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 State Senator Cristina Castro spearheaded a new law that will provide ease of communication between police officers and drivers with an autism spectrum disorder.

“Strong communities depend on strong partnerships between residents and law enforcement,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “When officers can more effectively serve their communities, it leads to improved trust, accountability and outcomes for everybody.”

Nationwide, the Blue Envelope Program is a community-driven, voluntary initiative designed to improve communication and reduce stress during encounters between law enforcement and individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Advocacy groups such as the Autism Hero Project have led efforts to establish Blue Envelope Programs in states such as Massachusetts, Connecticut and Virginia.

Castro led House Bill 4472 to establish a statewide Blue Envelope Program in Illinois. Under the law, the Illinois Secretary of State will design and make publicly available blue envelopes for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to carry essential vehicle-related documents, along with emergency contact information, communication preferences of the individual and instructions for law enforcement on how to proceed with the individual.  

The Blue Envelope Program will provide an optional tool that can help guide law enforcement through interactions with individuals with autism, providing less stress and confusion for both parties. Illinois drivers will be able to choose whether or not they want to participate in the program.

“The Blue Envelope Program has the potential to change the way officers approach traffic stops,” said Castro. “Elgin’s experience has shown that the program works, providing a strong foundation for expanding it statewide.”

House Bill 4472 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1.

EAST DUNDEE – State Senator Cristina Castro announced that East Dundee will receive a $250,000 grant through Illinois’ Safe Routes to School program to improve pedestrian safety and expand opportunities for children and families to safely walk and bike in their communities.

“Improving accessible paths to school is crucial in promoting independence and safety for students,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Encouraging students to bike or walk to school builds community and healthy habits.”

Firefighters serve a core role in Illinois public safety and put their lives at risk every day in the line of duty. Starting Jan. 1, a law spearheaded by State Senator Cristina Castro enhances transparency for firefighters and their loved ones by requiring the state to begin tracking death records.

“We owe nothing less than our full gratitude and appreciation to those who put their lives on the line for our communities,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The dangers that they face go beyond fighting physical fires that are in front of them as we are continuing to learn firefighters suffer silently from illnesses related to their job.”

A new law led by State Senator Cristina Castro will make a temporary “cocktails to-go” state law permanent and create new rules to allow more small Illinois distilleries to self-distribute spirits.

“Supporting restaurants and bars is also supporting small distilleries and local producers across the state,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We want to make sure local businesses have the easiest path possible to operate, succeed and create jobs in our communities.”

Senate Bill 618 creates a class 3 craft distiller’s license, which allows distilleries to manufacture up to 100,000 gallons of spirits annually. These licensees can then apply for the ability to self-distribute up to 2,500 gallons annually.