Gov. Nathan Deal signed quite a few of the banner pieces of legislation from this year’s session of the General Assembly this week.On Wednesday, Deal signed a bill that significantly alters how Georgia punishes those convicted of nonviolent crimes.House Bill 1176 is the result of the Criminal Justice Reform Council and seeks out alternatives, including treatment, for those with drug and alcohol convictions. The governor’s office, which heavily supported the legislation in its earliest of days, says it also will save the state money.The bill received unanimous support in both chambers of the General Assembly.