MS HB400

Designates the Inmate Welfare Fund as a special fund in the state treasury managed according to regulations promulgated by the Inmate Welfare Fund Committee.

Expands the Inmate Welfare Fund Committee from seven to nine members, adding the State Treasurer and State Auditor, and requires one appointed member to represent inmate families.

Requires the committee to adopt regulations governing fund use, conduct annual needs assessments with input from inmates and families, and maintain detailed meeting minutes explaining which regulation permits each purchase.

Mandates the Department of Corrections issue a request for proposals for inmate canteen services administration with public notice published weekly for three weeks, with proposals evaluated by the Inmate Welfare Fund Committee.

Authorizes the PEER Committee to conduct compliance audits of canteen service contractors upon request of the House or Senate Corrections Committee with appropriated funds, with results reported to the Legislature by January 1.