Rauner forms commission to study criminal justice system

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov. Bruce Rauner has created a new commission tasked with finding ways to reform Illinois' criminal justice system and sentencing laws.

The Winnetka Republican issued an executive order Wednesday creating the Illinois State Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform.

Rauner says the group will study all aspects of Illinois' system, from a person's arrest to their re-entry to the community after being released from prison.

Rauner says: "Illinois is in desperate need of criminal justice reform."

The governor says Illinois' prisons are overcrowded and too many offenders are being sent back to prison after their release.

It's an area where Rauner and Democrats could find common ground.

Senate President John Cullerton has said he wants to reform Illinois' system, and House lawmakers are meeting Wednesday to discuss the issue.