MS HB1346

Establishes the Inmate Welfare Fund as a special fund in the State Treasury rather than a bank account maintained by the Department of Corrections, with all existing similar funds deposited into it.

Fund receives revenue from inmate canteen profits, penitentiary band performances, interest earnings, and 40% of inmate telephone call commissions, with 25% of commissions funding telecommunication equipment and 35% supporting the Prison Agricultural Enterprise Fund.

Requires the State Treasurer to manage fund investments, the Deputy Commissioner for Administration and Finance to establish accounting controls and prepare quarterly and annual financial reports to legislative committees and the Legislative Budget Office.

Creates a 7-member Inmate Welfare Fund Committee including facility superintendents, deputy commissioners, and two appointed members (one representing inmate families) to administer the fund, adopt regulations, and conduct annual needs assessments with staff, inmate, and family input.

Requires the Department of Audit to conduct annual comprehensive audits of the fund and establishes an effective date of July 1, 2013.