(a) The Commissioner of Correction may establish a pilot program involving the use of inmate labor in private industry consistent with governing federal guidelines.

(b) The commissioner may enter into such contracts as may be necessary to fully implement the pilot program. Such contractual agreements may include rental or lease agreements for state buildings or portions thereof on the grounds of any institution or facility of the Department of Correction and for any real property needed for reasonable access to and egress from any such building for the purpose of establishing and operating a factory for the manufacturing and processing of goods, wares or merchandise or the provision of service or any other business or commercial enterprise deemed by the commissioner to enhance the general welfare of the inmate population.

(c) An inmate may participate in the pilot program established pursuant to this section only on a voluntary basis and only after he has been informed of the conditions of his employment.

(d) No inmate participating in the pilot program shall be paid less than the prevailing wage for work of similar nature in private industry.

(e) Inmate participation in the pilot program shall not result in the displacement of employed workers and shall not impair existing contracts for services.

(f) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to restore in whole or in part the civil rights of any inmate. No inmate compensated for participation in the program shall be considered to be an employee of the state or exempt from the provisions of § 18-85a and regulations adopted in accordance with said section.

(g) The provisions of subsection (j) of § 18-88 shall not apply to any articles, materials or products manufactured or produced by institutional inmates pursuant to this section.