Indiana lawmakers want Illinois counties to be able to join Indiana

House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) has proposed House Bill 1008, aiming to create an “Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission” to facilitate Illinois counties joining Indiana. The bill, a priority for Indiana House Republicans in the 2025 session, seeks to embrace Illinois counties frustrated with their “high-tax” state and drawn to Indiana’s “low-tax, low-cost” policies. Seven rural Illinois counties recently voted to explore secession, prompting the proposal, reported the Indystar.com.

Huston emphasized the seriousness of the initiative, which requires Illinois lawmakers to pass a similar resolution. However, Illinois officials, including Attorney General Kwame Raoul, have expressed skepticism, questioning the legal authority of counties to secede. While Huston asserts that Indiana is a welcoming state and invites neighboring counties to join, the political feasibility of such a boundary adjustment remains uncertain.