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 27, 2015 IL HB 4151 2015-2016 Education Budget Bill Passed - House (66 - 47)
May 20, 2015 IL SB 100 Establishes Educational Disciplinary Guidelines Bill Passed - House (73 - 41)
May 19, 2015 IL HB 217 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - House (68 - 43)
April 23, 2015 IL HB 218 Classifies Marijuana Possession as a Civil Violation Bill Passed - House (62 - 53)
April 21, 2015 IL HB 3761 Prohibits Sale of Crib Bumper Pads Bill Passed - House (63 - 48)
April 15, 2015 IL HB 2653 Prohibits Sale of Certain Crib Bumper Pads Bill Passed - House (64 - 49)
March 24, 2015 IL HB 317 2015-2016 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (72 - 45)
March 24, 2015 IL HB 318 2015-2016 Budget Reconciliation Bill Passed - House (69 - 48)
March 5, 2015 IL HB 1336 Establishes Immunity from Underage Drinking Charges for Certain Individuals Bill Passed - House (69 - 39)
May 30, 2014 IL HB 105 Authorizes Election Day Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 41)
May 30, 2014 IL SB 274 Requires Salary Payments to State Legislators Bill Passed - House (65 - 48)
May 29, 2014 IL HB 5707 Amends Bullying Prevention Measures in the School Code Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 40)
May 29, 2014 IL HB 5701 Prohibits Requiring Disclosure of Criminal Record Prior to Job Interview Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 47)
May 28, 2014 IL SB 741 Expands Medicaid Services Bill Passed - House (75 - 37)
May 27, 2014 IL HB 3836 Amends Lincoln Presidential Library Operations Bill Passed - House (84 - 29)
May 27, 2014 IL HB 6097 2014-2015 Department Budgets Bill Passed - House (65 - 49)
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 15, 2014 IL HB 6021 2014-2015 Education Budget Bill Passed - House (61 - 55)
April 10, 2014 IL HB 4075 Establishes Standards for Ridesharing Companies Bill Passed - House (80 - 26)
April 10, 2014 IL HB 8 Requires Accommodations for Pregnant Workers Bill Passed - House (65 - 36)
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)
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)
Nov. 6, 2013 IL SB 1523 Amends Pension Code Bill Passed - House (87 - 26)
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 - 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 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 2, 2013 IL SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Bill Passed - House (62 - 51)
April 17, 2013 IL HB 1 Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - House (61 - 57)
April 17, 2013 IL HB 226 Authorizes 17 Year Olds to Vote in Primary Elections Bill Passed - House (95 - 22)
April 17, 2013 IL HB 2675 Expands Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (66 - 52)
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 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)
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)
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 1566 Increases License Plate Fees Bill Passed - House (61 - 56)
May 31, 2012 IL SB 1064 Prohibits Private Security Services in Detention Centers Bill Failed - House (57 - 58)
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 25, 2012 IL SB 2194 Increases Cigarette Tax Bill Passed - House (60 - 52)
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 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 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 29, 2012 IL HB 3782 Prohibits Employers from Asking for Internet Login Information Bill Passed - House (78 - 30)
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. 12, 2011 IL SB 397 Tax Code Amendments Bill Passed - House (81 - 28)
Dec. 12, 2011 IL SB 400 Amends State Income Tax Bill Passed - House (67 - 49)
Nov. 29, 2011 IL HB 1883 Property Tax Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (8 - 99)
Nov. 9, 2011 IL SB 2147 Paying Regional Superintendents Bill Failed - House (70 - 43)
Nov. 9, 2011 IL SB 965 Authorizing Speed Cameras in Certain Cities Bill Passed - House (64 - 50)
Nov. 9, 2011 IL SB 2147 Paying Regional Superintendents Bill Passed - House (74 - 36)
