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 25, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 20)
June 22, 2006 MA S 2258 Massage Therapist Licensing Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
July 13, 2006 MA H 126 Unsigned Political Posters Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
July 13, 2006 MA H 4176 Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Veto Override Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
June 29, 2006 MA S 2258 Massage Therapist Licensing Veto Override Passed - House (134 - 22)
May 4, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 113 Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
May 24, 2006 MA H 4479 MassHealth Immigrant Eligibility Veto Override Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
April 25, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 19)
April 25, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (147 - 10)
May 4, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 113 Veto Override Passed - Senate (37 - 2)
March 20, 2008 MA H 4920 to 4307 Establishing and Regulating Casinos Amendment Adopted - House (106 - 48)
April 5, 2006 MA S 2227 Slot Machines at Race Tracks Bill Motion Agreed - House (100 - 55)
Sept. 27, 2007 MA Jones Amendment Expanding Pension Fund Divestments to Any State Sponsor of Terrorism Amendment Rejected - House (32 - 124)
July 29, 2008 MA Peterson Amdt to H 5022 Reducing Firearm Licensing Fee Amendment Adopted - House (97 - 59)
Sept. 27, 2007 MA Koutoujian Amendment Expanding Pension Fund Divestment to Any State with a History of Genocide Amendment Rejected - House (53 - 101)
May 24, 2006 MA Amdt 8 to SB 3 Sales Tax Holiday Amendment Adopted - Senate (23 - 16)
March 12, 2008 MA DeLeo Amdt Legislative Committee Chair Pay Raises Amendment Adopted - House (126 - 20)
April 27, 2006 MA C Amdt "H" Local Education Funding Study Bill Amendment Adopted - House (144 - 13)
June 3, 2009 MA H Amendment 2 Eliminate Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day Amendment Rejected - House (78 - 78)
June 18, 2009 MA S 2087 Massachusetts Transportation Agency Consolidation Conference Report Adopted - House (130 - 25)
June 12, 2008 MA H 4554 Life-Science Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
June 18, 2009 MA S 2087 Massachusetts Transportation Agency Consolidation Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 11)
June 11, 2008 MA H 4554 Life-Science Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (142 - 15)
April 4, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (154 - 2)
May 6, 2008 MA H 4645 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
Jan. 23, 2008 MA H 4477 Cell Phone Driving Ban Bill Passed - House (107 - 47)
Sept. 27, 2007 MA S 2255 State Pension Fund Divestment from Sudan Bill Passed - House (154 - 2)
Nov. 1, 2007 MA S 1353 Reproductive Health Clinic Buffer Zones Bill Passed - House (122 - 28)
July 9, 2008 MA H 678 National Popular Vote Plan Bill Passed - House (116 - 37)
July 26, 2007 MA HB 2876 Sales Tax Holiday Bill Passed - House (145 - 8)
July 31, 2007 MA HB 2876 Sales Tax Holiday Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
June 4, 2008 MA H 4346 Trans Fat Ban Bill Passed - House (116 - 34)
June 14, 2007 MA S 2220 Constitutional Amendment Defining Marriage Bill Failed - Senate (5 - 34)
June 14, 2007 MA S 2220 Constitutional Amendment Defining Marriage Bill Failed - House (40 - 117)
Feb. 7, 2008 MA H 4488 Education Reorganization Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
Feb. 6, 2008 MA H 4488 Education Reorganization Bill Passed - House (135 - 19)
July 9, 2008 MA Jones Amdt - Presidential Electors by Congressional District Bill Failed - House (34 - 120)
Oct. 11, 2007 MA H 4282 Supplemental Budget Bill Passed - House (126 - 18)
May 1, 2009 MA H 4101 Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010 Bill Passed - House (137 - 19)
May 18, 2006 MA H 229 Primary Seat Belt Bill Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
May 23, 2006 MA H 229 Primary Seat Belt Bill Bill Failed - House (76 - 80)
Jan. 19, 2006 MA H 229 Primary Seat Belt Bill Bill Passed - House (76 - 74)
Jan. 11, 2006 MA H 1230 In State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Failed - House (57 - 96)
May 24, 2006 MA H 4988 Nurse Staffing Bill Bill Passed - House (133 - 20)
Jan. 25, 2006 MA S 1074 Disclosure of Religious Funds Bill Bill Failed - House (3 - 147)
Nov. 15, 2007 MA S 2414 Presidential Primary Date Change Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
June 7, 2006 MA H 4176 Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
April 10, 2008 MA H 4645 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (131 - 23)
July 29, 2008 MA S 2807 Election Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
July 29, 2008 MA SB 800 Repealing Out of State Marriage Restrictions Bill Passed - House (119 - 36)
