work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure that appropriate conservation measures are developed and in place when white-nose syndrome is first detected. Because of the speed of white-nose syndrome, the Department would not have time to develop appropriate conservation measures if normal rule-making procedures were used and listing was delayed until after white-nose syndrome was detected in Wisconsin. Based on the current location and known rate of spread of the disease, we anticipate the presence of white-nose syndrome in Wisconsin as early as January 2011.
    Publication Date:   September 29, 2010
    Effective Dates:   September 29, 2010 through
      February 25, 2011
    Hearing Dates:   October 25 to 29, 2010
    6.   EmR1039 — Rule adopted to create s. NR 40.02 (7g) , (7r) , (25m) , (28m) and (46m) , 40.04 (3m) and 40.07 (8) relating to the identification, classification and control of invasive bat species.
    Exemption From Finding of Emergency
    Section 227.24 (1) (a) , Stats., authorizes state agencies to promulgate a rule as an emergency rule without complying with the notice, hearing and publication requirements under ch. 227 , Stats., if preservation of the public peace, health, safety or welfare necessitates putting the rule into effect prior to the time it would take effect if the agency complied with the procedures. However, s. 23.22 (2t) (a) , Stats., authorizes the department to promulgate emergency rules to identify, classify, or control an invasive species without having to provide evidence that an emergency rule is necessary for the preservation of public peace, health, safety, or welfare or to provide a finding of emergency. In addition, such emergency rules may remain in effect until whichever of the following occurs first: the first day of the 25th month beginning after the effective date of the emergency rule, the effective date of the repeal of the emergency rule, or the date on which the permanent rule identifying, classifying, or controlling the invasive species, promulgated under s. 23.22 (2) (b) 6. , Stats., takes effect.
    Publication Date:   November 3, 2010
    Effective Dates:   November 3, 2010 through
      See bold text above
    Hearing Date:   November 29, 2010
    (See Notice Register 658 , October 31, 2010)
    Public Instruction (2)
    1.   EmR1018 — Rule adopted to create Chapter PI 45 , relating to the use of race-based nicknames, logos, mascots, and team names by school boards.
    Finding of Emergency
    Pursuant to Section 3 of the nonstatutory provisions of 2009 Wisconsin Act 250 , the Department of Public Instruction is not required to provide evidence that this rule is necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or welfare and is not required to provide a finding of emergency.
    Publication Date:   June 1, 2010
    Effective Dates:   June 1, 2010 through
      October 28, 2010
    Extension Through:   December 27, 2010
    Hearing Date:   July 29, 2010
    2.   EmR1023 — Rule adopted creating Chapter PI 43 , relating to education reform.
    Finding of Emergency
    The Department of Public Instruction finds that an emergency exists and that an emergency rule is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public welfare. The facts constituting the emergency are as follows:
    2009 Wisconsin Act 215 requires the state superintendent to promulgate rules establishing criteria and procedures for determining whether a school or school district is in need of improvement and whether a school is among the lowest performing 5 percent of all public schools in the state. The Act became effective May 14, 2010 and review by the various interest groups was completed June 18, 2010. Rules must be in place as soon as possible to establish identification criteria prior to the upcoming school year.
    Publication Date:   June 28, 2010
    Effective Dates:   June 28, 2010 through
      November 24, 2010
    Extension Through:   January 23, 2011
    Hearing Date:   July 27, 2010
    Regulation and Licensing (4)
    1.   EmR0827 — Rule adopted creating s. RL 91.01 (3) (k) , relating to training and proficiency in the use of automated external defibrillators for certification as a massage therapist or bodyworker.
    Exemption From Finding of Emergency
    Section 41 (2) (b) of the nonstatutory provisions of 2007 Wisconsin Act 104 provides that notwithstanding section 227.24 (1) (a) and (3) of the statutes, the department of regulation and licensing is not required to provide evidence that promulgating a rule as an emergency rule is necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or welfare and is not required to provide a finding of emergency for a rule promulgated to implement 2007 Wisconsin Act 104 . Notwithstanding s. 227.24 (1) (c) and (2) of the statutes, these emergency rules will remain in effect until the date on which the final rules take effect.
    Publication Date:   September 10, 2008
    Effective Dates:   September 10, 2008
      through the date on which
      the final rules take effect
    Hearing Dates:   November 26, 2008
      April 13, 2009
    2.   EmR0828 — Rules adopted to amend s. RL 181.01 (2) (c) ; and to create ss. RL 180.02 (1m) , (3m) and (11) , 181.01 (1) (d) , (2) (c) 1. and 2. , relating to training and proficiency in the use of automated external defibrillators for licensure as a licensed midwife.
