MS HB439

Requires any third party proposing to administer inmate canteen services for the Department of Corrections to fully describe their pricing methods in their proposal to ensure prices are reasonable and fair.

Mandates that if convenience store price comparisons are used as the basis for canteen pricing, proposals must specify the proposed locations, types, and number of stores and products to be sampled to collect sufficient data.

Requires the canteen services administrator to keep records of all price adjustment requests including supporting sample data, calculation methods, and documentation of the Commissioner's approval or disapproval.

Mandates that any approved price increases for inmate canteen services must be submitted by the Commissioner to the PEER Committee and Inmate Welfare Fund Committee at least 30 days before implementation.

Takes effect July 1, 2018.