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.


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Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
April 21, 2006 AR SB 16 Science Specialist Program Funding Line Item Veto Veto Override Passed - House (71 - 13)
April 7, 2006 AR SB 27 Educational Adequacy Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (79 - 17)
Feb. 16, 2011 AR HB 1052 Reducing Taxes on Manufacturer Utilities Bill Passed - House (88 - 8)
Feb. 11, 2009 AR HB 1237 Allowing Concealed Weapons in Churches Bill Passed - House (57 - 42)
Feb. 25, 2009 AR HB 1339 Election of the President by National Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (56 - 43)
April 6, 2006 AR SB 19 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (63 - 32)
April 5, 2006 AR HB 1033 Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (92 - 2)
Feb. 25, 2009 AR HB 1464 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - House (67 - 27)
April 2, 2008 AR SB 1 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - House (82 - 17)
Jan. 29, 2007 AR HB 1173 Reversal of the BMI Report Card Requirement Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
April 7, 2006 AR SB 21 Education Funding Bill Passed - House (82 - 13)
April 7, 2006 AR SB 24 Additional Education Funding Act Bill Passed - House (83 - 8)
April 1, 2008 AR HB 1004 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - House (81 - 16)
March 28, 2007 AR SB 1004 Beer Tax Bill Passed - House (51 - 39)
April 1, 2013 AR SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - House (52 - 45)
March 6, 2013 AR SB 134 Prohibits Abortion if Fetal Heartbeat Detected Veto Override Passed - House (56 - 33)
Feb. 27, 2013 AR HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Veto Override Passed - House (53 - 28)
April 17, 2013 AR SB 1020 Authorizes Private Purchase of Health Insurance with Federal Funds Bill Passed - House (70 - 23)
April 5, 2019 AR HB 1684 Authorizes In-State Tuition for DACA Students Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 19)
March 30, 2023 AR HB 1407 Establishes the Voter Registration and Secure Voter Records Act of 2023 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (93 - 0)
March 22, 2017 AR HB 1434 Prohibits Sex-Selective Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 9)
Feb. 21, 2013 AR HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 10)
Feb. 21, 2013 AR SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - House (68 - 20)
March 31, 2011 AR HB 1226 2011-2012 State Insurance Department Budget Bill Passed - House (83 - 7)
March 4, 2014 AR SB 111 2014-2015 Department of Human Services Budget Bill Passed - House (76 - 24)
April 1, 2021 AR SB 496 Establishes Uniform Dates for Holding Special Elections Bill Passed - House (74 - 9)
April 20, 2021 AR SB 590 Repeals Mask Mandates by All Government Entities Bill Passed - House (69 - 20)
April 21, 2021 AR SB 573 Authorizes Concealed Carry in Government Buildings, Parks and Property Bill Passed - House (78 - 16)
April 6, 2023 AR SB 495 Requires Convicted Individuals Serve Out the Majority of Their Sentences Instead of Early Release Bill Passed - House (82 - 14)
April 5, 2023 AR SB 396 Requires Age Verification For Social Media Use Bill Passed - House (82 - 10)
Feb. 6, 2023 AR SB 43 Amends the Definition of "Adult Oriented Business" to Include Drag Performances Bill Passed - House (78 - 15)
March 15, 2021 AR SB 289 Authorizes Denial of Healthcare on the Basis of Religious Principles Bill Passed - House (72 - 20)
April 20, 2021 AR SB 535 Prohibits Public Agencies from Disclosing Membership and Other Information to Non-Profits Bill Passed - House (74 - 12)
March 15, 2023 AR SB 81 Authorizes Parental Review and Challenge of School Library Books and Curriculum Bill Passed - House (56 - 25)
March 19, 2013 AR SB 417 Classifies the Death of a Fetus as a Felony in Certain Cases Bill Passed - House (76 - 10)
March 30, 2015 AR SB 600 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Government Benefits Bill Passed - House (69 - 14)
April 2, 2019 AR SB 278 Establishes a 72-Hour Waiting Period Before Abortions Bill Passed - House (75 - 13)
