Notice of Development of Rulemaking

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
RULE NO: RULE TITLE
33-103.011: Inmate Grievances - Time Frames
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the proposed rule is to amend Chapter 33-103, F.A.C., for clarity and to simplify the grievance process for inmates and Department employees. Rule 33-103.011, F.A.C., is amended to reflect the changes made to Rule 33-103.002, F.A.C.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Inmate grievances.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 944.09 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 944.09 FS., 45 C.F.R. Part 160, 164
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: Jamie Leigh Jordan, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2500

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS:

33-103.011 Time Frames for Inmate Grievances Time frames.

When determining the time frames for grievances in all cases, the specified time frame shall commence on the day following the date of the incident or response to the grievance at the previous level. For example, if an incident occurred on December 1, fifteen days from that date would be December 16.

(1) No change.

(2) An extension of the above-stated time periods shall be granted when it is clearly demonstrated by the inmate to the satisfaction of the reviewing authority as defined in paragraphs 33-103.002(15)(b) and (c)(a) through (d), F.A.C., or the Ssecretary that it was not feasible to file the grievance within the relevant time periods and that the inmate made a good faith effort to file in a timely manner. The granting of such an extension shall apply to the filing of an original grievance or when re-filing a grievance after correcting one or more deficiencies cited in Rule 33-103.014, F.A.C.

(3) Responding to Grievances.

(a) No change.

(b) Formal Grievances – The reviewing authority as defined in paragraphs 33-103.002(15)(b)(a) through (d), F.A.C., shall have up to 20 calendar days from the date of receipt of the grievance to take action and respond. See Rule 33-103.006, F.A.C.

(c) through (d) No change.

(4) through (5) No change.

Specific Authority 944.09 FS. Law Implemented 944.09 FS. History– New 10-12-89, Amended 1-15-92, 12-22-92, 4-10-95, 12-7-97, Formerly 33-29.011, Amended 2-9-05,_________.