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
March 22, 2012 ID S 1256 Authorizes the Auction of Big-Game Tags Bill Passed - House (38 - 29)
March 19, 2012 SD HB 1228 Tax Credits for Alternative Energy Projects Veto Override Failed - House (44 - 23)
March 15, 2012 ID H 542 Prohibits the State from Limiting the Use of Motorized Vehicles on Public Land Bill Passed - House (48 - 21)
March 15, 2012 TN HJR 587 Opposes the United Nations Agenda 21 Joint Resolution Passed - House (72 - 23)
March 9, 2012 FL HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 37)
March 9, 2012 FL HB 1263 Health Inspection Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (86 - 29)
March 7, 2012 UT HB 187 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 13)
March 5, 2012 GA HB 717 Penalties for Owners of Dogs Involved in a Second Assault Bill Failed - House (82 - 73)
March 1, 2012 SD HB 1228 Tax Credits for Alternative Energy Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 16)
March 1, 2012 FL HB 4001 Repeals Provisions for Cap and Trade Regulations Bill Passed - House (82 - 34)
Feb. 29, 2012 National HR 1837 Water Resources in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Bill Passed - House (246 - 175)
Feb. 29, 2012 National HR 1837 Water Resources in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Bill Passed - House (246 - 175)
Feb. 28, 2012 IA HF 589 Prohibits Obtaining Employment at Agriculture Facilities Under False Pretenses Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 28)
Feb. 15, 2012 FL HB 7087 Increases Certain Business Tax Credits and Sales Tax Exemptions Bill Passed - House (92 - 22)
Feb. 9, 2012 FL HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (79 - 38)
Feb. 6, 2012 UT HB 210 Restricts the Use of Severance Tax Revenue Bill Failed - House (36 - 39)
Jan. 26, 2012 WI AB 426 Requirements for Mining Permits Bill Passed - House (59 - 36)
Dec. 8, 2011 National HR 1633 Limits Regulation of Farm Dust Bill Passed - House (268 - 150)
Dec. 8, 2011 National HR 1633 Limits Regulation of Farm Dust Bill Passed - House (268 - 150)
Oct. 26, 2011 National HR 1904 Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011 Bill Passed - House (235 - 186)
Oct. 14, 2011 National HR 2273 Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act Bill Passed - House (267 - 144)
Oct. 14, 2011 National HR 2273 Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act Bill Passed - House (267 - 144)
Oct. 13, 2011 MI HB 4815 Exempts Incandescent Light Bulbs Made in Michigan from Congressional Authority Bill Passed - House (62 - 46)
Oct. 6, 2011 National HR 2681 Repeals EPA Emissions Regulations for Cement Manufacturers Bill Passed - House (262 - 161)
Sept. 23, 2011 National H Amdt 799 Suspends Cross State Air Pollution Rule Amendment Adopted - House (234 - 188)
Sept. 23, 2011 National H Amdt 800 Requires the EPA to Consider Costs and Feasibility of Air Quality Standards Amendment Adopted - House (227 - 192)
Sept. 7, 2011 CA SB 292 Authorizes Governor to Expedite Environmental Review Bill Passed - House (63 - 13)
July 27, 2011 National H Amdt 735 Repeals Laws that Limited Funding for the Endangered Species Act Amendment Adopted - House (224 - 202)
July 27, 2011 National H Amdt 735 Repeals Laws that Limited Funding for the Endangered Species Act Amendment Adopted - House (224 - 202)
July 13, 2011 National HR 2018 Amending Clean Water Laws Bill Passed - House (239 - 184)
July 12, 2011 National HR 2417 Repeals Energy Efficiency Standards for Incandescent Light Bulbs Motion Rejected - House (233 - 193)
June 29, 2011 NJ S 2576 Prohibits Hydraulic Fracturing Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
June 28, 2011 AK SB 45 Extending the Coastal Management Program Bill Failed - House (18 - 18)
June 22, 2011 National HR 2021 Impact of Drilling on Air Quality Bill Passed - House (253 - 166)
June 22, 2011 OH HB 231 Withdrawal Permit for Water Usage at Lake Erie Bill Passed - House (60 - 39)
