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
Sept. 23, 2014 PA HB 1177 Authorizes Cigarette Tax Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
Sept. 22, 2014 PA HB 1177 Authorizes Cigarette Tax Concurrence Vote Passed - House (114 - 84)
July 8, 2014 PA HB 1177 Authorizes Cigarette and Hotel Taxes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 5)
July 2, 2014 PA HB 1177 Authorizes Cigarette and Hotel Taxes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (119 - 80)
July 1, 2014 PA HB 1177 Authorizes Cigarette and Hotel Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
July 1, 2014 PA HB 2354 Requires Legislative Approval for Certain Plans from the Department of Environmental Protection Bill Passed - House (144 - 59)
June 29, 2014 PA HB 1013 Amends Laws for Home-Schooled Individuals Bill Passed - House (133 - 65)
Jan. 13, 2014 PA HB 1741 Requires a School Board to Provide Public Notice Prior to Certain Votes Bill Passed - House (102 - 98)
Jan. 13, 2014 PA HB 1411 Requires Schools To Make Their Expenses Public Bill Passed - House (119 - 81)
Dec. 17, 2013 PA HB 1234 Reduces Size of General Assembly Joint Resolution Passed - House (148 - 50)
July 3, 2013 PA HB 1075 Amends Public Welfare Code Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
July 1, 2013 PA HB 1075 Amends Public Welfare Code Concurrence Vote Passed - House (108 - 94)
May 6, 2013 PA HB 440 Amends Tax Code Bill Passed - House (129 - 65)
April 23, 2013 PA HB 818 Prohibits Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Exchanges Bill Passed - House (144 - 53)
March 21, 2013 PA HB 790 Requires the State to Privatize Alcohol Sales Bill Passed - House (105 - 90)
March 19, 2013 PA SB 644 Amends the Definition of "Wild Animal" Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
Oct. 17, 2012 PA SB 850 Repeals Mandatory Life Sentences for Certain Juvenile Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
Oct. 17, 2012 PA HB 2626 Authorizes Employers to Keep Income Taxes Paid by their Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (111 - 80)
Oct. 17, 2012 PA HB 2626 Authorizes Employers to Keep Income Taxes Paid by their Employees Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
Oct. 17, 2012 PA SB 941 Increases Penalties for Public Intoxication Bill Passed - House (104 - 87)
Oct. 17, 2012 PA HB 815 Reduces the Offense of "Sexting" for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
Oct. 16, 2012 PA SB 1115 Amends Charter School Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
Oct. 3, 2012 PA SB 1480 2012-2013 Supplemental Capital Budget Bill Passed - House (142 - 55)
Sept. 25, 2012 PA SB 367 Authorizes Natural Resource Development Concurrence Vote Passed - House (136 - 62)
June 30, 2012 PA HB 254 Expands Use of Red-Light Cameras Concurrence Vote Passed - House (113 - 72)
June 30, 2012 PA HB 761 Exempts Certain Transfers from the Realty Transfer Tax Concurrence Vote Passed - House (140 - 56)
June 30, 2012 PA HB 1261 Repeals the General Assistance Cash Program Concurrence Vote Passed - House (102 - 91)
June 30, 2012 PA HB 3 Authorizes Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - House (117 - 79)
June 30, 2012 PA SB 1263 Prohibits Gas Drilling in Certain Areas Bill Passed - House (123 - 74)
June 30, 2012 PA SB 1115 Amends Charter School Laws Bill Passed - House (120 - 77)
June 29, 2012 PA SB 1466 2012-2013 Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
June 29, 2012 PA HB 254 Expands Use of Red-Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
June 29, 2012 PA HB 1261 Repeals the General Assistance Cash Program Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
June 28, 2012 PA HB 1307 Authorizes State Control of Financially Distressed Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (106 - 95)
June 28, 2012 PA SB 1466 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (120 - 81)
June 19, 2012 PA HB 1307 Authorizes State Control of Financially Distressed Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
June 18, 2012 PA HB 1521 Prohibits Hidden Compartments in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (114 - 83)
June 13, 2012 PA HB 2400 Expands Wiretapping Authority Bill Passed - House (145 - 52)
June 6, 2012 PA SB 1310 Authorizes Repayment of Unemployment Debt to the Federal Government Concurrence Vote Passed - House (129 - 67)
June 6, 2012 PA HB 2191 Authorizes Payday Loans Bill Passed - House (102 - 90)
June 5, 2012 PA SB 1310 Authorizes Repayment of Unemployment Debt to the Federal Government Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
April 4, 2012 PA HB 153 Reduces the Number of Members in the General Assembly Bill Passed - House (140 - 49)
March 14, 2012 PA HB 934 Amends Voter Identification Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (104 - 88)
March 7, 2012 PA HB 934 Amends Voter Identification Laws Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
Feb. 8, 2012 PA HB 1950 Amends Statutes Concerning Oil and Gas Resources Conference Report Adopted - House (101 - 90)
