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
April 11, 2011 MD SB 167 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 65)
April 11, 2011 MD SB 167 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 19)
April 11, 2011 MD SB 690 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 20)
April 11, 2011 MD HB 235 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination Motion Agreed - Senate (27 - 20)
April 11, 2011 MD SB 994 Increases Sales Tax on Alcoholic Beverages Bill Passed - House (76 - 63)
April 9, 2011 MD SB 690 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Amendments Bill Passed - House (74 - 60)
April 8, 2011 MD HB 302 Parole Approval Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 65)
April 5, 2011 MD HB 302 Parole Approval Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
March 30, 2011 MD SB 994 Increases Sales Tax on Alcoholic Beverages Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 19)
March 26, 2011 MD HB 235 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination Bill Passed - House (86 - 52)
March 24, 2011 MD HB 70 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (97 - 42)
March 9, 2011 MD Amendment 223923 Civil Marriage Protection Act Amendment Rejected - House (63 - 72)
March 8, 2011 MD HB 302 Parole Approval Bill Passed - House (74 - 66)
Feb. 23, 2011 MD SB 116 Civil Marriage Protection Act Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
April 12, 2010 MD HB 465 Establishes Collective Bargaining Procedures for Certain Child Care Providers Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 18)
April 12, 2010 MD HB 465 Establishes Collective Bargaining Procedures for Certain Child Care Providers Conference Report Adopted - House (100 - 39)
April 12, 2010 MD SB 277 Modifies the Solar Energy Portfolio Standard Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
April 12, 2010 MD SB 590 Establishes a Public School Labor Relations Board Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
April 12, 2010 MD SB 789 Requires Shift Breaks for Certain Employees Bill Passed - House (94 - 45)
April 10, 2010 MD SB 778 Prohibits Public Schools from Sending Vocational Test Scores to Military Recruiters Bill Passed - House (95 - 42)
April 10, 2010 MD SB 627 Establishes Medical Marijuana Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
April 10, 2010 MD SB 277 Modifies the Solar Energy Portfolio Standard Bill Passed - House (109 - 31)
April 9, 2010 MD SB 279 Prohibits False Claims Against State Health Plans and Programs Bill Passed - House (105 - 33)
April 9, 2010 MD SB 590 Establishes a Public School Labor Relations Board Bill Passed - House (103 - 35)
April 9, 2010 MD SB 321 Prohibiting Hand-Held Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - House (125 - 14)
April 7, 2010 MD HB 825 Increase in Motor Vehicle Liability Payment Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
April 1, 2010 MD SB 789 Requires Shift Breaks for Certain Employees Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 18)
March 24, 2010 MD SB 778 Prohibits Public Schools from Sending Vocational Test Scores to Military Recruiters Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 23)
March 24, 2010 MD SB 321 Prohibiting Hand-Held Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 23)
March 24, 2010 MD SB 1035 Authorizes Card Games at a Specific Facility Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
March 23, 2010 MD SB 279 Prohibits False Claims Against State Health Plans and Programs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
March 23, 2010 MD HB 825 Increase in Motor Vehicle Liability Payment Bill Passed - House (97 - 36)
March 5, 2010 MD SB 248 Increasing Civil Court Case Surcharges Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
April 13, 2009 MD HB 387 "Lawful Status" Requirements for ID Cards, Vehicle Licenses and Permits Conference Report Adopted - House (76 - 60)
April 13, 2009 MD SB 785 Inheritance Tax Exemption for Domestic Partners Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
April 13, 2009 MD SB 785 Inheritance Tax Exemption for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - House (94 - 38)
April 13, 2009 MD SB 278 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 9)
April 13, 2009 MD SB 278 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan Bill Passed - House (107 - 30)
April 10, 2009 MD HB 310 Extending Unemployment Benefits to Part-Time Employees Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
April 10, 2009 MD SB 277 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - House (94 - 41)
April 6, 2009 MD HB 302 Allowing Judges to Confiscate Firearms from Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
April 2, 2009 MD SB 277 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
April 1, 2009 MD SB 844 Public Service Commission Regulation of New Electric Generation Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 19)
