(1) Any prisoner serving a sentence in a county jail may be eligible for temporary leave for a period not to exceed 10 days for the purpose of visiting a seriously ill relative, attending the funeral of a relative, or obtaining medical services not otherwise available.

(2) All requests for temporary leave must be presented to the sheriff for examination. Exemptions shall be restricted to those prisoners who are considered a possible threat to society, or those who pose a risk of not returning at the termination of such leave.

(3) Upon determining that circumstances are suitable for a prisoner to be granted temporary leave, the sheriff may grant leave to the prisoner and fix the duration and conditions of the leave.

(4) In adopting rules governing temporary leave, the sheriff shall consult with the Department of Corrections in an effort to establish statewide uniform rules governing temporary leave for county jail prisoners. [1973 c.499 § 1; 1979 c.487 § 12; 1987 c.320 § 98]