MS HB119

Establishes the Inmate Welfare Fund as a special fund in the State Treasury instead of a bank account, to be managed according to legislative appropriations and used for inmate benefit and welfare.

Creates a seven-member Inmate Welfare Fund Committee to adopt regulations, conduct annual needs assessments, and evaluate proposals for third-party administration of inmate canteen services.

Requires the Department of Corrections to issue a request for proposals for inmate canteen services with newspaper notice published weekly for three weeks, with evaluation criteria including qualifications and expectations regarding commissions and pricing.

Authorizes the PEER Committee to conduct compliance audits of canteen service contractors at the request of House or Senate Corrections Committees, with results delivered to the Legislature by January 1.

Reduces the contract threshold requiring Public Procurement Review Board approval from $500,000 to $100,000 for Department of Corrections contracts.