Key Votes

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Vote Smart provides easy access to congressional and state voting records and maintains a collection of key votes grouped by issue. Vote Smart uses the following criteria to select key votes:

  1. The vote should be helpful in portraying how a member stands on a particular issue
  2. The vote should be clear for any person to understand
  3. The vote has received media attention
  4. The vote was passed or defeated by a very close margin
  5. Occasionally, if a specific bill is consistently inquired about on the Voter's Research Hotline, the vote will be added

Vote Smart provides a summary of the version of the bill text associated with each selected key vote. Our summaries are written by Vote Smart's staff and interns, who adhere to our strict policies and procedures in order to guarantee absolute impartiality and accuracy. They do not necessarily reflect the content of the final version of the bill, but rather the version voted on in that stage. While many procedural votes take place before a full chamber vote, our voting stages reflect the final reading of each chamber vote. Each key vote selection is reviewed by the project's community of advisors, who are political scientists and journalists from all fifty states.

For more information about the legislative process, see here.


results per page:
Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
May 28, 2014 IL SB 741 Expands Medicaid Services Bill Passed - House (75 - 37)
May 27, 2014 IL HB 1154 Amends Cook County Pension Laws Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 16)
May 27, 2014 IL HB 6093 2014-2015 K-12 Education Budget Bill Passed - House (68 - 47)
May 27, 2014 IL HB 6095 2014-2015 Department Budgets Bill Passed - House (68 - 47)
May 27, 2014 IL HB 6096 2014-2015 Department Budgets Bill Passed - House (67 - 48)
May 27, 2014 IL HB 6094 2014-2015 Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - House (66 - 48)
May 27, 2014 IL HB 6097 2014-2015 Department Budgets Bill Passed - House (65 - 49)
May 27, 2014 IL HB 3836 Amends Lincoln Presidential Library Operations Bill Passed - House (84 - 29)
May 27, 2014 IL SB 16 Amends Formula for School Funding Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 19)
May 23, 2014 IL HB 5701 Prohibits Requiring Disclosure of Criminal Record Prior to Job Interview Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 12)
May 23, 2014 IL HB 5707 Amends Bullying Prevention Measures in the School Code Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 18)
May 22, 2014 IL SJRCA 75 Ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
May 15, 2014 IL HB 4075 Establishes Standards for Ridesharing Companies Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 8)
May 15, 2014 IL HB 6021 2014-2015 Education Budget Bill Passed - House (61 - 55)
April 10, 2014 IL HB 8 Requires Accommodations for Pregnant Workers Bill Passed - House (65 - 36)
April 10, 2014 IL HB 4075 Establishes Standards for Ridesharing Companies Bill Passed - House (80 - 26)
April 8, 2014 IL SB 1922 Amends the City of Chicago Employee Pensions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 23)
April 8, 2014 IL SB 1922 Amends the City of Chicago Employee Pensions Bill Passed - House (73 - 41)
April 7, 2014 IL HR 895 Encourages Investigative Hearings about the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Resolution Passed - House (55 - 51)
April 2, 2014 IL SB 2202 Prohibits Smoking on State-Funded University and Community College Campuses Bill Passed - House (67 - 44)
March 27, 2014 IL HB 4442 Requires Law Enforcement Officers to Record Ethnicity During Traffic Stops Bill Passed - House (63 - 46)
March 20, 2014 IL AM 121 Nomination of Salvador A. Godinez to be Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections Nomination Confirmed - Senate (37 - 18)
Feb. 5, 2014 IL SB 1227 Extends the Date for the Governor to Submit the State Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 15)
Feb. 4, 2014 IL SB 1227 Extends the Date for the Governor to Submit the State Budget Bill Passed - House (62 - 48)
Dec. 3, 2013 IL SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Conference Report Adopted - House (62 - 53)
Dec. 3, 2013 IL SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 24)
