Overview
- The Illinois House approved HB 910 in a 78-32 vote on Wednesday, sending the 'megaprojects' bill to the Senate with the session set to end May 31.
- Under the bill, certified megaprojects can negotiate payments in lieu of property taxes, with 50% of each payment set aside for property tax relief split between local homeowner rebates and the state fund.
- Sponsors added guardrails that exclude data centers, set tiered terms on any tax freeze by project size, and create a program sunset so lawmakers can review and adjust the tool.
- After the vote, the Bears called the bill progress yet said Arlington Heights still needs amendments and a deal on roughly $800–$887 million for roads, utilities, and other infrastructure, as Gov. JB Pritzker urged quick Senate work.
- Indiana already passed a rival stadium framework for Hammond, and the NFL’s stadium committee expects a Bears update next week, adding pressure on Illinois to finalize a plan.