Feb. 7, 2012 PA HB 1950 Amends Statutes Concerning Oil and Gas Resources Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 19)
Dec. 20, 2011 PA SB 1249 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (136 - 61)
Dec. 14, 2011 PA H Amdt 7732 Tuition Vouchers for Charter Schools Amendment Rejected - House (90 - 105)
Dec. 14, 2011 PA SB 1249 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
Dec. 13, 2011 PA SB 732 Amends the Health Care Facilities Act of 179 Bill Passed - House (151 - 44)
Dec. 12, 2011 PA HB 1977 Amending Insurance Coverage of Abortions Bill Passed - House (146 - 45)
Dec. 7, 2011 PA HB 242 Permitting the On-Site Sale of Alcohol at Distilleries Concurrence Vote Passed - House (164 - 29)
Dec. 7, 2011 PA HB 242 Permitting the On-Site Sale of Alcohol at Distilleries Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
Nov. 17, 2011 PA HB 1950 Amends Statutes Concerning Oil and Gas Resources Bill Passed - House (107 - 76)
Nov. 15, 2011 PA SB 1100 Regulation of Oil and Natural Gas Resources Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Nov. 15, 2011 PA HB 439 Hiring Undocumented Workers Bill Passed - House (122 - 74)
Nov. 14, 2011 PA HB 1503 Angel Investment Tax Credits Bill Passed - House (151 - 44)
Oct. 26, 2011 PA SB 1 Charter School Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
Oct. 25, 2011 PA SB 595 Authorizes the Use of Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
Oct. 18, 2011 PA SB 1151 Fiscal Emergency Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
June 30, 2011 PA SB 330 Amending The Taxpayer Relief Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
June 30, 2011 PA HB 960 Public Assistance Program Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (130 - 66)
June 30, 2011 PA SB 330 Amending The Taxpayer Relief Act Bill Passed - House (109 - 86)
June 30, 2011 PA HB 960 Public Assistance Program Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
June 29, 2011 PA HB 1485 2011-2012 Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - House (109 - 92)
June 28, 2011 PA HB 1485 2011-2012 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
June 27, 2011 PA SB 1131 Tort Amendments Bill Passed - House (116 - 83)
June 23, 2011 PA HB 934 Amends Voter Identification Laws Bill Passed - House (108 - 88)
June 21, 2011 PA SB 1131 Tort Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
May 23, 2011 PA HB 815 Reduces the Offense of "Sexting" for Minors Bill Passed - House (178 - 20)
May 11, 2011 PA SB 612 Guidelines for Teacher Suspension Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
May 11, 2011 PA HB 574 Amending the Health Care Facilities Act of 1979 Bill Passed - House (148 - 43)
April 11, 2011 PA HB 1 Comparative Negligence Provisions Bill Passed - House (112 - 88)
March 4, 2011 PA HB 934 Amends Voter Identification Laws
Feb. 15, 2011 PA HB 262 New Gaming Unit in the Office of Attorney General Bill Passed - House (126 - 72)
Nov. 17, 2010 PA HB 101 Education Law Amendments Veto Override Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
Nov. 15, 2010 PA HB 101 Education Law Amendments Veto Override Passed - House (171 - 24)
Nov. 15, 2010 PA HB 2497 Amends State Employee Pension System Concurrence Vote Passed - House (165 - 31)
Nov. 15, 2010 PA HB 1926 Amending Self-Protection Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (161 - 35)
Oct. 14, 2010 PA HB 1926 Amending Self-Protection Laws Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 4)
Oct. 14, 2010 PA HB 2497 Amends State Employee Pension System Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
Oct. 5, 2010 PA HB 40 Self Defense Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (159 - 38)
Sept. 29, 2010 PA SB 1155 Establishing a Natural Gas Severance Tax Bill Passed - House (104 - 94)
July 3, 2010 PA SB 1042 2010-2011 Budget Implementation and Fiscal Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
July 3, 2010 PA SB 1042 2010-2011 Budget Implementation and Fiscal Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (109 - 86)
July 2, 2010 PA HB 2601 Environmentally Beneficial and Energy Efficient Technologies Bill Passed - House (125 - 71)
July 1, 2010 PA HB 67 Driving Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (71 - 126)
June 30, 2010 PA HB 2279 2010-2011 Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - House (117 - 84)
June 30, 2010 PA HB 2279 2010-2011 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
June 30, 2010 PA HB 2572 Establishing the Special Juvenile Victim Compensation Fund Bill Passed - House (125 - 76)
June 29, 2010 PA SR 348 Audit of Methadone Treatment Programs & Medical Assistance Transportation Program Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
June 29, 2010 PA HB 2189 Defining the Offense of Sexting Bill Passed - House (163 - 36)
June 23, 2010 PA HB 704 Special Education Funding Bill Passed - House (173 - 25)
June 16, 2010 PA HB 2497 Amends State Employee Pension System Bill Passed - House (192 - 6)
