Supporters of giving convicted felons a second chance on life gathered to rally outside the state Capitol in St. Paul Wednesday.

Their display comes as the legislature is considering a new bill that would give felons fair access to housing, employment, and credit after they complete their sentence.

It also calls for diagnosing and treating mental health issues for inmates.

"It was that embracement of the community that turned my life around," explained ex-convict Andre Corbett.

In 1982, Minnesota reported 5,000 felony convictions. That number has since tripled.