Law taking effect July 1 has Indiana possibly acquiring parts of Illinois

(25News Now and The Associated Press) - The Republican-dominated state government in Indiana seems willing to add like-minded counties in Illinois to become part of the Hoosier state. It remains unlikely, however, that Illinois will participate in the secession process.

A bill in Indiana that becomes law on Wednesday, July 1 creates the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission, which will recommend whether it’s a good idea to redraw the two states’ borders.

Voters in 33 Illinois counties, mainly in the southern part of the state and disgruntled with a Democratic-controlled government, want to break away from the Land of Lincoln.

Indiana’s Republican House Speaker Todd Huston authored the legislation, noting that at least 100,000 Illinois residents, according to U.S. census data, have chosen to leave the state since 2020.

The speaker said one of the advantages is that Indiana is a lower tax state.

“Indiana is a great place to live, work, raise your kids and enjoy a high quality of life. We welcome our neighbors in Illinois seeking lower taxes and more opportunity to join us in the Hoosier state,” said Huston in an April 17 release.

Huston’s measure has since passed the Indiana Senate and was signed into law by GOP Gov. Mike Braun.

The law requires the governor to schedule the Boundary Adjustment Commission’s first meeting by Sept. 1.

Braun will appoint six commission members, while five members would come from Illinois. It’s not clear who would appoint the Illinois’ commission members.

The Illinois legislature has yet to conduct a committee hearing on a companion bill that would authorize Illinois’ participation.

The companion bill is sponsored by Illinois State Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville). It was assigned to the House Rules Committee in January and has remained there ever since.

A change in state boundaries would also need U.S. Congressional approval.

Meantime, Illinois’ Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker has dismissed Indiana’s law, calling it a “stunt.”

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