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
Jan. 10, 2024 MA H 4241 Prohibits Revenge Porn and Increases Penalties Bill Passed - House (151 - 0)
Oct. 18, 2023 MA H 4139 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (120 - 38)
Oct. 18, 2023 MA H 4135 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (120 - 38)
Oct. 4, 2023 MA H 4109 Requires Employers with 25 or More Employees Post Annual Salary or Hourly Wage Amount Bill Passed - House (148 - 8)
Aug. 1, 2022 MA H 5164 Authorizes Sports Wagering in the Commonwealth Bill Passed - House (151 - 2)
Aug. 1, 2022 MA H 5163 Authorizes Technology Improvements to State Judiciary Bill Passed - House (147 - 6)
July 26, 2022 MA H 5090 Expands Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Care Bill Passed - House (137 - 16)
July 21, 2022 MA H 5060 Establishes Various New Programs and Laws to Promote Growth in the Clean Energy Industry Bill Passed - House (146 - 7)
June 29, 2022 MA H 4954 Expands Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Care Bill Passed - House (136 - 17)
June 16, 2022 MA S 2924 Specifies Mail-In Voting Regulations Bill Passed - House (126 - 29)
June 8, 2022 MA H 4805 Authorizes State Drivers Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons Veto Override Passed - House (119 - 36)
May 26, 2022 MA H 4805 Authorizes State Drivers Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons Bill Passed - House (117 - 36)
May 18, 2022 MA S 2823 Amends Existing State Cannabis Laws (153 - 2)
March 3, 2022 MA H 4524 Expands Commonwealth Involvement in Offshore Wind, Clean Energy Industries Bill Passed - House (144 - 12)
Feb. 16, 2022 MA H 4461 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Certain Undocumented Immigrants (120 - 36)
Feb. 16, 2022 MA H 4470 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons Bill Passed - House (120 - 36)
Feb. 10, 2022 MA H 4441 Expands Protections for Veterans Bill Passed - House (156 - 1)
Jan. 27, 2022 MA S 2554 Establishes Early Voting Opportunities (124 - 34)
Sept. 23, 2021 MA H 4011 Prohibits Denial of Assistance Based on Person's Assets Veto Override Passed - House (130 - 29)
Sept. 23, 2021 MA H 4121 Establishes House Working Group on COVID-19 Bill Passed - House (131 - 28)
July 28, 2021 MA H 4002 Appropriates Funds for FY 2022 Veto Override Passed - House (124 - 35)
July 22, 2021 MA H 3977 Authorizes the Legalization of Sports Betting Bill Passed - House (156 - 3)
June 30, 2021 MA H 3770 Requires the $400 Million Holyoke Soldiers' Home Construction Project be Completed with Unionized Labor Veto Override Passed - House (130 - 30)
June 15, 2021 MA S 2472 Extends Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency Bill Passed - House (146 - 14)
June 15, 2021 MA S 2475 Amends Measures Adopted During the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - House (150 - 10)
June 10, 2021 MA H 3863 Amends the Redistricting Process to Redraw Congressional Boundaries Bill Passed - House (131 - 29)
June 10, 2021 MA H 3862 Appropriates Funds for the 2021 Fiscal Year and Supplements Existing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (131 - 29)
June 10, 2021 MA H 3871 Appropriates Funds for a Supplemental Budget Bill Passed - House (131 - 29)
Jan. 28, 2021 MA S 9 Establishes a Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy Bill Passed - House (144 - 14)
Dec. 28, 2020 MA H 5179 Expands State Abortion Access Veto Override Passed - House (107 - 46)
Dec. 1, 2020 MA S 2963 Amends Various Police Accountability and Reform Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (91 - 67)
June 30, 2020 MA H 4818 Establishes a Special Commission to Reduce Racial Inequalities in Maternal Health Bill Passed - House (159 - 0)
Nov. 13, 2019 MA H 4183 Prohibits Flavored Tobacco and Vaping Products, Including Menthol Cigarettes Bill Passed - House (127 - 31)
March 13, 2019 MA H 140 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - House (148 - 8)
July 30, 2018 MA H 4841 Authorizes New Tax Regulations and Insurance Requirements for Short-Term Rentals Bill Passed - House (119 - 30)