March 13, 2013 AR SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (51 - 44)
April 7, 2021 AR SB 494 Extends Qualified Immunity to Law Enforcement who Patrol Higher Education Institutions Bill Passed - House (76 - 10)
Oct. 6, 2021 AR SB 739 Exempts Employees from Federal Vaccine Mandates Bill Passed - House (61 - 25)
Feb. 14, 2019 AR SB 149 Establishes The Arkansas Human Life Protection Act Bill Passed - House (72 - 20)
March 3, 2022 AR SB 59 Appropriates Funds for the University of Arkansas Bill Passed - House (88 - 4)
April 10, 2019 AR SB 411 Prohibits Local Government from Adopting "Sanctuary Policies" Bill Passed - House (71 - 24)
Feb. 17, 2022 AR SB 4 Appropriates Funds for the State Ethics Commission Bill Passed - House (89 - 4)
Feb. 24, 2021 AR SB 24 Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws Bill Passed - House (72 - 23)
March 3, 2022 AR SB 102 Appropriates Pregnancy Resource Center Grants for the Department of Finance and Administration Bill Passed - House (75 - 19)
March 3, 2022 AR SB 49 Appropriates Funds for the 2022-23 Fiscal Year Bill Passed - House (96 - 0)
March 3, 2021 AR SB 6 Prohibits All Abortions in the State Bill Passed - House (76 - 19)
March 8, 2022 AR SB 101 Appropriates Funds for the 2022-2023 Fiscal Year Budget Bill Passed - House (97 - 1)
March 22, 2021 AR SB 85 Requires Abortion Providers to Complete an Ultrasound Bill Passed - House (74 - 14)
April 20, 2021 AR SB 643 Limits the Time Frame for Absentee Ballot Applications to be Received Bill Passed - House (65 - 25)
April 26, 2021 AR SB 615 Prohibits Governmental Entities from Mandating Vaccine Passports Bill Passed - House (76 - 12)
April 20, 2021 AR SB 557 Amends the Duties of County Board Election Commissioner Members Bill Passed - House (76 - 17)
April 13, 2021 AR SB 488 Exempts Certain Forms of Examining and Copying of Public Records Bill Passed - House (71 - 21)
April 20, 2021 AR SB 498 Requires Written Complaints be Sent by the County Board of Election Commissioners to the State Board of Election Commissioners Bill Passed - House (79 - 9)
March 2, 2023 AR SB 294 Establishes the LEARNS Act Bill Passed - House (78 - 21)
Aug. 6, 2021 AR SB 1 Repeals Accepting Funds from the Federal Unemployment Benefits Program Bill Passed - House (73 - 18)
Feb. 17, 2022 AR SB 21 Appropriates Funds for the Catfish Promotion Board Bill Passed - House (86 - 4)
April 27, 2021 AR SB 627 Prohibits Certain Teachings Regarding Race and Sex Bill Passed - House (72 - 19)
Oct. 7, 2021 AR SB 743 Amends State Congressional Districts Bill Passed - House (53 - 35)
April 16, 2013 AR HB 1219 Appropriates Funds for Private Health Insurance Purchases Bill Passed - House (77 - 23)
Feb. 13, 2015 AR SB 202 Prohibits New Classes of Protected Individuals Bill Passed - House (58 - 21)
April 2, 2015 AR SJR 16 Authorizes Issuance of Bonds for Economic Development Projects Bill Passed - House (70 - 22)
March 6, 2015 AR HJR 1003 Requests a Constitutional Convention Bill Passed - House (52 - 33)
Feb. 1, 2023 AR HB 1156 Requires That Public School Restrooms Be Separated by Sex Bill Passed - House (80 - 10)
March 4, 2019 AR SB 336 Establishes a Fuel Tax and Other Provisions Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
March 7, 2022 AR HB 1034 Increases Prison Spending Bill Passed - House (83 - 5)
April 3, 2023 AR HB 1622 Establishes the Heart Attack Task Force Bill Passed - House (90 - 5)
Jan. 27, 2009 AR HB 1050 Freedom of Information Act Exemption Specifications Bill Passed - House (57 - 31)
Feb. 25, 2009 AR SB 78 Seat Belt Violation as Primary Offense Bill Passed - House (60 - 31)
March 13, 2009 AR SB 239 Authorization for Unlicensed Assistants to Perform Simple Medical Procedures Bill Passed - House (59 - 29)
Feb. 1, 2011 AR HB 1049 Prohibit Cell Phone Use in School Zones Bill Passed - House (53 - 41)
Feb. 7, 2011 AR HB 1013 Hiring of Unauthorized Workers Bill Passed - House (54 - 39)
Feb. 16, 2011 AR HB 1002 Capital Gains Reduction Act Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
Feb. 15, 2011 AR SB 154 Cell Phones in School Zones Bill Passed - House (52 - 41)
