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
March 15, 2017 MN HF 5 Establishes a Health Insurance Cost-Sharing Program Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 29)
March 8, 2017 MN HF 3 Requires REAL ID Compliance Bill Failed - Senate (29 - 38)
May 21, 2016 MN SF 498 Amends Police Body Camera Regulations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 17)
May 5, 2016 MN HF 3467 Appropriates Bond Proceeds to Public Works Bill Failed - Senate (40 - 26)
June 12, 2015 MN SF 5 2015-2017 Biennium Agriculture and Environment and Natural Resources Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 29)
May 18, 2015 MN HF 846 Requires 50 Foot Buffers around Certain Waterways Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 30)
May 11, 2015 MN SF 455 Amends Elections Laws Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 28)
May 10, 2015 MN HF 2958 Authorizes New Viking Stadium Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 30)
May 7, 2015 MN SF 86 Amends Procedures for Data Collected by Police Surveillance Equipment Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 19)
May 4, 2015 MN HF 848 Amends Income Tax Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 25)
April 27, 2015 MN HF 4 2015-2017 Biennium Transportation Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 27)
April 23, 2015 MN SF 878 Authorizes Gun Silencers and Expands Ex-Felon Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 22)
Feb. 26, 2015 MN SF 174 Requires Legislative Approval for Certain Salary Increases Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 29)
May 16, 2014 MN HF 3172 2014-2015 Supplemental Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 22)
May 16, 2014 MN SF 2470 Establishes a Patient Registry for Medical Marijuana Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 16)
May 16, 2014 MN HF 2293 Amends Regulations for Payday Lenders Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 25)
May 16, 2014 MN HF 2490 Appropriates Funds for Public Improvement and Capital Programs Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 17)
May 16, 2014 MN HF 1068 Appropriates Funds to Certain State Agencies and Projects Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 19)
May 13, 2014 MN HF 3169 Establishes a Legislative Salary Council Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 25)
May 9, 2014 MN SF 1740 Requires a "Kill Switch" on a Cell Phone Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (44 - 19)
May 8, 2014 MN HF 2536 Increases Equal Pay and Establishes Certain Workplace Protections for Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (43 - 24)
May 2, 2014 MN SF 2047 Authorizes State to Store Infant Blood Samples Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 20)
May 2, 2014 MN SF 2099 Requires Political Contributions by Corporations to be Subject to the Individual Income Tax Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 23)
April 29, 2014 MN HF 2096 Authorizes Online Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
April 23, 2014 MN SF 2047 Authorizes State to Store Infant Blood Samples Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 22)
April 9, 2014 MN HF 2091 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 31)
April 3, 2014 MN HF 826 Requires Schools to Establish Bullying Policies Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 31)
March 21, 2014 MN HF 1777 Amends Tax Laws Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 5)
May 20, 2013 MN HF 677 Amends State Taxes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 30)
May 19, 2013 MN HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 26)
May 19, 2013 MN HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - Senate (43 - 23)
May 18, 2013 MN HF 1233 2013-2015 Biennium Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 28)
May 17, 2013 MN SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (44 - 22)
May 15, 2013 MN SF 778 Authorizes the Unionization of Family Child Care Providers Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 32)
May 13, 2013 MN HF 1054 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 30)
May 8, 2013 MN HF 92 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 28)
May 1, 2013 MN SF 723 Authorizes In-State Tuition and Financial Aid for Undocumented College Students Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 23)
April 25, 2013 MN HF 1233 2013-2015 Biennium Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
April 25, 2013 MN HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 28)
April 20, 2013 MN SF 523 Prohibits Employers From Asking Applicants for Criminal History Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 16)
April 17, 2013 MN SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 18)
April 16, 2013 MN SF 1589 Increases Legislator Salaries Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 32)
March 18, 2013 MN HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 28)
March 7, 2013 MN HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 28)
Feb. 14, 2013 MN HF 9 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 22)
May 10, 2012 MN HF 2958 Authorizes New Viking Stadium Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 28)
