Gov. Nathan Deal signed legislation Friday aimed at reducing the growing costs of keeping criminals locked up in Georgia without compromising public safety. The bill creates a task force to recommend how the state can improve rehabilitation, probation and parole services in a way that will both save tax dollars and reduce crime.

The 13-member Special Council on Criminal Justice Reform for Georgians must report its findings by the beginning of next year`s legislative session.

The council`s members will be appointed by Deal; Rep. David Ralston, speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives; Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, the Senate`s presiding officer; and Carol Hunstein, chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court