ILLINOIS — A new law taking effect on July 1 in Indiana could pave the way for some southern Illinois counties to join the Hoosier State — if both states and Congress eventually approve.
The law creates the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission, a group tasked with exploring whether certain Illinois counties should be welcomed into Indiana. The proposal follows long-simmering frustrations among some Illinois residents who feel politically out of step with the state’s leadership.
What the New Law Actually Does
The law, backed by Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, aims to formalize conversations around shifting state boundaries. The commission will include six Indiana appointees and five from Illinois, though Illinois has yet to show signs of moving forward with its side of the deal.
Huston said the motivation comes from a combination of factors:
- A mass exodus of residents from Illinois — over 100,000 since 2020, according to U.S. Census data
- High taxes and a political climate that contrasts with more conservative-leaning counties in downstate Illinois
“Indiana is a great place to live, work, raise your kids and enjoy a high quality of life,” Huston said. “We welcome our neighbors in Illinois seeking lower taxes and more opportunity.”…