CHICAGO – After more than two decades serving the 1^st Senate District, Assistant Majority Leader Antonio “Tony” Munoz (D-Chicago) retired from the Senate Friday.

“I was taught at a young age that hard work and determination is the key to success,” Munoz said. “I have applied this to everything I have accomplished, especially as a state senator.”

Munoz first joined the Senate in 1999, serving as assistant majority leader since 2009. Over the years, he sponsored nearly 2000 bills, with more than 800 signed into law. In addition, he chaired the Licensed Activities, Transportation, Executive Appointments and Veterans Affairs Committees.

Prior to becoming a state lawmaker, he served in the United States Army with the 82^nd Airborne Division and a former Chicago police officer. During his time in office, he worked tirelessly to give veterans opportunities when they return to civilian life and having sufficient resources for their mental and physical health.

CHICAGO – Street sideshows are becoming increasingly common in Chicago, halting traffic and creating dangerous situations for both bystanders and their vehicles alike. However, currently, there’s little action law enforcement officials can take against people participating.

That will change come January when Assistance Majority Leader Tony Munoz’ law that prohibits street sideshows takes effect.

“It seems like every weekend we see another case of dozens – or even hundreds – of people gathering on busy streets and putting other people’s lives at risk,” said Munoz (D-Chicago). “Not only is it frustrating for people trying to travel down those roads, it’s frustrating for law enforcement officers who aren’t currently allowed to take action."

Munoz led House Bill 5439 during the spring legislative session. The law defines a street sideshow as any event in which one or more cars block or impede traffic to perform unauthorized motor vehicle stunts, motor vehicle speed contests, or motor vehicle exhibitions of speed.

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) spearheaded a measure to help reduce the number of stolen car parts by requiring people to keep record of the sale of catalytic converters that was signed into law Friday.

“The rise in crime in Chicago and across Illinois was addressed this legislative session,” Munoz said. “This new law will decrease catalytic converter thefts by closing the loophole many found a way around.”

CHICAGO – People will be prohibited to slow or stop due to a street sideshow on any street or highway thanks to a measure sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz that was signed into law Friday.

“Law enforcement officials need to be able to keep people safe,” said Munoz (D-Chicago). “Without this law, innocent people were put in dangerous situations with no one to stop them.”

According to a CBS report, Eisenhower Expressway was shut down in December 2021 with drivers blocking the on- and off-ramps and every lane while a group of people engaged in dangerous stunts, such as doing donuts with their cars and dancing on the expressway.

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) attended the Illinois State Police Officers Memorial in Springfield to pay tribute to fallen officers and their families.

“Honoring the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice is a small gesture to show our support for their families,” Munoz said. “As a former Chicago police officer, the memorial serves as a reminder of the oath police officers take. They protect and keep our communities safe with their bravery, strength and courage.”

Senator Munoz announces he will retire after his term as Illinois State Senator 

CHICAGO – After more than two decades serving the 1^st Senate District, Assistant Majority Leader Antonio “Tony” Munoz (D-Chicago) will finish his career at the end of the 102^nd General Assembly.

Growing up in the Pilsen and Little Village communities, Munoz knew he wanted to better the lives of his family and others at an early age.

“I was taught at a young age that hard work and determination is the key to success,” Munoz said. “I have applied this to everything I have accomplished, especially as a state senator.”

SPRINGFIELD – In response to an event that stopped traffic on Eisenhower Expressway, Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) lead a measure through the Senate Tuesday that would prohibit a street sideshow on any street or highway that causes traffic to slow or stop.

“People should not be allowed to stop traffic for their own entertainment, especially on a busy, fast expressway,” Munoz said. “Situations like these put residents in unneeded danger. It’s important that we work with law enforcement officials to ensure they are able to protect people in any situation.”

According to a CBS report, Eisenhower Expressway was shut down in December 2021 with drivers blocking the on- and off-ramps and every lane while a group of people engaged in dangerous stunts, such as doing donuts with their cars and dancing on the expressway.

SPRINGFIELD – To reduce the number of stolen car parts, Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) is sponsoring a measure that would require people to keep record of the sale of catalytic converters that passed the Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday.

“The increase in catalytic converter thefts is unjustifiable,” Munoz said. “We have to find a way to protect people’s vehicles by tightening the law that many are finding a way around.”

House Bill 107 would add catalytic converters to the definition of recyclable metal, requiring record keeping on the purchase of catalytic converters. The license plate number of the vehicle, photographs or video of the seller, a verified name and address of the seller and a signed declaration by the seller stating that the catalytic converter was stolen would be required.