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
June 30, 2022 PA HB 1561 Amends the Mental Health Procedures Act Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 3)
June 29, 2022 PA HB 972 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
June 29, 2022 PA SB 1278 Prohibits Instruction on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity for K-5 Students Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
June 20, 2022 PA SB 1283 Prohibits Fetal Tissue Research at Universities Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
June 14, 2022 PA SB 1237 Establishes a State Horse Racing Commission Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
June 7, 2022 PA SB 1191 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
June 6, 2022 PA SB 573 Amends Various Voting and Election Laws Related to Poll Watchers and Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
April 13, 2022 PA SB 1200 Amends Pennsylvania Election Code Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
April 6, 2022 PA SB 1030 Repeals the Pennsylvania Heavy-Duty Diesel Emissions Control Program Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
Feb. 7, 2022 PA SB 327 Specifies Duties of Coroners Regarding COVID-19 Deaths Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
Jan. 25, 2022 PA HB 979 Authorizes Gun Owners and Organizations to Challenge Local Guns Laws that are Stricter than State Law Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
Jan. 24, 2022 PA HB 2146 Amends State Congressional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Nov. 9, 2021 PA SB 565 Expands Concealed Carry Laws Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
Nov. 9, 2021 PA SB 448 Authorizes Municipalities and Counties to be Sued for Gun Ordinances Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
Oct. 26, 2021 PA SB 705 Authorizes the Regulation of Telemedicine by Professional Licensing Boards Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 4)
Oct. 26, 2021 PA SB 814 Classifies Fleeing an Officer Attempting to Arrest and Injuring a Police Dog as a Crime Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
Oct. 26, 2021 PA SB 814 Increases Penalties For Fleeing the Police on Foot Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
Sept. 27, 2021 PA SB 738 Establishes a Public Website to Track Constitutional Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
June 25, 2021 PA SB 255 Appropriates Funds for Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Departments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
June 25, 2021 PA SB 381 Authorizes College Athletes to Profit Off Their Name, Image, and Likeness Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 10)
June 25, 2021 PA HB 336 Amends and Removes Provisions of Existing Laws Relating to Banking and Securities Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
June 25, 2021 PA HB 1300 Establishes State Legislative Authority Over Elections Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
June 24, 2021 PA SB 618 Prohibits Vaccine Passports and Limits Powers of the Secretary of Health Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
June 23, 2021 PA SB 735 Requires Identification for Voters Each Time they Cast a Ballot Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
June 16, 2021 PA HB 1154 Authorizes Certain Stores to Sell Mixed Alcoholic Beverages To-Go Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
June 16, 2021 PA HB 649 Establishes Additional Safety Requirements for Congregate Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
June 14, 2021 PA SB 119 Prohibits Pennsylvania from Joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
May 25, 2021 PA SB 426 Increases Legislative Oversight of the Regulatory Review Process Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
May 25, 2021 PA SB 442 Requires the Department of General Service to Determine Where to Install Cell Towers and Other Infrastructure Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
May 12, 2021 PA SB 115 Authorizes Nurses to Hold a License in Multiple States Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
April 28, 2021 PA SB 434 Authorizes Milk Processors More Leniency With Milk Date Coding Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
April 27, 2021 PA SB 382 Requires PennDOT Receive Approval Before Undertaking Plans to Toll Bridges Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
Jan. 27, 2021 PA SB 87 Establishes a Task Force on Child Pornography Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 2)
Jan. 27, 2021 PA SB 109 Appropriates Funds for COVID-19 Relief Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
Jan. 26, 2021 PA SB 2 Specifies Executive Power Over Disaster Emergency Declarations and Management Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
Nov. 20, 2020 PA SB 1350 Appropriates Funds for the 2021 General Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
Nov. 20, 2020 PA HB 2536 Appropriates funds for the Emergency COVID-19 Response Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
