Indy Standard

Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston's legislation to consider adjusting Indiana's border to incorporate Illinois counties that have voted to secede from their state has passed the Indiana House of Representatives. The bill, known as House Bill 1008, proposes the creation of the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission to explore potential benefits of redrawing state lines.

Since 2020, a total of 33 counties in Illinois have expressed interest in seceding, with seven making this decision during the last November election. "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 stated. "If Illinois residents and counties are looking for something different, we're simply raising our hands and saying, you’d be welcome in Indiana."

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that over 100,000 residents have relocated from Illinois to Indiana since the pandemic began. Studies suggest high taxes are a primary factor driving this migration.

The Republican-led General Assembly in Indiana has reduced taxes annually over the past decade, including upcoming income tax cuts for the next two years. Since the pandemic started, Indiana's GDP has increased by 9.3%, surpassing growth rates of other Midwest states and significantly outpacing Illinois.

Indiana holds top rankings in several surveys: it is first in the Midwest and tenth nationally according to the Tax Foundation's 2025 State Tax Competitiveness Index; it also ranks first in the Midwest and sixth nationwide in Chief Executive Magazine’s annual ‘Best & Worst States for Business’ survey.

For any boundary adjustments to proceed, similar legislation would need approval from Illinois. Representative Brad Halbrook has introduced House Bill 1500 in the Illinois General Assembly. Both state legislatures and Congress must approve any changes.

House Bill 1008 will now advance to consideration by the Senate.

For more information on proposed legislation or session details, visit iga.in.gov.