Nov. 6, 2013 IL SB 1523 Amends Pension Code Bill Passed - House (87 - 26)
Nov. 5, 2013 IL SB 10 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 21)
Nov. 5, 2013 IL SB 10 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (61 - 54)
July 9, 2013 IL HB 183 Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Firearms Veto Override Passed - Senate (41 - 17)
July 9, 2013 IL HB 183 Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Firearms Veto Override Passed - House (77 - 31)
May 28, 2013 IL HB 1247 Prohibits Using a Hand-Held Cell Phone While Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 48)
May 27, 2013 IL SB 1639 Requires Reimbursement for the Sale of Unhealthy Pets Bill Passed - House (67 - 49)
May 27, 2013 IL SB 26 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - House (63 - 55)
May 23, 2013 IL HB 1247 Prohibits Using a Hand-Held Cell Phone While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 20)
May 23, 2013 IL HB 3227 Amends State Health Benefits Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
May 22, 2013 IL SB 9 Increases Utility Rates Veto Override Passed - House (71 - 41)
May 22, 2013 IL SB 2356 Increases Speed Limit on Non-Urban Highways Bill Passed - House (85 - 30)
May 22, 2013 IL HB 2675 Expands Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 21)
May 21, 2013 IL SB 9 Increases Utility Rates Veto Override Passed - Senate (44 - 11)
May 17, 2013 IL HB 1 Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 21)
May 15, 2013 IL HB 226 Authorizes 17 Year Olds to Vote in Primary Elections Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 9)
May 2, 2013 IL SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Bill Passed - House (62 - 51)
May 1, 2013 IL SB 2202 Prohibits Smoking on State-Funded University and Community College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 22)
May 1, 2013 IL SB 1639 Requires Reimbursement for the Sale of Unhealthy Pets Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
May 1, 2013 IL SB 1739 Expands State Casino Development Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 20)
April 25, 2013 IL SB 2187 Authorizes Psychologists to Prescribe Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 10)
April 24, 2013 IL SB 923 Authorizes the Use of Traffic Cameras on School Buses Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
April 17, 2013 IL HB 1 Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - House (61 - 57)
April 17, 2013 IL HB 2675 Expands Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (66 - 52)
April 17, 2013 IL HB 226 Authorizes 17 Year Olds to Vote in Primary Elections Bill Passed - House (95 - 22)
April 16, 2013 IL HB 2404 Amends Definition of Delinquent Minor Bill Passed - House (89 - 26)
April 11, 2013 IL HJRCA 18 Repeals the Position of Lieutenant Governor Joint Resolution Passed - House (83 - 28)
March 21, 2013 IL SB 9 Increases Utility Rates Bill Passed - House (86 - 28)
March 21, 2013 IL HB 1165 Establishes Cost of Living Adjustments in Pensions Bill Passed - House (66 - 50)
March 20, 2013 IL SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 22)
March 14, 2013 IL SB 9 Increases Utility Rates Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 9)
March 7, 2013 IL SB 622 Increases Physician License Fees Bill Passed - House (65 - 49)
March 1, 2013 IL HB 1247 Prohibits Using a Hand-Held Cell Phone While Driving Bill Passed - House (64 - 46)
Feb. 28, 2013 IL SB 26 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19)
Feb. 14, 2013 IL SB 622 Increases Physician License Fees Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 19)
Feb. 14, 2013 IL SB 10 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 21)
Jan. 8, 2013 IL SB 957 Authorizes Temporary Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (65 - 46)
Dec. 4, 2012 IL SB 681 Authorizes State Residents To Purchase Ammunition From In-State Companies Veto Override Passed - House (78 - 28)
Dec. 4, 2012 IL SB 957 Authorizes Temporary Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 14)
May 31, 2012 IL SB 1566 Increases License Plate Fees Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (33 - 21)
May 31, 2012 IL HB 1907 Illinois Street Gang and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (93 - 18)