June 28, 2018 MA H 4670 Authorizes Temporary Firearm Removal to Those Deemed a Threat Concurrence Vote Passed - House (132 - 15)
June 27, 2018 MA H 4664 Prohibits Gender Conversion Therapy Bill Passed - House (137 - 14)
June 20, 2018 MA H 4640 Amends Minimum Wage and Paid-Leave Programs Bill Passed - House (126 - 25)
June 19, 2018 MA H 4617 Increases Access to Affordable High Quality Health Insurance Bill Passed - House (117 - 32)
May 23, 2018 MA H 4517 Authorizes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - House (139 - 14)
May 9, 2018 MA H 4479 Increases Minimum Purchase Age for Tobacco Products Bill Passed - House (147 - 4)
April 4, 2018 MA S 2371 Amends Criminal Justice Law Conference Report Adopted - House (148 - 5)
April 4, 2018 MA S 2372 Establishes the Garden of Peace Trust Fund Conference Report Adopted - House (152 - 0)
Oct. 11, 2017 MA Amdt 1 Prohibits Sale or Possession of "Bump Stocks" Bill Passed - House (152 - 3)
July 7, 2017 MA H 3800 Establishes State Budget for Fiscal Year 2018 Conference Report Adopted - House (140 - 9)
June 21, 2017 MA H 3768 Authorizes Reforms to Recreational Marijuana Laws Bill Passed - House (126 - 28)
May 24, 2017 MA H 3034 Limits the Use of Prison Labor Bill Passed - House (120 - 35)
April 25, 2017 MA H 3601 Appropriates Funds for the 2018 Fiscal Year Bill Passed - House (159 - 1)
June 1, 2016 MA S 735 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (116 - 36)
March 9, 2016 MA H 4049 Establishes Regulations for Ride-Sharing Companies Bill Passed - House (139 - 16)
July 31, 2014 MA H 4278 Amends Firearm Laws Conference Report Adopted - House (122 - 30)
July 23, 2014 MA S 2283 Authorizes Withdrawal Orders around Reproductive Health Care Facilities Bill Passed - House (116 - 35)
July 16, 2014 MA H 4184 Requires Parole Eligibility for Certain Juveniles Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Conference Report Adopted - House (131 - 18)
July 9, 2014 MA H 4278 Amends Firearm Laws Bill Passed - House (112 - 38)
June 18, 2014 MA S 2123 Increases the Minimum Wage Conference Report Adopted - House (124 - 24)
June 18, 2014 MA S 2132 Establishes Labor Standards for Domestic Workers Bill Passed - House (126 - 22)
June 18, 2014 MA H 4184 Authorizes Parole Eligibility for Certain Juveniles Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Bill Passed - House (129 - 16)
June 11, 2014 MA Amdt 46 Establishes a Sales Tax Holiday Amendment Adopted - House (132 - 14)
May 28, 2014 MA H 4111 Appropriates Funds for the Expansion of the Boston Convention Center Bill Passed - House (131 - 19)
May 21, 2014 MA H 4108 Amends Charter School Laws Bill Passed - House (114 - 35)
April 2, 2014 MA H 4026 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (125 - 24)
April 24, 2013 MA H 3401 2013-2014 Budget Bill Passed - House (127 - 29)
April 8, 2013 MA H 3382 Expands Retail Tax to Include Computer System Design Services Bill Passed - House (97 - 55)
July 31, 2012 MA S 2400 Establishes Accountable Care Organizations Conference Report Adopted - House (133 - 20)
July 18, 2012 MA H 3818 Requires Habitual Violent Offenders to Serve Their Full Sentence Conference Report Adopted - House (139 - 14)
June 27, 2012 MA S 2214 Amends Renewable Energy Contract Requirements Bill Passed - House (135 - 16)
June 5, 2012 MA S 2270 Reduces Health Care Spending Bill Passed - House (148 - 7)
May 31, 2012 MA H Amdt 11 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Amendment Adopted - House (105 - 43)
May 30, 2012 MA H 3986 Authorizes Child Care Workers to Form Labor Organizations Bill Passed - House (117 - 32)
April 25, 2012 MA H Amdt 804.1 Electronic Benefit Transfer Cards Amendment Adopted - House (123 - 33)
Sept. 14, 2011 MA H 3711 Authorizes Gambling Casinos Bill Passed - House (123 - 32)
April 26, 2011 MA Amdt 749.1 Collective Bargaining Restrictions Amendment Adopted - House (113 - 42)
March 2, 2011 MA S 9 Establishing a Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - House (123 - 30)
July 31, 2010 MA H 5000 Gambling Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (117 - 36)
