BACKGROUND
The Department of Corrections' Division 027 rules establish the department's policy and procedures for the proper notification and documentation of an inmate death.
A Temporary Administrative Order was approved by the Department of Corrections Director on March 24, 2026, and filed with the Secretary of State on March 24, 2026, with temporary amendments effective March 31, 2026 through September 26, 2026.
Amendments to these rules permanently adopt the temporary amendments and other amendments.
Temporary Amendments
Establish the department's policy and procedures for:
1) The department's cooperation with death investigations, including reporting responsibilities and applicable information retention; and
2) The review of an unexpected death of an adult in custody;
Other amendments
3) Change the term “inmate" to “AIC";
4) Make minor grammatical edits;
5) Define terms used in rules newly adopted to this division;
6) Edit for clarity, conciseness, or consistency with other department rules;
7) Update to standard definitions;
8) Update policy titles;
9) Remove gendered language or use current terminology; and
10) Remove requirement to report to ICE.
CURRENT STATUS
The final rule was approved by the Department of Corrections Director on June 8, 2026, and a Permanent Administrative Order was filed with the Secretary of State and effective on June 8, 2026.
Final Rule Language and Related Materials.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was filed with the Secretary of State on March 26, 2026, with a public comment deadline of May 20, 2026, at 12:00PM (noon). One comment was received.