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:
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.
| Date | State | Bill No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2, 2018 | IL | SB 3249 | Requires LGBT History in Public Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 18) |
| March 18, 2018 | IL | HB 1465 | Establishes Age Limit for Purchase of Assault-Style Weapons | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 22) |
| Feb. 28, 2018 | IL | SB 1657 | Requires State-Level License to Sell Firearms | Bill Passed - House (64 - 52) |
| Feb. 28, 2018 | IL | HB 1465 | Establishes Age Limit for Purchase of Assault-Style Weapons | Bill Passed - House (64 - 51) |
| Feb. 28, 2018 | IL | HB 1467 | Prohibits Bump Stocks | Bill Passed - House (83 - 31) |
| Oct. 26, 2017 | IL | HB 4117 | Prohibits Possession of "Bump Stocks" | Bill Failed - House (48 - 54) |
| May 31, 2017 | IL | SB 31 | Establishes the Illinois TRUST Act. | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 17) |
| May 31, 2017 | IL | SB 1761 | Prohibits "Gay Panic" Defense | Bill Passed - House |
| May 31, 2017 | IL | SB 1761 | Prohibits "Gay Panic" Defense | Bill Passed - House |
| May 31, 2017 | IL | SB 639 | Authorizes Drug Crime Prosecutions Across State Lines | Bill Passed - House (105 - 2) |
| May 31, 2017 | IL | SB 639 | Authorizes Drug Crime Prosecutions Across State Lines | Bill Passed - House (105 - 2) |
| May 31, 2017 | IL | SB 639 | Authorizes Drug Crime Prosecutions Across State Lines | Bill Passed - House (105 - 2) |
| May 31, 2017 | IL | HB 1785 | Authorizes Birth Certificate Changes for Transgender People | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22) |
| May 30, 2017 | IL | HB 2462 | Prohibits Screening Job Applicants Based on Wage or Salary History | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18) |
| May 29, 2017 | IL | SB 31 | Establishes the Illinois TRUST Act. | Bill Passed - House (62 - 49) |
| May 25, 2017 | IL | HB 1785 | Authorizes Birth Certificate Changes for Transgender People | Bill Passed - House |
| May 5, 2017 | IL | SB 1761 | Prohibits "Gay Panic" Defense | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 0) |
| May 5, 2017 | IL | SB 1761 | Prohibits "Gay Panic" Defense | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 0) |
| May 4, 2017 | IL | SB 31 | Establishes the Illinois TRUST Act. | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 21) |
| April 27, 2017 | IL | SB 1657 | Requires State-Level License to Sell Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 21) |
| April 26, 2017 | IL | HB 2462 | Prohibits Screening Job Applicants Based on Wage or Salary History | Bill Passed - House (91 - 24) |
| April 5, 2016 | IL | SB 2465 | Prohibits Certain Lawsuits against Inmates | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 19) |
| April 5, 2016 | IL | SB 2465 | Prohibits Certain Lawsuits against Inmates | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 19) |
| June 16, 2015 | IL | HB 1336 | Establishes Immunity from Underage Drinking Charges in Certain Circumstances | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (74 - 34) |
| May 31, 2015 | IL | HB 352 | Authorizes Bobcat Hunting | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 46) |
| May 31, 2015 | IL | HB 352 | Authorizes Bobcat Hunting | Concurrence Vote Failed - House (55 - 54) |
| May 21, 2015 | IL | HB 352 | Authorizes Bobcat Hunting | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17) |
| March 5, 2015 | IL | HB 1336 | Establishes Immunity from Underage Drinking Charges for Certain Individuals | Bill Passed - House (69 - 39) |
| May 22, 2014 | IL | SJRCA 75 | Ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 11) |
| 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) |