May 31, 2011 IL HB 1723 Amending The Illinois Nuclear Safety Preparedness Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 44)
May 30, 2011 IL SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Bill Passed - House (67 - 47)
May 25, 2011 OH HB 133 Establishes the Oil and Gas Leasing Commission Bill Passed - House (54 - 41)
May 16, 2011 CA SB 104 Labor Representatives Bill Passed - House (51 - 26)
May 11, 2011 MN SF 86 Repeals Carbon Dioxide Emissions Prohibition Bill Passed - House (76 - 54)
May 11, 2011 MN SF 86 Repeals Carbon Dioxide Emissions Prohibition Bill Passed - House (76 - 54)
May 9, 2011 CO HB 1005 Repeals Taxes on Agricultural Products Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 18)
April 20, 2011 OR HB 2337 Cougar Hunting Zones Bill Passed - House (45 - 14)
April 14, 2011 AL HB 126 Extending Forever Wild Land Trust Bill Passed - House (69 - 24)
April 13, 2011 MO SB 113 Regulating Animal Care Facilities Bill Passed - House (85 - 71)
April 9, 2011 MD SB 690 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Amendments Bill Passed - House (74 - 60)
April 7, 2011 National HR 910 Energy Tax Prevention Act Bill Passed - House (255 - 172)
March 30, 2011 NH HB 519 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (251 - 108)
March 30, 2011 NH HB 519 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (251 - 108)
March 23, 2011 IA SF 464 Establishment of an Open Season for Hunting Mourning Doves Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
March 14, 2011 NJ A 3648 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Bill Passed - House (47 - 28)
March 3, 2011 NJ A 2215 Loans for Development of Green Buildings Veto Override Failed - House (44 - 32)
March 2, 2011 WV HB 2879 One-Time Pay Raise for State Employees Bill Passed - House (78 - 22)
Feb. 28, 2011 MN HF 1 Environmental Review Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (89 - 42)
Feb. 28, 2011 WA HB 1489 Anti-Phosphorus Fertilizer Bill Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
Feb. 28, 2011 WA HB 1489 Anti-Phosphorus Fertilizer Bill Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
Feb. 23, 2011 MT HB 550 Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Greenhouse Gas Regulatory Program Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
Feb. 17, 2011 MN SF 4 Repealing the Ban on Construction of New Nuclear Power Plants Bill Passed - House (81 - 50)
Feb. 17, 2011 MN SF 4 Repealing the Ban on Construction of New Nuclear Power Plants Bill Passed - House (81 - 50)
Feb. 16, 2011 OR HB 2336 Agriculture Regulation Exemptions Bill Passed - House (45 - 13)
Feb. 10, 2011 MT HB 309 Prohibits Recreational Access to Ditches Bill Passed - House (57 - 43)
Feb. 9, 2011 WY HB 191 Wind Power Tax Bill Failed - House (27 - 32)
Feb. 8, 2011 WY HB 191 Wind Power Tax Bill Failed - House (29 - 29)
Feb. 7, 2011 MT HB 198 Eminent Domain Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (69 - 30)
Feb. 2, 2011 WI SB 10 Wetland Regulations Bill Passed - House (56 - 35)
Jan. 10, 2011 NJ S 2381 Electric Generation Facilities Pilot Program Bill Passed - House (57 - 15)
Dec. 8, 2010 National HR 6495 Mine Safety Act Bill Failed - House (214 - 193)
Nov. 29, 2010 NY S 8129B Suspending Hydraulic Fracturing for the Extraction of Natural Gas Bill Passed - House (93 - 43)
Sept. 29, 2010 PA SB 1155 Establishing a Natural Gas Severance Tax Bill Passed - House (104 - 94)
Sept. 23, 2010 National HR 4823 Establishing Sedona-Red Rock National Scenic Area Bill Failed - House (258 - 160)
Sept. 23, 2010 National HR 5110 Expanding Casa Grande Ruins National Monument Bill Failed - House (244 - 174)
Sept. 16, 2010 National HR 4785 Authorizing Loans for Energy Efficiency Purposes Bill Passed - House (240 - 172)
Aug. 30, 2010 CA AB 234 Marine Oil Shipping Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 28)
July 30, 2010 National HR 3534 Offshore Drilling Regulations and Other Energy Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (209 - 193)
