§ 7-13-701 — Definitions; establishment of programs

(a) As used in this section:
(i) "Department" means the state department of
corrections;
(ii) "Compassionate leave" means a temporary release
to visit a member of the inmate's immediate family who is in
danger of death, or to attend the funeral services or other last
rites of a member of the inmate's immediate family;
(iii) "Immediate family member" means a spouse,
child, parent, brother or sister.
(b) The department may adopt reasonable rules and
regulations which will provide for a reentry furlough program
for inmates of any state penal institution. The reentry
furlough program shall be designed for inmates who are about to
be released on parole or final discharge from imprisonment to
aid in their reintegration as productive members of society.
The program may provide for escorted or unescorted temporary
leaves of absence from the institution for purposes of:
(i) Securing community living arrangements;
(ii) Job interviews with prospective employers;
(iii) Learning or relearning necessary living skills;
and
(iv) Other purposes, consistent with the public
interest, necessary for the inmate's successful reintegration
into society.
(c) The department may adopt reasonable rules and
regulations which will establish a furlough program to provide
for escorted or unescorted temporary leaves of absence from any
state penal institution for purposes of:
(i) Maintaining the prisoner's relationship with
immediate family members; and
(ii) Providing for compassionate leaves.