A measure co-sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro known as Karina’s Law, intended to improve protections for victims of domestic violence in Illinois, was signed into law Monday.

“Illinois is a national leader when it comes to gun safety laws — but for Karina and Daniela, that wasn’t enough,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “While nothing can take away the lasting scars of losing a loved one to gun violence, I hope Karina’s loved ones know that, because of their advocacy, they have driven their state to take action to protect thousands of other families from the same devastation. I want to thank them for their difficult but brave, selfless action in support of Karina’s Law.”

Karina’s Law — House Bill 4144 — is in response to the 2023 murder of Karina Gonzalez and her daughter, Daniela, who were shot and killed by Karina’s partner two weeks after she was granted an order of protection. Sadly, the incident is not a one-off; research has repeatedly shown that abusers with access to firearms are five times more likely to kill their female victims. On average, 70 women in the U.S. are shot and killed by an intimate partner every month.

To ensure survivors are truly protected when they seek an order of protection, Karina’s Law will allow local law enforcement to promptly confiscate firearms from individuals subject to emergency restraining orders, closing a dangerous loophole and reducing the risks associated with firearms in domestic violence cases.

Castro has been an advocate for public safety and education during her time in the Senate. She passed a law in 2022 requiring the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop and implement a comprehensive safe gun storage public awareness campaign to inform residents of safety precautions they can take to properly secure their firearms, and in 2023 voted to protect communities statewide through a ban on military-style assault weapons.

“Together, we are laying a strong foundation of support for Illinoisans experiencing domestic violence, and sending the message that Illinois will stand with survivors,” Castro added.

House Bill 4144 will take effect May 11, 2025.