Home Table of Contents

004.03.1-870. Marriages of Inmates.

AR ADC 004.03.1-870Arkansas Administrative Code

West's Arkansas Administrative Code
Title 004. Department of Corrections
Division 03. Office of the Secretary
Rule 1. Administrative Rules
Inmate and Program Management
Ark. Admin. Code 004.03.1-870
Formerly cited as AR ADC 004.00.2-870
004.03.1-870. Marriages of Inmates.
Currentness
I. POLICY:
This policy establishes guidelines for inmates requesting to marry while incarcerated within the Arkansas Department of Correction.
II. EXPLANATION:
An inmate will be permitted to marry a person of the opposite sex in accordance to the laws of Arkansas. The plans for the ceremony may be regulated by the Unit Warden/Center Supervisor to protect the security or operation of the institution.
A. Any inmate requesting marriage while assigned to a Unit/Center shall submit a written request to the Unit Warden/Center Supervisor at least ninety (90) days prior to the proposed marriage. The request shall include:
1. The name and age of the prospective marriage partner.
2. The proposed date of the marriage.
The ceremony may be performed by a Departmental Chaplain or anyone authorized by law to conduct the rites of matrimony and approved by the Unit Warden/Center Supervisor. Verification of the official's credentials may be required.
B. The Unit Warden/Center Supervisor or his/her designee may adjust the proposed date, time, and attendants of the ceremony as deemed necessary to maintain Unit/Center security and orderly operations. The inmate shall be advised of any changes in ceremony plans, and may appeal such changes through established inmate grievance procedures. The ceremony may be held on the date requested by the inmate unless there are compelling reasons for a change of the date.
1. The marriage ceremony shall be supervised by the Chaplain at the designated unit chapel area and shall take place during normal weekday working hours.
2. The ceremony shall take place in a secure area not accessible to other inmates. If a chapel is not available, a place for the ceremony will be arranged by the Unit Warden/Center Supervisor and the Chaplain.
3. The Department's security regulations concerning photographs and authorized items shall apply to marriage ceremony participants.
C. The Chaplain must conduct a pre-marital counseling meeting with both the inmate and the intended spouse to allow for clarification of any issues regarding the impending marriage.
D. Any required blood work of an inmate will be drawn by Departmental medical personnel and shall be forwarded to a private or non-departmental source for testing at no cost to the Department, as coordinated by the Chaplain and the inmate.
E. All financial obligations for any activity listed herein, not specifically stated to the contrary, shall be borne by the inmate or other private sources.
F. All legal requirements for the marriage must be met in a timely manner. Transportation and proper security for inmate to obtain a marriage license at the nearest county seat will be arranged by Unit Warden/Center Supervisor at his/her convenience.
G. No reception or visitation will be permitted following the ceremony.
H. In the event that inmates of different Units/Centers wish to marry, each inmate shall submit a request to the appropriate Unit Warden/Center Supervisor. Marriage ceremony arrangements, preparations and any necessary transportation shall be by mutual agreement of the Unit Wardens/Center Supervisors or their designees. The marriage ceremony shall be subject to the same limitations and conditions as those imposed on an inmate to non-inmate marriage ceremony.

Credits

Eff. Oct. 12, 1988.
Current with amendments received through February 15, 2024. Some sections may be more current, see credit for details.
Ark. Admin. Code 004.03.1-870, AR ADC 004.03.1-870
End of Document