If the Indiana Statehouse felt like it was running on espresso and adrenaline this week, that’s because it was. Here’s the rundown..
The biggest headline of the week was Senate Bill 27—the “Bears bill.” Indiana is making a serious run at luring the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana, and leadership is leaning in. Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray described Indiana’s offer as competitive, highlighting regulatory stability and tax structure. House Speaker Todd Huston called the proposal transformational and generational.
The framework would create a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to own and lease the facility, similar to how Indiana structures its existing major venues. Financing tools include admissions taxes, a Professional Sports Development Area capturing incremental growth, and new local food and beverage and innkeeper taxes in Lake and Porter Counties. A state backstop would provide bondholder security, though leaders emphasize that Indiana has never had to tap similar protections in Indianapolis.
House Ways and Means advanced the measure unanimously. That signals real bipartisan interest. But Democratic leaders are urging caution. House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta noted that a 65-page amendment arrived late and deserves thorough review. Sen. Shelli Yoder emphasized that taxpayers need clarity before celebrating renderings.
There’s also the obvious reality: Illinois is still in session. The Bears are negotiating. Indiana is making its pitch. Whether the deal is sealed before sine die next Friday remains an open question—but lawmakers are clearly positioning themselves to have the authority in place.
While the Bears dominated headlines, utilities reform quietly crossed the finish line. House Bill 1002 is headed to the governor’s desk. Bray framed it as tying utility companies’ returns more directly to affordability and reliability. Democrats supported the bill but described it as incremental. Several amendments aimed at deeper rate relief did not survive.
Still, in a session defined more by measured adjustments than sweeping overhauls, HB 1002 represents tangible movement. Affordability continues to be the political undercurrent of the year, and lawmakers know voters are watching their monthly bills more closely than press releases.
Housing policy remains unsettled. House Bill 1001, dealing with supply and zoning preemption, narrowly cleared a Senate committee and continues to generate local-government concern. Leadership says tweaks are coming, likely in conference committee. The tension between increasing housing supply and preserving local control is not easily resolved, and with sine die set for next Friday, time is not abundant.
Immigration legislation under Senate Bill 76 also remains divisive. Supporters argue it reinforces enforcement clarity. Critics warn it could impose new burdens on schools, healthcare providers, and local officials. Leadership insists timing delays are logistical, not substantive. Democrats caution that short-session policymaking on complex issues often leads to cleanup work in the next long session.
Social media regulation for minors is still alive despite procedural hurdles. Senate Bill 199 encountered germaneness issues but is expected to reappear in a House vehicle. Lawmakers are carefully navigating constitutional concerns that have tripped up similar laws in other states. The policy goal polls well; drafting it to survive litigation is the harder task.
Gaming adjustments also moved this week, including provisions involving a new license in northeast Indiana. Huston emphasized protections for communities that could be affected by shifting licenses and described the proposal as a reasonable compromise. Gaming policy always involves balancing regional economic impact with statewide revenue stability.
Election policy resurfaced as well, particularly proposals affecting early voting timelines. Huston expressed comfort with Indiana’s overall election framework but acknowledged the need to understand proposed changes. Democrats argue that reducing voting opportunities in a state with historically low participation sends the wrong message.
Earlier this session, redistricting debates were sharp and partisan. This week’s tone, particularly around economic development, was more collaborative. Leaders from both parties are projecting competence and forward motion as they approach the finish line.
That finish line is next Friday.
You can hear from all the key players in the audio above.
