Indiana Takes A First -- And Long -- Shot At Acquiring Parts Of Illinois

Indiana is taking a first step toward acquiring parts of Illinois, though a last step appears rather unlikely.

Indiana's Legislature this week gave final approval to a bill that would create the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission to recommend whether to change the border between the two states. The move comes as residents of some Illinois counties are seeking to separate from the Chicago area.

Republican Indiana Gov. Mike Braun plans to sign the measure into law, spokesman Griffin Reid said Friday. Braun will then face a Sept. 1 deadline to schedule the commission's initial meeting.

But there's a hitch.

A change in state boundaries also would need approval from Illinois and the U.S. Congress. And Illinois' top elected officials don't like the idea.