March 20, 2008 MA H 4554 Life-Science Bill Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
April 10, 2008 MA Garry and D'Amico Amendment: Removal of Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Failed - House (49 - 105)
July 9, 2008 MA Frost Amdt - National Popular Vote Plan Ratification Threshold Bill Failed - House (34 - 120)
June 9, 2022 MA H 4805 Authorizes State Drivers Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
July 29, 2021 MA H 4002 Appropriates Funds for FY 2022 Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
June 8, 2022 MA H 4805 Authorizes State Drivers Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons Veto Override Passed - House (119 - 36)
Dec. 29, 2020 MA H 5179 Expands State Abortion Access Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
July 28, 2021 MA H 4002 Appropriates Funds for FY 2022 Veto Override Passed - House (124 - 35)
June 18, 2014 MA S 2123 Increases the Minimum Wage Conference Report Adopted - House (124 - 24)
July 31, 2014 MA H 4278 Amends Firearm Laws Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 3)
July 16, 2014 MA H 4184 Requires Parole Eligibility for Certain Juveniles Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
Aug. 1, 2022 MA H 5164 Authorizes Sports Wagering in the Commonwealth Bill Passed - House (151 - 2)
Dec. 28, 2020 MA H 5179 Expands State Abortion Access Veto Override Passed - House (107 - 46)
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)
July 31, 2014 MA H 4278 Amends Firearm Laws Conference Report Adopted - House (122 - 30)
July 31, 2012 MA S 2400 Establishes Accountable Care Organizations Conference Report Adopted - House (133 - 20)
July 19, 2012 MA H 3818 Requires Habitual Violent Offenders to Serve Their Full Sentence Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
July 31, 2010 MA H 5000 Gambling Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 15)
June 12, 2014 MA S 2123 Increases the Minimum Wage Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
July 16, 2014 MA H 4184 Requires Parole Eligibility for Certain Juveniles Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Conference Report Adopted - House (131 - 18)
June 7, 2018 MA H 4501 Authorizes Capital for State Life Sciences Capital Fund Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
July 30, 2018 MA H 4835 Authorizes Funds for Climate Change Adaptation and Environmental Protection Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
Dec. 1, 2020 MA S 2963 Amends Various Police Accountability and Reform Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (91 - 67)
Aug. 1, 2022 MA H 5163 Authorizes Technology Improvements to State Judiciary Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 1)
July 27, 2010 MA H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Motion Agreed - Senate (28 - 9)
July 18, 2012 MA H 3818 Requires Habitual Violent Offenders to Serve Their Full Sentence Conference Report Adopted - House (139 - 14)
July 31, 2010 MA H 5000 Gambling Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (117 - 36)
Jan. 14, 2010 MA S 2247 Education Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (98 - 47)
Dec. 1, 2020 MA S 2963 Amends Various Police Accountability and Reform Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
June 27, 2012 MA H 4174 Authorizes Funds for State Transportation Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
June 28, 2018 MA H 4670 Authorizes Temporary Firearm Removal to Those Deemed a Threat Concurrence Vote Passed - House (132 - 15)
June 1, 2016 MA S 735 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (116 - 36)
May 26, 2022 MA H 4805 Authorizes State Drivers Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons Bill Passed - House (117 - 36)
June 16, 2022 MA H 4638 Appropriates Funds for Transportation Infrastructure Improvements Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
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)
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 28, 2022 MA H 5106 Establishes New Rules for the Governance and Improvement of Veterans' Homes in the Commonwealth (40 - 0)
July 26, 2022 MA H 5090 Expands Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Care (39 - 1)
July 21, 2022 MA H 5060 Establishes Various New Programs and Laws to Promote Growth in the Clean Energy Industry (38 - 2)
Aug. 1, 2022 MA H 5164 Authorizes Sports Wagering in the Commonwealth (36 - 4)
May 26, 2022 MA H 4805 Authorizes State Drivers Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons (32 - 8)
Jan. 27, 2022 MA S 2554 Establishes Early Voting Opportunities (124 - 34)
May 5, 2022 MA H 4470 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons (32 - 8)
March 31, 2022 MA H 4554 Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of Hair or Hairstyle (40 - 0)
May 18, 2022 MA S 2823 Amends Existing State Cannabis Laws (153 - 2)
