Bill to Welcome Illinois Counties That Voted to Secede Passes Indiana House

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana House of Representatives have advanced legislation to look at adjusting Indiana's border to welcome Illinois counties that have voted to secede from their state. 

House Bill 1008 would establish the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission to explore the advantages of redrawing state lines. Since 2020, 33 Illinois counties have voted to secede from their state, including seven in the most recent November election. 

"If those Illinois counties want to separate from their state, we think they should consider joining Indiana," said bill co-authorJ ack Jordan (R-Bremen). "Indiana offers a great quality of life and for those Illinois residents who feel like they are being ignored, we would happily welcome them to our state."

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, at least 100,000 Illinois residents have chosen to leave Illinois and come to Indiana since the pandemic. According to multiple studies, high taxes were the number one reason why Illinois residents fled the state.

Indiana ranks 1st in the Midwest and 10th in the nation in the Tax Foundation's 2025 State Tax Competitiveness Index and 1st in the Midwest and 6th in the nation in Chief Executive Magazine’s annual ‘Best & Worst States for Business’ survey.

For the commission to move forward, Illinois would need to pass a similar bill. 

House Bill 1008 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. For more information, or to watch session and committee meetings live, visit iga.in.gov.