Bill surrounding borders of Indiana, Illinois passes House, moves to Senate

INDIANAPOLIS — A piece of legislation that would start the conversation surrounding the adjustment of the borders of Indiana and Illinois, or “Illiana,” has passed through the Indiana House of Representatives.

According to a news release from the Indiana House Republicans, House Bill 1008 passed its third reading on Thursday with a vote of 69-25. It has now moved on to the Indiana Senate for consideration.

Written by Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, a Republican from Fishers, House Bill 1008 would establish the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission. The commission would explore “advantages” to redrawing state lines.

This comes after 33 Illinois counties have voted to secede from the state, including seven in the election from November 2024. According to the release, at least 100,000 Illinois residents have moved to Indiana since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have a lot to offer in the Hoosier state. Indiana is consistently ranked among the best states for low taxes, business climate, economic opportunity and affordability. Our economy is growing at a faster rate than all of our neighboring states,” Huston said in the release. “If Illinois residents and counties are looking for something different, we’re simply raising our hands and saying, you’d be welcome in Indiana.” 

The release said that for the commission to move forward, Illinois lawmakers in the state’s general assembly would need to pass a similar bill. House Bill 1500, authored by Illinois Rep. Brad Halbrook, centers on the creation of the “Illiana Boundary Commission” and was referred to the Illinois House of Representatives’ rules committee on Jan. 28.

“Any state boundary adjustments would need to be approved by both state legislatures and Congress,” the release said.