June 15, 2010 PA HB 708 Recycling Program for Electronic Materials Bill Passed - House (169 - 30)
June 8, 2010 PA HB 1502 Verification of Employee Eligibility Bill Passed - House (188 - 6)
June 8, 2010 PA SB 1161 Authorizing Qualified Inmate Transfer to Pre-Release Centers Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
Jan. 6, 2010 PA SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Conference Report Adopted - House (103 - 89)
Jan. 5, 2010 PA SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 22)
Dec. 16, 2009 PA SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
Date No. Title Outcome
9/23 HB 1177 Authorizes Cigarette Tax Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
9/22 HB 1177 Authorizes Cigarette Tax Concurrence Vote Passed - House (114 - 84)
7/08 HB 1177 Authorizes Cigarette and Hotel Taxes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 5)
7/02 HB 1177 Authorizes Cigarette and Hotel Taxes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (119 - 80)
7/01 HB 1177 Authorizes Cigarette and Hotel Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
7/01 HB 2354 Requires Legislative Approval for Certain Plans from the Department of Environmental Protection Bill Passed - House (144 - 59)
6/29 HB 1013 Amends Laws for Home-Schooled Individuals Bill Passed - House (133 - 65)
1/13 HB 1741 Requires a School Board to Provide Public Notice Prior to Certain Votes Bill Passed - House (102 - 98)
1/13 HB 1411 Requires Schools To Make Their Expenses Public Bill Passed - House (119 - 81)
12/17 HB 1234 Reduces Size of General Assembly Joint Resolution Passed - House (148 - 50)
7/03 HB 1075 Amends Public Welfare Code Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
7/01 HB 1075 Amends Public Welfare Code Concurrence Vote Passed - House (108 - 94)
5/06 HB 440 Amends Tax Code Bill Passed - House (129 - 65)
4/23 HB 818 Prohibits Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Exchanges Bill Passed - House (144 - 53)
3/21 HB 790 Requires the State to Privatize Alcohol Sales Bill Passed - House (105 - 90)
3/19 SB 644 Amends the Definition of "Wild Animal" Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
10/17 SB 850 Repeals Mandatory Life Sentences for Certain Juvenile Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
10/17 HB 2626 Authorizes Employers to Keep Income Taxes Paid by their Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (111 - 80)
10/17 HB 2626 Authorizes Employers to Keep Income Taxes Paid by their Employees Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
10/17 SB 941 Increases Penalties for Public Intoxication Bill Passed - House (104 - 87)
10/17 HB 815 Reduces the Offense of "Sexting" for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
10/16 SB 1115 Amends Charter School Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
10/03 SB 1480 2012-2013 Supplemental Capital Budget Bill Passed - House (142 - 55)
9/25 SB 367 Authorizes Natural Resource Development Concurrence Vote Passed - House (136 - 62)
6/30 HB 254 Expands Use of Red-Light Cameras Concurrence Vote Passed - House (113 - 72)
6/30 HB 761 Exempts Certain Transfers from the Realty Transfer Tax Concurrence Vote Passed - House (140 - 56)
6/30 HB 1261 Repeals the General Assistance Cash Program Concurrence Vote Passed - House (102 - 91)
6/30 HB 3 Authorizes Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - House (117 - 79)
6/30 SB 1263 Prohibits Gas Drilling in Certain Areas Bill Passed - House (123 - 74)
6/30 SB 1115 Amends Charter School Laws Bill Passed - House (120 - 77)
6/29 SB 1466 2012-2013 Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
6/29 HB 254 Expands Use of Red-Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
6/29 HB 1261 Repeals the General Assistance Cash Program Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
6/28 HB 1307 Authorizes State Control of Financially Distressed Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (106 - 95)
6/28 SB 1466 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (120 - 81)
6/19 HB 1307 Authorizes State Control of Financially Distressed Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
6/18 HB 1521 Prohibits Hidden Compartments in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (114 - 83)
6/13 HB 2400 Expands Wiretapping Authority Bill Passed - House (145 - 52)
6/06 SB 1310 Authorizes Repayment of Unemployment Debt to the Federal Government Concurrence Vote Passed - House (129 - 67)
6/06 HB 2191 Authorizes Payday Loans Bill Passed - House (102 - 90)
6/05 SB 1310 Authorizes Repayment of Unemployment Debt to the Federal Government Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
4/04 HB 153 Reduces the Number of Members in the General Assembly Bill Passed - House (140 - 49)
3/14 HB 934 Amends Voter Identification Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (104 - 88)
3/07 HB 934 Amends Voter Identification Laws Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
2/08 HB 1950 Amends Statutes Concerning Oil and Gas Resources Conference Report Adopted - House (101 - 90)