May 31, 2012 IL SB 3442 Requires Recycling of Plastic Bags Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 15)
May 31, 2012 IL SB 1849 Expands Gambling Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 26)
May 31, 2012 IL HB 1447 Pension Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 24)
May 31, 2012 IL HB 5440 Establishes a 5 Percent Fee on Satellite TV Companies Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 27)
May 31, 2012 IL SB 1064 Prohibits Private Security Services in Detention Centers Bill Failed - House (57 - 58)
May 31, 2012 IL SB 1566 Increases License Plate Fees Bill Passed - House (61 - 56)
May 31, 2012 IL SB 2621 Amends the Department of Corrections' Early Release Program Bill Passed - House (68 - 50)
May 30, 2012 IL SB 3442 Requires Recycling of Plastic Bags Bill Passed - House (72 - 44)
May 29, 2012 IL SB 2194 Increases Cigarette Tax Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 27)
May 29, 2012 IL HB 5290 Requires Schools to Establish Bullying Policies Bill Failed - Senate (29 - 21)
May 25, 2012 IL SB 2194 Increases Cigarette Tax Bill Passed - House (60 - 52)
May 24, 2012 IL SB 2840 Limits Medicaid Funding Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (44 - 13)
May 24, 2012 IL SB 2840 Limits Medicaid Funding Bill Passed - House (94 - 22)
May 23, 2012 IL SB 1849 Expands Gambling Bill Passed - House (69 - 47)
May 22, 2012 IL SB 1808 Authorizes Individuals to Record Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - House (71 - 45)
May 15, 2012 IL HB 3859 Requires Publication of Reduced Tax Rates under the EDGE Program Bill Passed - House (84 - 26)
May 10, 2012 IL SB 1313 Limits Health Care Coverage for Retired State Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 20)
May 9, 2012 IL SB 1313 Limits Health Care Coverage for Retired State Employees Bill Passed - House (74 - 43)
March 29, 2012 IL Amendment No. 4 Requires Physicians to Provide Information About Side Effects of Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Amendment Rejected - House (32 - 68)
March 29, 2012 IL HB 3782 Prohibits Employers from Asking for Internet Login Information Bill Passed - House (78 - 30)
March 29, 2012 IL HB 4083 Internet Dating Site Requirements Bill Passed - House (83 - 26)
March 29, 2012 IL HB 5531 Limits Tuition Waivers for State University Employees Bill Failed - House (26 - 75)
March 28, 2012 IL HB 5290 Requires Schools to Establish Bullying Policies Bill Passed - House (61 - 49)
March 26, 2012 IL HB 5789 Establishes State Park Fees Bill Passed - House (81 - 29)
March 21, 2012 IL HB 3810 Eliminates General Assembly Scholarships Bill Passed - House (79 - 25)
March 21, 2012 IL HB 3944 Authorizing the Recording of Police Bill Failed - House (45 - 59)
March 9, 2012 IL HB 5099 Prohibits the Use of Cell Phones Near Emergency Scenes Bill Passed - House (62 - 38)
Feb. 28, 2012 IL HB 1310 Authorizes Certain Businesses to Permit Smoking Bill Failed - House (30 - 82)
Dec. 13, 2011 IL SB 397 Tax Code Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (44 - 9)
Dec. 13, 2011 IL SB 400 Amends State Income Tax Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 4)
Dec. 12, 2011 IL SB 400 Amends State Income Tax Bill Passed - House (67 - 49)
Dec. 12, 2011 IL SB 397 Tax Code Amendments Bill Passed - House (81 - 28)
Nov. 29, 2011 IL HB 1883 Property Tax Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (8 - 99)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/28 SB 741 Expands Medicaid Services Bill Passed - House (75 - 37)
5/27 HB 1154 Amends Cook County Pension Laws Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 16)
5/27 HB 6093 2014-2015 K-12 Education Budget Bill Passed - House (68 - 47)
5/27 HB 6095 2014-2015 Department Budgets Bill Passed - House (68 - 47)
5/27 HB 6096 2014-2015 Department Budgets Bill Passed - House (67 - 48)
5/27 HB 6094 2014-2015 Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - House (66 - 48)
5/27 HB 6097 2014-2015 Department Budgets Bill Passed - House (65 - 49)
5/27 HB 3836 Amends Lincoln Presidential Library Operations Bill Passed - House (84 - 29)
5/27 SB 16 Amends Formula for School Funding Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 19)
5/23 HB 5701 Prohibits Requiring Disclosure of Criminal Record Prior to Job Interview Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 12)
