Chapter 304

304.16(3)(c) (c) The interstate commission shall consist of commissioners selected and appointed by resident members of the state board for their respective states. In addition to the commissioners who are the voting representatives of each state, the interstate commission shall include individuals who are not commissioners but who are members of interested organizations. Noncommissioner members shall include a member of the national organizations of governors, legislators, state chief justices, attorneys general, and crime victims. All noncommissioner members of the interstate commission shall be nonvoting members. The interstate commission may provide in its bylaws for such additional, nonvoting members as it considers necessary.

304.16(3)(d) (d) Each compacting state represented at any meeting of the interstate commission is entitled to one vote. A majority of the compacting states shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless a larger quorum is required by the bylaws of the interstate commission. The interstate commission shall meet at least once each year. The chairperson may call additional meetings and, upon the request of 27 or more compacting states, shall call additional meetings. Public notice shall be given of all meetings and, except as provided in sub. (7) (f), meetings shall be open to the public.

304.16(3)(e) (e) The interstate commission shall establish an executive committee, which shall include commission officers, members, and others as determined by the bylaws. The executive committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the interstate commission during periods when the interstate commission is not in session, with the exception of rule making or amendments to the compact. The executive committee oversees the day-to-day activities managed by the executive director and interstate commission staff, administers enforcement and compliance with the provisions of the compact, with its bylaws, and as directed by the interstate commission, and performs other duties as directed by the interstate commission or set forth in the bylaws.

304.16(4) (4) Article IV — The State Board. There is created an interstate adult offender supervision board under s. 15.145 (3), which shall be responsible for the appointment of the commissioner who shall serve on the interstate commission from this state. The state board shall appoint as its commissioner the compact administrator from this state to serve on the interstate commission in such capacity under applicable law of the member state. While each member state may determine the membership of its own state board, its membership must include at least the state’s compact administrator and one representative from the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government and victims groups. Each compacting state retains the right to determine the qualifications of the compact administrator, who shall be appointed by the governor in consultation with the legislature and the judiciary. In addition to appointing its commissioner to the interstate commission, the state board shall exercise oversight and advocacy concerning its participation in interstate commission activities and other duties as may be determined by each member state, including the development of policy concerning operations and procedures of the compact within that state.

304.16(5) (5) Article V — Powers and Duties of the Interstate Commission. The interstate commission shall have all of the following powers:

304.16(5)(a) (a) To adopt a seal and suitable bylaws governing the management and operation of the interstate commission.

304.16(5)(b) (b) To promulgate rules, which shall have the force and effect of statutory law and shall be binding in the compacting states to the extent and in the manner provided in this compact.

304.16(5)(c) (c) To oversee, supervise, and coordinate the interstate movement of offenders subject to the terms of this compact and to any bylaws adopted and rules promulgated by the interstate commission.

304.16(5)(d) (d) To enforce compliance with compact provisions and interstate commission rules and bylaws, using all necessary and proper means, including the use of judicial process.

304.16(5)(e) (e) To establish and maintain offices.

304.16(5)(f) (f) To purchase and maintain insurance and bonds.

304.16(5)(g) (g) To borrow, accept, or contract for services of personnel, including members and their staffs.

304.16(5)(h) (h) To establish and appoint committees and hire staff that it considers necessary for carrying out its functions, including an executive committee as required by sub. (3) (e).

304.16(5)(i) (i) To elect or appoint officers, attorneys, employees, agents, or consultants and to fix their compensation, define their duties, and determine their qualifications.

304.16(5)(j) (j) To establish the interstate commission’s personnel policies and programs relating to, among other things, conflicts of interest, rates of compensation, and qualifications of personnel.

304.16(5)(k) (k) To accept, receive, utilize, and dispose of donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services.

304.16(5)(L) (L) To lease, purchase, or accept contributions or donations of, or otherwise own, hold, improve, or use, any property, whether real, personal, or mixed.

304.16(5)(m) (m) To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property, whether real, personal, or mixed.

304.16(5)(n) (n) To establish a budget and to make expenditures and levy assessments as provided in sub. (10).

304.16(5)(o) (o) To sue and be sued.

304.16(5)(p) (p) To provide for dispute resolution among compacting states.

304.16(5)(q) (q) To perform such functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this compact.

304.16(5)(r) (r) To report annually to the legislatures, governors, judiciary, and state councils or boards of the compacting states concerning the activities of the interstate commission during the preceding year. Such reports shall include also any recommendations adopted by the interstate commission.

304.16(5)(s) (s) To coordinate education, training, and public awareness regarding the interstate movement of offenders for officials involved in such activity.

304.16(5)(t) (t) To establish uniform standards for the reporting, collecting, and exchanging of data.

304.16(6) (6) Article VI — Organization and Operation of the Interstate Commission.

304.16(6)(a) (a) Bylaws. The interstate commission shall, by a majority of the members and within 12 months after the first interstate commission meeting, adopt bylaws to govern its conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the compact, including bylaws that do any of the following:

304.16(6)(a)1. 1. Establish the fiscal year of the interstate commission.