Feb. 4, 2013 AR HB 1100 Prohibits Abortion Coverage on the State Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - House (77 - 15)
Feb. 15, 2013 AR HB 1243 Authorizes University Staff to Carry a Concealed Handgun Bill Passed - House (70 - 11)
Feb. 4, 2013 AR HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (75 - 20)
Feb. 18, 2013 AR HB 1295 Establishes Tiered System for Lottery Scholarships Bill Passed - House (69 - 21)
March 19, 2013 AR HB 1819 Prohibits Governor from Regulating Firearms in an Emergency Bill Passed - House (78 - 9)
March 12, 2013 AR HB 1357 Requires Special Elections to Be Held On Certain Days Bill Passed - House (68 - 22)
March 20, 2013 AR HB 1855 Classifies the Office of Prosecuting Attorney as Nonpartisan Bill Passed - House (63 - 24)
April 6, 2013 AR HB 1536 Authorizes Sale of Unpasteurized Whole Milk Bill Passed - House (60 - 19)
April 9, 2013 AR HJR 1009 Amends Campaign Contribution Laws Joint Resolution Passed - House (71 - 12)
April 8, 2013 AR HB 1870 Appropriates Funds for Certain Steel Mills Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
March 13, 2015 AR HB 1377 Authorizes the Use of Waivers by Public School Districts Bill Passed - House (58 - 18)
Feb. 13, 2015 AR HB 1228 Prohibits the State from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - House (72 - 20)
March 25, 2015 AR HB 1426 Establishes Paid Maternity Leave for State Employees Bill Passed - House (56 - 28)
Feb. 19, 2015 AR HB 1355 Authorizes Local Control of Fluoride in Water Systems Bill Passed - House (60 - 34)
March 13, 2015 AR HB 1722 Prohibits The Use of Electronic Cigarettes on Publicly Funded Colleges and Universities Bill Passed - House (58 - 18)
March 9, 2015 AR HB 1282 Amends DWI Charges Bill Passed - House (52 - 30)
Feb. 2, 2017 AR HB 1249 Authorizes Concealed Carry on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (71 - 22)
Feb. 13, 2017 AR HB 1428 Requires Certain Restrictions for Abortion Providers Bill Passed - House (77 - 8)
Feb. 14, 2017 AR HB 1434 Prohibits Sex-Selective Abortions Bill Passed - House (79 - 3)
Jan. 31, 2017 AR HB 1047 Requires Voters to Provide Identification When Voting Bill Passed - House (74 - 21)
March 14, 2018 AR HB 1008 Expands Tuition Savings Plan Bill Passed - House (62 - 16)
Feb. 25, 2019 AR HB 1439 Prohibits Abortion After 18 Weeks Bill Passed - House (77 - 13)
Feb. 28, 2019 AR HB 1419 Requires Public Schools To Allow Enrollment In Individual Classes For Homeschooled Students Bill Passed - House (55 - 27)
Jan. 28, 2021 AR HB 1211 Prohibits the State From Closing Churches During Emergency Declarations Bill Passed - House (75 - 10)
Feb. 1, 2021 AR HB 1195 Requires Pregnant Individuals Call a Hotline Number Before Receiving an Abortion Bill Passed - House (75 - 13)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/21 SB 16 Science Specialist Program Funding Line Item Veto Veto Override Passed - House (71 - 13)
4/07 SB 27 Educational Adequacy Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (79 - 17)
2/16 HB 1052 Reducing Taxes on Manufacturer Utilities Bill Passed - House (88 - 8)
2/11 HB 1237 Allowing Concealed Weapons in Churches Bill Passed - House (57 - 42)
2/25 HB 1339 Election of the President by National Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (56 - 43)
4/06 SB 19 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (63 - 32)
4/05 HB 1033 Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (92 - 2)
2/25 HB 1464 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - House (67 - 27)
4/02 SB 1 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - House (82 - 17)
1/29 HB 1173 Reversal of the BMI Report Card Requirement Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
4/07 SB 21 Education Funding Bill Passed - House (82 - 13)
4/07 SB 24 Additional Education Funding Act Bill Passed - House (83 - 8)
4/01 HB 1004 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - House (81 - 16)
3/28 SB 1004 Beer Tax Bill Passed - House (51 - 39)
4/01 SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - House (52 - 45)
3/06 SB 134 Prohibits Abortion if Fetal Heartbeat Detected Veto Override Passed - House (56 - 33)
2/27 HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Veto Override Passed - House (53 - 28)
