Some Indiana lawmakers have taken steps to absorb the Illinois counties that have voted to leave the state. Last election, seven Illinois counties joined more than 20 others to greenlight a proposal to explore splitting from the state.

Several Illinois counties that have explored the idea of secession might be welcomed with open arms in Indiana. Legislators in Indiana’s Republican-majority General Assembly have introduced a house bill that would establish a commission to discuss whether it’s advisable to adjust the boundary between Illinois and Indiana.

A bill filed by Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston would create a commission to "embrace neighboring counties that want to join low-tax, low-cost Indiana."

Starting in 2020, non-binding referendums to secede from Illinois and create a new state have passed in 33 counties. Now, a high-ranking Republican in Indiana wants those counties to join Indiana instead of making a 51st state.

Indiana Speaker of the House Todd Huston wants to start a dialogue with his neighboring state. On Tuesday, the Speaker announced he wants to create the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission,