Illinois Lawmakers Anticipate Amended Megaprojects Bill for Bears Stadium

Negotiations continue between state officials and the Chicago Bears over property tax assurances for a potential new stadium site.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:25pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of an empty, shadowy football stadium concourse with warm sunlight streaming in, conveying the contemplative mood of the negotiations over the Bears' future home.As the Chicago Bears weigh options for a new stadium, state lawmakers work to balance the team's needs with taxpayer protections.Chicago Today

As the Chicago Bears continue to weigh options for a new stadium location, Illinois lawmakers are working on amending a megaprojects bill that could provide the team with the property tax assurances they have sought since purchasing a 326-acre site in Arlington Heights three years ago. Representative Kam Buckner praised the involvement of fellow lawmaker Rep. Brad Stephens, who has experience in economic development and large-scale projects as the mayor of Rosemont. Buckner anticipates the amended bill will be filed 'soon' and will include stronger protections and incentives for taxpayers.

Why it matters

The Bears' search for a new stadium site has major implications for the state of Illinois, as the team's decision could significantly impact the local economy and tax revenue. Lawmakers are aiming to craft legislation that balances the needs of the team with the interests of taxpayers.

The details

Illinois lawmakers are currently in discussions with the governor's office to amend a megaprojects bill that could give the Bears the property tax assurances they have sought. Representative Kam Buckner praised the involvement of Rep. Brad Stephens, who has experience in economic development from his role as mayor of Rosemont. Buckner said the amended bill will include 'more protections and more incentives for taxpayers' to ensure the deal does not come at the expense of everyday Illinois residents.

  • The Bears purchased a 326-acre site in Arlington Heights three years ago.
  • Indiana lawmakers passed legislation earlier this year to lure the Bears across state lines.
  • Illinois lawmakers plan to meet until May 31 to finalize the amended megaprojects bill.

The players

Kam Buckner

An Illinois state representative who is involved in the negotiations over the megaprojects bill.

Brad Stephens

An Illinois state representative and the mayor of Rosemont, who has experience in economic development and large-scale projects.

Kevin Warren

The president of the Chicago Bears, who has said the team hopes to make a decision on a new stadium location by late spring or early summer.

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What they’re saying

“I really do respect his understanding when it comes to economic development, when it comes building large things. He's done a lot of it, not just as a state rep, but as the mayor of Rosemont. And so I think it's always better to have more voices in the room and at the table. And I want to glean and lean on him to make sure that. We're looking at this the right way.”

— Kam Buckner, Illinois State Representative

“We are, once again, working through the very fine minutiae and nuances of what legislation will look like. Once again, this will be statewide, this would be a statewide mechanism for economic development throughout Illinois, so I want to make sure that we get this right. I think once again we're very close to getting this done and I believe that we'll have it done in short order.”

— Kam Buckner, Illinois State Representative

“I felt good about our position to make a business decision, but I also understand that it's going to be impacted by politics.”

— Kevin Warren, President, Chicago Bears

What’s next

The amended megaprojects bill is expected to be filed 'soon' by Illinois lawmakers, who plan to meet until May 31 to finalize the legislation.

The takeaway

The negotiations over the Bears' potential new stadium site highlight the complex balance between supporting economic development and protecting taxpayer interests. Lawmakers are working to craft legislation that addresses both the team's needs and the concerns of Illinois residents.