Nov. 19, 2020 PA HB 1737 Establishes Liability Protection to Healthcare Practitioners and Manufacturers of Personal Protective Equipment Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Nov. 18, 2020 PA SB 1216 Authorizes the Issuance of Temporary Teaching Certificates Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Nov. 18, 2020 PA HB 2440 Classifies Shooting Ranges, Sportsman Clubs, Hunting Facilities, and Firearm Businesses as "Life-Sustaining" Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Nov. 18, 2020 PA HB 1747 Limits the Governors Ability to Restrict Firearm Access During a Disaster Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Nov. 18, 2020 PA HB 1808 Defines Waste Classification in the Recycling Industry to Encourage Investment Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
Nov. 17, 2020 PA SB 790 Repeals Certain Oil and Gas Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
Oct. 21, 2020 PA HB 440 Repeals Obligation to Pay Outstanding Court-Ordered Finances Before Eligible Cases Are Sealed Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Oct. 21, 2020 PA HB 2438 Authorizes Rural Electric Cooperatives to Use Existing Infrastructure for High-Speed Internet Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Oct. 21, 2020 PA SB 1112 Repeals Certain Existing Telecommunications Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
Oct. 20, 2020 PA SB 1199 Specifies Provisions for Personal Delivery Devices Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
Oct. 6, 2020 PA SB 1268 Authorizes Certification of Temporary Nurse Aides During COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
Oct. 5, 2020 PA HB 1984 Authorizes a Parent to Petition to Terminate the Other Parent's Parental Rights Prior to Making Adoption Arrangements in Cases of Rape or Incest Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
Sept. 22, 2020 PA HB 2513 Authorizes Restaurants and Bars to Open at 50 Percent Capacity Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
Sept. 22, 2020 PA SB 1164 Amends County Coroner Notification Requirements for Contagious Disease Deaths Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
Sept. 9, 2020 PA HB 2025 Requires Legislative Authorization Before Entering a State or Regional Greenhouse Gas Cap-and-Trade Program Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
Sept. 9, 2020 PA HB 2787 Authorizes Individual School Districts to Make Decisions Surrounding Activities and COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
July 15, 2020 PA SB 1166 Limits the Governor's Emergency Powers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
July 15, 2020 PA HB 2463 Requires State Agency Response to Public Record Requests Made During a Gubernatorial Disaster Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
July 15, 2020 PA HB 196 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Elect Appellate Court Judges by Regional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
July 15, 2020 PA SB 14 Establishes New Guidelines to Reduce Probation Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
July 15, 2020 PA SB 1216 Authorizes the Issuance of Temporary Teaching Certificates Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
July 14, 2020 PA HB 1459 Establishes a Mental Health Wellness and Stress Management Program for Emergency First Responders Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
July 13, 2020 PA HB 732 Establishes Tax Credit for Companies that Invest and Create Jobs Building Petrochemical or Fertilizer Plants using Dry Natural Gas Produced in Pennsylvania Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
June 30, 2020 PA HB 943 Prohibits Price Comparison "Gag Clauses" by Pharmacy Benefit Managers Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
June 30, 2020 PA HB 1910 Establishes New Training Requirements for Police Officers Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
June 24, 2020 PA SB 459 Requires Municipal Law Enforcement Department Adoption of Use of Force Policies Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
June 24, 2020 PA SB 1205 Prohibits the Use of Police Chokeholds Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
June 10, 2020 PA HB 2502 Requires Department of State to Publish Presidential Primary Report Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
June 10, 2020 PA SB 1125 Authorizes School Districts to Extend Time Needed to Pay Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
June 9, 2020 PA HR 836 Establishes a Resolution to Terminate the Governor's Emergency Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
May 13, 2020 PA HB 2388 Establishes Exemption Waivers for Business Closures Due to COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 17)
April 21, 2020 PA SB 857 Authorizes Regulation of Telemedicine Among Other Provisions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
April 15, 2020 PA SB 613 Requires the Governor's Office to Follow Federal Guidelines to Reopen Businesses During COVID-19 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
March 25, 2020 PA SB 751 Authorizes Financial Assistance for Schools Amid COVID-19-Related Shutdown Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
March 25, 2020 PA HB 68 Establishes a System of Unemployment Compensation in Response to the COVID-19 Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