Oct. 27, 2011 IL SB 1701 Legal Immunity for Individuals Seeking Treatment for Drug Overdose Bill Passed - House (61 - 53)
Oct. 26, 2011 IL SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Veto Override Passed - House (74 - 42)
May 31, 2011 IL HB 1723 Amending The Illinois Nuclear Safety Preparedness Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 44)
May 31, 2011 IL HB 1698 Amends Workers' Compensation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 43)
May 31, 2011 IL HB 1490 Regulates Full-Contact Martial Arts Events Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 45)
May 30, 2011 IL SB 744 Authorizes Gambling Bill Passed - House (65 - 50)
May 30, 2011 IL SB 145 Nursing Home Infection Control Bill Passed - House (69 - 45)
May 30, 2011 IL SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Bill Passed - House (67 - 47)
May 30, 2011 IL SB 2185 Establishes the DREAM Fund Commission Bill Passed - House (61 - 53)
May 28, 2011 IL HB 1091 Public-Private Transportation Partnership Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 40)
April 13, 2011 IL HB 203 Limit on Sale of Firearms Within a Certain Time Period Bill Failed - House (47 - 68)
April 13, 2011 IL HB 1600 Limits Artificial Trans Fats Bill Passed - House (73 - 43)
April 12, 2011 IL HB 161 Electronic Benefits Transfer Card Photograph Requirement Bill Passed - House (64 - 48)
April 12, 2011 IL HB 3499 Firearm Waiting Period Exemptions Bill Passed - House (78 - 34)
Jan. 11, 2011 IL SB 2505 Amends Property Tax Code Bill Passed - House (60 - 57)
Jan. 10, 2011 IL SB 3644 Labor Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (64 - 49)
Jan. 6, 2011 IL SB 3539 Abolishing the Death Penalty Bill Passed - House (60 - 54)
Jan. 6, 2011 IL SB 1381 Legalize Medical Marijuana Bill Failed - House (56 - 60)
Jan. 4, 2011 IL SB 3976 Rules to Govern the Redistricting Process Bill Passed - House (67 - 46)
Nov. 30, 2010 IL SB 1716 Authorizing Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (61 - 52)
May 26, 2010 IL HB 4927 Video Gaming Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (81 - 26)
May 25, 2010 IL HB 859 2010-2011 Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 50)
May 25, 2010 IL SB 3514 Amending State Pension Laws and Limiting Pension Appropriations Bill Passed - House (71 - 44)
May 25, 2010 IL SB 3660 Emergency Budget Act of Fiscal Year 2011 Bill Passed - House (67 - 50)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/27 HB 4151 2015-2016 Education Budget Bill Passed - House (66 - 47)
5/20 SB 100 Establishes Educational Disciplinary Guidelines Bill Passed - House (73 - 41)
5/19 HB 217 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - House (68 - 43)
4/23 HB 218 Classifies Marijuana Possession as a Civil Violation Bill Passed - House (62 - 53)
4/21 HB 3761 Prohibits Sale of Crib Bumper Pads Bill Passed - House (63 - 48)
4/15 HB 2653 Prohibits Sale of Certain Crib Bumper Pads Bill Passed - House (64 - 49)
3/24 HB 317 2015-2016 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (72 - 45)
3/24 HB 318 2015-2016 Budget Reconciliation Bill Passed - House (69 - 48)
3/05 HB 1336 Establishes Immunity from Underage Drinking Charges for Certain Individuals Bill Passed - House (69 - 39)
5/30 HB 105 Authorizes Election Day Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 41)
5/30 SB 274 Requires Salary Payments to State Legislators Bill Passed - House (65 - 48)
5/29 HB 5707 Amends Bullying Prevention Measures in the School Code Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 40)
5/29 HB 5701 Prohibits Requiring Disclosure of Criminal Record Prior to Job Interview Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 47)
5/28 SB 741 Expands Medicaid Services Bill Passed - House (75 - 37)
5/27 HB 3836 Amends Lincoln Presidential Library Operations Bill Passed - House (84 - 29)
5/27 HB 6097 2014-2015 Department Budgets Bill Passed - House (65 - 49)
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)
5/15 HB 6021 2014-2015 Education Budget Bill Passed - House (61 - 55)
4/10 HB 4075 Establishes Standards for Ridesharing Companies Bill Passed - House (80 - 26)
4/10 HB 8 Requires Accommodations for Pregnant Workers Bill Passed - House (65 - 36)
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)
