53-1-206. Participation by institutions in research programs. The department of corrections may direct a penal and corrective institution of the state to participate in and cooperate with programs of research and development being conducted and carried on by any units of the Montana university system, by any of the other educational institutions of the state of Montana, or by any foundation or agency of an educational institution in the fields of science, health, education, and natural resources. These programs may include the voluntary participation of the inmates of the institution in testing and experimental work conducted as a part the testing. Any funds received from the authorized programs may be shared with the participating inmates or otherwise held and used for the welfare and rehabilitation of the inmates and may not become a part of the regular budgeted operation of the institution.