Ellington

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.