Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 23-21.004 - Commission Meetings and Victim Input

(1) All Commission meetings are open to the public. However, due to the nature of the various proceedings, the following procedures are followed relative to persons wishing to address the Commission. Persons requesting permission to speak concerning the setting or reviewing of an inmate's presumptive or effective parole release date, parole supervision review, or conditional medical release consideration must obtain prior written approval to do so from the Chair. Those request(s) should be sent to:

Chair

Florida Commission on Offender Review

4070 Esplanade Way

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2450

ATTN: Request to Appear

Victims of the crime committed by the inmate, or a victim's representative, shall be permitted to make an oral statement or submit a written statement regarding their views as to the granting, denying, or revoking of parole.

(2) A victim, relative of a minor who is a victim, relative of a homicide victim, victim representative or victim advocate (hereinafter referred to as victims) shall receive advance notification any time a parole case is placed on the docket for Commission action regarding that inmate. Victims shall be notified at the most current address available to the agency.

(3) Victims of the crime committed by the inmate, or a victim's representative, shall be permitted to make an oral statement or submit a written statement regarding their views as to the granting, denying, or revoking of parole.

(4) Victims addressing the Commission regarding a particular inmate or parolee are allowed a reasonable time as designated by the Chair to make a presentation to the Commission at a Commission meeting. Other interested parties may also speak on behalf of victims since Commission meetings are public meetings.

(5) Victims are permitted to read from a prepared text or speak with the use of notes. Any prepared text can be entered into the inmate's record following the victim's oral presentation. Victims will be allowed to use photographs and other aids in making a presentation. Victims who prefer shall be permitted to play a tape or present a video presentation in lieu of or in addition to a personal presentation, provided the total does not exceed the allotted time.

(6) All materials submitted by victims to the Commission will be included in the inmate file and shall be stamped confidential and excluded under the public records law.

(7) Victims who choose not to appear at meetings or make a written statement, but wish only to be notified of the action taken by the Commission, will be notified of such action at a reasonable time after the meeting.

(8) Victims who appear at a meeting or submit a written statement will be notified of action taken by the Commission at the meeting or within a reasonable period of time after the meeting.

(9) Victims who provide written or verbal testimony at the Commission meeting shall be advised that any information submitted at Commission meetings shall become public record.

(10) Capturing of images or audio through any means, including cell phones, of the Commission meetings is prohibited without specific, express, written permission of the Chair after a determination by the Chair that it would serve public interest and protect public safety. Such permission must be requested at least seven (7) days prior to the Commission meeting.

(11) When, as a result of a visitor presentation, a panel of Commissioners requests additional information be secured and returned to the Commission for review, upon receipt, the new information shall be placed on the docket for consideration by the panel of Commissioners which requested it.

(12) No testimony will be allowed at Commission meetings regarding revocations unless stipulated on the record at the time the final revocation hearing is conducted and with the prior written approval of the Chair. The Chair must determine that such testimony will serve the public interest and protect public safety. The public is welcome to attend and observe the meetings.

(13) In that the inmate may not be present at Commission meetings, no testimony will be allowed at those meetings regarding rescission matters, unless stipulated on the record at the time of the rescission hearing and with the prior written approval of the Chair. The Chair must determine that such testimony will serve the public interest and protect public safety. The public is welcome to attend and observe the meetings.

Notes

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 23-21.004

Rulemaking Authority 947.06, 947.07 FS. Law Implemented 947.06, 947.149, 947.16, 947.172, 947.174, 947.173 FS.

New 9-10-81, Formerly 23-21.04, Amended 1-26-93, 1-5-94, 8-16-94, 8-17-06, 2-12-13.

New 9-10-81, Formerly 23-21.04, Amended 1-26-93, 1-5-94, 8-16-94, 8-17-06, 2-12-13.