SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WOWO): Illinois lawmakers have introduced a new proposal aimed at keeping the Chicago Bears in the state as the team continues to consider locations for a future stadium.

The so-called “megaprojects” bill was filed late Sunday night as an amendment to House Bill 958. State Senators Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) and Napoleon Harris, a former NFL player, are sponsoring the legislation.

The 145-page proposal would allow certain municipalities to create stadium authorities capable of financing, acquiring, constructing, and operating professional sports venues. Under the bill, qualifying home-rule communities could establish publicly owned stadium projects supported by private investment.

Supporters say the measure would create a framework similar to one recently approved in Northwest Indiana.

“I think what we’ve done here with this bill today is establish a framework that would enable the Bears to build a stadium in the State of Illinois,” Cunningham said. “This is the exact same mechanic set up in Northwest Indiana.”

The proposal comes after Indiana lawmakers approved legislation earlier this year establishing funding mechanisms for a potential Bears stadium in Hammond. The Bears have previously indicated Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana, remain among the possible locations for a new stadium.

Despite the new proposal, Cunningham acknowledged uncertainty about the bill’s prospects in the Illinois House. A key lawmaker has reportedly indicated there is not currently enough support in the Senate for the measure to pass.

Lawmakers face a tight deadline, with the regular spring legislative session scheduled to end at midnight. Bills approved after that deadline would require a higher vote threshold in the General Assembly.

The stadium debate unfolds as state lawmakers also work to finalize Illinois’ budget for the next fiscal year.