    Exemption From Finding of Emergency
    Section 41 (2) (b) of the nonstatutory provisions of 2007 Wisconsin Act 104 provides that notwithstanding section 227.24 (1) (a) and (3) of the statutes, the department of regulation and licensing is not required to provide evidence that promulgating a rule as an emergency rule is necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or welfare and is not required to provide a finding of emergency for a rule promulgated to implement 2007 Wisconsin Act 104 . Notwithstanding s. 227.24 (1) (c) and (2) of the statutes, these emergency rules will remain in effect until the date on which the final rules take effect.
    Publication Date:   September 10, 2008
    Effective Dates:   September 10, 2008
      through the date on which
      the final rules take effect
    Hearing Date:   November 26, 2008
    3.   EmR1031 — Rule adopted revising Chapters RL 110 to 116 , relating to the regulation of professional boxing contests.
    Exemption From Finding of Emergency
    The Department of Regulation and Licensing, pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 111 , is not required to provide evidence that an emergency exists nor provide evidence that promulgating a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or welfare.
    Publication Date:   August 25, 2010
    Effective Dates:   September 1, 2010 through
      January 28, 2011
    Hearing Date:   September 20, 2010
    4.   EmR1032 — Rule adopted creating Chapters RL 192 to 196 , relating to the regulation of mixed martial arts sporting events.
    Exemption From Finding of Emergency
    The Department of Regulation and Licensing, pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 111 , is not required to provide evidence that an emergency exists nor provide evidence that promulgating a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or welfare.
    Publication Date:   August 26, 2010
    Effective Dates:   September 1, 2010 through
      January 28, 2011
    Hearing Date:   September 20, 2010
    Technical College System Board
    EmR1025 — Rule adopted to amend Chapter TCS 17 , relating to training program grant funds.
    Finding of Emergency
    The Wisconsin Technical College System Board finds that an emergency exists and that an emergency rule is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety or welfare. A statement of the facts constituting an emergency is:
    In May 2010, the Wisconsin C.O.R.E. Jobs Act provided an additional $1 million GPR for the training program grants authorized in Wis. Stats. §§ 20.292 (1) (eh) and 38.41 . These funds were provided to address a critical need of Wisconsin employers for skills training and education necessary to protect the state's economic vitality and health, with a special emphasis on advanced manufacturing and welding.
    The WTCS Board is required to award these funds by June 30, 2011, the end of the current 2009-11 biennium. In addition, s. TCS 17.06 (1) , Wis. Adm. Code, requires that district boards or employers receiving skills training or education under the grant shall contribute matching funds, other than in-kind matching funds, equal to at least 25% of total approved project costs.
    Due to the sustained decline in economic conditions and reduction in business revenues, technical college districts report that employers are withdrawing participation in approved training grants because of an inability to fund the 25% match. Therefore, to ensure that business and incumbent workers in need of skills training and other education may access these services and that appropriated funds are distributed to technical college districts for this purpose before the end of the fiscal year, emergency administrative rules eliminating the 25% match requirement must be established immediately.
    Publication Date:   July 2, 2010
    Effective Dates:   July 2, 2010 through
      November 28, 2010
    Hearing Date:   September 28, 2010
    Transportation
    EmR1017 — Rule adopted to create section Trans 100.25 , relating to mandatory insurance exemptions.
    Finding of Emergency
    The Department of Transportation finds that an emergency exists and that an emergency rule is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health and welfare. A statement of the facts constituting the emergency is the requirements of the mandatory insurance laws in Chapter 344 , Stats., as created by 2009 Wis. Act 28 , contain exceptions to furnishing proof of a motor vehicle liability insurance policy. This emergency rule defines the administration of those exceptions. These mandatory insurance requirements, and the exceptions, are effective June 1, 2010, thereby necessitating an emergency rule being put into place until the effective date of the permanent rule. Clarification of the mechanism to be used to qualify for an exception under the new statute will be useful to persons wishing to file for an exception. Persons whose religious beliefs preclude them from buying insurance will benefit from this rule making.
    Publication Date:   June 1, 2010
    Effective Dates:   June 1, 2010 through
      October 28, 2010
    Extension Through:   December 1, 2010
    Hearing Date:   June 24, 2010