Illinois House Advances Bill Aimed To Keep Bears
PUBLISHED Apr 21, 2026, 9:30 AM ET
Read, Watch or Listen
Chicago — Illinois lawmakers this week advanced legislation to provide the Chicago Bears property-tax certainty and incentives to build a new domed stadium in Arlington Heights. State Rep. Kam Buckner filed amendment language in a megaprojects bill enabling the team to renegotiate property taxes on land they own, aiming to prevent a relocation to Indiana. Springfield lawmakers passed House Bill 910 by a 78-32 House vote Wednesday night, freezing the Bears' property tax bill and offering tax breaks that could save the franchise tens of millions annually; the measure now proceeds to the state Senate ahead of the May 31 session deadline, with unions and the governor seeking additional safeguards for school funding.
By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- April 20: Media report cites pressure from the NFL and Gov. Pritzker to finalize a Bears stadium deal.
- Tuesday (week of vote): Rep. Kam Buckner unveils amendment allowing Bears to renegotiate property taxes with Arlington Heights.
- Tuesday: House Democrats hold a closed-door caucus to refine the megaprojects bill language.
- Wednesday: Lawmakers file the amendment; committee consideration and a potential House vote are discussed.
- Wednesday night: Illinois House passes House Bill 910 by a 78-32 vote; bill advances to the Senate.
News Intelligence
- The Bears staying in Illinois could mean more local jobs and a boost for the economy. If you live in Arlington Heights, expect changes in your community. Keep an eye on how this might affect your property taxes.
- Articles Published:
- 7
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 0
- Neutral:
- 6
- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 86%, Right 14%
The Chicago Bears and Arlington Heights developers benefited from legislative tax certainty and potential annual tax savings, improving the financial case for building a new stadium.
Local school districts and state taxpayers risk reduced property tax revenue unless the bill includes enforceable protections ensuring project developments do not drain education funding.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
No left-leaning sources found for this story.
From Center
Illinois House Advances Bill Aimed To Keep Bears
sportsbusinessjournal.com The News-Gazette ABC7 Chicago WSBT wglt.org Fox2Now
Comments