May 7, 2012 MN HF 1752 Authorizes Bonds for Construction Works Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 22)
May 3, 2012 MN HF 2337 Amends Property Taxes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 25)
May 3, 2012 MN SF 1694 Authorizes the Sale of Certain Fireworks Veto Override Failed - Senate (37 - 29)
April 28, 2012 MN HF 2171 Increases Hunting and Fishing Fees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 28)
April 28, 2012 MN HF 2795 Expands Gambling Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 18)
April 24, 2012 MN SF 1694 Authorizes the Sale of Certain Fireworks Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 17)
April 23, 2012 MN HF 2341 Requires Physicians to Administer Abortion Drugs In Person Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 25)
April 18, 2012 MN SF 1921 Increases Requirements for Abortion Providers Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 23)
April 5, 2012 MN HF 2738 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 29)
April 2, 2012 MN HF 2083 Requires State Reserve Funds to be Used to Reduce School Debt Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 28)
March 19, 2012 MN HF 545 Requires State Budget to Include Federal Insolvency Contingency Plan Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 12)
Feb. 27, 2012 MN HF 1870 Authorizes School Districts to Dismiss Teachers Based on Performance Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 26)
Feb. 23, 2012 MN HF 1467 Expands the Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 23)
Jan. 30, 2012 MN Anderson Nomination Confirmation of Ellen Anderson as Public Utilities Commissioner Motion Rejected - Senate (29 - 37)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 20 2011-2013 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 27)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 25 2011-2013 Health and Human Services Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 27)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 26 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 4 Higher Education Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 30)
July 19, 2011 MN SF 2 2011-2013 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 23)
May 18, 2011 MN SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 28)
May 17, 2011 MN HF 1425 Legislative Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 29)
May 17, 2011 MN HF 1426 Congressional Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
May 11, 2011 MN SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - Senate (38 - 27)
March 3, 2011 MN SF 40 Amends Licensing and Codes for Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 19)
Feb. 24, 2011 MN HF 1 Environmental Review Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 16)
Feb. 3, 2011 MN HF 130 2010-2013 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 27)
Feb. 3, 2011 MN SF 40 Amends Licensing and Codes for Education Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 23)
Feb. 2, 2011 MN SF 4 Repealing the Ban on Construction of New Nuclear Power Plants Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 14)
Jan. 24, 2011 MN SF 86 Repeals Carbon Dioxide Emissions Prohibition
May 17, 2010 MN HF 1 2010-2011 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 14)
May 12, 2010 MN SF 341 Domestic Partner Death Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
May 10, 2010 MN HF 2037 2010-2011 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 33)
May 5, 2010 MN HF 2614 Health and Human Services Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 19)
April 28, 2010 MN SF 2716 Charter School Facilities Financing Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 15)
March 29, 2010 MN HF 1671 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (44 - 23)
March 11, 2010 MN HF 2700 Omnibus Bonding and Budget Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (49 - 17)
Feb. 25, 2010 MN SF 2168 General Assistance Medical Care Program Modifications Veto Override Passed - Senate (45 - 21)
Feb. 11, 2010 MN SF 2168 General Assistance Medical Care Program Modifications Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 20)
Feb. 9, 2010 MN SF 2360 Construction Projects Authorizations and Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 14)
May 18, 2009 MN SF 97 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 28)
May 18, 2009 MN HF 108 Primary Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 19)
May 11, 2009 MN HF 1362 Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 18)
May 11, 2009 MN SF 1331 Changing Early Voting and Special Election Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 27)
May 8, 2009 MN HF 885 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (44 - 20)
May 4, 2009 MN SF 2081 2010-2011 Economic Development Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 28)
May 4, 2009 MN SF 97 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 29)
May 4, 2009 MN SF 341 Domestic Partner Death Rights Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
April 27, 2009 MN Ban on State Funds for Abortions Amendment Rejected - Senate (26 - 39)