5/23 HB 5707 Amends Bullying Prevention Measures in the School Code Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 18)
5/22 SJRCA 75 Ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
5/15 HB 4075 Establishes Standards for Ridesharing Companies Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 8)
5/15 HB 6021 2014-2015 Education Budget Bill Passed - House (61 - 55)
4/10 HB 8 Requires Accommodations for Pregnant Workers Bill Passed - House (65 - 36)
4/10 HB 4075 Establishes Standards for Ridesharing Companies Bill Passed - House (80 - 26)
4/08 SB 1922 Amends the City of Chicago Employee Pensions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 23)
4/08 SB 1922 Amends the City of Chicago Employee Pensions Bill Passed - House (73 - 41)
4/07 HR 895 Encourages Investigative Hearings about the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Resolution Passed - House (55 - 51)
4/02 SB 2202 Prohibits Smoking on State-Funded University and Community College Campuses Bill Passed - House (67 - 44)
3/27 HB 4442 Requires Law Enforcement Officers to Record Ethnicity During Traffic Stops Bill Passed - House (63 - 46)
3/20 AM 121 Nomination of Salvador A. Godinez to be Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections Nomination Confirmed - Senate (37 - 18)
2/05 SB 1227 Extends the Date for the Governor to Submit the State Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 15)
2/04 SB 1227 Extends the Date for the Governor to Submit the State Budget Bill Passed - House (62 - 48)
12/03 SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Conference Report Adopted - House (62 - 53)
12/03 SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 24)
11/06 SB 1523 Amends Pension Code Bill Passed - House (87 - 26)
11/05 SB 10 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 21)
11/05 SB 10 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (61 - 54)
7/09 HB 183 Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Firearms Veto Override Passed - Senate (41 - 17)
7/09 HB 183 Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Firearms Veto Override Passed - House (77 - 31)
5/28 HB 1247 Prohibits Using a Hand-Held Cell Phone While Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 48)
5/27 SB 1639 Requires Reimbursement for the Sale of Unhealthy Pets Bill Passed - House (67 - 49)
5/27 SB 26 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - House (63 - 55)
5/23 HB 1247 Prohibits Using a Hand-Held Cell Phone While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 20)
5/23 HB 3227 Amends State Health Benefits Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
5/22 SB 9 Increases Utility Rates Veto Override Passed - House (71 - 41)
5/22 SB 2356 Increases Speed Limit on Non-Urban Highways Bill Passed - House (85 - 30)
5/22 HB 2675 Expands Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 21)
5/21 SB 9 Increases Utility Rates Veto Override Passed - Senate (44 - 11)
5/17 HB 1 Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 21)
5/15 HB 226 Authorizes 17 Year Olds to Vote in Primary Elections Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 9)
5/02 SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Bill Passed - House (62 - 51)
5/01 SB 2202 Prohibits Smoking on State-Funded University and Community College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 22)
5/01 SB 1639 Requires Reimbursement for the Sale of Unhealthy Pets Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
5/01 SB 1739 Expands State Casino Development Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 20)
4/25 SB 2187 Authorizes Psychologists to Prescribe Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 10)
4/24 SB 923 Authorizes the Use of Traffic Cameras on School Buses Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
4/17 HB 1 Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - House (61 - 57)
4/17 HB 2675 Expands Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (66 - 52)
4/17 HB 226 Authorizes 17 Year Olds to Vote in Primary Elections Bill Passed - House (95 - 22)
4/16 HB 2404 Amends Definition of Delinquent Minor Bill Passed - House (89 - 26)
4/11 HJRCA 18 Repeals the Position of Lieutenant Governor Joint Resolution Passed - House (83 - 28)
