(a) The board is authorized to adopt regulations and policies permitting the commissioner to extend the limits of the place of confinement of an inmate, as to whom there is reasonable cause to believe he will know his trust, by authorizing him, under prescribed conditions, to leave the confines of that place unaccompanied by a custodial agent for a prescribed period of time to work at paid employment while continuing as an inmate of the institution or facility in which he shall be confined except during the hours of his employment or seeking of employment and traveling thereto and therefrom. Inmates shall participate in paid employment at the discretion of the board.
(b) The board may adopt regulations as to the eligibility of those inmates who are classified as minimum security risks for the extension of confinement or the entering into agreement between the board and any city, county or federal agency for the housing of these inmates in a local place of confinement. The board shall, as the need becomes evident, designate and adapt facilities in the state prison system to accomplish the purpose of this article.