July 30, 2010 National HR 3534 Offshore Drilling Regulations and Other Energy Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (209 - 193)
July 10, 2010 NC HB 1829 Renewable Energy Incentives Conference Report Adopted - House (84 - 19)
July 2, 2010 PA HB 2601 Environmentally Beneficial and Energy Efficient Technologies Bill Passed - House (125 - 71)
July 1, 2010 CA SB 1121 Overtime Wages for Agricultural Workers Bill Passed - House (47 - 28)
June 29, 2010 NJ S 2036 Offshore Wind Economic Development Act Bill Passed - House (71 - 6)
June 21, 2010 LA SB 65 Coastal Zone Expansion Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 17)
June 18, 2010 LA SB 381 Establishing "Crime Against Nature by Solicitation" Bill Passed - House (80 - 10)
June 18, 2010 NY A 9709 Omnibus Appropriations Bill Passed - House (79 - 52)
June 15, 2010 PA HB 708 Recycling Program for Electronic Materials Bill Passed - House (169 - 30)
June 3, 2010 CA AB 2514 Energy Storage Targets Amendment Adopted - House (41 - 28)
June 2, 2010 CA AB 1998 Ban of Single-Use Carryout Bags in Certain Stores Bill Passed - House (42 - 27)
June 1, 2010 CA AB 2411 Pet Insurance Guidelines Bill Passed - House (52 - 22)
May 28, 2010 National HR 5116 Science and Technology Funding Bill Passed - House (262 - 150)
May 28, 2010 NY A 11308 Emergency State Parks Appropriations Bill Passed - House (86 - 47)
May 26, 2010 LA SB 38 Criminalization of Participation in Cockfighting Bill Passed - House (73 - 13)
May 11, 2010 CO HB 1358 Authorizing Home Buyers to Purchase Water Efficiency Devices Up Front Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 27)
May 11, 2010 CO HB 1238 Increasing Fines for Moving Traffic Violations in Wildlife Crossing Zones Concurrence Vote Passed - House (34 - 29)
May 11, 2010 DE SB 234 Universal Recycling and Beverage Containers Bill Passed - House (26 - 12)
May 10, 2010 LA HB 219 Illegal Dog Restraining Bill Failed - House (46 - 40)
May 4, 2010 CT SB 493 Increasing Use of Renewable Energy Bill Passed - House (81 - 40)
May 4, 2010 LA HCR 144 Response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig Motion Agreed - House (60 - 32)
May 4, 2010 CT HB 5423 Classroom Experiments and Dissections on Animals Bill Passed - House (81 - 67)
April 28, 2010 AZ SB 1307 Treatment of Human Embryos Bill Passed - House (35 - 24)
April 22, 2010 WI SB 434 Legalizing Sale of Unpasteurized Milk Bill Passed - House (60 - 35)
April 14, 2010 HI HB 2421 Petroleum Tax ("Barrel Tax") Increase Conference Report Adopted - House (37 - 11)
April 10, 2010 MD SB 277 Modifies the Solar Energy Portfolio Standard Bill Passed - House (109 - 31)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/22 S 1256 Authorizes the Auction of Big-Game Tags Bill Passed - House (38 - 29)
3/19 HB 1228 Tax Credits for Alternative Energy Projects Veto Override Failed - House (44 - 23)
3/15 H 542 Prohibits the State from Limiting the Use of Motorized Vehicles on Public Land Bill Passed - House (48 - 21)
3/15 HJR 587 Opposes the United Nations Agenda 21 Joint Resolution Passed - House (72 - 23)
3/09 HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 37)
3/09 HB 1263 Health Inspection Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (86 - 29)
3/07 HB 187 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 13)
3/05 HB 717 Penalties for Owners of Dogs Involved in a Second Assault Bill Failed - House (82 - 73)
3/01 HB 1228 Tax Credits for Alternative Energy Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 16)
3/01 HB 4001 Repeals Provisions for Cap and Trade Regulations Bill Passed - House (82 - 34)
2/29 HR 1837 Water Resources in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Bill Passed - House (246 - 175)
2/29 HR 1837 Water Resources in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Bill Passed - House (246 - 175)
2/28 HF 589 Prohibits Obtaining Employment at Agriculture Facilities Under False Pretenses Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 28)