3/21 SB 9 Increases Utility Rates Bill Passed - House (86 - 28)
3/21 HB 1165 Establishes Cost of Living Adjustments in Pensions Bill Passed - House (66 - 50)
3/20 SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 22)
3/14 SB 9 Increases Utility Rates Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 9)
3/07 SB 622 Increases Physician License Fees Bill Passed - House (65 - 49)
3/01 HB 1247 Prohibits Using a Hand-Held Cell Phone While Driving Bill Passed - House (64 - 46)
2/28 SB 26 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19)
2/14 SB 622 Increases Physician License Fees Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 19)
2/14 SB 10 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 21)
1/08 SB 957 Authorizes Temporary Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (65 - 46)
12/04 SB 681 Authorizes State Residents To Purchase Ammunition From In-State Companies Veto Override Passed - House (78 - 28)
12/04 SB 957 Authorizes Temporary Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 14)
5/31 SB 1566 Increases License Plate Fees Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (33 - 21)
5/31 HB 1907 Illinois Street Gang and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (93 - 18)
5/31 SB 3442 Requires Recycling of Plastic Bags Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 15)
5/31 SB 1849 Expands Gambling Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 26)
5/31 HB 1447 Pension Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 24)
5/31 HB 5440 Establishes a 5 Percent Fee on Satellite TV Companies Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 27)
5/31 SB 1064 Prohibits Private Security Services in Detention Centers Bill Failed - House (57 - 58)
5/31 SB 1566 Increases License Plate Fees Bill Passed - House (61 - 56)
5/31 SB 2621 Amends the Department of Corrections' Early Release Program Bill Passed - House (68 - 50)
5/30 SB 3442 Requires Recycling of Plastic Bags Bill Passed - House (72 - 44)
5/29 SB 2194 Increases Cigarette Tax Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 27)
5/29 HB 5290 Requires Schools to Establish Bullying Policies Bill Failed - Senate (29 - 21)
5/25 SB 2194 Increases Cigarette Tax Bill Passed - House (60 - 52)
5/24 SB 2840 Limits Medicaid Funding Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (44 - 13)
5/24 SB 2840 Limits Medicaid Funding Bill Passed - House (94 - 22)
5/23 SB 1849 Expands Gambling Bill Passed - House (69 - 47)
5/22 SB 1808 Authorizes Individuals to Record Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - House (71 - 45)
5/15 HB 3859 Requires Publication of Reduced Tax Rates under the EDGE Program Bill Passed - House (84 - 26)
5/10 SB 1313 Limits Health Care Coverage for Retired State Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 20)
5/09 SB 1313 Limits Health Care Coverage for Retired State Employees Bill Passed - House (74 - 43)
3/29 Amendment No. 4 Requires Physicians to Provide Information About Side Effects of Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Amendment Rejected - House (32 - 68)
3/29 HB 3782 Prohibits Employers from Asking for Internet Login Information Bill Passed - House (78 - 30)
3/29 HB 4083 Internet Dating Site Requirements Bill Passed - House (83 - 26)
3/29 HB 5531 Limits Tuition Waivers for State University Employees Bill Failed - House (26 - 75)
3/28 HB 5290 Requires Schools to Establish Bullying Policies Bill Passed - House (61 - 49)
3/26 HB 5789 Establishes State Park Fees Bill Passed - House (81 - 29)
3/21 HB 3810 Eliminates General Assembly Scholarships Bill Passed - House (79 - 25)
3/21 HB 3944 Authorizing the Recording of Police Bill Failed - House (45 - 59)
3/09 HB 5099 Prohibits the Use of Cell Phones Near Emergency Scenes Bill Passed - House (62 - 38)
2/28 HB 1310 Authorizes Certain Businesses to Permit Smoking Bill Failed - House (30 - 82)
12/13 SB 397 Tax Code Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (44 - 9)
12/13 SB 400 Amends State Income Tax Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 4)
12/12 SB 400 Amends State Income Tax Bill Passed - House (67 - 49)
12/12 SB 397 Tax Code Amendments Bill Passed - House (81 - 28)
11/29 HB 1883 Property Tax Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (8 - 99)

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