Each facility shall have and implement a written plan, approved by the Commission, governing religious practices. The plan shall include the following provisions:

1. (1) removal of inmates not wishing to participate where group services are held;
2. (2) volunteer programs and access to religious leaders in addition to normal visitation, consistent with security restrictions;
3. (3) review of inmate requests regarding religious practices by the Sheriff/Operator or his designee;

4. (4) procedures for determining whether a request can be accommodated through the least restrictive means without presenting an undue burden or endangering the safety and security of the facility;

   1. (A) documentation of the reason for denial if the request cannot be accommodated;
   2. (B) utilization of the established grievance procedure when the inmate contends the denial is unjust.

Source Note:The provisions of this §291.5 adopted to be effective December 27, 1994, 19 TexReg 9880; amended to be effective June 25, 2000, 25 TexReg 5919.