Governor Signs Criminal Justice Legislation Package

Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed a package of legislation involving criminal justice, saying the system needs to be approached "with more compassion."

The Republican governor signed the five bills Monday morning at an Illinois Department of Corrections adult transition center on Chicago's West Side. Rauner's office says the measures are aimed at reducing recidivism and helping low-level offenders.

Rauner says the state needs to be "balancing punishment with rehabilitation and not needlessly tearing families and lives apart."

IDOC 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 into law Monday are items that change the minimum probation period for young offenders and address phone call costs for inmates.

Information provided by the Associated Press