Pennsylvania Government Operations 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
June 30, 2023 PA HB 611 Appropriates Funding for the General Budget for the State of Pennsylvania Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
June 22, 2023 PA SB 753 Amends the Boroughs and Incorporated Towns Code of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
June 22, 2023 PA SB 753 Amends the Boroughs and Incorporated Towns Code of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
May 10, 2023 PA SB 245 Establishes New Rules Regarding Eligibility for Welfare Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
May 2, 2023 PA SB 140 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Appoint a Special Prosecutor for South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
Jan. 11, 2023 PA SB 1 Authorizes Constitutional Amendment Requiring Valid Identification When Voting Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
Jan. 11, 2023 PA SB 1 Authorizes Constitutional Amendment Requiring Valid Identification When Voting Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
Jan. 11, 2023 PA SB 1 Authorizes Constitutional Amendment Requiring Valid Identification When Voting Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
Jan. 3, 2023 PA SR 1 Amends Senate Ethics Rules Resolution Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
Oct. 26, 2022 PA HB 1059 Amends Tax Law Relating to Personal Income Tax and Transfer of Tax Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
Oct. 25, 2022 PA HB 1546 Prohibits "Endangerment" of Public Safety Officials Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
July 8, 2022 PA SB 106 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment that States there is No Right to Taxpayer-Funded Abortion and Amends Voter ID Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
July 7, 2022 PA SB 1284 Appropriates Funds for State-Related Universities Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
July 6, 2022 PA SB 1183 Limits Use of Off-Road Vehicles; Authorizes Forfeiture Thereof Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 2)
June 6, 2022 PA SB 573 Amends Various Voting and Election Laws Related to Poll Watchers and Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
April 13, 2022 PA SB 1200 Amends Pennsylvania Election Code Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Jan. 24, 2022 PA HB 2146 Amends State Congressional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Sept. 27, 2021 PA SB 738 Establishes a Public Website to Track Constitutional Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
Sept. 27, 2021 PA SB 738 Establishes a Public Website to Track Constitutional Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
June 25, 2021 PA SB 255 Appropriates Funds for Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Departments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
June 25, 2021 PA SB 255 Appropriates Funds for Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Departments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
June 25, 2021 PA SB 255 Appropriates Funds for Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Departments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
June 25, 2021 PA HB 1300 Establishes State Legislative Authority Over Elections Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
June 23, 2021 PA SB 735 Requires Identification for Voters Each Time they Cast a Ballot Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
June 23, 2021 PA SB 735 Requires Identification for Voters Each Time they Cast a Ballot Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
May 25, 2021 PA SB 426 Increases Legislative Oversight of the Regulatory Review Process Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
May 12, 2021 PA SB 115 Authorizes Nurses to Hold a License in Multiple States Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
Jan. 26, 2021 PA SB 2 Specifies Executive Power Over Disaster Emergency Declarations and Management Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
Sept. 22, 2020 PA SB 1164 Amends County Coroner Notification Requirements for Contagious Disease Deaths Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
July 15, 2020 PA SB 1166 Limits the Governor's Emergency Powers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
July 15, 2020 PA SB 1166 Limits the Governor's Emergency Powers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
July 15, 2020 PA HB 2463 Requires State Agency Response to Public Record Requests Made During a Gubernatorial Disaster Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
July 15, 2020 PA HB 196 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Elect Appellate Court Judges by Regional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
July 15, 2020 PA HB 196 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Elect Appellate Court Judges by Regional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
July 15, 2020 PA SB 14 Establishes New Guidelines to Reduce Probation Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
June 10, 2020 PA HB 2502 Requires Department of State to Publish Presidential Primary Report Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
June 10, 2020 PA HB 2502 Requires Department of State to Publish Presidential Primary Report Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
June 10, 2020 PA SB 1125 Authorizes School Districts to Extend Time Needed to Pay Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
June 9, 2020 PA HR 836 Establishes a Resolution to Terminate the Governor's Emergency Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
April 15, 2020 PA SB 613 Requires the Governor's Office to Follow Federal Guidelines to Reopen Businesses During COVID-19 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
Oct. 29, 2019 PA SB 421 Establishes Mail-In Voting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
June 27, 2019 PA SB 48 Amends State Election Laws Regarding Straight Party Voting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
June 11, 2019 PA HB 800 Increases Amount of Tax Credits Available for Students to Attend the School of Their Choice Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
June 13, 2018 PA SB 22 Establishes 11-Member Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
June 30, 2017 PA HB 218 Establishes a Budget for the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
May 10, 2017 PA SB 560 Establishes Provisions for Police Use of Body Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
April 14, 2015 PA SB 333 Prohibits Local Paid Leave Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
Oct. 16, 2014 PA HB 80 Authorizes Civil Action against Local Firearm Laws Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
