Indiana Governor Signs New Stadium Bill As IL Lawmakers Adjourn

CHICAGO — Following the continued movement of a bill aimed at wooing the Chicago Bears to Indiana, Illinois lawmakers responded with their own legislation to prevent the team from leaving. HB910 passed out of committee by a 13 to 7 vote Thursday in Springfield and will now go in front of the Illinois General Assembly for consideration.

CBS Chicago reports the Illinois bill would allow any megaproject involving an investment of $500 million or more to negotiate a freeze on its property tax assessment. While the bill did pass out of committee, the full Illinois House adjourned Thursday afternoon without acting on. The lawmakers are not scheduled to return to Springfield until March 18, which would mark the earliest the bill can be advanced.

Illinois lawmakers, including Gov. JB Pritzker, have said that the legislative maneuvers happening in Indiana do not necessarily mean the team is moving there even though a hearing on proposed legislation to keep the Bears in Illinois was canceled last week

RELATED: Bears Shift Stadium Focus To Indiana As IL Lawmakers Cancel Project Meeting

In Indiana Thursday, Senate Bill 27 was signed by Gov. Mike Braun after that state's senate passed it by a vote of 45-4 earlier in the day. Two days ago, the Indiana House of Representatives advanced the bill by a 95-4 vote. The state is committing up to $1 billion to help finance the project.

"We made it clear from the beginning that Indiana is open for business," Braun said after signing the bill. "I'm thrilled to sign Senate Bill 27 to create the framework to build a new world-class stadium in Northwest Indiana. Now let's get this across the goal line."

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun

Last week, the Bears hinted that the focus of decision-makers within the organization had shifted from building a new stadium at the former Arlington International Racecourse to constructing one near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana.

The team issued a statement following the latest happenings in Indiana, as reported by NBC Chicago:

"Indiana has taken important steps over the last few months, and we are grateful for the leadership reflected by Governor Braun signing SB 27, establishing the framework for a stadium development in Northwest Indiana. We continue to work on the necessary due diligence and appreciate the ongoing engagement with Indiana state and local leaders.

Chicago Bears statement on Indiana bill

RELATED: Bears 1 Step Closer To Moving To Indiana As Bill Paves Way For New Stadium