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CS/CS/HB 369 — Faith- and Character-Based Correctional Programs
by Judiciary Committee; Criminal Justice Subcommittee; and Rep. Rouson and others (CS/SB 2010 by Criminal Justice Committee and Senator Braynon)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Criminal Justice Committee (CJ)
This bill amends s. 944.803, F.S., which governs faith-based programs in state correctional institutions. Because some existing programs are not based on religious principles, the bill adds references to “character-based programs” and “secular institutions.” The bill also clarifies that the statute’s requirements are applicable to institution-wide programs as well as dormitory-based programs. Additionally, the bill: (1) removes the requirement that 80 percent of the inmates in a dormitory-based program must be within 36 months of release; (2) eliminates the statutory preference for admitting inmates who have a substance abuse issue; and (3) provides that peer-to-peer programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and literacy instruction, must be allowed within faith and character-based institutions of the state correctional system.
The bill also expresses legislative intent for the Department of Corrections to expand the use of faith- and character-based institutions and encourages the phasing-out of dormitory-based programs.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect on July 1, 2011.
Vote: Senate 36-0; House 117-0