they are not "technically" eligible (i.e. not within four years of release date), but have a low rating.

I mean, to get them closer to home as an example, if requested by a public official (say just "for instance")...Is it written in blood about the four years?

If you are just worried about getting him closer to home you could try a county jail that houses state inmates if his custody level is low. All you have to do is call the jail and tell them that you want to put them on their state inmate waiting list. If they are able to move to something like a county jail, it's usually better than them being in prison.