(a) The board may certify private sector prison industries programs that meet or exceed the requirements of federal law and the rules of the board. Except as provided by Subsection (b), the board may not allow more than 750 participants in the program at any one time or authorize the operation of more than 11 cost accounting centers at any one time.
(b) The board may allow more than 750 participants in the program at one time on a temporary basis if:
(1) an employer that operates a private sector prison industries program requests in writing that the board temporarily allow more than 750 participants in the program; and
(2) the board determines that there is good cause to temporarily allow more than 750 participants in the program.