Indiana legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Indiana SB27: Stadium authority.
Status: Signed into law, February 26, 2026
Establishes the northwest Indiana stadium authority (stadium authority) for the purpose of acquiring and financing certain facilities. Sets forth the powers and duties of the stadium authority. Establishes the northwest Indiana stadium board (stadium board) for the purpose of financing, constructing, equipping, operating, and maintaining a capital improvement. Specifies the composition of the stadium board and sets forth the powers and duties of the stadium board, including the issuance of bonds and notes to finance a capital improvement. Amends and adds provisions that apply to the Indiana finance authority. Amends provisions in the Lake County and Porter County food and beverage tax chapter. Amends provisions in the Lake County innkeeper's tax chapter. Authorizes the city of Hammond to impose an admissions tax. Requires amounts collected from the city admissions tax to be distributed to the stadium board or its designee. Authorizes a redevelopment commission of the city of Hammond to establish a professional sports development area in the city designated as the northwest Indiana professional sports development area and tax area. Authorizes the city of Hammond to establish a northwest Indiana stadium development district. Specifies the duties and authorities of the district and the uses of the incremental tax revenue captured in the district. Requires the Indiana Sports Corporation, beginning July 1, 2027, to ensure that 20% of the money received by the Indiana Sports Corporation each biennium is used for events supported by the northwest Indiana stadium authority and that not less than 20% (instead of 30%) of the money received by the Indiana Sports Corporation each biennium is used for events that are conducted outside of both Marion County and Lake County. Requires certain projects to be reviewed by the budget committee before the Indiana department of transportation proceed with contract letting.
What the bill says
An act to amend the Indiana Code concerning state and local administration and to make an appropriation.
From the enrolled text:
AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning state and local administration and to make an appropriation. SECTION 1. IC 5-1-17.1 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE UPON PASSAGE]: Chapter 17.1. Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority Sec. 0.3. The general assembly finds the following: (1) Northwest Indiana as a region and the city face unique and distinct challenges and opportunities related to the economic development issues associated with the construction and maintenance of a world-class stadium facility in the city. (2) A unique approach is required to ensure that northwest Indiana has sufficient revenue sources to allow it to meet these challenges and opportunities. (3) The powers and responsibilities provided to northwest Indiana and to the northwest Indiana stadium authority created by this chapter are appropriate and necessary to carry out the public purposes of encouraging and fostering economic development in northwest Indiana and constructing a world-class stadium facility in the city. (4) The relocation of a National Football League franchised professional football team in northwest Indiana poses unique challenges due to the need for development of a world-class SEA 27 -- Concur football stadium and related infrastructure that would not be needed apart from the needs related to the relocation of a National Football League franchised professional football team in the …
Sponsors
- Ryan Mishler (R, SD-009) · primary sponsor
- Ed Charbonneau (R, SD-005)
- Rodney Pol (D, SD-004)
- Lonnie Randolph (D, SD-002)
- Mark Spencer (D, SD-003)
- James Buck (R, SD-021)
- Rick Niemeyer (R, SD-006)
- Dernulc, Dan (R)
- Linda Rogers (R, SD-011)
- Mike Bohacek (R, SD-008)
- Rodric Bray (R, SD-037)
Latest actions
- : Senator Bray added as coauthor
- : Signed by the Speaker
- : Senate concurred with House amendments; Roll Call 298: yeas 45, nays 4
- : Signed by the President Pro Tempore
- : Signed by the President of the Senate
- : Signed by the Governor
- : Public Law 44
- : Returned to the Senate with amendments
- : Senator Bohacek added as coauthor
- : Senator Garten removed as second author
Votes
- SB0027.05.ENGH.CON01 (February 26, 2026): 45 yea, 4 nay, passed
- SB0027.04.COMH (February 24, 2026): 95 yea, 4 nay, passed
- SB0027.03.COMS (January 28, 2026): 46 yea, 2 nay, passed
Subjects: AGENCIES; Department of Transportation (INDOT), COUNTIES; Marion, RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT, COUNTIES; Porter, COUNTIES; Lake, CITIES; Hammond, TAXES; Food and Beverage Taxes, AGENCIES; Finance Authority (IFA)
Common questions
- What is SB27?
- SB27 is a bill in the Indiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Stadium authority.
- What does SB27 do?
- In its own words: An act to amend the Indiana Code concerning state and local administration and to make an appropriation.
- What is the status of SB27?
- Signed into law as of February 26, 2026. Latest action: Senator Bray added as coauthor (February 26, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB27?
- Ryan Mishler (R, SD-009), with 10 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB27?
- On the Indiana Legislature website: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/27
Source: official Indiana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.