2/15 HB 7087 Increases Certain Business Tax Credits and Sales Tax Exemptions Bill Passed - House (92 - 22)
2/09 HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (79 - 38)
2/06 HB 210 Restricts the Use of Severance Tax Revenue Bill Failed - House (36 - 39)
1/26 AB 426 Requirements for Mining Permits Bill Passed - House (59 - 36)
12/08 HR 1633 Limits Regulation of Farm Dust Bill Passed - House (268 - 150)
12/08 HR 1633 Limits Regulation of Farm Dust Bill Passed - House (268 - 150)
10/26 HR 1904 Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011 Bill Passed - House (235 - 186)
10/14 HR 2273 Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act Bill Passed - House (267 - 144)
10/14 HR 2273 Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act Bill Passed - House (267 - 144)
10/13 HB 4815 Exempts Incandescent Light Bulbs Made in Michigan from Congressional Authority Bill Passed - House (62 - 46)
10/06 HR 2681 Repeals EPA Emissions Regulations for Cement Manufacturers Bill Passed - House (262 - 161)
9/23 H Amdt 799 Suspends Cross State Air Pollution Rule Amendment Adopted - House (234 - 188)
9/23 H Amdt 800 Requires the EPA to Consider Costs and Feasibility of Air Quality Standards Amendment Adopted - House (227 - 192)
9/07 SB 292 Authorizes Governor to Expedite Environmental Review Bill Passed - House (63 - 13)
7/27 H Amdt 735 Repeals Laws that Limited Funding for the Endangered Species Act Amendment Adopted - House (224 - 202)
7/27 H Amdt 735 Repeals Laws that Limited Funding for the Endangered Species Act Amendment Adopted - House (224 - 202)
7/13 HR 2018 Amending Clean Water Laws Bill Passed - House (239 - 184)
7/12 HR 2417 Repeals Energy Efficiency Standards for Incandescent Light Bulbs Motion Rejected - House (233 - 193)
6/29 S 2576 Prohibits Hydraulic Fracturing Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
6/28 SB 45 Extending the Coastal Management Program Bill Failed - House (18 - 18)
6/22 HR 2021 Impact of Drilling on Air Quality Bill Passed - House (253 - 166)
6/22 HB 231 Withdrawal Permit for Water Usage at Lake Erie Bill Passed - House (60 - 39)
5/31 HB 1723 Amending The Illinois Nuclear Safety Preparedness Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 44)
5/30 SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Bill Passed - House (67 - 47)
5/25 HB 133 Establishes the Oil and Gas Leasing Commission Bill Passed - House (54 - 41)
5/16 SB 104 Labor Representatives Bill Passed - House (51 - 26)
5/11 SF 86 Repeals Carbon Dioxide Emissions Prohibition Bill Passed - House (76 - 54)
5/11 SF 86 Repeals Carbon Dioxide Emissions Prohibition Bill Passed - House (76 - 54)
5/09 HB 1005 Repeals Taxes on Agricultural Products Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 18)
4/20 HB 2337 Cougar Hunting Zones Bill Passed - House (45 - 14)
4/14 HB 126 Extending Forever Wild Land Trust Bill Passed - House (69 - 24)
4/13 SB 113 Regulating Animal Care Facilities Bill Passed - House (85 - 71)
4/09 SB 690 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Amendments Bill Passed - House (74 - 60)
4/07 HR 910 Energy Tax Prevention Act Bill Passed - House (255 - 172)
3/30 HB 519 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (251 - 108)
3/30 HB 519 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (251 - 108)
3/23 SF 464 Establishment of an Open Season for Hunting Mourning Doves Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
3/14 A 3648 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Bill Passed - House (47 - 28)
3/03 A 2215 Loans for Development of Green Buildings Veto Override Failed - House (44 - 32)
3/02 HB 2879 One-Time Pay Raise for State Employees Bill Passed - House (78 - 22)
2/28 HF 1 Environmental Review Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (89 - 42)
2/28 HB 1489 Anti-Phosphorus Fertilizer Bill Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
2/28 HB 1489 Anti-Phosphorus Fertilizer Bill Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