March 26, 2009 MD HB 310 Extending Unemployment Benefits to Part-Time Employees Bill Passed - House (94 - 43)
March 26, 2009 MD SB 279 Capital Punishment Restrictions Bill Passed - House (87 - 52)
March 17, 2009 MD HB 359 Handgun Permit Eligibility for Domestic Abuse Victims Bill Failed - House (51 - 86)
March 17, 2009 MD HB 302 Allowing Judges to Confiscate Firearms from Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - House (92 - 45)
March 5, 2009 MD SB 279 Capital Punishment Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
March 2, 2009 MD SB 278 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 9)
April 7, 2008 MD SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
April 7, 2008 MD SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Bill Passed - House (113 - 25)
April 7, 2008 MD HB 375 Increasing Renewable Energy Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 24)
April 7, 2008 MD SB 1013 Regulation of Power Plants Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
April 7, 2008 MD HB 374 Energy Efficiency Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (101 - 33)
April 7, 2008 MD HB 375 Increasing Renewable Energy Standards Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
April 7, 2008 MD HB 374 Energy Efficiency Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
April 7, 2008 MD SB 1013 Regulation of Power Plants Bill Passed - House (102 - 38)
April 5, 2008 MD SB 90 2008-2009 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (109 - 31)
April 5, 2008 MD SB 90 2008-2009 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 7)
April 5, 2008 MD SB 646 Allowing For-Profit Entities to Provide Credit Counseling Bill Passed - House (124 - 12)
April 5, 2008 MD SB 46 Computer Services Sales Tax Repeal and Other Tax Adjustments Bill Passed - House (93 - 44)
April 4, 2008 MD SB 597 Property Transfer Tax Exemptions for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - House (86 - 47)
April 4, 2008 MD SB 566 Hospital Visitation/Decision-Making Rights for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - House (88 - 46)
April 4, 2008 MD HB 1626 Public Utilitiy Regulation Bill Passed - House (98 - 41)
April 3, 2008 MD Amnd. 663027/2 Power Plant Regulation Amendment Adopted - Senate (27 - 18)
April 3, 2008 MD SB 46 Computer Services Sales Tax Repeal and Other Tax Adjustments Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
April 1, 2008 MD SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 25)
March 31, 2008 MD SB 269 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - House (89 - 47)
March 28, 2008 MD HB 362 Department of Information Technology Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
March 26, 2008 MD SB 373 Tax Credit for Educational Donations Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
March 24, 2008 MD SB 309 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
March 24, 2008 MD SB 597 Property Transfer Tax Exemptions for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
March 20, 2008 MD SB 90 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - House (105 - 34)
March 20, 2008 MD SB 2 Banning Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
March 18, 2008 MD SB 269 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
March 18, 2008 MD SB 566 Hospital Visitation/Decision-Making Rights for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
March 14, 2008 MD SB 461 Prohibiting Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Bill Failed - Senate (22 - 21)
March 14, 2008 MD SB 90 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 7)
March 12, 2008 MD SB 42 Temporary Confiscation of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
March 6, 2008 MD SB 646 Allowing For-Profit Entities to Provide Credit Counseling Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 5)
March 4, 2008 MD HB 362 Department of Information Technology Bill Passed - House (105 - 31)
Feb. 22, 2008 MD SB 243 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 10)
Feb. 21, 2008 MD SB 111 Expanding Hate Crimes Classification to Homeless Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 4)
Nov. 19, 2007 MD HB 1 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (100 - 33)
Nov. 19, 2007 MD HB 5 Sales Tax Increase Concurrence Vote Passed - House (81 - 52)
Nov. 19, 2007 MD HB 5 Sales Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 20)
Nov. 19, 2007 MD HB 1 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
Nov. 13, 2007 MD HB 1 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (103 - 36)
Nov. 11, 2007 MD HB 5 Sales Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (80 - 56)
Nov. 11, 2007 MD HB 2 Tax Reform Act of 2007 Bill Passed - House (82 - 55)
April 9, 2007 MD HB 430 State Living Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (91 - 49)
April 9, 2007 MD HB 430 State Living Wage Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
April 9, 2007 MD HB 992 Parole for Drug Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
