Governor Robert Bentley has released his tax and budget proposals ahead of next week's special session on a budget shortfall. Legislators will return to Montgomery Monday to continue a special session. The state is facing a $200 million shortfall for the fiscal year that begins October 1st. The governor is seeking a cigarette tax increase, raising the business privilege tax on larger businesses and he has also proposed to end the ability of taxpayers to claim a state income tax deduction for federal Social Security taxes paid.
Gun Laws
Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange says several local and state agencies have started complying with gun laws after his office investigated complaints against them. Strange said the Department of Transportation has rescinded a ban on firearms at highway rest stops after his office told the agency the ban was illegal. The AG said complaints about gun bans were also filed against Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, but Strange says his office doesn't have the authority to enforce state firearms laws at public universities.
Teen Charged
A south Alabama teenager is in jail accused of setting her family's home in Brewton on fire and trying to kill four of her relatives. According to the Escambia County Sheriff's Department, 17-year-old Love Freedom Rutledge of Brewton faces four counts of attempted murder and first-degree arson. Authorities believe Rutledge set fire to her family's mobile home late Saturday night. One man suffered severe burns and remains in a Mobile hospital. The mobile home was destroyed. The teen is being held on a $200,000 bond.