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 23, 2014 MN SF 2047 Authorizes State to Store Infant Blood Samples Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 22)
April 10, 2014 MN HF 2091 Increases the Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (71 - 60)
April 9, 2014 MN HF 2091 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 31)
April 8, 2014 MN HF 826 Requires Schools to Establish Bullying Policies Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 63)
April 3, 2014 MN HF 826 Requires Schools to Establish Bullying Policies Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 31)
March 21, 2014 MN HF 1777 Amends Tax Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (126 - 2)
March 21, 2014 MN HF 1777 Amends Tax Laws Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 5)
May 20, 2013 MN HF 677 Amends State Taxes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 30)
May 20, 2013 MN SF 778 Authorizes the Unionization of Family Child Care Providers Bill Passed - House (68 - 66)
May 19, 2013 MN HF 677 Amends State Taxes Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 65)
May 19, 2013 MN HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 26)
May 19, 2013 MN HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - Senate (43 - 23)
May 18, 2013 MN HF 1233 2013-2015 Biennium Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 28)
May 18, 2013 MN HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (78 - 56)
May 17, 2013 MN SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Conference Report Adopted - House (76 - 56)
May 17, 2013 MN SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (44 - 22)
May 17, 2013 MN HF 1233 2013-2015 Biennium Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (73 - 61)
May 17, 2013 MN HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - House (69 - 62)
May 15, 2013 MN SF 778 Authorizes the Unionization of Family Child Care Providers Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 32)
May 13, 2013 MN HF 1054 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 30)
May 9, 2013 MN HF 1054 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (75 - 59)
May 8, 2013 MN HF 92 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 28)
May 8, 2013 MN HF 894 Amends Election Provisions Bill Passed - House (74 - 60)
May 7, 2013 MN HF 956 Amends Solar Energy Requirements Bill Passed - House (70 - 63)
May 6, 2013 MN HF 826 Requires Schools to Establish Bullying Policies Bill Passed - House (72 - 57)
May 3, 2013 MN HF 92 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (68 - 62)
May 1, 2013 MN SF 723 Authorizes In-State Tuition and Financial Aid for Undocumented College Students Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 23)
April 25, 2013 MN SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Bill Passed - House (86 - 44)
April 25, 2013 MN HF 1233 2013-2015 Biennium Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
April 25, 2013 MN HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 28)
April 23, 2013 MN HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Bill Passed - House (83 - 50)
April 22, 2013 MN HF 1233 2013-2015 Biennium Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - House (70 - 64)
April 20, 2013 MN SF 523 Prohibits Employers From Asking Applicants for Criminal History Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 16)
April 17, 2013 MN SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 18)
April 16, 2013 MN SF 1589 Increases Legislator Salaries Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 32)
March 18, 2013 MN HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 28)
March 14, 2013 MN HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 61)
March 7, 2013 MN HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 28)
March 4, 2013 MN HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - House (72 - 58)
Feb. 14, 2013 MN HF 9 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 22)
Feb. 11, 2013 MN HF 9 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - House (71 - 56)
May 10, 2012 MN HF 2958 Authorizes New Viking Stadium Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 28)
May 9, 2012 MN HF 2958 Authorizes New Viking Stadium Conference Report Adopted - House (71 - 60)
May 8, 2012 MN HF 1752 Authorizes Bonds for Construction Works Concurrence Vote Passed - House (97 - 33)
May 7, 2012 MN HF 1752 Authorizes Bonds for Construction Works Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 22)
May 7, 2012 MN HF 1752 Authorizes Bonds for Construction Works Bill Passed - House (99 - 32)
May 7, 2012 MN HF 1485 Authorizes New Vikings Stadium Bill Passed - House (73 - 58)
May 3, 2012 MN HF 2337 Amends Property Taxes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 25)
May 3, 2012 MN SF 1694 Authorizes the Sale of Certain Fireworks Veto Override Failed - Senate (37 - 29)
May 1, 2012 MN HF 2337 Amends Property Taxes Conference Report Adopted - House (73 - 57)
April 30, 2012 MN HF 2795 Expands Gambling Concurrence Vote Passed - House (97 - 34)
April 28, 2012 MN HF 2171 Increases Hunting and Fishing Fees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 28)
April 28, 2012 MN HF 2171 Increases Hunting and Fishing Fees Conference Report Adopted - House (68 - 62)
April 28, 2012 MN HF 2795 Expands Gambling Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 18)
April 24, 2012 MN SF 1694 Authorizes the Sale of Certain Fireworks Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 17)
April 23, 2012 MN HF 2341 Requires Physicians to Administer Abortion Drugs In Person Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 25)
April 23, 2012 MN SF 1694 Authorizes the Sale of Certain Fireworks Bill Passed - House (77 - 50)
April 20, 2012 MN SF 1921 Increases Requirements for Abortion Providers Bill Passed - House (80 - 47)
April 18, 2012 MN HF 2341 Requires Physicians to Administer Abortion Drugs In Person Bill Passed - House (80 - 48)
April 18, 2012 MN SF 1921 Increases Requirements for Abortion Providers Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 23)
April 5, 2012 MN HF 2738 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 29)
April 3, 2012 MN HF 2738 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 57)
April 2, 2012 MN HF 2083 Requires State Reserve Funds to be Used to Reduce School Debt Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 28)
April 2, 2012 MN HF 2083 Requires State Reserve Funds to be Used to Reduce School Debt Conference Report Adopted - House (75 - 56)
