HOFFMAN ESTATES – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) toured the AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital and sat down with local health care workers to discuss some of the challenges facing local systems Monday.

“I appreciated the conversations I had during my visit regarding some of the issues in our health care system, like staffing needs, number of beds and more,” Castro said. “We know that behavioral and mental health care is just as important as physical care, and AMITA is working to expand their services to people with mental health needs.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin), who has worked tirelessly for years to bring a comprehensive and just energy transition package to Illinois, released the following statement regarding the General Assembly’s passage of the state’s historic energy measure:

“After years of fighting the battle for clean energy, I am pleased we were able to come together to pass a comprehensive energy package that puts environmental justice and equity at the center of the work to move Illinois to 100% clean energy.

ELGIN – In the months following the spring legislative session, State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) is celebrating the signing of a number of pieces of legislation she spearheaded to help Illinoisans.

“I am proud of the General Assembly’s work this year to pass a wide range of measures to improve the lives of Illinoisans,” Castro said. “As we prepare to return to session in the coming months, I hope to continue my work to support and protect residents of the state, especially our most vulnerable.”

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) spearheaded a new law to ensure people who utilize household devices like Amazon Alexas and Ring doorbells are protected from having private information seized without a warrant.

“Household devices are convenient, but they also can store a lot of data that we don’t always realize,” Castro said. “The legislation being signed today will lay out clear guidelines for when private information can be acquired by law enforcement.”

The law creates the Protecting Household Privacy Act, which prohibits law enforcement from seizing private information stored in or shared by household electronic devices without a valid warrant or grand jury subpoena.

SPRINGFIELD – This year, State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) spearheaded a measure to enhance the Voices of Immigrant Communities Empowering Survivors Act in order to encourage people to report crimes without fear of jeopardizing their immigration status. The legislation was signed into law on Monday.

“Everyone deserves to be able to protect themselves from crime, and a big part of that is having the ability to report wrongs against them or their loved ones to law enforcement,” Castro said. “The VOICES Act and these enhancements will help both victims harmed by criminal activity and law enforcement looking to investigate the criminal activity.”

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law championed by State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin), immigrants from age 18 to 21 will now see increased protections in line with federal law.

“The young people who will be affected by this law are some of the most vulnerable in our state,” Castro said. “I am glad to see this extension of protections signed into law, bringing Illinois in line with what is already practiced at the federal level.”

The law allows a court hearing a case under the Juvenile Court Act to designate a young adult as a “special immigrant minor.” This allows the court to place the young adult with a guardian if it is not viable to place them with a parent due to neglect, abuse or abandonment.

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) spearheaded a new law to update standards for nonwoven disposable wipes that can damage sewer systems when improperly disposed through being flushed down toilets.

“Non-flushable wipes that are improperly disposed of cause millions of dollars of damage to our sewer systems every year,” Castro said. “The law will help clear up confusion that consumers might have about what kind of products can and cannot be flushed, which will help protect our systems.”

AURORA – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) is proud to see the signing of a measure that will prohibit state and local law enforcement officials from arresting individuals for immigration violations and encourage residents to report crimes without fear of jeopardizing their immigration status.

“There is no reason for law enforcement officials to ask someone about their immigration status when they report a crime,” said Castro, a co-sponsor of the legislation. “This law will do more to support and empower immigrants in our community who often fear interactions, even positive ones, with law enforcement officials.”

The new law, also known as the Illinois Way Forward Act, prohibits law enforcement agencies from investigating the immigration status of those in the agency’s custody.

Additionally, it prohibits state and local law enforcement from entering into or renewing agreements which would allow them to detain individuals for federal civil immigration violations. Currently, the McHenry County Adult Correctional Facility is engaged in this kind of agreement. Under the new law, the facility will be required to break this agreement by 2022.

The law was signed by Gov. JB Pritzker Monday and is effective immediately.