Indiana Bears bill nears the end zone with Senate approval
House Bill 1292, authored by Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, would establish a Northwest Indiana professional development commission and a professional sports development fund. The commission would be tasked with exploring and implementing strategies to attract one or more sports franchises to Northwest Indiana, Harris said.
The bill passed the Senate 46-2. The bill was amended in the Senate, which Harris supported, so it has to go back to the House for a concurrent vote, Harris said.
But, Harris said he doesn't foresee any hurdles on the House concurrent vote, so once the House approves the bill it will go to Gov. Mike Braun's desk for signature.
'It always feels good when you have a piece of legislation that you're two yards from the end zone,' Harris said.
Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, said Tuesday the bill was amended to remove some state appointees and give local control over the fund.
'The purpose is to attract professional sports franchises to Northwest Indiana,' Mishler said. 'I've been involved in a few of these conversations with those interested in the area and one of the draws was the new double tracking that connects South Bend to Chicago. I know there's a lot of interest up there.'
The bill outlines the 17-member commission, which would include mayors from East Chicago, Gary, Hammond, Michigan City, LaPorte, Portage and South Bend, while the remaining members would be appointed by various people, including the executive director of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, and Lake, Porter, LaPorte and St. Joseph county leaders.
The commission will require nine members present for a quorum and an affirmative nine votes to take action. It should hold its first meeting before Sept. 1.
Once established, the commission would be able to enter agreements or contracts for grants or appropriations from federal, state, and local governments, individuals, foundations or other organizations. It would also be able to operate, own, manage or lease property.
What to know about the Chicago Bears' possible move to Arlington Heights — or a domed stadium on the lakefront
The commission would spend money from the professional sports development fund, which would be funded through general assembly appropriations, grants, gifts and donations. The money from the fund can't be reverted to another fund.
Under the bill, the commission would explore attracting professional football, baseball, basketball, hockey or soccer teams. But, since the Chicago Bears have been looking for a new home, Harris said when he proposed the bill in the 2024 session it got attention then as a possible new location for the team.
The Chicago Bears purchased the former Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights in February 2023 and hopes to build a new enclosed stadium with a big entertainment and residential development. In December, the Bears and Arlington Heights reached an agreement to set taxes at $3.6 million per year.
In April 2024, the team laid out plans for a new publicly owned domed stadium on the lakefront but left unanswered how the city would pay for expensive infrastructure improvements.
But, a year later, after the NFL owners meetings concluded on April 2, 2025, Bears President/CEO Kevin Warren confirmed the team no longer has a singular focus on building its new stadium downtown.
'The focus now is both downtown and Arlington Heights,' Warren said. 'One thing I have said before is that there are not linear processes or projects. They take time. They take a lot of energy and effort. And I am very, very pleased with where we are.'
Harris said he's had fun talking about the Bears, with legislators and family members, potentially coming to Northwest Indiana. While he's reached out to officials with the Bears, Harris said the odds of the Bears coming to Northwest Indiana are low.
But, Harris said his bill allows Northwest Indiana to be considered as the Bears consider a new home. Northwest Indiana is in the Chicago market, he said, so the fan base for the Bears — or any Chicago team — is there, he said.
'This makes it more attractive for them to come to Northwest Indiana. It provides another option,' Harris said. 'I think there is an opportunity for them if they can't work things out in Illinois.'
Since he was elected, Harris said Northwest Indiana has lakefront property, the Gary/Chicago International Airport, the South Shore railroad, casinos, and the forth-coming Lake County Convention Center. A stadium for a sports franchise is the next step, he said.
Nearly 30 years ago, Harris said his late father proposed legislation to bring a sports stadium to Northwest Indiana, also aiming to draw the Bears to the region.
'To be able to pick up the ball, as his son, I'm very proud and happy about that, and I'm sure he would be also,' Harris said. 'I'm glad to see this bill has made the movement that it has and it will make it through the process, and excited about what it will mean in terms of professional sports, economics and jobs in Northwest Indiana.'
akukulka@chicagotribune.com
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