April 9, 2007 MD HB 148 Presidential Election by Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
April 6, 2007 MD SB 1 Early Voting Bill Passed - House (107 - 32)
April 6, 2007 MD SB 634 Presidential Election by Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (84 - 54)
April 6, 2007 MD HB 430 State Living Wage Bill Passed - House (88 - 50)
April 5, 2007 MD SB 103 Maryland Clean Cars Act of 2007 Bill Passed - House (123 - 17)
April 5, 2007 MD HB 359 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
April 4, 2007 MD HB 131 Maryland Clean Cars Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/11 SB 167 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 65)
4/11 SB 167 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 19)
4/11 SB 690 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 20)
4/11 HB 235 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination Motion Agreed - Senate (27 - 20)
4/11 SB 994 Increases Sales Tax on Alcoholic Beverages Bill Passed - House (76 - 63)
4/09 SB 690 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Amendments Bill Passed - House (74 - 60)
4/08 HB 302 Parole Approval Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 65)
4/05 HB 302 Parole Approval Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
3/30 SB 994 Increases Sales Tax on Alcoholic Beverages Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 19)
3/26 HB 235 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination Bill Passed - House (86 - 52)
3/24 HB 70 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (97 - 42)
3/09 Amendment 223923 Civil Marriage Protection Act Amendment Rejected - House (63 - 72)
3/08 HB 302 Parole Approval Bill Passed - House (74 - 66)
2/23 SB 116 Civil Marriage Protection Act Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
4/12 HB 465 Establishes Collective Bargaining Procedures for Certain Child Care Providers Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 18)
4/12 HB 465 Establishes Collective Bargaining Procedures for Certain Child Care Providers Conference Report Adopted - House (100 - 39)
4/12 SB 277 Modifies the Solar Energy Portfolio Standard Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
4/12 SB 590 Establishes a Public School Labor Relations Board Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
4/12 SB 789 Requires Shift Breaks for Certain Employees Bill Passed - House (94 - 45)
4/10 SB 778 Prohibits Public Schools from Sending Vocational Test Scores to Military Recruiters Bill Passed - House (95 - 42)
4/10 SB 627 Establishes Medical Marijuana Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
4/10 SB 277 Modifies the Solar Energy Portfolio Standard Bill Passed - House (109 - 31)
4/09 SB 279 Prohibits False Claims Against State Health Plans and Programs Bill Passed - House (105 - 33)
4/09 SB 590 Establishes a Public School Labor Relations Board Bill Passed - House (103 - 35)
4/09 SB 321 Prohibiting Hand-Held Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - House (125 - 14)
4/07 HB 825 Increase in Motor Vehicle Liability Payment Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
4/01 SB 789 Requires Shift Breaks for Certain Employees Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 18)
3/24 SB 778 Prohibits Public Schools from Sending Vocational Test Scores to Military Recruiters Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 23)
3/24 SB 321 Prohibiting Hand-Held Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 23)
3/24 SB 1035 Authorizes Card Games at a Specific Facility Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
3/23 SB 279 Prohibits False Claims Against State Health Plans and Programs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
3/23 HB 825 Increase in Motor Vehicle Liability Payment Bill Passed - House (97 - 36)
3/05 SB 248 Increasing Civil Court Case Surcharges Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
4/13 HB 387 "Lawful Status" Requirements for ID Cards, Vehicle Licenses and Permits Conference Report Adopted - House (76 - 60)
4/13 SB 785 Inheritance Tax Exemption for Domestic Partners Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
4/13 SB 785 Inheritance Tax Exemption for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - House (94 - 38)
4/13 SB 278 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 9)
4/13 SB 278 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan Bill Passed - House (107 - 30)
4/10 HB 310 Extending Unemployment Benefits to Part-Time Employees Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
4/10 SB 277 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - House (94 - 41)
4/06 HB 302 Allowing Judges to Confiscate Firearms from Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
4/02 SB 277 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
4/01 SB 844 Public Service Commission Regulation of New Electric Generation Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 19)