July 20, 2010 MA H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Motion Agreed - House (116 - 34)
June 2, 2010 MA H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Bill Passed - House (114 - 35)
May 26, 2010 MA H 4703 Sentencing Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (139 - 17)
April 28, 2010 MA Sánchez Amdt Sending Public Benefits Amendment to Study Amendment Adopted - House (83 - 75)
April 14, 2010 MA H 4591 Gaming Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (120 - 37)
Feb. 4, 2010 MA H 4466 Expanding Driving Regulations Bill Passed - House (146 - 9)
Jan. 28, 2010 MA H 4441 School Nutrition Standards Bill Passed - House (152 - 4)
Jan. 14, 2010 MA S 2247 Education Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (98 - 47)
Oct. 8, 2009 MA SB 2028 Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness Plan Bill Passed - House (114 - 36)
Sept. 17, 2009 MA H 4246 Authorizing Governor to Appoint Interim U.S. Senator Bill Passed - House (95 - 59)
June 18, 2009 MA S 2087 Massachusetts Transportation Agency Consolidation Conference Report Adopted - House (130 - 25)
June 3, 2009 MA H Amendment 2 Eliminate Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day Amendment Rejected - House (78 - 78)
May 1, 2009 MA H 4101 Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010 Bill Passed - House (137 - 19)
April 27, 2009 MA Sciortino Amdt Sales Tax Increase Amendment Adopted - House (108 - 51)
April 7, 2009 MA S 2024 Massachusetts Transportation Agency Consolidation Bill Passed - House (147 - 7)
July 29, 2008 MA Peterson Amdt to H 5022 Reducing Firearm Licensing Fee Amendment Adopted - House (97 - 59)
July 29, 2008 MA SB 800 Repealing Out of State Marriage Restrictions Bill Passed - House (119 - 36)
July 9, 2008 MA Frost Amdt - National Popular Vote Plan Ratification Threshold Bill Failed - House (34 - 120)
July 9, 2008 MA Jones Amdt - Presidential Electors by Congressional District Bill Failed - House (34 - 120)
July 9, 2008 MA H 678 National Popular Vote Plan Bill Passed - House (116 - 37)
June 11, 2008 MA H 4554 Life-Science Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (142 - 15)
June 4, 2008 MA H 4346 Trans Fat Ban Bill Passed - House (116 - 34)
April 10, 2008 MA H 4645 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (131 - 23)
April 10, 2008 MA Garry and D'Amico Amendment: Removal of Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Failed - House (49 - 105)
March 20, 2008 MA H 4920 to 4307 Establishing and Regulating Casinos Amendment Adopted - House (106 - 48)
March 12, 2008 MA DeLeo Amdt Legislative Committee Chair Pay Raises Amendment Adopted - House (126 - 20)
Date No. Title Outcome
1/10 H 4241 Prohibits Revenge Porn and Increases Penalties Bill Passed - House (151 - 0)
10/18 H 4139 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (120 - 38)
10/18 H 4135 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (120 - 38)
10/04 H 4109 Requires Employers with 25 or More Employees Post Annual Salary or Hourly Wage Amount Bill Passed - House (148 - 8)
8/01 H 5164 Authorizes Sports Wagering in the Commonwealth Bill Passed - House (151 - 2)
8/01 H 5163 Authorizes Technology Improvements to State Judiciary Bill Passed - House (147 - 6)
7/26 H 5090 Expands Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Care Bill Passed - House (137 - 16)
7/21 H 5060 Establishes Various New Programs and Laws to Promote Growth in the Clean Energy Industry Bill Passed - House (146 - 7)
6/29 H 4954 Expands Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Care Bill Passed - House (136 - 17)
6/16 S 2924 Specifies Mail-In Voting Regulations Bill Passed - House (126 - 29)
6/08 H 4805 Authorizes State Drivers Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons Veto Override Passed - House (119 - 36)
5/26 H 4805 Authorizes State Drivers Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons Bill Passed - House (117 - 36)
5/18 S 2823 Amends Existing State Cannabis Laws (153 - 2)
3/03 H 4524 Expands Commonwealth Involvement in Offshore Wind, Clean Energy Industries Bill Passed - House (144 - 12)
