(a) The secretary of corrections is hereby authorized to establish a work release program under which inmates committed to the custody of the secretary may be granted the privilege of leaving actual confinement for the following purposes:

(1) To travel to and from and visit at a specified place or places for a period of not to exceed thirty (30) days for the following purposes:

(A) To visit a member of the inmate’s immediate family who is in danger of death;

(B) to attend the funeral services or other last rites of a member of the inmate’s immediate family;

(C) to obtain health services otherwise not available to the inmate at an institution operated by the state;

(D) to interview prospective employers; or

(E) any other purpose consistent with the public interest.

(2) To work at paid employment or participate in a program of job training if:

(A) The rates of pay, hours and other conditions of employment will be substantially comparable to those afforded others in the community for the performance of work of a similar nature;

(B) such paid employment or job training will not result in the significant displacement of employed workers in the community.

(b) The secretary of corrections is hereby authorized to establish educational release programs under which inmates committed to the custody of the secretary may be granted the privilege of leaving actual confinement for the purposes of education or training.

(c) The placement of any inmate in a community pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) or subsection (b) shall be in accordance with any applicable federal rules or regulations.

(d) In areas where facilities, programs and services suitable for these purposes are not available within the state correctional system when needed, the secretary shall contract with the proper authorities of political subdivisions of the state, with any agency of the state, with the federal government, with available community corrections centers or facilities funded by private sources, or with qualified private corporations or organizations for quartering inmates with such privileges in suitable confinement facilities and for programs and services for inmates in such facilities.

(e) Nothing in this act shall be construed to prevent inmates from working for and the products of their labor being disposed of by any state agency, local agency, federal government, or any other state or political subdivision thereof. Merchandise made by prisoners when said merchandise is for personal benefit of inmates, may be sold or exchanged within the confines of the institution subject to rules and regulations of the secretary.