2/23 HB 550 Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Greenhouse Gas Regulatory Program Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
2/17 SF 4 Repealing the Ban on Construction of New Nuclear Power Plants Bill Passed - House (81 - 50)
2/17 SF 4 Repealing the Ban on Construction of New Nuclear Power Plants Bill Passed - House (81 - 50)
2/16 HB 2336 Agriculture Regulation Exemptions Bill Passed - House (45 - 13)
2/10 HB 309 Prohibits Recreational Access to Ditches Bill Passed - House (57 - 43)
2/09 HB 191 Wind Power Tax Bill Failed - House (27 - 32)
2/08 HB 191 Wind Power Tax Bill Failed - House (29 - 29)
2/07 HB 198 Eminent Domain Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (69 - 30)
2/02 SB 10 Wetland Regulations Bill Passed - House (56 - 35)
1/10 S 2381 Electric Generation Facilities Pilot Program Bill Passed - House (57 - 15)
12/08 HR 6495 Mine Safety Act Bill Failed - House (214 - 193)
11/29 S 8129B Suspending Hydraulic Fracturing for the Extraction of Natural Gas Bill Passed - House (93 - 43)
9/29 SB 1155 Establishing a Natural Gas Severance Tax Bill Passed - House (104 - 94)
9/23 HR 4823 Establishing Sedona-Red Rock National Scenic Area Bill Failed - House (258 - 160)
9/23 HR 5110 Expanding Casa Grande Ruins National Monument Bill Failed - House (244 - 174)
9/16 HR 4785 Authorizing Loans for Energy Efficiency Purposes Bill Passed - House (240 - 172)
8/30 AB 234 Marine Oil Shipping Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 28)
7/30 HR 3534 Offshore Drilling Regulations and Other Energy Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (209 - 193)
7/30 HR 3534 Offshore Drilling Regulations and Other Energy Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (209 - 193)
7/10 HB 1829 Renewable Energy Incentives Conference Report Adopted - House (84 - 19)
7/02 HB 2601 Environmentally Beneficial and Energy Efficient Technologies Bill Passed - House (125 - 71)
7/01 SB 1121 Overtime Wages for Agricultural Workers Bill Passed - House (47 - 28)
6/29 S 2036 Offshore Wind Economic Development Act Bill Passed - House (71 - 6)
6/21 SB 65 Coastal Zone Expansion Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 17)
6/18 SB 381 Establishing "Crime Against Nature by Solicitation" Bill Passed - House (80 - 10)
6/18 A 9709 Omnibus Appropriations Bill Passed - House (79 - 52)
6/15 HB 708 Recycling Program for Electronic Materials Bill Passed - House (169 - 30)
6/03 AB 2514 Energy Storage Targets Amendment Adopted - House (41 - 28)
6/02 AB 1998 Ban of Single-Use Carryout Bags in Certain Stores Bill Passed - House (42 - 27)
6/01 AB 2411 Pet Insurance Guidelines Bill Passed - House (52 - 22)
5/28 HR 5116 Science and Technology Funding Bill Passed - House (262 - 150)
5/28 A 11308 Emergency State Parks Appropriations Bill Passed - House (86 - 47)
5/26 SB 38 Criminalization of Participation in Cockfighting Bill Passed - House (73 - 13)
5/11 HB 1358 Authorizing Home Buyers to Purchase Water Efficiency Devices Up Front Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 27)
5/11 HB 1238 Increasing Fines for Moving Traffic Violations in Wildlife Crossing Zones Concurrence Vote Passed - House (34 - 29)
5/11 SB 234 Universal Recycling and Beverage Containers Bill Passed - House (26 - 12)
5/10 HB 219 Illegal Dog Restraining Bill Failed - House (46 - 40)
5/04 SB 493 Increasing Use of Renewable Energy Bill Passed - House (81 - 40)
5/04 HCR 144 Response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig Motion Agreed - House (60 - 32)
5/04 HB 5423 Classroom Experiments and Dissections on Animals Bill Passed - House (81 - 67)
4/28 SB 1307 Treatment of Human Embryos Bill Passed - House (35 - 24)
4/22 SB 434 Legalizing Sale of Unpasteurized Milk Bill Passed - House (60 - 35)
4/14 HB 2421 Petroleum Tax ("Barrel Tax") Increase Conference Report Adopted - House (37 - 11)
4/10 SB 277 Modifies the Solar Energy Portfolio Standard Bill Passed - House (109 - 31)

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