The purpose and effect of the proposed rule is to clarify the types of religious items that may transported from an inmate’s individual housing area for the purpose of group worship.

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

RULE NO: RULE TITLE
33-503.001: Chaplaincy Services
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the proposed rule is to clarify the types of religious items that may transported from an inmate’s individual housing area for the purpose of group worship.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Chaplaincy Services.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 944.09, 944.11 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 90.505, 944.09, 944.11, 944.803 FS.
IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE WEEKLY.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Kendra Lee Jowers, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS:

33-503.001 Chaplaincy Services.

(1) through (2) No change.

(3) Religious Services and Rituals.

(a) through (f) No change.

(g) Inmates in the general population may transport the following items for individual worship, as defined in Rule 33-602.201, F.A.C., from their assigned cells or individual sleeping areas to the institutional chapel or other designated program area for the purpose of participating in a scheduled religious program, service, or activity for which the item is necessary or appropriate, as determined by the Chaplain:

1. Jewish – prayer shawl;

2. Muslim – prayer rug;

3. Asatru or Odinism – runes and accompanying cloth bag;

4. Greek Orthodox – prayer rope;

5. Buddhist – black or brown Rakusu.

(4) through (13) No change.

Rulemaking Specific Authority 944.09, 944.11 FS. Law Implemented 90.505, 944.09, 944.11, 944.803 FS. History–New 1-6-82, Formerly 33-3.14, 33-3.014, Amended 10-18-01, 1-9-03, 2-25-08, 9-22-08,________.