4/17 SB 1020 Authorizes Private Purchase of Health Insurance with Federal Funds Bill Passed - House (70 - 23)
4/05 HB 1684 Authorizes In-State Tuition for DACA Students Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 19)
3/30 HB 1407 Establishes the Voter Registration and Secure Voter Records Act of 2023 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (93 - 0)
3/22 HB 1434 Prohibits Sex-Selective Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 9)
2/21 HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 10)
2/21 SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - House (68 - 20)
3/31 HB 1226 2011-2012 State Insurance Department Budget Bill Passed - House (83 - 7)
3/04 SB 111 2014-2015 Department of Human Services Budget Bill Passed - House (76 - 24)
4/01 SB 496 Establishes Uniform Dates for Holding Special Elections Bill Passed - House (74 - 9)
4/20 SB 590 Repeals Mask Mandates by All Government Entities Bill Passed - House (69 - 20)
4/21 SB 573 Authorizes Concealed Carry in Government Buildings, Parks and Property Bill Passed - House (78 - 16)
4/06 SB 495 Requires Convicted Individuals Serve Out the Majority of Their Sentences Instead of Early Release Bill Passed - House (82 - 14)
4/05 SB 396 Requires Age Verification For Social Media Use Bill Passed - House (82 - 10)
2/06 SB 43 Amends the Definition of "Adult Oriented Business" to Include Drag Performances Bill Passed - House (78 - 15)
3/15 SB 289 Authorizes Denial of Healthcare on the Basis of Religious Principles Bill Passed - House (72 - 20)
4/20 SB 535 Prohibits Public Agencies from Disclosing Membership and Other Information to Non-Profits Bill Passed - House (74 - 12)
3/15 SB 81 Authorizes Parental Review and Challenge of School Library Books and Curriculum Bill Passed - House (56 - 25)
3/19 SB 417 Classifies the Death of a Fetus as a Felony in Certain Cases Bill Passed - House (76 - 10)
3/30 SB 600 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Government Benefits Bill Passed - House (69 - 14)
4/02 SB 278 Establishes a 72-Hour Waiting Period Before Abortions Bill Passed - House (75 - 13)
3/13 SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (51 - 44)
4/07 SB 494 Extends Qualified Immunity to Law Enforcement who Patrol Higher Education Institutions Bill Passed - House (76 - 10)
10/06 SB 739 Exempts Employees from Federal Vaccine Mandates Bill Passed - House (61 - 25)
2/14 SB 149 Establishes The Arkansas Human Life Protection Act Bill Passed - House (72 - 20)
3/03 SB 59 Appropriates Funds for the University of Arkansas Bill Passed - House (88 - 4)
4/10 SB 411 Prohibits Local Government from Adopting "Sanctuary Policies" Bill Passed - House (71 - 24)
2/17 SB 4 Appropriates Funds for the State Ethics Commission Bill Passed - House (89 - 4)
2/24 SB 24 Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws Bill Passed - House (72 - 23)
3/03 SB 102 Appropriates Pregnancy Resource Center Grants for the Department of Finance and Administration Bill Passed - House (75 - 19)
3/03 SB 49 Appropriates Funds for the 2022-23 Fiscal Year Bill Passed - House (96 - 0)
3/03 SB 6 Prohibits All Abortions in the State Bill Passed - House (76 - 19)
3/08 SB 101 Appropriates Funds for the 2022-2023 Fiscal Year Budget Bill Passed - House (97 - 1)
3/22 SB 85 Requires Abortion Providers to Complete an Ultrasound Bill Passed - House (74 - 14)
4/20 SB 643 Limits the Time Frame for Absentee Ballot Applications to be Received Bill Passed - House (65 - 25)
4/26 SB 615 Prohibits Governmental Entities from Mandating Vaccine Passports Bill Passed - House (76 - 12)
4/20 SB 557 Amends the Duties of County Board Election Commissioner Members Bill Passed - House (76 - 17)
4/13 SB 488 Exempts Certain Forms of Examining and Copying of Public Records Bill Passed - House (71 - 21)
4/20 SB 498 Requires Written Complaints be Sent by the County Board of Election Commissioners to the State Board of Election Commissioners Bill Passed - House (79 - 9)
3/02 SB 294 Establishes the LEARNS Act Bill Passed - House (78 - 21)
8/06 SB 1 Repeals Accepting Funds from the Federal Unemployment Benefits Program Bill Passed - House (73 - 18)
