Loss or forfeiture of earned time

1. Upon finding that an inmate has violated an institutional rule, has failed to complete a sex offender or domestic abuse treatment program as specified in section 903A.2, or has had an action or appeal dismissed under section 610A.2, the independent administrative law judge may order forfeiture of any or all earned time accrued and not forfeited up to the date of the violation by the inmate and may order forfeiture of any or all earned time accrued and not forfeited up to the date the action or appeal is dismissed, unless the court entered such an order under section 610A.3. The independent administrative law judge has discretion within the guidelines established pursuant to section 903A.4, to determine the amount of time that should be forfeited based upon the severity of the violation. Prior violations by the inmate may be considered by the administrative law judge in the decision. 2. The orders of the administrative law judge are subject to appeal to the superintendent or warden of the institution, or the superintendent’s or warden’s designee, who may either affirm, modify, remand for correction of procedural errors, or reverse an order. However, sanctions shall not be increased on appeal. 3. The director of the Iowa department of corrections or the director’s designee may restore all or any portion of previously forfeited earned time for acts of heroism or for meritorious actions. The director shall establish by rule the requirements as to which activities may warrant the restoration of earned time and the amount of earned time to be restored. 4. The inmate disciplinary procedure, including but not limited to the method of awarding or forfeiting time pursuant to this chapter, is not a contested case subject to chapter 17A.