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.
SUMMARY: The proposed rule is amended to clarify the types of religious property that may be transported from an inmate’s individual housing area for the purpose of group worship and other scheduled religious activities or programs.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: The agency has determined that this rule will not have an impact on small business. A SERC has not been prepared by the agency.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 944.09, 944.11 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 90.505, 944.09, 944.11, 944.803 FS.
IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN FAW.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Kendra Lee Jowers, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE 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, ________.

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Alex Taylor, Chaplaincy Services Administrator
NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Walter A. McNeil, Secretary
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: September 30, 2009
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: October 16, 2009