Tennessee Code Title 41. Correctional Institutions and Inmates § 41-22-215

(a) Power is conferred upon the commissioner of correction, with the approval of the governor, to make and enter into agreements and contracts with the commissioner of transportation and any officer or agency of the federal government under the power conferred by any act of congress of the United States granting funds for the construction of roads, for the employment of inmates in the custody of the department of correction on such roads as the officer or agency of the federal government and the state department of transportation may desire to construct or reconstruct in cooperation with the United States government and state of Tennessee, or with the United States government, state of Tennessee and any county, or with the United States government and any county;  provided, that no employment shall be required of any inmates that is not safe, healthful and suitable to the physical condition and attainments of the inmates.

(b) The rules of the commissioner of correction as permitted under this part shall be applicable in the employment of the inmates of the penitentiaries upon such agreements and contracts as may be entered into by an officer or agency of the federal government and the state department of transportation.