US EditionIndiana House Approves Bears Stadium Legislation, but Pritzker Optimistic Bears Will Stay in Illinois
The bill creates a stadium authority to issue bonds and raise about $1 billion through local taxes to attract the Chicago Bears to Hammond, Indiana, lawmakers said.
- On Feb. 24, 2026, the Indiana House approved SB27 by a 95-4 vote to establish a Northwest Indiana stadium authority for Hammond.
- Lawmakers reported on Feb. 19 a verbal $2 billion commitment from the Chicago Bears to invest in a Hammond stadium, following Kevin Warren, Bears President and CFO, stating on Dec. 17 the team would expand its search to northwest Indiana.
- The bill funds construction by levying new local taxes including a 1% food and beverage tax surcharge in Lake and Porter counties, doubling Lake County hotel tax to 10%, and a 12% ticket tax.
- Supporters say the measure would return to the Senate and be sent to Gov. Mike Braun for signature by the end of the week, fueling interstate competition with Illinois, where lawmakers continue efforts. `This is what team Indiana is`, House Speaker Todd Huston said.
- With the session set to end Friday, Illinois has a Thursday committee hearing on a PILOT bill, making timing pivotal for the state's efforts to keep the Bears.
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WFFT FOX 55 Fort Wayne
Indiana Capital ChronicleIndiana House sends environmental deregulation, Chicago Bears stadium bills back to Senate
A narrowly divided vote to roll back portions of Indiana’s environmental code — plus a high-profile bid to lure the Chicago Bears across the state line.
Indiana House approves Bears stadium legislation, but Pritzker optimistic Bears will stay in Illinois
The Indiana House gave enthusiastic approval on Tuesday to legislation to create a stadium authority to fund a new stadium for the Chicago Bears in Hammond, but Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said Indiana taxpayers might feel differently.
95-4 Vote Clears Path for Bears' Move to Hammond
Source: Indiana House Republicans / Indiana House Republicans INDIANAPOLIS — In a 95-4 vote on Tuesday, Indiana lawmakers moved Senate Bill 27 forward, creating a framework needed to build a stadium in Hammond. Some representatives even shouted “Go Bears!” as they cast their votes. While the team hasn’t signed a formal contract yet, Indiana leaders say they have a commitment from the Bears to chip in $2 billion toward the project. To cover the r…
Chris Simms Slams Bears Leaving Chicago as ‘Crazy’ Amid Indiana Stadium Bill Win
As talk of the Bears leaving Chicago intensifies, NBC TV commentator Chris Simms called the potential move âcrazyâ as the Indiana House on Tuesday passed a Bears stadium bill that could help finance a new NFL facility across the state line, raising fresh questions about the franchiseâs future at Soldier Field, where the Bears have played since 1971. The Indiana House approved the bill, SB27, by a 95-4 vote, according to a report by WFLD-TV…
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