March 25, 2020 PA HB 1232 Authorizes Emergency Finances and Tax Provisions in Response to the COVID-19 Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
Jan. 28, 2020 PA SB 773 Amends State Drunk Driving Laws and Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
Dec. 18, 2019 PA SB 501 Amends Parole, Probation, and Criminal Sentencing Guidelines Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/30 HB 1561 Amends the Mental Health Procedures Act Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 3)
6/29 HB 972 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
6/29 SB 1278 Prohibits Instruction on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity for K-5 Students Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
6/20 SB 1283 Prohibits Fetal Tissue Research at Universities Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
6/14 SB 1237 Establishes a State Horse Racing Commission Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
6/07 SB 1191 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
6/06 SB 573 Amends Various Voting and Election Laws Related to Poll Watchers and Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
4/13 SB 1200 Amends Pennsylvania Election Code Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
4/06 SB 1030 Repeals the Pennsylvania Heavy-Duty Diesel Emissions Control Program Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
2/07 SB 327 Specifies Duties of Coroners Regarding COVID-19 Deaths Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
1/25 HB 979 Authorizes Gun Owners and Organizations to Challenge Local Guns Laws that are Stricter than State Law Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
1/24 HB 2146 Amends State Congressional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
11/09 SB 565 Expands Concealed Carry Laws Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
11/09 SB 448 Authorizes Municipalities and Counties to be Sued for Gun Ordinances Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
10/26 SB 705 Authorizes the Regulation of Telemedicine by Professional Licensing Boards Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 4)
10/26 SB 814 Classifies Fleeing an Officer Attempting to Arrest and Injuring a Police Dog as a Crime Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
10/26 SB 814 Increases Penalties For Fleeing the Police on Foot Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
9/27 SB 738 Establishes a Public Website to Track Constitutional Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
6/25 SB 255 Appropriates Funds for Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Departments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
6/25 SB 381 Authorizes College Athletes to Profit Off Their Name, Image, and Likeness Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 10)
6/25 HB 336 Amends and Removes Provisions of Existing Laws Relating to Banking and Securities Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
6/25 HB 1300 Establishes State Legislative Authority Over Elections Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
6/24 SB 618 Prohibits Vaccine Passports and Limits Powers of the Secretary of Health Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
6/23 SB 735 Requires Identification for Voters Each Time they Cast a Ballot Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
6/16 HB 1154 Authorizes Certain Stores to Sell Mixed Alcoholic Beverages To-Go Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
6/16 HB 649 Establishes Additional Safety Requirements for Congregate Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
6/14 SB 119 Prohibits Pennsylvania from Joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
5/25 SB 426 Increases Legislative Oversight of the Regulatory Review Process Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
5/25 SB 442 Requires the Department of General Service to Determine Where to Install Cell Towers and Other Infrastructure Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
5/12 SB 115 Authorizes Nurses to Hold a License in Multiple States Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
4/28 SB 434 Authorizes Milk Processors More Leniency With Milk Date Coding Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
4/27 SB 382 Requires PennDOT Receive Approval Before Undertaking Plans to Toll Bridges Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
1/27 SB 87 Establishes a Task Force on Child Pornography Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 2)
1/27 SB 109 Appropriates Funds for COVID-19 Relief Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
1/26 SB 2 Specifies Executive Power Over Disaster Emergency Declarations and Management Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
11/20 SB 1350 Appropriates Funds for the 2021 General Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
11/20 HB 2536 Appropriates funds for the Emergency COVID-19 Response Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
11/19 HB 1737 Establishes Liability Protection to Healthcare Practitioners and Manufacturers of Personal Protective Equipment Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
