INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The idea of having parts of Illinois join Indiana has hit a roadblock. The sponsor of Illinois House Bill 1500, the counterpart to Indiana’s boundary adjustment commission bill, says the measure has died because it did not meet Friday’s deadline for bills to pass o ut of committee. Indiana House Bill 1008 sets up a commission to investigate the possibility of changing Indiana’s boundary with Illinois. It passed the House in February. House Speaker Todd Huston, of Fishers, says he’s continuing to pursue the measure. In order for the commission to be set up, Illinois would have had to pass its own companion legislation. Illinois HB 1500, sponsored by state Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, would have been that companion legislation. Halbrook said, “However, we still have a couple of options moving forward. We are exploring those options to chart the best course forward for HB 1500. One option is to ask for a deadline extension and another would be to incorporate the bill as an amendment to another piece of legislation that’s still active this session. “I am assessing the best possible path to advance our goals and maintain the momentum that’s been established.” Indiana HB 1008 awaits a hearing in the Indiana Senate. ...read more read less