304.16(6)(a)2. 2. Establish an executive committee and other committees as may be necessary.

304.16(6)(a)3. 3. Provide reasonable standards and procedures for doing all of the following:

304.16(6)(a)3.a. a. Establishing committees.

304.16(6)(a)3.b. b. Governing any general or specific delegation of any authority or function of the interstate commission.

304.16(6)(a)4. 4. Provide reasonable procedures for calling and conducting meetings of the interstate commission and for ensuring reasonable notice of each meeting.

304.16(6)(a)5. 5. Establish the titles and responsibilities of the officers of the interstate commission.

304.16(6)(a)6. 6. Provide reasonable standards and procedures for the establishment of the personnel policies and programs of the interstate commission. Notwithstanding any civil service or other similar laws of any compacting state, the bylaws shall exclusively govern the personnel policies and programs of the interstate commission.

304.16(6)(a)7. 7. Provide a mechanism for winding up the operations of the interstate commission and the equitable return of any surplus funds that may exist upon the termination of the compact after the payment or the reserving of all of its debts and obligations.

304.16(6)(a)8. 8. Provide for the initial administration of the compact.

304.16(6)(a)9. 9. Establish standards and procedures for compliance and technical assistance in carrying out the compact.

304.16(6)(b) (b) Officers and staff.

304.16(6)(b)1. 1. The interstate commission shall, by a majority of the members, elect from among its members a chairperson and a vice chairperson, each of whom shall have such authority and duties as may be specified in the bylaws. The chairperson or, in his or her absence or disability, the vice chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the interstate commission. The officers so elected shall serve without compensation or remuneration from the interstate commission. Subject to the availability of budgeted funds, the officers shall be reimbursed for any actual and necessary costs and expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties and responsibilities as officers of the interstate commission.

304.16(6)(b)2. 2. The interstate commission shall, through its executive committee, appoint or retain an executive director for such period, upon such terms and conditions, and for such compensation as the interstate commission may consider appropriate. The executive director shall serve as secretary to the interstate commission and shall hire and supervise such other staff as may be authorized by the interstate commission but shall not be a member.

304.16(6)(c) (c) Corporate records of the interstate commission. The interstate commission shall maintain its corporate books and records in accordance with the bylaws.

304.16(6)(d) (d) Immunity, defense, and indemnification.

304.16(6)(d)1. 1. The voting and nonvoting members, officers, executive director, and employees of the interstate commission shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage, loss of property, personal injury, or other civil liability caused or arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to protect any such person from suit or liability for any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of any such person.

304.16(6)(d)2. 2. The interstate commission shall defend the commissioner of a compacting state, his or her representatives or employees, and the interstate commission’s representatives or employees in any civil action seeking to impose liability and arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, unless the actual or alleged act, error, or omission resulted from intentional wrongdoing on the part of such person.

304.16(6)(d)3. 3. The interstate commission shall indemnify and hold the commissioner of a compacting state, his or her representatives or employees, and the interstate commission’s representatives or employees harmless in the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against such persons arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, unless the actual or alleged act, error, or omission resulted from intentional wrongdoing on the part of such person.

304.16(7) (7) Article VII — Activities of the Interstate Commission.

304.16(7)(a) (a) The interstate commission shall meet and take such actions as are consistent with the provisions of this compact.

304.16(7)(b) (b) Except as otherwise provided in this compact and unless a greater percentage is required by the bylaws, in order to constitute an act of the interstate commission, such act shall have been taken at a meeting of the interstate commission and shall have received an affirmative vote of a majority of the members present.

304.16(7)(c) (c) Each member of the interstate commission shall have the right and power to cast a vote to which that compacting state is entitled and to participate in the business and affairs of the interstate commission. A member shall vote in person on behalf of the state and shall not delegate a vote to another member state. However, a state board shall appoint another authorized representative, in the absence of the commissioner from that state, to cast a vote on behalf of the member state at a specified meeting. The bylaws may provide for members’ participation in meetings by telephone or other means of telecommunication or electronic communication. Any voting conducted by telephone, or by other means of telecommunication or electronic communication, shall be subject to the same quorum requirements of meetings at which members are present in person.

304.16(7)(d) (d) The interstate commission shall meet at least once during each year. The chairperson of the interstate commission may call additional meetings at any time and, upon the request of a majority of the members, shall call additional meetings.

304.16(7)(e) (e) The interstate commission’s bylaws shall establish conditions and procedures under which the interstate commission shall make its information and official records available to the public for inspection or copying. The interstate commission may exempt from disclosure any information or official records to the extent that they would adversely affect personal privacy rights or proprietary interests. In promulgating such rules, the interstate commission may make available to law enforcement agencies records and information otherwise exempt from disclosure and may enter into agreements with law enforcement agencies to receive or exchange information or records subject to nondisclosure and confidentiality provisions.

304.16(7)(f) (f) Public notice shall be given of all meetings and all meetings shall be open to the public, except as set forth in the rules or as otherwise provided in the compact. The interstate commission shall promulgate rules consistent with the principles contained in the Government in Sunshine Act, 5 USC 552b. The interstate commission and any of its committees may close a meeting to the public if it determines by two-thirds vote that an open meeting would be likely to do any of the following:

304.16(7)(f)1. 1. Relate solely to the interstate commission’s internal personnel practices and procedures.