| 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 23, 2013 | IL | HB 1247 | Prohibits Using a Hand-Held Cell Phone While Driving | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 20) |
| April 24, 2013 | IL | SB 923 | Authorizes the Use of Traffic Cameras on School Buses | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12) |
| April 16, 2013 | IL | HB 2404 | Amends Definition of Delinquent Minor | Bill Passed - House (89 - 26) |
| April 16, 2013 | IL | HB 2404 | Amends Definition of Delinquent Minor | Bill Passed - House (89 - 26) |
| March 1, 2013 | IL | HB 1247 | Prohibits Using a Hand-Held Cell Phone While Driving | Bill Passed - House (64 - 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 | HB 1907 | Illinois Street Gang and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (93 - 18) |
| 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 31, 2012 | IL | SB 2621 | Amends the Department of Corrections' Early Release Program | Bill Passed - House (68 - 50) |
| May 22, 2012 | IL | SB 1808 | Authorizes Individuals to Record Law Enforcement Officers | Bill Passed - House (71 - 45) |
| March 29, 2012 | IL | HB 4083 | Internet Dating Site Requirements | Bill Passed - House (83 - 26) |
| March 21, 2012 | IL | HB 3944 | Authorizing the Recording of Police | Bill Failed - House (45 - 59) |
| March 21, 2012 | IL | HB 3944 | Authorizing the Recording of Police | Bill Failed - House (45 - 59) |
| Oct. 27, 2011 | IL | SB 1701 | Legal Immunity for Individuals Seeking Treatment for Drug Overdose | Bill Passed - House (61 - 53) |
| Oct. 27, 2011 | IL | SB 1701 | Legal Immunity for Individuals Seeking Treatment for Drug Overdose | Bill Passed - House (61 - 53) |
| April 13, 2011 | IL | HB 203 | Limit on Sale of Firearms Within a Certain Time Period | Bill Failed - House (47 - 68) |
| April 12, 2011 | IL | HB 3499 | Firearm Waiting Period Exemptions | Bill Passed - House (78 - 34) |
| Jan. 11, 2011 | IL | SB 3539 | Abolishing the Death Penalty | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 25) |
| Jan. 6, 2011 | IL | SB 3539 | Abolishing the Death Penalty | Bill Passed - House (60 - 54) |
| Dec. 1, 2010 | IL | SB 1716 | Authorizing Civil Unions | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 24) |
| Nov. 30, 2010 | IL | SB 1716 | Authorizing Civil Unions | Bill Passed - House (61 - 52) |
| May 5, 2010 | IL | SB 3695 | Streetgang-Related Crime Fund Changes | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 20) |
| April 21, 2010 | IL | HB 5428 | Limiting Adoption Records Disclosure Restrictions for Adoptees | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 16) |
| March 18, 2010 | IL | HB 5428 | Limiting Adoption Records Disclosure Restrictions for Adoptees | Bill Passed - House (74 - 39) |
| April 1, 2009 | IL | HB | Text Messaging while Driving Ban | Bill Passed - House (89 - 27) |
| April 1, 2009 | IL | HB 71 | Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving | Bill Passed - House (89 - 27) |
| March 18, 2009 | IL | HB 442 | Expanding Red-Light Traffic Camera Enforcement | Bill Passed - House (68 - 47) |
| March 18, 2009 | IL | HB 442 | Expanding Red-Light Traffic Camera Enforcement | Bill Passed - House (68 - 47) |
| May 27, 2008 | IL | HB 5288 | Expand Use of Red Light Cameras | Bill Failed - Senate (26 - 24) |
| May 7, 2008 | IL | HB 4139 | Peace Officer Firearms | Bill Passed - House (91 - 18) |
| April 30, 2008 | IL | HB 5191 | Parental Responsibility for Gun Accessibility | Bill Passed - House (74 - 36) |
| April 1, 2008 | IL | SB 1997 | Interscholastic Event Image Release | Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 5) |
| March 4, 2008 | IL | HB 4180 | Allowing Teachers to Conduct a Silent Reflection | Bill Passed - House (72 - 31) |
| Oct. 11, 2007 | IL | SB 1463 | Silent Reflection and Student Prayer | Veto Override Passed - House (74 - 37) |
