MS SB2521

Designates the Inmate Welfare Fund as a special fund in the state treasury to be managed according to regulations, with net profits from inmate canteens and other designated revenues deposited into the fund.

Expands the Inmate Welfare Fund Committee from 7 to 9 members, adding the State Treasurer and State Auditor, and requires one appointed member to be a representative of inmate families with a relative incarcerated by the department.

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

Establishes a competitive bidding process for third-party inmate canteen service administrators, including publication requirements, proposal evaluation by the committee, and performance standards, with provisions for interim contracts in cases of nonrenewal or termination.

Requires the Department of Audit to conduct annual special audits of the Inmate Welfare Fund and report findings and recommendations to the Senate and House Corrections Committee Chairmen; effective July 1, 2015.