MS HB1325

Establishes the Inmate Welfare Fund as a special fund in the State Treasury rather than a bank account, to be managed by the State Treasurer and governed by regulations of the Inmate Welfare Fund Committee.

Requires the Inmate Welfare Fund Committee to adopt regulations governing allowable purchases, establish quorum and attendance requirements, conduct annual needs assessments with input from department personnel and inmates, and evaluate third-party proposals for canteen service administration.

Mandates the Department of Corrections issue a request for proposals (RFP) for inmate canteen services administration with notice published in newspapers for three weeks, and requires the Inmate Welfare Fund Committee to evaluate proposals based on stated criteria including qualifications and expectations for commissions and pricing.

Requires the Department of Corrections to contract with a third party for canteen services based on committee recommendations, with contracts running calendar years and including performance standards subject to evaluation after six months; allows the PEER Committee to conduct compliance audits at the request of legislative committees with appropriated funds.

Effective July 1, 2014.