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) passed a new law to put an end to the demand for pets from inhumane breeding operations by requiring pet stores to source their animals from rescue shelters.

“This law is an important step to making sure animals in our state are treated compassionately from when their bred onwards, and I am ready to keep working to rid Illinois of puppy mills entirely,” Castro said.  “Reducing the demand for cheap, inhumanely bred puppies by prohibiting pet shops from getting puppies from these kinds of operations was a top priority as we continue our work.”

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.”

ELGIN – Thanks to over $400,000 in grant money from the secretary of state, patrons of three local libraries will see upgrades to services, State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) announced Thursday.

“From recreational activities to vital educational and vocational tools, libraries have something to offer everyone,” Castro said. “Libraries are the backbone of our communities, and these grants will ensure they have even more resources to give back to the residents who rely on them.”