| Oct. 3, 2007 | IL | SB 1463 | Silent Reflection and Student Prayer | Veto Override Passed - Senate (42 - 9) |
| May 9, 2007 | IL | SB 1007 | Large Capacity Firearm Magazine Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 26) |
| May 2, 2007 | IL | HB 1727 | Internet Screening in Public Libraries | Bill Passed - House (63 - 51) |
| May 1, 2007 | IL | SB 500 | Smoke Free Illinois Act | Bill Passed - House (73 - 42) |
| March 29, 2007 | IL | SB 500 | Smoke Free Illinois Act | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 23) |
| Date | No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/02 | SB 3249 | Requires LGBT History in Public Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 18) |
| 3/18 | HB 1465 | Establishes Age Limit for Purchase of Assault-Style Weapons | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 22) |
| 2/28 | SB 1657 | Requires State-Level License to Sell Firearms | Bill Passed - House (64 - 52) |
| 2/28 | HB 1465 | Establishes Age Limit for Purchase of Assault-Style Weapons | Bill Passed - House (64 - 51) |
| 2/28 | HB 1467 | Prohibits Bump Stocks | Bill Passed - House (83 - 31) |
| 10/26 | HB 4117 | Prohibits Possession of "Bump Stocks" | Bill Failed - House (48 - 54) |
| 5/31 | SB 31 | Establishes the Illinois TRUST Act. | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 17) |
| 5/31 | SB 1761 | Prohibits "Gay Panic" Defense | Bill Passed - House |
| 5/31 | SB 1761 | Prohibits "Gay Panic" Defense | Bill Passed - House |
| 5/31 | SB 639 | Authorizes Drug Crime Prosecutions Across State Lines | Bill Passed - House (105 - 2) |
| 5/31 | SB 639 | Authorizes Drug Crime Prosecutions Across State Lines | Bill Passed - House (105 - 2) |
| 5/31 | SB 639 | Authorizes Drug Crime Prosecutions Across State Lines | Bill Passed - House (105 - 2) |
| 5/31 | HB 1785 | Authorizes Birth Certificate Changes for Transgender People | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22) |
| 5/30 | HB 2462 | Prohibits Screening Job Applicants Based on Wage or Salary History | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18) |
| 5/29 | SB 31 | Establishes the Illinois TRUST Act. | Bill Passed - House (62 - 49) |
| 5/25 | HB 1785 | Authorizes Birth Certificate Changes for Transgender People | Bill Passed - House |
| 5/05 | SB 1761 | Prohibits "Gay Panic" Defense | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 0) |
| 5/05 | SB 1761 | Prohibits "Gay Panic" Defense | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 0) |
| 5/04 | SB 31 | Establishes the Illinois TRUST Act. | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 21) |
| 4/27 | SB 1657 | Requires State-Level License to Sell Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 21) |
| 4/26 | HB 2462 | Prohibits Screening Job Applicants Based on Wage or Salary History | Bill Passed - House (91 - 24) |
| 4/05 | SB 2465 | Prohibits Certain Lawsuits against Inmates | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 19) |
| 4/05 | SB 2465 | Prohibits Certain Lawsuits against Inmates | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 19) |
| 6/16 | HB 1336 | Establishes Immunity from Underage Drinking Charges in Certain Circumstances | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (74 - 34) |
| 5/31 | HB 352 | Authorizes Bobcat Hunting | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 46) |
| 5/31 | HB 352 | Authorizes Bobcat Hunting | Concurrence Vote Failed - House (55 - 54) |
| 5/21 | HB 352 | Authorizes Bobcat Hunting | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17) |
| 3/05 | HB 1336 | Establishes Immunity from Underage Drinking Charges for Certain Individuals | Bill Passed - House (69 - 39) |
| 5/22 | SJRCA 75 | Ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 11) |
| 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) |
| 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) |
