Deal Signs Bail Reform Bill, Closing Out Criminal Justice Reform Campaign

Gov. Nathan Deal signs SB 407 into law at the State Capitol Monday, surrounded by current and former members of his Criminal Justice Reform Council.

Emma Hurt / WABE

Gov. Nathan Deal signed a bail reform bill into law Monday. It was one of the final parts of his criminal justice reform campaign.

Deal got emotional as he reflected on the criminal justice reforms he has championed for eight years. Reforms like this new bill, which is designed to keep Georgians with misdemeanors who can’t afford bail from getting stuck in prison.

“This was an issue that I brought up in my first State of the State address back in January of 2011,” he said at the signing at the Capitol. “I had no idea that we would be this successful.”