JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Starting Wednesday, people driving in Mississippi can be penalized for sending text messages or posting to social media sites while they’re behind the wheel.
But, the state is also giving drivers a break by eliminating the $5 annual vehicle inspection sticker
Several new state laws take effect Wednesday. Among them is the texting-and-driving ban, which carries a $25 penalty the first year the law is in effect and $100 after that.
Another law eliminates the need for a concealed-carry license to have a gun in a purse, briefcase or enclosed satchel.
Another one requires boards of publicly owned hospitals to keep most of their meetings open to the public. It was prompted by problems with the Singing River Hospital pension program.
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The Mississippi Free Press produced this story through the MFP Solutions Lab, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. This series digs into Mississippi’s systemic issues and sheds light on responses to them in other communities. Beyond just reporting on problems, these stories interrogate their causes and inspect potential solutions.
