The Indiana Senate recently voted 36-13 and passed House Bill 1008 that would begin the absorption of 33 Illinois counties. Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston states that the purpose of this bill is to support the Illinois counties that voted to secede from their state back in November of 2024. While only seven states voted to secede back in November, it was determined by Huston and his team that 33 counties in total voted to secede. This is roughly one-third of all of Illinois’ counties.

After seeing years of immigration take place from Illinois to Indiana, politicians in Indiana think it is a great idea to allow these counties to join the Hoosier state.

Instead of having these counties that wish to secede from Illinois form a brand new state, politicians in Indiana believe it is much wiser to join an already established state. “Indiana is a great place to live, work, raise your kids, and enjoy a high quality of life,” Huston said to the Chicago Tribune. “We welcome our neighbors in Illinois seeking lower taxes and more opportunity to join us in the Hoosier State.

Before any of this occurs and actually takes place, many lengths need to be taken. First, both the Indiana and the Illinois legislators need to pass bills supporting the secession and absorption of all the counties. Second, a commission would need to be formed that would finalize and draw out the new borders of both states. Finally, the United States Congress would need to sign off the new bill.

If all of these actions take place, Indiana will be able to absorb the seceding counties. However, if these actions do not occur, the absorption of these Illinois counties into Indiana will not happen.