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, 2008 AZ HB 2017 Legislative Approval for Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
April 16, 2008 IL SB 2052 Taxes for Levee Repair Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 15)
April 15, 2008 MS SB 2793 Utility Rate Increases During Planning or Construction of Plants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 4)
April 10, 2008 National S Amdt 4419 to S Amdt 4387 Energy Tax Credits Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (88 - 8)
April 10, 2008 National HR 3221 Housing Bill with Energy Tax Credit Extensions Bill Passed - Senate (84 - 12)
April 7, 2008 NE LB 959 Gas Tax Veto Override Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
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 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
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 Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
April 7, 2008 MD HB 375 Increasing Renewable Energy Standards Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
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 4, 2008 KS SB 148 Electricity Generation and Conservation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
April 4, 2008 KS SB 148 Electricity Generation and Conservation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
April 3, 2008 MD Amnd. 663027/2 Power Plant Regulation Amendment Adopted - Senate (27 - 18)
April 2, 2008 KY HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 3)
April 2, 2008 KY HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 3)
April 1, 2008 NE AM 2319 to LB 1174 Farm and Ranch Ownership Requirements Amendment Rejected - Senate (20 - 27)
April 1, 2008 GA HB 1281 Restricting Local Outdoor Water Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 13)
April 1, 2008 AR SB 1 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
April 1, 2008 MD SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 25)
April 1, 2008 MD SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 25)
March 31, 2008 ME LD 2289 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
March 31, 2008 CO HB 1270 Prohibiting Restrictions on Energy Efficiency Measures Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
March 31, 2008 CO HB 1270 Prohibiting Restrictions on Energy Efficiency Measures Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
March 27, 2008 CO HB 1280 Extending Water Rights Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
March 27, 2008 CO HB 1280 Extending Water Rights Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
March 24, 2008 KY HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
March 24, 2008 KY HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
March 24, 2008 MD SB 309 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
March 24, 2008 MD SB 309 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
March 19, 2008 MS HB 1089 Legalizing Deer Baiting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 24)
March 19, 2008 IA SJR 2002 Natural Resources Trust Fund Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
March 17, 2008 ID H 562 Tax Exemption for New Capital Investments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
March 17, 2008 ID H 562 Tax Exemption for New Capital Investments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
March 17, 2008 ID H 561 Tax Exemptions for the Processing of Fuel for Energy Production Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
March 17, 2008 ID H 561 Tax Exemptions for the Processing of Fuel for Energy Production Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
March 13, 2008 National S Amdt 4329 Amendment on Certain Energy-Related Programs, Including the Development of Oil and Natural Gas in Coastal Areas Not Covered by a Moratorium Amendment Adopted - Senate (56 - 43)
March 13, 2008 National S Amdt 4207 Amendment on Certain Energy-Related Programs, Including the Development of Oil Shale and Offshore Natural Gas Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 51)
March 12, 2008 KY SB 156 Nuclear Waste Disposal Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
March 12, 2008 KY SB 156 Nuclear Waste Disposal Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
March 6, 2008 KS SB 327 Expansion of Coal-Fired Power Plants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
March 6, 2008 KS SB 327 Expansion of Coal-Fired Power Plants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
March 6, 2008 MN HF 380 Capital Improvements Budget Bill Passed - Senate (57 - 9)
March 6, 2008 CO HB 1025 Governor's Energy Office Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
March 6, 2008 CO HB 1025 Governor's Energy Office Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
March 6, 2008 WI SB 523 Great Lakes Water Resources Compact Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
March 5, 2008 WA HB 2815 Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
March 5, 2008 WA HB 2815 Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
March 4, 2008 WA HB 2438 Permitting Dogs in Cougar Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
Feb. 28, 2008 KS SB 586 Incentives to Develop Nuclear Power Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
Feb. 28, 2008 KS SB 586 Incentives to Develop Nuclear Power Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
Feb. 27, 2008 CO HB 1069 Prohibiting Motor Vehicles on Public Lands Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
Feb. 27, 2008 UT SB 297 Increasing Penalties for Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
Feb. 25, 2008 WY SF 46 Water Discharge from Methane Gas Wells Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 15)
Feb. 21, 2008 MS SB 2793 Utility Rate Increases During Planning or Construction of Plants Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
Feb. 18, 2008 WA SB 6777 Halting Mining on Maury Island Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 23)
Feb. 14, 2008 MN HF 2285 Funding for Natural Resources and Cultural Heritage Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 17)
Feb. 14, 2008 UT SB 117 Increasing Penalties for Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 14)
Feb. 14, 2008 KS HB 2066 Restricting the Secretary of Health and Environment's Enforcement Powers Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
Feb. 14, 2008 KS HB 2066 Restricting the Secretary of Health and Environment's Enforcement Powers Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
Feb. 13, 2008 KS Steineger Amnd. Limiting Carbon Dioxide Emissions Amendment Rejected - Senate (3 - 32)
Feb. 13, 2008 KS Steineger Amnd. Limiting Carbon Dioxide Emissions Amendment Rejected - Senate (3 - 32)
Feb. 12, 2008 NM HB 305 Energy Efficiency Requirements for Public Utilities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
Feb. 12, 2008 NM HB 305 Energy Efficiency Requirements for Public Utilities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
Feb. 10, 2008 NM SB 487 Uranium Cleanup Fund Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
Feb. 10, 2008 NM SB 487 Uranium Cleanup Fund Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
Jan. 31, 2008 SD SB 173 Eliminating Restrictions on Corporate Dairy Farms Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2008 CA SB 908 Global Warming Education in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
Jan. 24, 2008 CO GN Baker Matt Baker to the Public Utilities Commission Nomination Confirmed - Senate (21 - 13)
