SPRINGFIELD — Recognizing the growing concern of public safety in her community and throughout the state, State Senator Natalie Toro has joined the Senate Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety.

“I am honored to serve on the Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “Making our communities safer for those who live in the district has never been more important, and I look forward to hearing the initiatives that come before this committee with solutions to do just that.”

Since taking office in July 2023, Toro has worked to improve public safety initiatives for people in her community. From discussions with local anti-violence organizations and meeting with members of her policy roundtable focused on violence prevention initiatives, she has worked with her neighbors and advocates to find solutions to ensure people remain safe, and the root causes of violence are being addressed.

Toro has also introduced numerous initiatives that demonstrate her passion for public safety, including protections for survivors of domestic violence, requiring mental health check-ins for police officers, and mandating Autism sensitivity training for police officers to reduce the risk of unnecessarily violent confrontations between people with Autism and law enforcement. She looks forward to working with her colleagues in the Special Committee, which reviews legislation aimed to make Illinois safer and addresses the root causes of crime.

“It was difficult to hear my kindergarten students tell me about how unsafe they felt playing in their neighborhoods, knowing there was nothing I could do with my limited power as a teacher,” said Toro. “I became a legislator to address issues like this, and to fight for policies that would make our communities safer. Improving public safety has always been one of my biggest priorities, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on this committee and help shape policy in this area.”

To follow legislation in the Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety, click here.