(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the department shall establish a minimum security release program in which eligible committed offenders may be temporarily released from custody to:

1. (1) work;
2. (2) conduct a business or other self-employed occupation, including housekeeping or attending to family needs;
3. (3) attend an academic or vocational training institution or program;
4. (4) obtain medical, psychiatric, or psychological treatment, including treatment for drug addiction or alcoholism; or
5. (5) accomplish other purposes consistent with programs of the department.

(b) An offender convicted of:

1. (1) a violent crime (as defined in IC 5-2-6.1-8 ); or

2. (2) a sex offense under IC 35-42-4 or IC 35-46-1-3 ;

   is not eligible to participate in a minimum security assignment that constitutes an assignment of the offender to a program requiring weekly reporting to a designated official.

   As added by Acts 1979, P.L.120, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.136-1989, SEC.2; P.L.2-1992, SEC.110; P.L.47-1993, SEC.5; P.L.144-1995, SEC.1.