SPRINGFIELD – Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) isn’t afraid of tackling the big problems our state government is facing. Being one of the newest Senators and recently appointed to the Legislative Ethics Commission, she is hoping to bring fresh ideas break the code of silence that has gone on too long.

Senate Bill 402, which passed this week and was co-sponsored by Castro, amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act by putting penalties in place for sexual harassment and provide training for sexual harassment prevention. This training will be required annually and the Legislative Ethics Commission will be responsible for sharing the procedure on reporting violations.

“We have made great strides this week in regards to sexual harassment prevention, but the fight is not over,” Castro said. “I am eager to serve on the Legislative Ethics Commission and I look forward to continuing the effort of changing the culture in Springfield.”

Senate Bill 402 was passed unanimously by both the Illinois House and Senate.