Illinois House Unveils New Version Of Bears’ Megaprojects Bill

Key Points:

• The Illinois House introduced a revised property tax bill considered essential by the Chicago Bears for constructing a new domed stadium in Arlington Heights, aiming to prevent the team from relocating to Indiana.
• The updated legislation includes provisions for a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) where 50% of receipts would fund property tax relief, primarily benefiting residential homeowners in affected areas, and introduces a five-year sunset clause with required impact reports.
• The bill removes a controversial clause that would have counted megaprojects at full market value for local government borrowing limits, and explicitly excludes data centers from PILOT incentives due to concerns over energy costs.
• Additional incentives in the bill target redevelopment of rail yards and support expansions like Springfield’s downtown convention center, aiming to secure enough Democratic votes for passage, though it still requires Senate approval and the governor’s endorsement.
• The legislation responds to competition from Indiana’s efforts to attract the Bears and reflects Gov. JB Pritzker’s broader economic development strategy, following the Bears’ 2018 purchase of the Arlington Park site for a potential new stadium and entertainment district.