Administrative Rules Frequently Asked Questions

An “administrative rule” is a regulation, standard, policy statement or order of general application promulgated by a state agency that has the effect of law.

A proposed rule is the Department’s proposal to create a new rule or to revise an existing rule.

An emergency rule is a temporary rule that the Department has determined to be necessary to immediately preserve the public peace, health, safety or welfare.

The rulemaking process for a permanent rule can take up to two years. This period may be shorter or longer depending on the length and complexity of the rule, and the date the rule is submitted to the legislature.

The rulemaking process for an emergency rule can take up to 4 months. This period may be shorter or longer depending on the length and complexity of the rule.

A public information meeting is an event scheduled by Department staff to provide information to the public or to gather public input before an administrative rule is developed in draft form.

A public listening session is an event scheduled by Department staff to gather public input on a rule proposal either before or after the rule is in draft form.

An advisory group meeting is a meeting scheduled by Department staff with a group that the Department has established to help develop proposed rules.

A “small business,” as defined under Wis. Stat. § 227.114(1), is a business entity, including its affiliates, which is independently owned and operated, not dominant in its field, and employs 25 or fewer full-time employees or has gross annual sales of less than $5,000,000.