April 20, 2009 MN Permitting Slot Machines at Race Tracks Amendment Rejected - Senate (25 - 41)
April 20, 2009 MN SF 802 2009-2011 Biennium Public Safety and Corrections Budget Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 31)
April 17, 2009 MN Limit of 3 Percent on Tuition Increases Amendment Rejected - Senate (32 - 33)
April 17, 2009 MN SF 971 School Anti-Bullying Policy Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 22)
April 17, 2009 MN SF 2083 2009-2011 Biennium Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 23)
April 16, 2009 MN Limmer Amdt Homosexuality in Education Amendment Rejected - Senate (24 - 37)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/15 HF 5 Establishes a Health Insurance Cost-Sharing Program Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 29)
3/08 HF 3 Requires REAL ID Compliance Bill Failed - Senate (29 - 38)
5/21 SF 498 Amends Police Body Camera Regulations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 17)
5/05 HF 3467 Appropriates Bond Proceeds to Public Works Bill Failed - Senate (40 - 26)
6/12 SF 5 2015-2017 Biennium Agriculture and Environment and Natural Resources Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 29)
5/18 HF 846 Requires 50 Foot Buffers around Certain Waterways Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 30)
5/11 SF 455 Amends Elections Laws Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 28)
5/10 HF 2958 Authorizes New Viking Stadium Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 30)
5/07 SF 86 Amends Procedures for Data Collected by Police Surveillance Equipment Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 19)
5/04 HF 848 Amends Income Tax Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 25)
4/27 HF 4 2015-2017 Biennium Transportation Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 27)
4/23 SF 878 Authorizes Gun Silencers and Expands Ex-Felon Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 22)
2/26 SF 174 Requires Legislative Approval for Certain Salary Increases Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 29)
5/16 HF 3172 2014-2015 Supplemental Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 22)
5/16 SF 2470 Establishes a Patient Registry for Medical Marijuana Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 16)
5/16 HF 2293 Amends Regulations for Payday Lenders Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 25)
5/16 HF 2490 Appropriates Funds for Public Improvement and Capital Programs Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 17)
5/16 HF 1068 Appropriates Funds to Certain State Agencies and Projects Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 19)
5/13 HF 3169 Establishes a Legislative Salary Council Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 25)
5/09 SF 1740 Requires a "Kill Switch" on a Cell Phone Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (44 - 19)
5/08 HF 2536 Increases Equal Pay and Establishes Certain Workplace Protections for Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (43 - 24)
5/02 SF 2047 Authorizes State to Store Infant Blood Samples Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 20)
5/02 SF 2099 Requires Political Contributions by Corporations to be Subject to the Individual Income Tax Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 23)
4/29 HF 2096 Authorizes Online Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
4/23 SF 2047 Authorizes State to Store Infant Blood Samples Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 22)
4/09 HF 2091 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 31)
4/03 HF 826 Requires Schools to Establish Bullying Policies Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 31)
3/21 HF 1777 Amends Tax Laws Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 5)
5/20 HF 677 Amends State Taxes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 30)
5/19 HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 26)
5/19 HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - Senate (43 - 23)
5/18 HF 1233 2013-2015 Biennium Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 28)
5/17 SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (44 - 22)
5/15 SF 778 Authorizes the Unionization of Family Child Care Providers Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 32)
5/13 HF 1054 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 30)
5/08 HF 92 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 28)
5/01 SF 723 Authorizes In-State Tuition and Financial Aid for Undocumented College Students Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 23)
4/25 HF 1233 2013-2015 Biennium Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
4/25 HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 28)
4/20 SF 523 Prohibits Employers From Asking Applicants for Criminal History Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 16)
4/17 SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 18)
4/16 SF 1589 Increases Legislator Salaries Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 32)
3/18 HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 28)
3/07 HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 28)
2/14 HF 9 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 22)
