(SPRINGFIELD) - The Illinois House of Representatives has approved a major incentives package that could impact future stadium plans for the Chicago Bears.
The measure, known as the Megaprojects Bill, would provide tax incentives for large-scale developments, including a potential stadium at the Arlington Heights site. The team already owns more than 300 acres at the former Arlington Park property.
The move comes as Indiana leaders have explored attracting the Bears to northwest Indiana, including proposals centered around Hammond.
The Illinois legislation could strengthen efforts to keep the team in-state by improving the financial outlook for a stadium project.
However, the Bears say the proposal does not go far enough.
In a statement, the team says while it welcomes progress on the bill, additional changes are needed to make the Arlington Heights project feasible, including alignment on infrastructure funding.
No final decision has been announced on the team's long-term stadium plans.
Indiana lawmakers have also taken steps to compete for the project, including approving semi-annual increases on the Indiana Toll Road as part of broader development efforts.