April 14, 2022 MA H 4524 Expands Commonwealth Involvement in Offshore Wind, Clean Energy Industries (37 - 3)
Sept. 23, 2021 MA H 4011 Prohibits Denial of Assistance Based on Person's Assets Veto Override Passed - House (130 - 29)
July 20, 2010 MA H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Motion Agreed - House (116 - 34)
Jan. 14, 2010 MA S 2247 Education Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 12)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/25 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 20)
6/22 S 2258 Massage Therapist Licensing Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
7/13 H 126 Unsigned Political Posters Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
7/13 H 4176 Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Veto Override Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
6/29 S 2258 Massage Therapist Licensing Veto Override Passed - House (134 - 22)
5/04 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 113 Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
5/24 H 4479 MassHealth Immigrant Eligibility Veto Override Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
4/25 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 19)
4/25 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (147 - 10)
5/04 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 113 Veto Override Passed - Senate (37 - 2)
3/20 H 4920 to 4307 Establishing and Regulating Casinos Amendment Adopted - House (106 - 48)
4/05 S 2227 Slot Machines at Race Tracks Bill Motion Agreed - House (100 - 55)
9/27 Jones Amendment Expanding Pension Fund Divestments to Any State Sponsor of Terrorism Amendment Rejected - House (32 - 124)
7/29 Peterson Amdt to H 5022 Reducing Firearm Licensing Fee Amendment Adopted - House (97 - 59)
9/27 Koutoujian Amendment Expanding Pension Fund Divestment to Any State with a History of Genocide Amendment Rejected - House (53 - 101)
5/24 Amdt 8 to SB 3 Sales Tax Holiday Amendment Adopted - Senate (23 - 16)
3/12 DeLeo Amdt Legislative Committee Chair Pay Raises Amendment Adopted - House (126 - 20)
4/27 C Amdt "H" Local Education Funding Study Bill Amendment Adopted - House (144 - 13)
6/03 H Amendment 2 Eliminate Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day Amendment Rejected - House (78 - 78)
6/18 S 2087 Massachusetts Transportation Agency Consolidation Conference Report Adopted - House (130 - 25)
6/12 H 4554 Life-Science Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
6/18 S 2087 Massachusetts Transportation Agency Consolidation Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 11)
6/11 H 4554 Life-Science Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (142 - 15)
4/04 H 4479 Health Care Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (154 - 2)
5/06 H 4645 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
1/23 H 4477 Cell Phone Driving Ban Bill Passed - House (107 - 47)
9/27 S 2255 State Pension Fund Divestment from Sudan Bill Passed - House (154 - 2)
11/01 S 1353 Reproductive Health Clinic Buffer Zones Bill Passed - House (122 - 28)
7/09 H 678 National Popular Vote Plan Bill Passed - House (116 - 37)
7/26 HB 2876 Sales Tax Holiday Bill Passed - House (145 - 8)
7/31 HB 2876 Sales Tax Holiday Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
6/04 H 4346 Trans Fat Ban Bill Passed - House (116 - 34)
6/14 S 2220 Constitutional Amendment Defining Marriage Bill Failed - Senate (5 - 34)
6/14 S 2220 Constitutional Amendment Defining Marriage Bill Failed - House (40 - 117)
2/07 H 4488 Education Reorganization Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
2/06 H 4488 Education Reorganization Bill Passed - House (135 - 19)
7/09 Jones Amdt - Presidential Electors by Congressional District Bill Failed - House (34 - 120)
10/11 H 4282 Supplemental Budget Bill Passed - House (126 - 18)
5/01 H 4101 Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010 Bill Passed - House (137 - 19)
5/18 H 229 Primary Seat Belt Bill Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
5/23 H 229 Primary Seat Belt Bill Bill Failed - House (76 - 80)
1/19 H 229 Primary Seat Belt Bill Bill Passed - House (76 - 74)
1/11 H 1230 In State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Failed - House (57 - 96)
5/24 H 4988 Nurse Staffing Bill Bill Passed - House (133 - 20)
1/25 S 1074 Disclosure of Religious Funds Bill Bill Failed - House (3 - 147)
11/15 S 2414 Presidential Primary Date Change Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
6/07 H 4176 Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
4/10 H 4645 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (131 - 23)
7/29 S 2807 Election Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
7/29 SB 800 Repealing Out of State Marriage Restrictions Bill Passed - House (119 - 36)
3/20 H 4554 Life-Science Bill Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
