Indiana Lawmakers Approve Chicago Bears Stadium Bill

Move takes big step toward luring team across state border from Illinois

Feb. 26, 2026 at 2:15pm

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Indiana lawmakers took another step toward potentially luring the Chicago Bears to the state, as a key committee approved a plan to create an agency that would build a new stadium for the team near Wolf Lake in Hammond. The Indiana House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee voted 24-0 to establish a northwest Indiana stadium authority empowered to issue bonds to finance, construct and lease a stadium for the Bears.

Why it matters

The move is a significant economic opportunity for northwest Indiana, known as 'The Region', as well as a political victory against Democratic-dominated Illinois. It also increases pressure on Illinois lawmakers to come up with a counter-proposal to keep the Bears in the state.

The details

Under the Indiana plan, the Bears would pay $2 billion toward the construction costs. Indiana would issue a bond for the stadium, to be repaid through the city of Hammond's admissions tax and a specialized tax district. The state has also asked local counties to adopt new taxes to support infrastructure costs.

  • On Thursday, the Indiana House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee voted 24-0 to establish the stadium authority.
  • The Indiana legislative session is intended to end on February 27, with leaders saying they want to finalize a Bears deal by then.

The players

Mike Braun

Republican governor of Indiana.

Todd Huston

Republican speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives and sponsor of the stadium bill.

Thomas McDermott

Mayor of Hammond, Indiana, who called the proposed stadium a 'once-in-a-generation' opportunity for the city.

JB Pritzker

Democratic governor of Illinois, who expressed disappointment in the Bears' statement about Indiana after progress was made in negotiations to keep the team in Illinois.

Kevin Warren

President and CEO of the Chicago Bears.

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What they’re saying

“There's a shared commitment between both these parties to make this happen. We have work to be done to bring this all to fruition and making sure that we get I's dotted and T's crossed, but they're willing to make a significant investment.”

— Todd Huston, Republican House Speaker

“The passage of SB 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date. We are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana.”

— Chicago Bears

“Basically, Hammond will do whatever it takes to help make this project a success. Hammond is uniquely positioned for this moment.”

— Thomas McDermott, Mayor of Hammond, Indiana

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.