2/16 H 4461 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Certain Undocumented Immigrants (120 - 36)
2/16 H 4470 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons Bill Passed - House (120 - 36)
2/10 H 4441 Expands Protections for Veterans Bill Passed - House (156 - 1)
1/27 S 2554 Establishes Early Voting Opportunities (124 - 34)
9/23 H 4011 Prohibits Denial of Assistance Based on Person's Assets Veto Override Passed - House (130 - 29)
9/23 H 4121 Establishes House Working Group on COVID-19 Bill Passed - House (131 - 28)
7/28 H 4002 Appropriates Funds for FY 2022 Veto Override Passed - House (124 - 35)
7/22 H 3977 Authorizes the Legalization of Sports Betting Bill Passed - House (156 - 3)
6/30 H 3770 Requires the $400 Million Holyoke Soldiers' Home Construction Project be Completed with Unionized Labor Veto Override Passed - House (130 - 30)
6/15 S 2472 Extends Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency Bill Passed - House (146 - 14)
6/15 S 2475 Amends Measures Adopted During the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - House (150 - 10)
6/10 H 3863 Amends the Redistricting Process to Redraw Congressional Boundaries Bill Passed - House (131 - 29)
6/10 H 3862 Appropriates Funds for the 2021 Fiscal Year and Supplements Existing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (131 - 29)
6/10 H 3871 Appropriates Funds for a Supplemental Budget Bill Passed - House (131 - 29)
1/28 S 9 Establishes a Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy Bill Passed - House (144 - 14)
12/28 H 5179 Expands State Abortion Access Veto Override Passed - House (107 - 46)
12/01 S 2963 Amends Various Police Accountability and Reform Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (91 - 67)
6/30 H 4818 Establishes a Special Commission to Reduce Racial Inequalities in Maternal Health Bill Passed - House (159 - 0)
11/13 H 4183 Prohibits Flavored Tobacco and Vaping Products, Including Menthol Cigarettes Bill Passed - House (127 - 31)
3/13 H 140 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - House (148 - 8)
7/30 H 4841 Authorizes New Tax Regulations and Insurance Requirements for Short-Term Rentals Bill Passed - House (119 - 30)
6/28 H 4670 Authorizes Temporary Firearm Removal to Those Deemed a Threat Concurrence Vote Passed - House (132 - 15)
6/27 H 4664 Prohibits Gender Conversion Therapy Bill Passed - House (137 - 14)
6/20 H 4640 Amends Minimum Wage and Paid-Leave Programs Bill Passed - House (126 - 25)
6/19 H 4617 Increases Access to Affordable High Quality Health Insurance Bill Passed - House (117 - 32)
5/23 H 4517 Authorizes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - House (139 - 14)
5/09 H 4479 Increases Minimum Purchase Age for Tobacco Products Bill Passed - House (147 - 4)
4/04 S 2371 Amends Criminal Justice Law Conference Report Adopted - House (148 - 5)
4/04 S 2372 Establishes the Garden of Peace Trust Fund Conference Report Adopted - House (152 - 0)
10/11 Amdt 1 Prohibits Sale or Possession of "Bump Stocks" Bill Passed - House (152 - 3)
7/07 H 3800 Establishes State Budget for Fiscal Year 2018 Conference Report Adopted - House (140 - 9)
6/21 H 3768 Authorizes Reforms to Recreational Marijuana Laws Bill Passed - House (126 - 28)
5/24 H 3034 Limits the Use of Prison Labor Bill Passed - House (120 - 35)
4/25 H 3601 Appropriates Funds for the 2018 Fiscal Year Bill Passed - House (159 - 1)
6/01 S 735 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (116 - 36)
3/09 H 4049 Establishes Regulations for Ride-Sharing Companies Bill Passed - House (139 - 16)
7/31 H 4278 Amends Firearm Laws Conference Report Adopted - House (122 - 30)
7/23 S 2283 Authorizes Withdrawal Orders around Reproductive Health Care Facilities Bill Passed - House (116 - 35)
7/16 H 4184 Requires Parole Eligibility for Certain Juveniles Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Conference Report Adopted - House (131 - 18)
7/09 H 4278 Amends Firearm Laws Bill Passed - House (112 - 38)
6/18 S 2123 Increases the Minimum Wage Conference Report Adopted - House (124 - 24)
6/18 S 2132 Establishes Labor Standards for Domestic Workers Bill Passed - House (126 - 22)
