Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed a package of criminal justice legislation, saying the system "needs to be approached with more compassion."
The Republican governor signed the five bills this morning (Monday) at an Illinois Department of Corrections adult transition center in Chicago.
Rauner says the measures are aimed at reducing recidivism and helping low-level offenders. He says the state needs to be “balancing punishment with rehabilitation and not needlessly tearing families and lives apart.”
Illinois Department of Corrections Director John Baldwin says the legislation "will help ensure that we are giving young men and women a second chance at life."
Among the measures Rauner signed are items that change the minimum probation period for young offenders and address phone call costs for inmates.
