Since the revelation that nearly one-third of Illinois counties are considering secession, Indiana's legislative body has introduced a bill to offer these regions an alternative home. If enacted, this legislation could have profound implications for agriculture and industry in both states.

Empowering Farmers and Reshaping State Borders: A Bold Legislative Move

The concept of state boundaries being redrawn is not just a theoretical debate but a potential reality for several Illinois counties. Todd Huston, Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, introduced Indiana House Bill 1008 (HB1008), which proposes the creation of a boundary adjustment commission. This commission would explore the feasibility of adjusting borders between Indiana and Illinois, particularly focusing on counties expressing a desire to leave Illinois.

Origins of the Bill

The genesis of HB1008 lies in the November 2024 non-binding referendums where seven Illinois counties voted to explore secession. Upon discovering that a total of 33 counties had passed similar measures since 2020, Huston saw an opportunity to address this growing sentiment. "We wanted to raise our hand and express interest," said Huston, acknowledging the widespread support from these counties.Huston emphasizes that the bill has garnered significant attention, with many people intrigued by its potential impact. The discovery that nearly a third of Illinois counties have pursued secession has allowed Indiana to highlight its favorable business environment and strong agricultural sector. "It’s given us a platform to showcase the positive aspects of our state," he added.

Agricultural Implications

The USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture underscores the significance of these 33 counties, which account for nearly 23,000 farms and 7.7 million acres of farmland. Collectively, they contribute over 27% of Illinois’ agricultural sales. For Huston, agriculture is central to this movement. "Indiana has cultivated a supportive climate for agriculture, ensuring we’re among the top tax-friendly states," he explained. "A symbiotic relationship between these counties and Indiana’s agricultural community could be highly beneficial."Illinois Representative Brad Halbrook, who introduced a complementary bill in the Illinois House, believes that logistics already drive much of the cross-state agricultural activity. "Many farmers find it easier to conduct business in Indiana due to existing infrastructure," he noted. While Halbrook agrees that these counties might thrive under Indiana’s policies, he acknowledges the complexity of such a transition.

The Illinois Separation Referendum Movement

This county-by-county secession effort has a name: the Illinois Separation Referendum. Spearheaded by Loret Newlin, the movement advocates for correcting the imbalance in state representation. Newlin, based in Jasper County, emphasized that the group will continue pushing for referendums regardless of HB1008’s outcome. "Our goal remains to create a new state or join Indiana, depending on what best serves our interests," she stated.The movement’s social media presence highlights their mission to rectify the disproportionate influence of Chicago and Cook County on state laws. Despite uncertainties about future referendums, Newlin remains committed to the cause. "We’ll keep working towards placing the referendum on ballots every opportunity we get," she affirmed.

Legislative Timeline and Challenges

HB1008 faces a tight schedule, with a committee hearing scheduled within two weeks. Huston is confident about the bill’s progress but notes the urgency. "All bills must pass out of the House by February 20th," he said. If successful, the bill would then proceed to the Senate and eventually require approval from the governor.However, Indiana’s efforts alone won’t suffice. Illinois House Bill 1500 (HB1500), sponsored by Representative Halbrook, must also pass. This companion bill would establish the Illinois-Indiana Boundary Adjustment Commission Participation Act. "Both states need to agree on creating this commission," explained Halbrook. "The process involves appointing members who will work through the specifics of border changes and submit recommendations to legislative bodies."Halbrook’s home county of Shelby, part of the southern region, has already approved a non-binding separation referendum. He remains cautious about HB1500’s prospects, noting its current status with the Rules Committee. "We’ll see if it moves forward and how far it can go," he concluded.