3/26 HB 310 Extending Unemployment Benefits to Part-Time Employees Bill Passed - House (94 - 43)
3/26 SB 279 Capital Punishment Restrictions Bill Passed - House (87 - 52)
3/17 HB 359 Handgun Permit Eligibility for Domestic Abuse Victims Bill Failed - House (51 - 86)
3/17 HB 302 Allowing Judges to Confiscate Firearms from Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - House (92 - 45)
3/05 SB 279 Capital Punishment Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
3/02 SB 278 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 9)
4/07 SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
4/07 SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Bill Passed - House (113 - 25)
4/07 HB 375 Increasing Renewable Energy Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 24)
4/07 SB 1013 Regulation of Power Plants Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
4/07 HB 374 Energy Efficiency Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (101 - 33)
4/07 HB 375 Increasing Renewable Energy Standards Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
4/07 HB 374 Energy Efficiency Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
4/07 SB 1013 Regulation of Power Plants Bill Passed - House (102 - 38)
4/05 SB 90 2008-2009 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (109 - 31)
4/05 SB 90 2008-2009 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 7)
4/05 SB 646 Allowing For-Profit Entities to Provide Credit Counseling Bill Passed - House (124 - 12)
4/05 SB 46 Computer Services Sales Tax Repeal and Other Tax Adjustments Bill Passed - House (93 - 44)
4/04 SB 597 Property Transfer Tax Exemptions for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - House (86 - 47)
4/04 SB 566 Hospital Visitation/Decision-Making Rights for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - House (88 - 46)
4/04 HB 1626 Public Utilitiy Regulation Bill Passed - House (98 - 41)
4/03 Amnd. 663027/2 Power Plant Regulation Amendment Adopted - Senate (27 - 18)
4/03 SB 46 Computer Services Sales Tax Repeal and Other Tax Adjustments Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
4/01 SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 25)
3/31 SB 269 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - House (89 - 47)
3/28 HB 362 Department of Information Technology Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
3/26 SB 373 Tax Credit for Educational Donations Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
3/24 SB 309 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
3/24 SB 597 Property Transfer Tax Exemptions for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
3/20 SB 90 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - House (105 - 34)
3/20 SB 2 Banning Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
3/18 SB 269 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
3/18 SB 566 Hospital Visitation/Decision-Making Rights for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
3/14 SB 461 Prohibiting Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Bill Failed - Senate (22 - 21)
3/14 SB 90 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 7)
3/12 SB 42 Temporary Confiscation of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
3/06 SB 646 Allowing For-Profit Entities to Provide Credit Counseling Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 5)
3/04 HB 362 Department of Information Technology Bill Passed - House (105 - 31)
2/22 SB 243 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 10)
2/21 SB 111 Expanding Hate Crimes Classification to Homeless Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 4)
11/19 HB 1 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (100 - 33)
11/19 HB 5 Sales Tax Increase Concurrence Vote Passed - House (81 - 52)
11/19 HB 5 Sales Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 20)
11/19 HB 1 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
11/13 HB 1 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (103 - 36)
11/11 HB 5 Sales Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (80 - 56)
11/11 HB 2 Tax Reform Act of 2007 Bill Passed - House (82 - 55)
4/09 HB 430 State Living Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (91 - 49)
4/09 HB 430 State Living Wage Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
4/09 HB 992 Parole for Drug Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
4/09 HB 148 Presidential Election by Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
4/06 SB 1 Early Voting Bill Passed - House (107 - 32)
4/06 SB 634 Presidential Election by Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (84 - 54)
4/06 HB 430 State Living Wage Bill Passed - House (88 - 50)
4/05 SB 103 Maryland Clean Cars Act of 2007 Bill Passed - House (123 - 17)
4/05 HB 359 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
4/04 HB 131 Maryland Clean Cars Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)

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