Notice of Proposed Rule

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
RULE NO: RULE TITLE
33-601.307: Disciplinary Hearings
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the proposed rule is to amend the rule to specify that an inmate shall be present at disciplinary hearings unless a confirmed medical condition makes the inmate unable to attend, the inmate demonstrates disruptive behavior, either before or during the hearings, that impedes the process or poses a threat to the safety of others or the security of the institution, or the inmate waives his right to be present and to clarify that inmates who waive the right to be present at the hearing may not submit a written closing statement to the disciplinary team or hearing officer in place of the oral closing statement permitted in paragraph (1)(g).
SUMMARY: Amends the rule to specify that an inmate shall be present at disciplinary hearings unless a confirmed medical condition makes the inmate unable to attend, the inmate demonstrates disruptive behavior, either before or during the hearings, that impedes the process or poses a threat to the safety of others or the security of the institution, or the inmate waives his right to be present and to clarify that inmates who waive the right to be present at the hearing may not submit a written closing statement to the disciplinary team or hearing officer in place of the oral closing statement permitted in paragraph (1)(g).
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 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 944.09, 945.04 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: Dorothy M. Ridgway, Office of the General Counsel, Department of Corrections, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

33-601.307 Disciplinary Hearings.

(1)(a) No change.

(b) The inmate charged shall be present at the disciplinary hearing unless a confirmed medical condition makes the inmate unable to attend, the inmate demonstrates disruptive behavior, either before or during the hearing, that impedes the process or poses a threat to the safety of others or the security of the institution, substantial reasons precluding the inmate's presence exist or the inmate has waived his right to be present. If the inmate waives the right to be present or refuses to be present, the 24 Hour/Refusal to Appear, Form DC6-112D, shall be signed by the inmate and witnessed by an employee. If the inmate refuses to sign the form, this shall be noted and signed by the employee. When an inmate waives the right to be present at the hearing, the inmate may not submit also waives the right to submission of a written closing statement to the disciplinary team or hearing officer in place of the oral closing statement permitted in paragraph (1)(g). If the inmate's disruptive conduct makes it necessary to remove the inmate from the hearing, the hearing shall be conducted in the inmate's absence. The reason for the inmate's absence shall be explained in the basis of decision section of the disciplinary report.

(c) through (i) No change.

(2) through (5) No change.

Specific Authority 944.09 FS. Law Implemented 20.315, 944.09, 944.34, 945.04 FS. History–New 3-12-84, Formerly 33-22.06, Amended 12-30-86, 10-01-95, 12-10-97, 5-19-98, Formerly 33-22.006, Amended 5-21-00, 2-11-01, 3-22-05, 10-12-05,_________.


NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: George Sapp, Assistance Secretary of Institutions
NAME OF SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Laura E. Bedard, Ph.D., Deputy Secretary
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: April 3, 2007
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: April 13, 2007