5/10 HF 2958 Authorizes New Viking Stadium Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 28)
5/07 HF 1752 Authorizes Bonds for Construction Works Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 22)
5/03 HF 2337 Amends Property Taxes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 25)
5/03 SF 1694 Authorizes the Sale of Certain Fireworks Veto Override Failed - Senate (37 - 29)
4/28 HF 2171 Increases Hunting and Fishing Fees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 28)
4/28 HF 2795 Expands Gambling Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 18)
4/24 SF 1694 Authorizes the Sale of Certain Fireworks Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 17)
4/23 HF 2341 Requires Physicians to Administer Abortion Drugs In Person Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 25)
4/18 SF 1921 Increases Requirements for Abortion Providers Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 23)
4/05 HF 2738 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 29)
4/02 HF 2083 Requires State Reserve Funds to be Used to Reduce School Debt Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 28)
3/19 HF 545 Requires State Budget to Include Federal Insolvency Contingency Plan Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 12)
2/27 HF 1870 Authorizes School Districts to Dismiss Teachers Based on Performance Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 26)
2/23 HF 1467 Expands the Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 23)
1/30 Anderson Nomination Confirmation of Ellen Anderson as Public Utilities Commissioner Motion Rejected - Senate (29 - 37)
7/19 HF 20 2011-2013 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 27)
7/19 HF 25 2011-2013 Health and Human Services Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 27)
7/19 HF 26 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
7/19 HF 4 Higher Education Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 30)
7/19 SF 2 2011-2013 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 23)
5/18 SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 28)
5/17 HF 1425 Legislative Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 29)
5/17 HF 1426 Congressional Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
5/11 SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - Senate (38 - 27)
3/03 SF 40 Amends Licensing and Codes for Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 19)
2/24 HF 1 Environmental Review Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 16)
2/03 HF 130 2010-2013 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 27)
2/03 SF 40 Amends Licensing and Codes for Education Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 23)
2/02 SF 4 Repealing the Ban on Construction of New Nuclear Power Plants Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 14)
1/24 SF 86 Repeals Carbon Dioxide Emissions Prohibition
5/17 HF 1 2010-2011 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 14)
5/12 SF 341 Domestic Partner Death Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
5/10 HF 2037 2010-2011 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 33)
5/05 HF 2614 Health and Human Services Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 19)
4/28 SF 2716 Charter School Facilities Financing Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 15)
3/29 HF 1671 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (44 - 23)
3/11 HF 2700 Omnibus Bonding and Budget Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (49 - 17)
2/25 SF 2168 General Assistance Medical Care Program Modifications Veto Override Passed - Senate (45 - 21)
2/11 SF 2168 General Assistance Medical Care Program Modifications Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 20)
2/09 SF 2360 Construction Projects Authorizations and Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 14)
5/18 SF 97 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 28)
5/18 HF 108 Primary Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 19)
5/11 HF 1362 Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 18)
5/11 SF 1331 Changing Early Voting and Special Election Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 27)
5/08 HF 885 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (44 - 20)
5/04 SF 2081 2010-2011 Economic Development Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 28)
5/04 SF 97 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 29)
5/04 SF 341 Domestic Partner Death Rights Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
4/27 Ban on State Funds for Abortions Amendment Rejected - Senate (26 - 39)
4/20 Permitting Slot Machines at Race Tracks Amendment Rejected - Senate (25 - 41)
4/20 SF 802 2009-2011 Biennium Public Safety and Corrections Budget Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 31)
4/17 Limit of 3 Percent on Tuition Increases Amendment Rejected - Senate (32 - 33)
4/17 SF 971 School Anti-Bullying Policy Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 22)
4/17 SF 2083 2009-2011 Biennium Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 23)
4/16 Limmer Amdt Homosexuality in Education Amendment Rejected - Senate (24 - 37)

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