Oct. 15, 2014 PA HB 2354 Requires Legislative Approval for Certain Plans from the Department of Environmental Protection Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 17)
June 29, 2012 PA HB 254 Expands Use of Red-Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
June 19, 2012 PA HB 1307 Authorizes State Control of Financially Distressed Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
June 5, 2012 PA SB 1310 Authorizes Repayment of Unemployment Debt to the Federal Government Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
March 7, 2012 PA HB 934 Amends Voter Identification Laws Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
Dec. 14, 2011 PA SB 1249 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
Dec. 14, 2011 PA SB 1249 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
Oct. 18, 2011 PA SB 1151 Fiscal Emergency Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
Nov. 17, 2010 PA HB 101 Education Law Amendments Veto Override Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
July 3, 2010 PA SB 1042 2010-2011 Budget Implementation and Fiscal Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
June 30, 2010 PA HB 2279 2010-2011 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
June 29, 2010 PA SR 348 Audit of Methadone Treatment Programs & Medical Assistance Transportation Program Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
Jan. 5, 2010 PA SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 22)
Dec. 16, 2009 PA SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
Oct. 9, 2009 PA HB 1416 2009-2010 Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
Oct. 9, 2009 PA HB 1614 Fiscal Code Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
Oct. 9, 2009 PA HB 1614 Fiscal Code Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
Oct. 6, 2009 PA HB 1531 Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
Aug. 26, 2009 PA HB 1828 Municipal Pension System Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
July 20, 2009 PA HB 1416 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
May 6, 2009 PA SB 850 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
March 25, 2009 PA SB 490 Oil and Gas Lease Fund Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
June 16, 2008 PA SB 1387 Business Property Tax Deduction Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
June 16, 2008 PA SB 1388 Change Formula for Calculating Corporate Net Income Tax Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
June 16, 2008 PA SB 1385 Increase Tax Credit for Business Net Losses Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
June 10, 2008 PA SB 246 Smoking Ban Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 9)
June 4, 2008 PA SB 246 Smoking Ban Conference Report Rejected - Senate (19 - 31)
June 2, 2008 PA SB 1386 Poverty Income Tax Cut Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
July 16, 2007 PA HB 1286 2007-2008 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 2)
July 16, 2007 PA SB 246 Smoking Ban Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (13 - 36)
July 16, 2007 PA HB 1590 Public Transportation and Interstate 80 Toll Road Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
June 26, 2007 PA SB 246 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
June 25, 2007 PA A 2062 Exceptions to Clean Indoor Air Act Amendment Adopted - Senate (29 - 21)
July 1, 2006 PA HB 2499 2006-2007 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 21)
May 3, 2006 PA SB 999 Voting Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
May 2, 2006 PA HB 39 Property Taxes (Special Session) Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 9)
March 20, 2006 PA HB 213 Ecoterrorism Bill Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
Feb. 15, 2006 PA HB 1318 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 20)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/30 HB 611 Appropriates Funding for the General Budget for the State of Pennsylvania Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
6/22 SB 753 Amends the Boroughs and Incorporated Towns Code of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
6/22 SB 753 Amends the Boroughs and Incorporated Towns Code of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
5/10 SB 245 Establishes New Rules Regarding Eligibility for Welfare Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
5/02 SB 140 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Appoint a Special Prosecutor for South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
1/11 SB 1 Authorizes Constitutional Amendment Requiring Valid Identification When Voting Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
1/11 SB 1 Authorizes Constitutional Amendment Requiring Valid Identification When Voting Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
1/11 SB 1 Authorizes Constitutional Amendment Requiring Valid Identification When Voting Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
1/03 SR 1 Amends Senate Ethics Rules Resolution Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
10/26 HB 1059 Amends Tax Law Relating to Personal Income Tax and Transfer of Tax Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
10/25 HB 1546 Prohibits "Endangerment" of Public Safety Officials Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
7/08 SB 106 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment that States there is No Right to Taxpayer-Funded Abortion and Amends Voter ID Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
7/07 SB 1284 Appropriates Funds for State-Related Universities Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
7/06 SB 1183 Limits Use of Off-Road Vehicles; Authorizes Forfeiture Thereof Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 2)
6/06 SB 573 Amends Various Voting and Election Laws Related to Poll Watchers and Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
4/13 SB 1200 Amends Pennsylvania Election Code Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
1/24 HB 2146 Amends State Congressional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
9/27 SB 738 Establishes a Public Website to Track Constitutional Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
9/27 SB 738 Establishes a Public Website to Track Constitutional Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
6/25 SB 255 Appropriates Funds for Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Departments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
6/25 SB 255 Appropriates Funds for Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Departments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
6/25 SB 255 Appropriates Funds for Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Departments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
