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:
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A mass exodus of residents from Illinois — over 100,000 since 2020, according to U.S. Census data
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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.”
The Indiana Senate passed the bill earlier this year, and Governor Mike Braun signed it into law. The commission’s first meeting is mandated to occur by September 1.
Will Illinois Join the Conversation?
Probably not anytime soon.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has publicly dismissed the measure, calling it a “stunt.” So far, the Illinois legislature hasn’t even held a hearing on the idea.
A companion bill in the Illinois House, sponsored by Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville), has sat in the House Rules Committee since January with no signs of movement. Halbrook has long supported the idea of downstate counties seceding from what he views as an overly centralized and liberal state government.
To actually change state borders, the two states would need to agree — and Congress would also have to approve the adjustment under the U.S. Constitution.
Why Some Illinois Counties Want Out
At the heart of the debate is a cultural and political divide between urban, Democratic-leaning Chicago and rural, Republican-leaning counties farther south.
Many residents in southern Illinois feel that Chicago-centric policymaking — especially on taxation, gun laws, and energy regulations — doesn’t reflect their values or needs. These sentiments have fueled multiple local referendums in recent years where voters expressed support for leaving Illinois.
The Boundary Adjustment Commission, while not granting any immediate power to change the map, gives formality to those conversations for the first time.
What Happens Next?
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July 1: Indiana’s law officially goes into effect.
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By September 1: Indiana’s governor must hold the commission’s first meeting.
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Illinois participation remains unclear, with no current legislative momentum.
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Congressional approval would ultimately be required for any boundary change.
Until Illinois agrees to take part, the measure appears largely symbolic — but it could shape future regional and national political discussions.
What Do You Think?
Should Illinois counties be allowed to join Indiana if their voters choose to? Or is this simply political theater? Share your thoughts on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
