Sec. 2. (a) The department may grant an offender a temporary leave from a correctional facility or program for a designated purpose and period of time, in Indiana, either alone or accompanied by a department employee or other custodial agent:

(1) to visit a close relative who is seriously ill;

(2) to attend the funeral of a close relative;

(3) to obtain medical, psychiatric, or psychological services;

(4) to make arrangements for employment, admittance to an educational or vocational training institution or program or participation in any other activity authorized by the department;

(5) to secure a residence or make other preparation for release or discharge;

(6) to appear before any group whose purpose is to obtain an understanding of crime or corrections, including appearances on television or radio;

(7) to return to his home or other place authorized by the department during what appears to be his terminal illness; or

(8) for any other purpose the department determines to be in the best interest of the offender and the public.

(b) All temporary leaves other than one granted under subsection (a)(7) are limited to five (5) days or less.

(c) Before an offender is released under this chapter, the department shall give him a written authorization for temporary leave which specifies the conditions of that leave. At all times while on leave, the offender must keep the authorization in his possession.

(d) An offender must be accompanied by a department employee or other custodial agent while on temporary leave unless he has been assigned a minimum security classification described in IC 35-38-3-6.

(e) The department may establish directives governing the implementation of this chapter, including an offender's eligibility for, and conduct while on, temporary leave. For purposes of IC 4-22-2, the term "directive" as used in this subsection relates solely to internal policy and procedure not having the force of law.

As added by Acts 1979, P.L.120, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.5-1988, SEC.61.