OAR 291-139-0100: Authority, Purpose, and Policy

(1) Authority: The authority for these rules is granted to the Director of the Department of Corrections in accordance with ORS 179.040, 423.020, 423.030 and 423.075. (2) Purpose: The purpose of these rules is to establish Department of Corrections policy and procedure for affording inmates reasonable access to law library services and equipment and to necessary supplies for the preparation and filing of legal documents with the courts and paroling authorities. (3) Policy: Within the inherent limitations of resources and the need to promote and maintain facility security, safety, health, and order, and subject to operational contingencies and needs, it is the policy of the Department of Corrections to afford inmates reasonable access to law library services and equipment, and to necessary supplies for the preparation and filing of legal documents with the courts and paroling authorities, on a prioritized basis, in accordance with these rules.