March 27, 2012 MN HF 657 Amends Ticket Sales Practices Bill Passed - House (83 - 50)
March 26, 2012 MN HF 545 Requires State Budget to Include Federal Insolvency Contingency Plan Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 60)
March 21, 2012 MN HF 2337 Amends Property Taxes Bill Passed - House (72 - 62)
March 20, 2012 MN HF 2738 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (72 - 62)
March 19, 2012 MN HF 545 Requires State Budget to Include Federal Insolvency Contingency Plan Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 12)
March 15, 2012 MN HF 2083 Requires State Reserve Funds to be Used to Reduce School Debt Bill Passed - House (74 - 59)
Feb. 29, 2012 MN HF 1467 Expands the Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense Concurrence Vote Passed - House (85 - 47)
Feb. 27, 2012 MN HF 1870 Authorizes School Districts to Dismiss Teachers Based on Performance Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 26)
Feb. 23, 2012 MN HF 1467 Expands the Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 23)
Feb. 16, 2012 MN HF 1870 Authorizes School Districts to Dismiss Teachers Based on Performance Bill Passed - House (68 - 61)
Jan. 30, 2012 MN Anderson Nomination Confirmation of Ellen Anderson as Public Utilities Commissioner Motion Rejected - Senate (29 - 37)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 26 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 4 Higher Education Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 30)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 20 2011-2013 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 27)
July 19, 2011 MN SF 2 2011-2013 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (76 - 50)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 25 2011-2013 Health and Human Services Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 27)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 26 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - House (71 - 56)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 20 2011-2013 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (71 - 57)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 4 Higher Education Appropriations Bill Passed - House (71 - 57)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 25 2011-2013 Health and Human Services Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (71 - 57)
July 19, 2011 MN SF 2 2011-2013 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 23)
May 21, 2011 MN SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (70 - 62)
May 19, 2011 MN SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 63)
May 18, 2011 MN SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 28)
May 17, 2011 MN HF 1425 Legislative Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 29)
May 17, 2011 MN HF 1426 Congressional Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
May 13, 2011 MN HF 1426 Congressional Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - House (71 - 61)
May 11, 2011 MN SF 86 Repeals Carbon Dioxide Emissions Prohibition Bill Passed - House (76 - 54)
May 11, 2011 MN SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - Senate (38 - 27)
May 6, 2011 MN HF 1425 Legislative Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - House (69 - 58)
April 6, 2011 MN SF 1047 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (72 - 61)
April 6, 2011 MN SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - House (70 - 62)
March 3, 2011 MN SF 40 Amends Licensing and Codes for Education Conference Report Adopted - House (81 - 50)
March 3, 2011 MN SF 40 Amends Licensing and Codes for Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 19)
Feb. 28, 2011 MN HF 1 Environmental Review Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (89 - 42)
Feb. 24, 2011 MN HF 1 Environmental Review Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 16)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/23 SF 2047 Authorizes State to Store Infant Blood Samples Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 22)
4/10 HF 2091 Increases the Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (71 - 60)
4/09 HF 2091 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 31)
4/08 HF 826 Requires Schools to Establish Bullying Policies Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 63)
4/03 HF 826 Requires Schools to Establish Bullying Policies Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 31)
3/21 HF 1777 Amends Tax Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (126 - 2)
3/21 HF 1777 Amends Tax Laws Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 5)
5/20 HF 677 Amends State Taxes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 30)
5/20 SF 778 Authorizes the Unionization of Family Child Care Providers Bill Passed - House (68 - 66)
5/19 HF 677 Amends State Taxes Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 65)
5/19 HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 26)
5/19 HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - Senate (43 - 23)
5/18 HF 1233 2013-2015 Biennium Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 28)
5/18 HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (78 - 56)
5/17 SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Conference Report Adopted - House (76 - 56)
5/17 SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (44 - 22)
5/17 HF 1233 2013-2015 Biennium Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (73 - 61)
5/17 HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - House (69 - 62)
5/15 SF 778 Authorizes the Unionization of Family Child Care Providers Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 32)
5/13 HF 1054 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 30)
5/09 HF 1054 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (75 - 59)
5/08 HF 92 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 28)
5/08 HF 894 Amends Election Provisions Bill Passed - House (74 - 60)
5/07 HF 956 Amends Solar Energy Requirements Bill Passed - House (70 - 63)
5/06 HF 826 Requires Schools to Establish Bullying Policies Bill Passed - House (72 - 57)
5/03 HF 92 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (68 - 62)
5/01 SF 723 Authorizes In-State Tuition and Financial Aid for Undocumented College Students Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 23)
4/25 SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Bill Passed - House (86 - 44)
4/25 HF 1233 2013-2015 Biennium Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
