MS HB1342

Amends Section 47-5-1211 of Mississippi Code to require the Department of Corrections to monitor and approve all prices within inmate canteen facilities at private correctional facilities before any contract is entered into.

Maintains existing requirement that private incarceration contracts must demonstrate at least 10% cost savings to the Department of Corrections compared to state operation for the same level and quality of service.

Requires the Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review to contract annually with a certified public accounting firm to establish and certify a state inmate cost per day for comparison purposes.

Preserves existing contractor qualification requirements including demonstrated experience, management capability, ability to comply with applicable laws and court orders, and history of successful correctional facility operation.

Takes effect July 1, 2012.