DOC 309.36(1)(1) The department shall provide as much leisure time activity as possible for inmates, consistent with available resources and scheduled programs and work. Leisure time activity is free time outside the cell or room during which the inmate may be involved in activities such as recreational reading, sports, film and television viewing, and handicrafts.

DOC 309.36(2)(2) Each institution shall permit inmates to participate in leisure time activities for at least 4 hours per week. Institutions with the facilities to permit more leisure time activity should do so.

DOC 309.365(1)(1) Definitions. In this section:

DOC 309.365(1)(a)(a) “Activity group” means a group of inmates organized to promote educational, social, cultural, religious, recreational or other lawful leisure time activities.

DOC 309.365(1)(b)(b) “Inmate union” means an organization of inmates formed for the sole purpose of serving the inmates’ collective interest with respect to conditions of confinement issues such as inmate wages, working conditions, housing conditions, programming and services.

DOC 309.365(2)(2) Approval required.

DOC 309.365(2)(a)(a) With the exception of organizational activities approved by the superintendent under sub. (3), no group of inmates may refer to itself by a collective name, conduct meetings or engage in any organized activity which promotes identification with a particular group unless the group has been approved by the superintendent under sub. (5).

DOC 309.365(2)(b)(b) With the exception of organizational activities approved by the superintendent under sub. (3), no individual inmate or other person from inside or outside the institution may attempt to carry out organized activities within an institution which promote identification with a particular group unless the group has been approved under sub. (5).

DOC 309.365(3)(3) Approval of organizational activities. A group of inmates or an inmate on behalf of a group may submit a written request to the superintendent for permission to engage in organizational activities necessary to formulate a request for approval as an activity group under sub. (4). The request submitted under this subsection shall state the objectives and proposed activities of the proposed activity group and the activities necessary to formulate a request for approval under sub. (4). Using the criteria listed in sub. (5) (b) 1., the superintendent shall determine within 14 calendar days after receipt of the request whether to permit the requested organizational activities.

DOC 309.365(4)(4) Requests for approval. A group of inmates or an inmate on behalf of a group may submit a written request to the superintendent for approval as an activity group. The request shall include:

DOC 309.365(4)(g)(g) The institutional services and resources, such as staff time or meeting rooms, needed for the group’s activities; and

DOC 309.365(5)(5) Criteria for approval of groups.

DOC 309.365(5)(b)1.1. Consider whether the objectives of the group promote educational, social, cultural, religious, recreational or other lawful leisure time interests of the inmates who will participate in the group’s activities;

DOC 309.365(5)(b)3.3. Balance the benefits of the group’s activities and services against the necessary allocation of staff time and institution resources to the group. The consideration of the group’s benefits to inmates is subject to s. DOC 309.61 (1) (a).

DOC 309.365(5)(b)4.4. Consider whether the activities, services or benefits offered by the group are adequately provided by existing programs, groups or resources readily available to the inmate population.