6/18 H 4184 Authorizes Parole Eligibility for Certain Juveniles Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Bill Passed - House (129 - 16)
6/11 Amdt 46 Establishes a Sales Tax Holiday Amendment Adopted - House (132 - 14)
5/28 H 4111 Appropriates Funds for the Expansion of the Boston Convention Center Bill Passed - House (131 - 19)
5/21 H 4108 Amends Charter School Laws Bill Passed - House (114 - 35)
4/02 H 4026 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (125 - 24)
4/24 H 3401 2013-2014 Budget Bill Passed - House (127 - 29)
4/08 H 3382 Expands Retail Tax to Include Computer System Design Services Bill Passed - House (97 - 55)
7/31 S 2400 Establishes Accountable Care Organizations Conference Report Adopted - House (133 - 20)
7/18 H 3818 Requires Habitual Violent Offenders to Serve Their Full Sentence Conference Report Adopted - House (139 - 14)
6/27 S 2214 Amends Renewable Energy Contract Requirements Bill Passed - House (135 - 16)
6/05 S 2270 Reduces Health Care Spending Bill Passed - House (148 - 7)
5/31 H Amdt 11 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Amendment Adopted - House (105 - 43)
5/30 H 3986 Authorizes Child Care Workers to Form Labor Organizations Bill Passed - House (117 - 32)
4/25 H Amdt 804.1 Electronic Benefit Transfer Cards Amendment Adopted - House (123 - 33)
9/14 H 3711 Authorizes Gambling Casinos Bill Passed - House (123 - 32)
4/26 Amdt 749.1 Collective Bargaining Restrictions Amendment Adopted - House (113 - 42)
3/02 S 9 Establishing a Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - House (123 - 30)
7/31 H 5000 Gambling Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (117 - 36)
7/20 H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Motion Agreed - House (116 - 34)
6/02 H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Bill Passed - House (114 - 35)
5/26 H 4703 Sentencing Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (139 - 17)
4/28 Sánchez Amdt Sending Public Benefits Amendment to Study Amendment Adopted - House (83 - 75)
4/14 H 4591 Gaming Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (120 - 37)
2/04 H 4466 Expanding Driving Regulations Bill Passed - House (146 - 9)
1/28 H 4441 School Nutrition Standards Bill Passed - House (152 - 4)
1/14 S 2247 Education Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (98 - 47)
10/08 SB 2028 Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness Plan Bill Passed - House (114 - 36)
9/17 H 4246 Authorizing Governor to Appoint Interim U.S. Senator Bill Passed - House (95 - 59)
6/18 S 2087 Massachusetts Transportation Agency Consolidation Conference Report Adopted - House (130 - 25)
6/03 H Amendment 2 Eliminate Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day Amendment Rejected - House (78 - 78)
5/01 H 4101 Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010 Bill Passed - House (137 - 19)
4/27 Sciortino Amdt Sales Tax Increase Amendment Adopted - House (108 - 51)
4/07 S 2024 Massachusetts Transportation Agency Consolidation Bill Passed - House (147 - 7)
7/29 Peterson Amdt to H 5022 Reducing Firearm Licensing Fee Amendment Adopted - House (97 - 59)
7/29 SB 800 Repealing Out of State Marriage Restrictions Bill Passed - House (119 - 36)
7/09 Frost Amdt - National Popular Vote Plan Ratification Threshold Bill Failed - House (34 - 120)
7/09 Jones Amdt - Presidential Electors by Congressional District Bill Failed - House (34 - 120)
7/09 H 678 National Popular Vote Plan Bill Passed - House (116 - 37)
6/11 H 4554 Life-Science Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (142 - 15)
6/04 H 4346 Trans Fat Ban Bill Passed - House (116 - 34)
4/10 H 4645 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (131 - 23)
4/10 Garry and D'Amico Amendment: Removal of Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Failed - House (49 - 105)
3/20 H 4920 to 4307 Establishing and Regulating Casinos Amendment Adopted - House (106 - 48)
3/12 DeLeo Amdt Legislative Committee Chair Pay Raises Amendment Adopted - House (126 - 20)

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