Indiana, January 26, 2026
Recent developments in Indiana’s legislature include the approval of a bill banning cell phone use in schools and advancing a proposal for the Chicago Bears’ stadium relocation to Lake County. The cell phone ban aims to minimize distractions for students, while the stadium bill establishes an authority to facilitate the Bears’ potential move. Additionally, legislation regulating drone use near correctional facilities has progressed, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve student focus and enhance security.
Indianapolis, Indiana – Recent Legislative Developments
In the past week, Indiana lawmakers have advanced several significant bills, including a proposal to ban cell phone use in schools and legislation aimed at facilitating the relocation of the Chicago Bears to Lake County.
Senate Approves School Cell Phone Ban
The Indiana Senate has approved a bill that would prohibit students from using or possessing wireless communication devices during instructional time. This measure aims to reduce distractions and improve student focus and mental health. Exceptions are allowed with teacher or administrator permission or in emergency situations. Schools are required to draft and publicly post their specific policies, including whether students can access devices during lunch and what consequences may apply for misuse.
Legislation Advances for Bears Stadium in Lake County
Indiana state lawmakers have advanced a bill that could pave the way for the Chicago Bears to relocate their stadium to Lake County. The Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 27, which establishes the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority. This authority would be responsible for acquiring land, financing capital improvements, and entering into leases with private entities, including NFL teams. The bill requires a lease term of at least 35 years, with the option for the lessee to purchase the capital improvement for $1 under certain conditions.
Other Legislative Actions
In addition to the above measures, Indiana lawmakers have been active in advancing other legislation. Notably, a bill to regulate the use of drones near state correctional facilities has moved to the governor’s desk for final consideration. This legislation aims to prevent the delivery of contraband to inmates via drones, enhancing security within correctional facilities.
Background Context
The proposed school cell phone ban reflects a growing concern over student distractions and mental health. Similar measures have been considered in other states, with varying degrees of success. The Bears’ potential move to Lake County underscores ongoing challenges in securing public funding for sports facilities in Illinois, prompting the team to explore options in neighboring Indiana. The drone regulation bill addresses increasing incidents of contraband being delivered to inmates via drones, highlighting the need for updated security measures in correctional facilities.
Key Features of Recent Legislative Developments
| Legislation | Purpose | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| School Cell Phone Ban | Prohibit student use of wireless communication devices during instructional time, with exceptions for emergencies and specific permissions. | Approved by the Indiana Senate; awaiting further legislative action. |
| Bears Stadium Relocation | Establish the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to facilitate the relocation of the Chicago Bears to Lake County. | Unanimously approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee; pending full Senate consideration. |
| Drone Regulation in Correctional Facilities | Regulate the use of drones near state correctional facilities to prevent contraband delivery to inmates. | Passed by the Indiana Senate; moved to the governor’s desk for final consideration. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the proposed school cell phone ban entail?
The bill prohibits students from using or possessing wireless communication devices during instructional time, with exceptions for teacher or administrator permission and emergency situations. Schools must create and publicly post specific policies regarding device use.
What is Senate Bill 27 about?
Senate Bill 27 establishes the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, which would be responsible for acquiring land, financing capital improvements, and entering into leases with private entities, including NFL teams, to facilitate the relocation of the Chicago Bears to Lake County.
What other legislation has been advanced in Indiana recently?
Other legislative actions include a bill to regulate the use of drones near state correctional facilities, aiming to prevent the delivery of contraband to inmates via drones.
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