304.16(7)(f)2. 2. Disclose matters specifically exempted from disclosure by statute.

304.16(7)(f)3. 3. Disclose a trade secret or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential.

304.16(7)(f)4. 4. Involve accusing any person of a crime or formally censuring any person.

304.16(7)(f)5. 5. Disclose information of a personal nature if disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

304.16(7)(f)6. 6. Disclose investigatory records compiled for law enforcement purposes.

304.16(7)(f)7. 7. Disclose information contained in or related to examination, operating, or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of the interstate commission with respect to a regulated entity for the purpose of regulation or supervision of such entity.

304.16(7)(f)8. 8. Disclose information, the premature disclosure of which would significantly endanger the life of a person or the stability of a regulated entity.

304.16(7)(f)9. 9. Specifically relate to the interstate commission’s issuance of a subpoena or its participation in a civil action or proceeding.

304.16(7)(g) (g) For every meeting closed under par. (f), the interstate commission’s chief legal officer shall publicly certify that, in his or her opinion, the meeting may be closed to the public and shall reference each relevant exemptive provision. The interstate commission shall keep minutes that shall fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in any meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of any actions taken and the reasons therefor, including a description of each of the views expressed on any item and the record of any roll call vote, reflected in the vote of each member on the question. All documents considered in connection with any action shall be identified in such minutes.

304.16(7)(h) (h) The interstate commission shall collect standardized data concerning the interstate movement of offenders as directed through its bylaws and rules that shall specify the data to be collected, the means of collection, and data exchange and reporting requirements.

304.16(8) (8) Article VIII — Rule-making Functions of the Interstate Commission.

304.16(8)(a) (a) The interstate commission shall promulgate rules in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purposes of the compact, including transition rules governing administration of the compact during the period after it becomes effective in which it is being considered and enacted by other states.

304.16(8)(b) (b) Rule making shall occur under the criteria set forth in this subsection and the bylaws and rules adopted under this subsection. Such rule making shall substantially conform to the principles of the federal Administrative Procedure Act, 5 USC 551 to 559, and the federal Advisory Committee Act, P.L. 92-463, reprinted in 5 USC appendix. All rules and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified in each rule or amendment.

304.16(8)(c) (c) If a majority of the legislatures of the compacting states reject a rule, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the compact, then such rule shall have no further force and effect in any compacting state.

304.16(8)(d) (d) When promulgating a rule, the interstate commission shall do all of the following:

304.16(8)(d)1. 1. Publish the proposed rule, stating with particularity the text of the rule that is proposed and the reason for the proposed rule.

304.16(8)(d)2. 2. Allow persons to submit written data, facts, opinions, and arguments, which information shall be publicly available.

304.16(8)(d)3. 3. Provide an opportunity for an informal hearing.

304.16(8)(d)4. 4. Promulgate a final rule and its effective date, if appropriate, based on the rule-making record.

304.16(8)(e) (e) Not later than 60 days after a rule is promulgated, any interested person may file a petition in the U.S. district court for the District of Columbia or in the federal district court for the district in which the interstate commission’s principal office is located for judicial review of such rule. If the court finds that the interstate commission’s action is not supported by substantial evidence, as construed under the federal Administrative Procedure Act, 5 USC 551 to 559, in the rule-making record, the court shall hold the rule unlawful and set it aside.

304.16(8)(f) (f) Subjects to be addressed within 12 months after the first meeting must at a minimum include all of the following:

304.16(8)(f)1. 1. Notice to victims and opportunity to be heard.

304.16(8)(f)2. 2. Offender registration and compliance.

304.16(8)(f)3. 3. Violations and returns.

304.16(8)(f)4. 4. Transfer procedures and forms.

304.16(8)(f)5. 5. Eligibility for transfer.

304.16(8)(f)6. 6. Collection of restitution and fees from offenders.

304.16(8)(f)7. 7. Data collection and reporting.

304.16(8)(f)8. 8. The level of supervision to be provided by the receiving state.

304.16(8)(f)9. 9. Transition rules governing the operation of the compact and the interstate commission during all or part of the period between the effective date of the compact and the date on which the last eligible state adopts the compact.

304.16(8)(f)10. 10. Mediation, arbitration, and dispute resolution.

304.16(8)(g) (g) The existing rules governing the operation of the compact authorized under s. 304.13 (1m) shall be null and void with respect to adult offenders traveling between compacting states 12 months after the first meeting of the interstate commission.

304.16(8)(h) (h) Upon determination by the interstate commission that an emergency exists, it may promulgate an emergency rule, which shall become effective immediately upon adoption, provided that the usual rule-making procedures provided under this subsection shall be retroactively applied to the rule as soon as reasonably possible and in no event later than 90 days after the effective date of the rule.

304.16(9) (9) Article IX — Oversight, Enforcement, and Dispute Resolution by the Interstate Commission.

304.16(9)(a) (a) Oversight.