2/17 SB 21 Appropriates Funds for the Catfish Promotion Board Bill Passed - House (86 - 4)
4/27 SB 627 Prohibits Certain Teachings Regarding Race and Sex Bill Passed - House (72 - 19)
10/07 SB 743 Amends State Congressional Districts Bill Passed - House (53 - 35)
4/16 HB 1219 Appropriates Funds for Private Health Insurance Purchases Bill Passed - House (77 - 23)
2/13 SB 202 Prohibits New Classes of Protected Individuals Bill Passed - House (58 - 21)
4/02 SJR 16 Authorizes Issuance of Bonds for Economic Development Projects Bill Passed - House (70 - 22)
3/06 HJR 1003 Requests a Constitutional Convention Bill Passed - House (52 - 33)
2/01 HB 1156 Requires That Public School Restrooms Be Separated by Sex Bill Passed - House (80 - 10)
3/04 SB 336 Establishes a Fuel Tax and Other Provisions Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
3/07 HB 1034 Increases Prison Spending Bill Passed - House (83 - 5)
4/03 HB 1622 Establishes the Heart Attack Task Force Bill Passed - House (90 - 5)
1/27 HB 1050 Freedom of Information Act Exemption Specifications Bill Passed - House (57 - 31)
2/25 SB 78 Seat Belt Violation as Primary Offense Bill Passed - House (60 - 31)
3/13 SB 239 Authorization for Unlicensed Assistants to Perform Simple Medical Procedures Bill Passed - House (59 - 29)
2/01 HB 1049 Prohibit Cell Phone Use in School Zones Bill Passed - House (53 - 41)
2/07 HB 1013 Hiring of Unauthorized Workers Bill Passed - House (54 - 39)
2/16 HB 1002 Capital Gains Reduction Act Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
2/15 SB 154 Cell Phones in School Zones Bill Passed - House (52 - 41)
2/04 HB 1100 Prohibits Abortion Coverage on the State Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - House (77 - 15)
2/15 HB 1243 Authorizes University Staff to Carry a Concealed Handgun Bill Passed - House (70 - 11)
2/04 HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (75 - 20)
2/18 HB 1295 Establishes Tiered System for Lottery Scholarships Bill Passed - House (69 - 21)
3/19 HB 1819 Prohibits Governor from Regulating Firearms in an Emergency Bill Passed - House (78 - 9)
3/12 HB 1357 Requires Special Elections to Be Held On Certain Days Bill Passed - House (68 - 22)
3/20 HB 1855 Classifies the Office of Prosecuting Attorney as Nonpartisan Bill Passed - House (63 - 24)
4/06 HB 1536 Authorizes Sale of Unpasteurized Whole Milk Bill Passed - House (60 - 19)
4/09 HJR 1009 Amends Campaign Contribution Laws Joint Resolution Passed - House (71 - 12)
4/08 HB 1870 Appropriates Funds for Certain Steel Mills Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
3/13 HB 1377 Authorizes the Use of Waivers by Public School Districts Bill Passed - House (58 - 18)
2/13 HB 1228 Prohibits the State from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - House (72 - 20)
3/25 HB 1426 Establishes Paid Maternity Leave for State Employees Bill Passed - House (56 - 28)
2/19 HB 1355 Authorizes Local Control of Fluoride in Water Systems Bill Passed - House (60 - 34)
3/13 HB 1722 Prohibits The Use of Electronic Cigarettes on Publicly Funded Colleges and Universities Bill Passed - House (58 - 18)
3/09 HB 1282 Amends DWI Charges Bill Passed - House (52 - 30)
2/02 HB 1249 Authorizes Concealed Carry on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (71 - 22)
2/13 HB 1428 Requires Certain Restrictions for Abortion Providers Bill Passed - House (77 - 8)
2/14 HB 1434 Prohibits Sex-Selective Abortions Bill Passed - House (79 - 3)
1/31 HB 1047 Requires Voters to Provide Identification When Voting Bill Passed - House (74 - 21)
3/14 HB 1008 Expands Tuition Savings Plan Bill Passed - House (62 - 16)
2/25 HB 1439 Prohibits Abortion After 18 Weeks Bill Passed - House (77 - 13)
2/28 HB 1419 Requires Public Schools To Allow Enrollment In Individual Classes For Homeschooled Students Bill Passed - House (55 - 27)
1/28 HB 1211 Prohibits the State From Closing Churches During Emergency Declarations Bill Passed - House (75 - 10)
2/01 HB 1195 Requires Pregnant Individuals Call a Hotline Number Before Receiving an Abortion Bill Passed - House (75 - 13)

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