HAMMOND, Ind. -- Senate Bill 27, which would bring the Chicago Bears to Indiana, passed unanimously out of committee.

For several years the Bears have been in negotiations to have a new stadium built in Arlington Heights, Ill, but now Indiana Gov. Mike Braun is proposing the new stadium be built in Hammond, Ind., specifically a site near Wolf Lake.

Braun says SB 27 "puts forward the essential framework to complete this agreement, contingent upon site due diligence proceeding smoothly."

Braun released the following statement via X on Thursday:

"Indiana is open for business, and our pro-growth environment continues to attract major opportunities like this partnership with the Chicago Bears. We’ve identified a promising site near Wolf Lake in Hammond and established a broad framework for negotiating a final deal. If approved, the proposed amendment to Senate Bill 27 puts forward the essential framework to complete this agreement, contingent upon site due diligence proceeding smoothly. The State of Indiana moves at the speed of business, and we’ve demonstrated that through our quick coordination between state agencies, local government, and the legislature to set the stage for a huge win for all Hoosiers. We have built a strong relationship with the Bears organization that will serve as the foundation for a public-private partnership, leading to the construction of a world-class stadium and a win for taxpayers."