Jan. 24, 2008 CO GN Baker Matt Baker to the Public Utilities Commission Nomination Confirmed - Senate (21 - 13)
Jan. 18, 2008 GA SR 701 State-Wide Water Management Plan Resolution Passed - Senate (39 - 12)
Jan. 7, 2008 NJ A 4559 Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
Jan. 7, 2008 NJ A 4559 Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/23 HB 2017 Legislative Approval for Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
4/16 SB 2052 Taxes for Levee Repair Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 15)
4/15 SB 2793 Utility Rate Increases During Planning or Construction of Plants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 4)
4/10 S Amdt 4419 to S Amdt 4387 Energy Tax Credits Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (88 - 8)
4/10 HR 3221 Housing Bill with Energy Tax Credit Extensions Bill Passed - Senate (84 - 12)
4/07 LB 959 Gas Tax Veto Override Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
4/07 SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
4/07 SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
4/07 SB 1013 Regulation of Power Plants Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
4/07 HB 374 Energy Efficiency Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
4/07 HB 375 Increasing Renewable Energy Standards Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
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)
4/04 SB 148 Electricity Generation and Conservation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
4/04 SB 148 Electricity Generation and Conservation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
4/03 Amnd. 663027/2 Power Plant Regulation Amendment Adopted - Senate (27 - 18)
4/02 HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 3)
4/02 HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 3)
4/01 AM 2319 to LB 1174 Farm and Ranch Ownership Requirements Amendment Rejected - Senate (20 - 27)
4/01 HB 1281 Restricting Local Outdoor Water Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 13)
4/01 SB 1 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
4/01 SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 25)
4/01 SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 25)
3/31 LD 2289 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
3/31 HB 1270 Prohibiting Restrictions on Energy Efficiency Measures Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
3/31 HB 1270 Prohibiting Restrictions on Energy Efficiency Measures Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
3/27 HB 1280 Extending Water Rights Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
3/27 HB 1280 Extending Water Rights Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
3/24 HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
3/24 HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
3/24 SB 309 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
3/24 SB 309 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
3/19 HB 1089 Legalizing Deer Baiting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 24)
3/19 SJR 2002 Natural Resources Trust Fund Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
3/17 H 562 Tax Exemption for New Capital Investments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
3/17 H 562 Tax Exemption for New Capital Investments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
3/17 H 561 Tax Exemptions for the Processing of Fuel for Energy Production Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
3/17 H 561 Tax Exemptions for the Processing of Fuel for Energy Production Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
3/13 S Amdt 4329 Amendment on Certain Energy-Related Programs, Including the Development of Oil and Natural Gas in Coastal Areas Not Covered by a Moratorium Amendment Adopted - Senate (56 - 43)
3/13 S Amdt 4207 Amendment on Certain Energy-Related Programs, Including the Development of Oil Shale and Offshore Natural Gas Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 51)
3/12 SB 156 Nuclear Waste Disposal Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
3/12 SB 156 Nuclear Waste Disposal Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
3/06 SB 327 Expansion of Coal-Fired Power Plants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
3/06 SB 327 Expansion of Coal-Fired Power Plants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
3/06 HF 380 Capital Improvements Budget Bill Passed - Senate (57 - 9)
3/06 HB 1025 Governor's Energy Office Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
3/06 HB 1025 Governor's Energy Office Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
3/06 SB 523 Great Lakes Water Resources Compact Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
3/05 HB 2815 Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
3/05 HB 2815 Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
3/04 HB 2438 Permitting Dogs in Cougar Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
2/28 SB 586 Incentives to Develop Nuclear Power Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
2/28 SB 586 Incentives to Develop Nuclear Power Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
2/27 HB 1069 Prohibiting Motor Vehicles on Public Lands Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
2/27 SB 297 Increasing Penalties for Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
2/25 SF 46 Water Discharge from Methane Gas Wells Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 15)
2/21 SB 2793 Utility Rate Increases During Planning or Construction of Plants Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
2/18 SB 6777 Halting Mining on Maury Island Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 23)
2/14 HF 2285 Funding for Natural Resources and Cultural Heritage Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 17)
2/14 SB 117 Increasing Penalties for Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 14)
2/14 HB 2066 Restricting the Secretary of Health and Environment's Enforcement Powers Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
2/14 HB 2066 Restricting the Secretary of Health and Environment's Enforcement Powers Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
2/13 Steineger Amnd. Limiting Carbon Dioxide Emissions Amendment Rejected - Senate (3 - 32)
2/13 Steineger Amnd. Limiting Carbon Dioxide Emissions Amendment Rejected - Senate (3 - 32)
2/12 HB 305 Energy Efficiency Requirements for Public Utilities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
2/12 HB 305 Energy Efficiency Requirements for Public Utilities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
2/10 SB 487 Uranium Cleanup Fund Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
2/10 SB 487 Uranium Cleanup Fund Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
1/31 SB 173 Eliminating Restrictions on Corporate Dairy Farms Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
1/30 SB 908 Global Warming Education in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
1/24 GN Baker Matt Baker to the Public Utilities Commission Nomination Confirmed - Senate (21 - 13)
1/24 GN Baker Matt Baker to the Public Utilities Commission Nomination Confirmed - Senate (21 - 13)
1/18 SR 701 State-Wide Water Management Plan Resolution Passed - Senate (39 - 12)
1/07 A 4559 Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
1/07 A 4559 Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)

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