MS HB1347

Establishes the Inmate Welfare Fund as a special fund in the State Treasury rather than a bank account, with deposits including net profits from inmate canteens, interest earned, and other designated revenues.

Requires the Inmate Welfare Fund Committee to adopt regulations governing fund use, conduct annual needs assessments with input from department personnel, inmates, and families, and evaluate proposals for canteen service administration.

Mandates the Department of Corrections issue a request for proposals for third-party administration of inmate canteen services, published in newspapers for three weeks, with evaluation criteria including qualifications and expectations regarding commissions and pricing.

Requires the Inmate Welfare Fund Committee to evaluate proposals and present recommendations to the Department of Corrections, which may accept, reject, or conduct further inquiry with full documentation.

Authorizes the PEER Committee to conduct compliance audits of the canteen service contractor at the request of the House or Senate Corrections Committee when funds are appropriated, with audit reports due to the Legislature by January 1.