Illinois House Passes Bears Stadium Tax Bill 78-32 as Indiana Readies $700M Toll Road Deal

The Illinois House advanced a bill supporting a new Chicago Bears stadium with a 78-32 vote, establishing property tax relief mechanisms. Meanwhile, Indiana prepared a $700 million infrastructure deal to attract the team.

Illinois lawmakers pushed forward legislation intended to keep the Chicago Bears within the state. This bill is a necessary step for the team's planned new domed stadium in suburban Arlington Heights.

The Illinois House approved the amended bill by a vote of 78 to 32. This action signals legislative support amidst an ongoing interstate competition for the professional football team.

The amended bill addresses property tax concerns for the proposed stadium development. It stipulates that half of any payment-in-lieu-of-taxes—a payment made by a developer to compensate a local government for the property tax revenue lost due to a tax exemption—would fund property tax relief.

Of that amount, 60% would provide rebates directly to homeowners within the project area. The remaining 40% would go into the state's existing property tax relief fund. This incentive structure is set to expire after five years.

Simultaneously, Indiana continues its push to attract the Bears. A revised Indiana Toll Road lease now provides up to $700 million. This funding targets infrastructure projects across seven counties located near a potential stadium site in Hammond, Indiana.

The Illinois House's approval marks progress for the Bears' Arlington Heights plan. However, the legislation must still secure approval from the Illinois Senate and the Governor's signature to become law. The ongoing competition between Illinois and Indiana for the team's future location continues to develop.