4/25 HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 28)
4/23 HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Bill Passed - House (83 - 50)
4/22 HF 1233 2013-2015 Biennium Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - House (70 - 64)
4/20 SF 523 Prohibits Employers From Asking Applicants for Criminal History Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 16)
4/17 SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 18)
4/16 SF 1589 Increases Legislator Salaries Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 32)
3/18 HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 28)
3/14 HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 61)
3/07 HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 28)
3/04 HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - House (72 - 58)
2/14 HF 9 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 22)
2/11 HF 9 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - House (71 - 56)
5/10 HF 2958 Authorizes New Viking Stadium Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 28)
5/09 HF 2958 Authorizes New Viking Stadium Conference Report Adopted - House (71 - 60)
5/08 HF 1752 Authorizes Bonds for Construction Works Concurrence Vote Passed - House (97 - 33)
5/07 HF 1752 Authorizes Bonds for Construction Works Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 22)
5/07 HF 1752 Authorizes Bonds for Construction Works Bill Passed - House (99 - 32)
5/07 HF 1485 Authorizes New Vikings Stadium Bill Passed - House (73 - 58)
5/03 HF 2337 Amends Property Taxes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 25)
5/03 SF 1694 Authorizes the Sale of Certain Fireworks Veto Override Failed - Senate (37 - 29)
5/01 HF 2337 Amends Property Taxes Conference Report Adopted - House (73 - 57)
4/30 HF 2795 Expands Gambling Concurrence Vote Passed - House (97 - 34)
4/28 HF 2171 Increases Hunting and Fishing Fees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 28)
4/28 HF 2171 Increases Hunting and Fishing Fees Conference Report Adopted - House (68 - 62)
4/28 HF 2795 Expands Gambling Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 18)
4/24 SF 1694 Authorizes the Sale of Certain Fireworks Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 17)
4/23 HF 2341 Requires Physicians to Administer Abortion Drugs In Person Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 25)
4/23 SF 1694 Authorizes the Sale of Certain Fireworks Bill Passed - House (77 - 50)
4/20 SF 1921 Increases Requirements for Abortion Providers Bill Passed - House (80 - 47)
4/18 HF 2341 Requires Physicians to Administer Abortion Drugs In Person Bill Passed - House (80 - 48)
4/18 SF 1921 Increases Requirements for Abortion Providers Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 23)
4/05 HF 2738 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 29)
4/03 HF 2738 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 57)
4/02 HF 2083 Requires State Reserve Funds to be Used to Reduce School Debt Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 28)
4/02 HF 2083 Requires State Reserve Funds to be Used to Reduce School Debt Conference Report Adopted - House (75 - 56)
3/27 HF 657 Amends Ticket Sales Practices Bill Passed - House (83 - 50)
3/26 HF 545 Requires State Budget to Include Federal Insolvency Contingency Plan Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 60)
3/21 HF 2337 Amends Property Taxes Bill Passed - House (72 - 62)
3/20 HF 2738 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (72 - 62)
3/19 HF 545 Requires State Budget to Include Federal Insolvency Contingency Plan Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 12)
3/15 HF 2083 Requires State Reserve Funds to be Used to Reduce School Debt Bill Passed - House (74 - 59)
2/29 HF 1467 Expands the Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense Concurrence Vote Passed - House (85 - 47)
2/27 HF 1870 Authorizes School Districts to Dismiss Teachers Based on Performance Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 26)
2/23 HF 1467 Expands the Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 23)
2/16 HF 1870 Authorizes School Districts to Dismiss Teachers Based on Performance Bill Passed - House (68 - 61)
1/30 Anderson Nomination Confirmation of Ellen Anderson as Public Utilities Commissioner Motion Rejected - Senate (29 - 37)
7/19 HF 26 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
7/19 HF 4 Higher Education Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 30)
7/19 HF 20 2011-2013 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 27)
7/19 SF 2 2011-2013 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (76 - 50)
7/19 HF 25 2011-2013 Health and Human Services Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 27)
7/19 HF 26 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - House (71 - 56)
7/19 HF 20 2011-2013 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (71 - 57)
7/19 HF 4 Higher Education Appropriations Bill Passed - House (71 - 57)
7/19 HF 25 2011-2013 Health and Human Services Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (71 - 57)
7/19 SF 2 2011-2013 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 23)
5/21 SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (70 - 62)
5/19 SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 63)
5/18 SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 28)
5/17 HF 1425 Legislative Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 29)
5/17 HF 1426 Congressional Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
5/13 HF 1426 Congressional Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - House (71 - 61)
5/11 SF 86 Repeals Carbon Dioxide Emissions Prohibition Bill Passed - House (76 - 54)
5/11 SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - Senate (38 - 27)
5/06 HF 1425 Legislative Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - House (69 - 58)
4/06 SF 1047 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (72 - 61)
4/06 SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - House (70 - 62)
3/03 SF 40 Amends Licensing and Codes for Education Conference Report Adopted - House (81 - 50)
3/03 SF 40 Amends Licensing and Codes for Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 19)
2/28 HF 1 Environmental Review Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (89 - 42)
2/24 HF 1 Environmental Review Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 16)

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