Bill > HB1292

This bill establishes the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission, a 17-member body composed of mayors from several cities, county commissioners, county council members, and representatives from the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority and Indiana Economic Development Corporation. The commission's primary purpose is to study and develop plans for attracting professional sports franchises to Northwest Indiana, specifically focusing on leagues established before certain historical dates (such as professional football leagues before 1930 or baseball leagues before 1910). The commission will have the authority to conduct studies, prepare a comprehensive master plan for sports infrastructure, coordinate plan implementation, and monitor progress. Members will serve two-year terms, with the ability to be reappointed, and the commission will require nine members present to conduct business. The bill also creates a local professional sports development fund, which can receive grants, gifts, donations, and other funding sources, to be used exclusively for the commission's objectives. The commission will be responsible for reporting its activities to state leadership, including the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislative council, and will have broad powers to conduct research, publicize findings, provide recommendations, and potentially acquire or lease property in pursuit of its goals.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1292/details