SPRINGFIELD, IL - Gov. Pat Quinn has signed legislation that authorizes early release of prison inmates with some new restrictions.

The Democratic governor halted all early release late in 2009 after some violent offenders were included in a version called "MGT Push." That program let some inmates out after just a few weeks behind bars.

The bill Quinn signed Friday allows inmates to be released early only if they are non-violent, display good behavior and serve at least 60 days with the Corrections Department.

The department also must issue reports on the program and notify local law enforcement two weeks before a prisoner is released.

Quinn says the bills will make the state's crowded prisons safer without jeopardizing the public.