Indiana House Bill 1008 (HB1008) has been introduced in the 2025 Regular Session of the Indiana General Assembly to establish the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission. The bill was authored by Representative Todd Huston and coauthored by Representatives Jack Jordan and Shane Lindauer. It was first read and referred to the House Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform on January 21, 2025.
Purpose of the Commission
The primary objective of the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission is to examine and propose adjustments to the boundary line between Indiana and Illinois. The commission aims to address any discrepancies or ambiguities in the current boundary demarcation to ensure clarity and mutual agreement between the two states.
Composition of the Commission
According to the bill, the commission will consist of ten members:
- Five individuals appointed by the Governor of Indiana.
- Five individuals from the State of Illinois.
The bill specifies that no more than three members appointed by the Governor may belong to the same political party, ensuring bipartisan representation.
Duties and Responsibilities
The commission is tasked with conducting comprehensive studies and analyses of the current boundary line. This includes reviewing historical documents, geographical data, and any legal agreements pertinent to the boundary. Based on their findings, the commission will develop recommendations for any necessary adjustments to the boundary line.
Reporting and Implementation
Upon concluding its study, the commission is required to submit a detailed report of its findings and recommendations to the governors and legislative bodies of both Indiana and Illinois. Any proposed boundary adjustments would need to be ratified by both states and may require approval from the U.S. Congress, depending on the nature of the changes.
Next Steps
As of now, HB1008 is under consideration in the House Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform. If it passes through the committee, it will proceed to the House floor for further debate and voting. Stakeholders and residents of both states are encouraged to stay informed and participate in public discussions as the bill progresses through the legislative process.
For more detailed information, the full text of HB1008 is available on the Indiana General Assembly’s website.
What a waste of time and resources.