IL House Passes Bears Stadium Bill

On April 22, 2026, the Illinois House approved legislation that would grant tax breaks to support a proposed Chicago Bears stadium in Arlington Heights and sent the measure to the Senate. (cbsnews.com) The full House vote was 78–32 after the House Revenue & Finance Committee cleared the measure 15–5 earlier that day. (nbcchicago.com) The so‑called “megaprojects” bill (HB910) would let large developers negotiate long‑term Payments in Lieu of Taxes and freeze property tax assessments for 25 to 45 years. (cbsnews.com) Under the proposal, 50% of revenues from PILOT payments would be dedicated to property‑tax relief, with 60% of that relief going to homeowners inside the development district and 40% to the statewide Property Tax Relief Fund. (cbsnews.com) The Bears already own about 326 acres of the former Arlington Park site in Arlington Heights, the location envisioned for a domed stadium and surrounding development. (chicagobears.com) Indiana has countered with its own package: lawmakers passed legislation authorizing up to $1 billion in bonds and new local taxes to build a stadium in Hammond, and Gov. Mike Braun signed that plan into law. (insideindianabusiness.com) Supporters say the Illinois bill unlocks big projects across the state, while critics warn the tax breaks could reduce revenue for local schools and services; the House version adds language supporters say will protect schools and rebate some taxes to homeowners. (cbsnews.com) The measure now moves to the Illinois Senate for consideration when it resumes session; Gov. J.B. Pritzker said lawmakers must protect taxpayers while working to keep the Bears in Illinois. (fox32chicago.com)