Sec. 2. (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) work;
(2) conduct a business or other self-employed occupation, including housekeeping or attending to family needs;
(3) attend an academic or vocational training institution or program;
(4) obtain medical, psychiatric, or psychological treatment, including treatment for drug addiction or alcoholism; or
(5) accomplish other purposes consistent with programs of the department.
(b) An offender convicted of:
(1) a violent crime (as defined in IC 5-2-6.1-8); or
(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.