| 5/23 | HB 1247 | Prohibits Using a Hand-Held Cell Phone While Driving | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 20) |
| 4/24 | SB 923 | Authorizes the Use of Traffic Cameras on School Buses | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12) |
| 4/16 | HB 2404 | Amends Definition of Delinquent Minor | Bill Passed - House (89 - 26) |
| 4/16 | HB 2404 | Amends Definition of Delinquent Minor | Bill Passed - House (89 - 26) |
| 3/01 | HB 1247 | Prohibits Using a Hand-Held Cell Phone While Driving | Bill Passed - House (64 - 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 | HB 1907 | Illinois Street Gang and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (93 - 18) |
| 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) |
| 5/31 | SB 2621 | Amends the Department of Corrections' Early Release Program | Bill Passed - House (68 - 50) |
| 5/22 | SB 1808 | Authorizes Individuals to Record Law Enforcement Officers | Bill Passed - House (71 - 45) |
| 3/29 | HB 4083 | Internet Dating Site Requirements | Bill Passed - House (83 - 26) |
| 3/21 | HB 3944 | Authorizing the Recording of Police | Bill Failed - House (45 - 59) |
| 3/21 | HB 3944 | Authorizing the Recording of Police | Bill Failed - House (45 - 59) |
| 10/27 | SB 1701 | Legal Immunity for Individuals Seeking Treatment for Drug Overdose | Bill Passed - House (61 - 53) |
| 10/27 | SB 1701 | Legal Immunity for Individuals Seeking Treatment for Drug Overdose | Bill Passed - House (61 - 53) |
| 4/13 | HB 203 | Limit on Sale of Firearms Within a Certain Time Period | Bill Failed - House (47 - 68) |
| 4/12 | HB 3499 | Firearm Waiting Period Exemptions | Bill Passed - House (78 - 34) |
| 1/11 | SB 3539 | Abolishing the Death Penalty | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 25) |
| 1/06 | SB 3539 | Abolishing the Death Penalty | Bill Passed - House (60 - 54) |
| 12/01 | SB 1716 | Authorizing Civil Unions | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 24) |
| 11/30 | SB 1716 | Authorizing Civil Unions | Bill Passed - House (61 - 52) |
| 5/05 | SB 3695 | Streetgang-Related Crime Fund Changes | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 20) |
| 4/21 | HB 5428 | Limiting Adoption Records Disclosure Restrictions for Adoptees | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 16) |
| 3/18 | HB 5428 | Limiting Adoption Records Disclosure Restrictions for Adoptees | Bill Passed - House (74 - 39) |
| 4/01 | HB | Text Messaging while Driving Ban | Bill Passed - House (89 - 27) |
| 4/01 | HB 71 | Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving | Bill Passed - House (89 - 27) |
| 3/18 | HB 442 | Expanding Red-Light Traffic Camera Enforcement | Bill Passed - House (68 - 47) |
| 3/18 | HB 442 | Expanding Red-Light Traffic Camera Enforcement | Bill Passed - House (68 - 47) |
| 5/27 | HB 5288 | Expand Use of Red Light Cameras | Bill Failed - Senate (26 - 24) |
| 5/07 | HB 4139 | Peace Officer Firearms | Bill Passed - House (91 - 18) |
| 4/30 | HB 5191 | Parental Responsibility for Gun Accessibility | Bill Passed - House (74 - 36) |
| 4/01 | SB 1997 | Interscholastic Event Image Release | Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 5) |
| 3/04 | HB 4180 | Allowing Teachers to Conduct a Silent Reflection | Bill Passed - House (72 - 31) |
| 10/11 | SB 1463 | Silent Reflection and Student Prayer | Veto Override Passed - House (74 - 37) |
| 10/03 | SB 1463 | Silent Reflection and Student Prayer | Veto Override Passed - Senate (42 - 9) |
| 5/09 | SB 1007 | Large Capacity Firearm Magazine Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 26) |
| 5/02 | HB 1727 | Internet Screening in Public Libraries | Bill Passed - House (63 - 51) |
| 5/01 | SB 500 | Smoke Free Illinois Act | Bill Passed - House (73 - 42) |
| 3/29 | SB 500 | Smoke Free Illinois Act | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 23) |