The purpose and effect of the proposed rule is to clarify the meaning of the term ‘religious publications’.

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 meaning of the term ‘religious publications’.
SUMMARY: Religious publications are defined to include sacred texts, prayer books and devotional literature.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
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, 944.803 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 20.315, 90.505, 944.09, 944.11 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: Jamie Jordan-Nunes, Office of the General Counsel, Department of Corrections, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

33-503.001 Chaplaincy Services.

(1) through (12) No change.

(13) Religious Publications.

(a) Inmates shall have access to religious publications through the chapel or institutional library or as provided through the Chaplain.

(b) The Chaplain shall assist inmates in obtaining personal copies of religious books and periodicals, subject to rules of the Department of Corrections and the local institution.

(c) Religious publications shall include the following:

1. Sacred texts – defined as the primary religious documents from which the standards of the faith are derived.

2. Prayer books – defined as the instructional material, prayers and liturgies for the observation of holy rituals, services and personal devotion;

3. Devotional literature – defined as religious commentary, personal instruction in the faith, and sermon type material.

Specific Authority 944.09, 944.11, 944.803 FS. Law Implemented 20.315, 90.505, 944.09, 944.11 FS. History–New 1-6-82, Formerly 33-3.14, 33-3.014, Amended 10-18-01, 1-9-03, 2-25-08,_________.

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: July 10, 2008
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: June 13, 2008