Section 23.38. Natural resources law violation hotline.

 

(1)  The department shall maintain a toll-free telephone number to receive reports of violations of any statute or administrative rule that the department enforces or administers. The department shall relay these reports to the appropriate warden or officer for investigation and enforcement action. The department shall publicize the toll-free telephone number as widely as possible in the state.

(1m)  In addition to the toll-free telephone number under sub. (1) , the department may establish additional electronic methods to receive reports of violations of any statute or administrative rule that the department enforces or administers.

(2)  The department shall maintain records that permit the release of information provided by informants while protecting the identity of the informant. Any records received under this section that relate to the identity of informants shall be only for the confidential use of the department in the administration of this section, unless the informant expressly agrees to release the records. Appearance in court as a witness shall not be considered consent by an informant to release confidential records received under this section.

1979 c. 34 ; 1993 a. 16 s. 676 ; Stats. 1993 s. 23.38; 2013 a. 69 .