6/25 HB 1300 Establishes State Legislative Authority Over Elections Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
6/23 SB 735 Requires Identification for Voters Each Time they Cast a Ballot Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
6/23 SB 735 Requires Identification for Voters Each Time they Cast a Ballot Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
5/25 SB 426 Increases Legislative Oversight of the Regulatory Review Process Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
5/12 SB 115 Authorizes Nurses to Hold a License in Multiple States Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
1/26 SB 2 Specifies Executive Power Over Disaster Emergency Declarations and Management Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
9/22 SB 1164 Amends County Coroner Notification Requirements for Contagious Disease Deaths Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
7/15 SB 1166 Limits the Governor's Emergency Powers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
7/15 SB 1166 Limits the Governor's Emergency Powers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
7/15 HB 2463 Requires State Agency Response to Public Record Requests Made During a Gubernatorial Disaster Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
7/15 HB 196 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Elect Appellate Court Judges by Regional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
7/15 HB 196 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Elect Appellate Court Judges by Regional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
7/15 SB 14 Establishes New Guidelines to Reduce Probation Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
6/10 HB 2502 Requires Department of State to Publish Presidential Primary Report Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
6/10 HB 2502 Requires Department of State to Publish Presidential Primary Report Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
6/10 SB 1125 Authorizes School Districts to Extend Time Needed to Pay Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
6/09 HR 836 Establishes a Resolution to Terminate the Governor's Emergency Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
4/15 SB 613 Requires the Governor's Office to Follow Federal Guidelines to Reopen Businesses During COVID-19 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
10/29 SB 421 Establishes Mail-In Voting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
6/27 SB 48 Amends State Election Laws Regarding Straight Party Voting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
6/11 HB 800 Increases Amount of Tax Credits Available for Students to Attend the School of Their Choice Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
6/13 SB 22 Establishes 11-Member Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
6/30 HB 218 Establishes a Budget for the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
5/10 SB 560 Establishes Provisions for Police Use of Body Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
4/14 SB 333 Prohibits Local Paid Leave Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
10/16 HB 80 Authorizes Civil Action against Local Firearm Laws Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
10/15 HB 2354 Requires Legislative Approval for Certain Plans from the Department of Environmental Protection Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 17)
6/29 HB 254 Expands Use of Red-Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
6/19 HB 1307 Authorizes State Control of Financially Distressed Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
6/05 SB 1310 Authorizes Repayment of Unemployment Debt to the Federal Government Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
3/07 HB 934 Amends Voter Identification Laws Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
12/14 SB 1249 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
12/14 SB 1249 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
10/18 SB 1151 Fiscal Emergency Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
11/17 HB 101 Education Law Amendments Veto Override Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
7/03 SB 1042 2010-2011 Budget Implementation and Fiscal Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
6/30 HB 2279 2010-2011 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
6/29 SR 348 Audit of Methadone Treatment Programs & Medical Assistance Transportation Program Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
1/05 SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 22)
12/16 SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
10/09 HB 1416 2009-2010 Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
10/09 HB 1614 Fiscal Code Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
10/09 HB 1614 Fiscal Code Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
10/06 HB 1531 Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
8/26 HB 1828 Municipal Pension System Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
7/20 HB 1416 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
5/06 SB 850 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
3/25 SB 490 Oil and Gas Lease Fund Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
6/16 SB 1387 Business Property Tax Deduction Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
6/16 SB 1388 Change Formula for Calculating Corporate Net Income Tax Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
6/16 SB 1385 Increase Tax Credit for Business Net Losses Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
6/10 SB 246 Smoking Ban Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 9)
6/04 SB 246 Smoking Ban Conference Report Rejected - Senate (19 - 31)
6/02 SB 1386 Poverty Income Tax Cut Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
7/16 HB 1286 2007-2008 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 2)
7/16 SB 246 Smoking Ban Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (13 - 36)
7/16 HB 1590 Public Transportation and Interstate 80 Toll Road Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
6/26 SB 246 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
6/25 A 2062 Exceptions to Clean Indoor Air Act Amendment Adopted - Senate (29 - 21)
7/01 HB 2499 2006-2007 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 21)
5/03 SB 999 Voting Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
5/02 HB 39 Property Taxes (Special Session) Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 9)
3/20 HB 213 Ecoterrorism Bill Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
2/15 HB 1318 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 20)

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