4/10 Garry and D'Amico Amendment: Removal of Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Failed - House (49 - 105)
7/09 Frost Amdt - National Popular Vote Plan Ratification Threshold Bill Failed - House (34 - 120)
6/09 H 4805 Authorizes State Drivers Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
7/29 H 4002 Appropriates Funds for FY 2022 Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
6/08 H 4805 Authorizes State Drivers Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons Veto Override Passed - House (119 - 36)
12/29 H 5179 Expands State Abortion Access Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
7/28 H 4002 Appropriates Funds for FY 2022 Veto Override Passed - House (124 - 35)
6/18 S 2123 Increases the Minimum Wage Conference Report Adopted - House (124 - 24)
7/31 H 4278 Amends Firearm Laws Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 3)
7/16 H 4184 Requires Parole Eligibility for Certain Juveniles Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
8/01 H 5164 Authorizes Sports Wagering in the Commonwealth Bill Passed - House (151 - 2)
12/28 H 5179 Expands State Abortion Access Veto Override Passed - House (107 - 46)
6/30 H 3770 Requires the $400 Million Holyoke Soldiers' Home Construction Project be Completed with Unionized Labor Veto Override Passed - House (130 - 30)
7/31 H 4278 Amends Firearm Laws Conference Report Adopted - House (122 - 30)
7/31 S 2400 Establishes Accountable Care Organizations Conference Report Adopted - House (133 - 20)
7/19 H 3818 Requires Habitual Violent Offenders to Serve Their Full Sentence Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
7/31 H 5000 Gambling Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 15)
6/12 S 2123 Increases the Minimum Wage Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
7/16 H 4184 Requires Parole Eligibility for Certain Juveniles Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Conference Report Adopted - House (131 - 18)
6/07 H 4501 Authorizes Capital for State Life Sciences Capital Fund Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
7/30 H 4835 Authorizes Funds for Climate Change Adaptation and Environmental Protection Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
12/01 S 2963 Amends Various Police Accountability and Reform Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (91 - 67)
8/01 H 5163 Authorizes Technology Improvements to State Judiciary Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 1)
7/27 H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Motion Agreed - Senate (28 - 9)
7/18 H 3818 Requires Habitual Violent Offenders to Serve Their Full Sentence Conference Report Adopted - House (139 - 14)
7/31 H 5000 Gambling Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (117 - 36)
1/14 S 2247 Education Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (98 - 47)
12/01 S 2963 Amends Various Police Accountability and Reform Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
6/27 H 4174 Authorizes Funds for State Transportation Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
6/28 H 4670 Authorizes Temporary Firearm Removal to Those Deemed a Threat Concurrence Vote Passed - House (132 - 15)
6/01 S 735 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (116 - 36)
5/26 H 4805 Authorizes State Drivers Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons Bill Passed - House (117 - 36)
6/16 H 4638 Appropriates Funds for Transportation Infrastructure Improvements Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
7/21 H 5060 Establishes Various New Programs and Laws to Promote Growth in the Clean Energy Industry Bill Passed - House (146 - 7)
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)
7/28 H 5106 Establishes New Rules for the Governance and Improvement of Veterans' Homes in the Commonwealth (40 - 0)
7/26 H 5090 Expands Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Care (39 - 1)
7/21 H 5060 Establishes Various New Programs and Laws to Promote Growth in the Clean Energy Industry (38 - 2)
8/01 H 5164 Authorizes Sports Wagering in the Commonwealth (36 - 4)
5/26 H 4805 Authorizes State Drivers Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons (32 - 8)
1/27 S 2554 Establishes Early Voting Opportunities (124 - 34)
5/05 H 4470 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons (32 - 8)
3/31 H 4554 Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of Hair or Hairstyle (40 - 0)
5/18 S 2823 Amends Existing State Cannabis Laws (153 - 2)
4/14 H 4524 Expands Commonwealth Involvement in Offshore Wind, Clean Energy Industries (37 - 3)
9/23 H 4011 Prohibits Denial of Assistance Based on Person's Assets Veto Override Passed - House (130 - 29)
7/20 H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Motion Agreed - House (116 - 34)
1/14 S 2247 Education Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 12)

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