11/18 SB 1216 Authorizes the Issuance of Temporary Teaching Certificates Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
11/18 HB 2440 Classifies Shooting Ranges, Sportsman Clubs, Hunting Facilities, and Firearm Businesses as "Life-Sustaining" Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
11/18 HB 1747 Limits the Governors Ability to Restrict Firearm Access During a Disaster Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
11/18 HB 1808 Defines Waste Classification in the Recycling Industry to Encourage Investment Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
11/17 SB 790 Repeals Certain Oil and Gas Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
10/21 HB 440 Repeals Obligation to Pay Outstanding Court-Ordered Finances Before Eligible Cases Are Sealed Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
10/21 HB 2438 Authorizes Rural Electric Cooperatives to Use Existing Infrastructure for High-Speed Internet Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
10/21 SB 1112 Repeals Certain Existing Telecommunications Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
10/20 SB 1199 Specifies Provisions for Personal Delivery Devices Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
10/06 SB 1268 Authorizes Certification of Temporary Nurse Aides During COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
10/05 HB 1984 Authorizes a Parent to Petition to Terminate the Other Parent's Parental Rights Prior to Making Adoption Arrangements in Cases of Rape or Incest Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
9/22 HB 2513 Authorizes Restaurants and Bars to Open at 50 Percent Capacity Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
9/22 SB 1164 Amends County Coroner Notification Requirements for Contagious Disease Deaths Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
9/09 HB 2025 Requires Legislative Authorization Before Entering a State or Regional Greenhouse Gas Cap-and-Trade Program Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
9/09 HB 2787 Authorizes Individual School Districts to Make Decisions Surrounding Activities and COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
7/15 SB 1166 Limits the Governor's Emergency Powers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
7/15 HB 2463 Requires State Agency Response to Public Record Requests Made During a Gubernatorial Disaster Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
7/15 HB 196 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Elect Appellate Court Judges by Regional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
7/15 SB 14 Establishes New Guidelines to Reduce Probation Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
7/15 SB 1216 Authorizes the Issuance of Temporary Teaching Certificates Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
7/14 HB 1459 Establishes a Mental Health Wellness and Stress Management Program for Emergency First Responders Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
7/13 HB 732 Establishes Tax Credit for Companies that Invest and Create Jobs Building Petrochemical or Fertilizer Plants using Dry Natural Gas Produced in Pennsylvania Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
6/30 HB 943 Prohibits Price Comparison "Gag Clauses" by Pharmacy Benefit Managers Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
6/30 HB 1910 Establishes New Training Requirements for Police Officers Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
6/24 SB 459 Requires Municipal Law Enforcement Department Adoption of Use of Force Policies Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
6/24 SB 1205 Prohibits the Use of Police Chokeholds Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
6/10 HB 2502 Requires Department of State to Publish Presidential Primary Report Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
6/10 SB 1125 Authorizes School Districts to Extend Time Needed to Pay Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
6/09 HR 836 Establishes a Resolution to Terminate the Governor's Emergency Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
5/13 HB 2388 Establishes Exemption Waivers for Business Closures Due to COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 17)
4/21 SB 857 Authorizes Regulation of Telemedicine Among Other Provisions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
4/15 SB 613 Requires the Governor's Office to Follow Federal Guidelines to Reopen Businesses During COVID-19 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
3/25 SB 751 Authorizes Financial Assistance for Schools Amid COVID-19-Related Shutdown Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
3/25 HB 68 Establishes a System of Unemployment Compensation in Response to the COVID-19 Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
3/25 HB 1232 Authorizes Emergency Finances and Tax Provisions in Response to the COVID-19 Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
1/28 SB 773 Amends State Drunk Driving Laws and Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
12/18 SB 501 Amends Parole, Probation, and Criminal Sentencing Guidelines Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 11)

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