Illinois lawmakers adjourned the spring session early Monday without passing legislation to keep the Chicago Bears in the state. Senator Bill Cunningham introduced a bill allowing Cook County cities to create sports stadium authorities, with the Bears committing $2 billion toward construction. The measure passed the Senate 37-17 but the House adjourned without voting.

The proposed legislation would have given the Bears property tax certainty, a critical requirement for the franchise. Team president Kevin Warren emphasized the team needs tax certainty to proceed with stadium construction. Indiana has already provided this assurance, making their location a viable alternative to the team's current home at Soldier Field.

The Bears now face a decision between their Arlington Heights property and a stadium in Hammond, Indiana. The team stated they will follow their existing timeline to decide by late spring or early summer, with no special legislative session expected until October. The franchise's future location remains uncertain without Illinois resolving the tax certainty issue.