2/07 HB 1950 Amends Statutes Concerning Oil and Gas Resources Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 19)
12/20 SB 1249 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (136 - 61)
12/14 H Amdt 7732 Tuition Vouchers for Charter Schools Amendment Rejected - House (90 - 105)
12/14 SB 1249 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
12/13 SB 732 Amends the Health Care Facilities Act of 179 Bill Passed - House (151 - 44)
12/12 HB 1977 Amending Insurance Coverage of Abortions Bill Passed - House (146 - 45)
12/07 HB 242 Permitting the On-Site Sale of Alcohol at Distilleries Concurrence Vote Passed - House (164 - 29)
12/07 HB 242 Permitting the On-Site Sale of Alcohol at Distilleries Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
11/17 HB 1950 Amends Statutes Concerning Oil and Gas Resources Bill Passed - House (107 - 76)
11/15 SB 1100 Regulation of Oil and Natural Gas Resources Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
11/15 HB 439 Hiring Undocumented Workers Bill Passed - House (122 - 74)
11/14 HB 1503 Angel Investment Tax Credits Bill Passed - House (151 - 44)
10/26 SB 1 Charter School Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
10/25 SB 595 Authorizes the Use of Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
10/18 SB 1151 Fiscal Emergency Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
6/30 SB 330 Amending The Taxpayer Relief Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
6/30 HB 960 Public Assistance Program Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (130 - 66)
6/30 SB 330 Amending The Taxpayer Relief Act Bill Passed - House (109 - 86)
6/30 HB 960 Public Assistance Program Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
6/29 HB 1485 2011-2012 Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - House (109 - 92)
6/28 HB 1485 2011-2012 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
6/27 SB 1131 Tort Amendments Bill Passed - House (116 - 83)
6/23 HB 934 Amends Voter Identification Laws Bill Passed - House (108 - 88)
6/21 SB 1131 Tort Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
5/23 HB 815 Reduces the Offense of "Sexting" for Minors Bill Passed - House (178 - 20)
5/11 SB 612 Guidelines for Teacher Suspension Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
5/11 HB 574 Amending the Health Care Facilities Act of 1979 Bill Passed - House (148 - 43)
4/11 HB 1 Comparative Negligence Provisions Bill Passed - House (112 - 88)
3/04 HB 934 Amends Voter Identification Laws
2/15 HB 262 New Gaming Unit in the Office of Attorney General Bill Passed - House (126 - 72)
11/17 HB 101 Education Law Amendments Veto Override Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
11/15 HB 101 Education Law Amendments Veto Override Passed - House (171 - 24)
11/15 HB 2497 Amends State Employee Pension System Concurrence Vote Passed - House (165 - 31)
11/15 HB 1926 Amending Self-Protection Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (161 - 35)
10/14 HB 1926 Amending Self-Protection Laws Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 4)
10/14 HB 2497 Amends State Employee Pension System Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
10/05 HB 40 Self Defense Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (159 - 38)
9/29 SB 1155 Establishing a Natural Gas Severance Tax Bill Passed - House (104 - 94)
7/03 SB 1042 2010-2011 Budget Implementation and Fiscal Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
7/03 SB 1042 2010-2011 Budget Implementation and Fiscal Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (109 - 86)
7/02 HB 2601 Environmentally Beneficial and Energy Efficient Technologies Bill Passed - House (125 - 71)
7/01 HB 67 Driving Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (71 - 126)
6/30 HB 2279 2010-2011 Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - House (117 - 84)
6/30 HB 2279 2010-2011 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
6/30 HB 2572 Establishing the Special Juvenile Victim Compensation Fund Bill Passed - House (125 - 76)
6/29 SR 348 Audit of Methadone Treatment Programs & Medical Assistance Transportation Program Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
6/29 HB 2189 Defining the Offense of Sexting Bill Passed - House (163 - 36)
6/23 HB 704 Special Education Funding Bill Passed - House (173 - 25)
6/16 HB 2497 Amends State Employee Pension System Bill Passed - House (192 - 6)
6/15 HB 708 Recycling Program for Electronic Materials Bill Passed - House (169 - 30)
6/08 HB 1502 Verification of Employee Eligibility Bill Passed - House (188 - 6)
6/08 SB 1161 Authorizing Qualified Inmate Transfer to Pre-Release Centers Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
1/06 SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Conference Report Adopted - House (103 - 89)
1/05 SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 22)
12/16 SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 22)

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