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)
11/06 SB 1523 Amends Pension Code Bill Passed - House (87 - 26)
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 - 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)
5/22 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)
5/02 SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Bill Passed - House (62 - 51)
4/17 HB 1 Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - House (61 - 57)
4/17 HB 226 Authorizes 17 Year Olds to Vote in Primary Elections Bill Passed - House (95 - 22)
4/17 HB 2675 Expands Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (66 - 52)
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)
3/07 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)
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)
5/31 HB 1907 Illinois Street Gang and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (93 - 18)
5/31 SB 1566 Increases License Plate Fees Bill Passed - House (61 - 56)
5/31 SB 1064 Prohibits Private Security Services in Detention Centers Bill Failed - House (57 - 58)
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)
5/25 SB 2194 Increases Cigarette Tax Bill Passed - House (60 - 52)
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)
5/09 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 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)
3/29 HB 3782 Prohibits Employers from Asking for Internet Login Information Bill Passed - House (78 - 30)
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)
12/12 SB 397 Tax Code Amendments Bill Passed - House (81 - 28)
12/12 SB 400 Amends State Income Tax Bill Passed - House (67 - 49)
11/29 HB 1883 Property Tax Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (8 - 99)
11/09 SB 2147 Paying Regional Superintendents Bill Failed - House (70 - 43)
11/09 SB 965 Authorizing Speed Cameras in Certain Cities Bill Passed - House (64 - 50)
11/09 SB 2147 Paying Regional Superintendents Bill Passed - House (74 - 36)
10/27 SB 1701 Legal Immunity for Individuals Seeking Treatment for Drug Overdose Bill Passed - House (61 - 53)
10/26 SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Veto Override Passed - House (74 - 42)
5/31 HB 1723 Amending The Illinois Nuclear Safety Preparedness Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 44)
5/31 HB 1698 Amends Workers' Compensation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 43)
5/31 HB 1490 Regulates Full-Contact Martial Arts Events Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 45)
5/30 SB 744 Authorizes Gambling Bill Passed - House (65 - 50)
5/30 SB 145 Nursing Home Infection Control Bill Passed - House (69 - 45)
5/30 SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Bill Passed - House (67 - 47)
5/30 SB 2185 Establishes the DREAM Fund Commission Bill Passed - House (61 - 53)
5/28 HB 1091 Public-Private Transportation Partnership Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 40)
4/13 HB 203 Limit on Sale of Firearms Within a Certain Time Period Bill Failed - House (47 - 68)
4/13 HB 1600 Limits Artificial Trans Fats Bill Passed - House (73 - 43)
4/12 HB 161 Electronic Benefits Transfer Card Photograph Requirement Bill Passed - House (64 - 48)
4/12 HB 3499 Firearm Waiting Period Exemptions Bill Passed - House (78 - 34)
1/11 SB 2505 Amends Property Tax Code Bill Passed - House (60 - 57)
1/10 SB 3644 Labor Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (64 - 49)
1/06 SB 3539 Abolishing the Death Penalty Bill Passed - House (60 - 54)
1/06 SB 1381 Legalize Medical Marijuana Bill Failed - House (56 - 60)
1/04 SB 3976 Rules to Govern the Redistricting Process Bill Passed - House (67 - 46)
11/30 SB 1716 Authorizing Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (61 - 52)
5/26 HB 4927 Video Gaming Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (81 - 26)
5/25 HB 859 2010-2011 Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 50)
5/25 SB 3514 Amending State Pension Laws and Limiting Pension Appropriations Bill Passed - House (71 - 44)
5/25 SB 3660 Emergency Budget Act of Fiscal Year 2011 Bill Passed - House (67 - 50)

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