Gov. Deal signs bail reformation into law

ATLANTA - Governor Nathan Deal signed legislation aimed at reducing incarceration rates in law on Monday.

SB 407 requires judges to consider financial circumstances when determining bail.

It also allows them to consider community service and education as alternatives to fines.

The bill passed almost unanimously through both houses of the state legislature.

Proponents said the reform will reduce repeat offenses and help ensure no one is jailed for being unable to afford bail.