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
Feb. 27, 2007 MD SB 61 Evidence in Sexual Misconduct Trials Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
Feb. 26, 2007 WY HB 95 Quality Childcare Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
Feb. 23, 2007 MT SB 300 Seat Belt Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
Feb. 22, 2007 KS Sub SB 152 Elections for Senate Vacancies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Feb. 21, 2007 WV Com Sub for Com Sub SB 219 Ban on Smoking in a Vehicle with a Minor Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
Feb. 20, 2007 SD SB 208 Tanning Restrictions Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 24)
Feb. 13, 2007 ND SB 2122 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 26)
Feb. 12, 2007 IN SB 327 HPV Immunization Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
Feb. 12, 2007 IN SB 327 HPV Immunization Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
Feb. 12, 2007 IN SJR 7 Definition of Marriage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
Feb. 12, 2007 SD SB 207 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
Feb. 9, 2007 UT HB 148 Parent Choice in Education Act Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
Feb. 7, 2007 MS SB 2391 Parental Consent Waiver for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 0)
Feb. 7, 2007 MS SB 2391 Parental Consent Waiver for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 0)
Feb. 6, 2007 WY SF 101 Sex Offender Tracking Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
Feb. 6, 2007 SD SJR 7 Extension of Term Limits Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (17 - 18)
Feb. 5, 2007 VA Sub SB 1327 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
Feb. 5, 2007 CO HB 1072 Termination of All-Union Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
Feb. 2, 2007 NM SB 324 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 7)
Feb. 2, 2007 VA Sub SB 905 Refusal of Medical Treatment for Children Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
Jan. 31, 2007 WY SF 13 Same Sex Marriages Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
Jan. 31, 2007 WY SF 13 Same Sex Marriages Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
Jan. 29, 2007 AZ SB 1032 Emergency Room Malpractice Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
Jan. 25, 2007 WY SF 104 Sexual Abuse of Minors Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 285 The Appointment of the Comptroller General Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 11)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 101 Reorganization of the State Government Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (22 - 23)
Jan. 24, 2007 IA HF 1 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 8)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 288 Appointment of the Secretary of State Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (30 - 13)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 286 Appointment of the Superintendent of Education Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (27 - 19)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 284 The Appointment of the Adjutant General Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (27 - 18)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 287 The Appointment of the Commissioner of Agriculture Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (30 - 15)
Jan. 23, 2007 VA SB 1204 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
Nov. 15, 2006 IL SB 1275 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 21)
Sept. 29, 2006 National HR 6061 Secure Fence Act of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (80 - 19)
Sept. 28, 2006 National S Amdt 5104 Military Commissions Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 52)
Aug. 31, 2006 CA SB 1414 Health Care Requirements for Large Companies Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
Aug. 28, 2006 CA AB 3029 CalWorks and Food Stamp Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
Aug. 28, 2006 CA AB 3029 CalWorks and Food Stamp Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
Aug. 24, 2006 CA AB 2205 Food Stamp Eligibility for Medi-Cal Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
Aug. 24, 2006 CA AB 2205 Food Stamp Eligibility for Medi-Cal Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
Aug. 23, 2006 CA AB 2536 Overtime Pay for Personal Attendants Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
Aug. 22, 2006 CA AB 2108 Child Booster and Seat Belt Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
Aug. 22, 2006 CA SB 1248 Long-Term Health Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
Aug. 17, 2006 CA AB 2555 Wage Discrimination Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
Aug. 17, 2006 CA AB 2555 Wage Discrimination Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
Aug. 16, 2006 CA AB 1873 Safe Child Surrender Time Limit Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
Aug. 3, 2006 National HR 5970 Death/Estate Tax and Minimum Wage Bill Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (56 - 42)
Aug. 2, 2006 National S Amdt 4775 Triple-Layered Fencing Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (94 - 3)
July 19, 2006 NC HB 2699 Early Childhood Vision Care Program Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
July 13, 2006 National S Amdt 4659 Double-Layered Fencing Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (29 - 71)
July 10, 2006 CO HB 1023 Public Benefits for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
July 10, 2006 CO HB 1017 Employer Verification of Employee Work Status Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
July 10, 2006 NC HB 2174 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
July 10, 2006 CO HB 1017 Employer Verification of Employee Work Status Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
July 8, 2006 CO HB 1020 Business Deductions for Employees Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
June 23, 2006 RI H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
June 22, 2006 National S 2766 Defense Department FY 2007 Authorization bill Bill Passed - Senate (96 - 0)
June 22, 2006 PA SB 1090 Minimum Wage Bill Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
June 21, 2006 National S Amdt 4322 Minimum Wage Adjustment Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (52 - 46)
June 21, 2006 National S Amdt 4376 Increasing Minimum Wage Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (45 - 53)
June 21, 2006 PA HB 2381 Marriage Definition Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
June 21, 2006 NY S 8446 DNA Database Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 2)
June 16, 2006 LA HB 194 Minimum Wage for State Employees Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 19)
June 16, 2006 LA HB 194 Minimum Wage for State Employees Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 18)
June 15, 2006 MD HB 2 Mandatory Sentences and Other Penalties for Sex Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 5)
June 14, 2006 SC H 3726 ATV Use Regulations Veto Override Failed - Senate (19 - 22)
June 8, 2006 NC SB 1289 Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Prohibited Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
June 7, 2006 National S J Res 1 Same Sex Marriage Resolution Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (49 - 48)
June 1, 2006 LA SB 106 Labor Unions Bill Bill Failed - Senate (8 - 26)
June 1, 2006 CA SB 1162 Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
June 1, 2006 CA SB 1160 Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
June 1, 2006 LA SB 753 Hiring of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
May 31, 2006 SC H 4938 State Guard Emergency Air Wing Veto Override Failed - Senate (29 - 15)
May 31, 2006 LA SB 700 Minimum Wage Bill Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
May 30, 2006 CA SB 1576 Transitional Housing Services for Foster Youth Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
May 25, 2006 National S Amdt 4097 Confidentiality Requirement Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (49 - 49)
May 25, 2006 AZ HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 9)
May 25, 2006 AZ HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 9)
May 25, 2006 National S 2611 Immigration Reform Bill Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 36)
May 24, 2006 MA H 4479 MassHealth Immigrant Eligibility Veto Override Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
May 24, 2006 National S Amdt 4095 H-2C Visa Program Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 49)
May 24, 2006 OK SB 1807 Prohibiting Death Sentence For Mentally Retarded Defendant Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 10)
May 24, 2006 OK SB 1800 Death Penalty for Second Offender Sex Offenders Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 8)
May 24, 2006 ME LD 1021 Police and Firefighter Insurance Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
May 23, 2006 National S Amdt 4177 Employer Verification Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (59 - 39)
May 23, 2006 National S Amdt 4087 Orange Card Program Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (37 - 61)
May 23, 2006 LA SB 347 Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 24)
May 23, 2006 LA SB 347 Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 24)
May 18, 2006 National S Amdt 4073 English as Unifying Language Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (58 - 39)
May 18, 2006 National S Amdt 4064 English As National Language Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (62 - 35)
May 18, 2006 National S Amdt 4072 "State Criminal Alien Assistance Program" Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (43 - 52)
May 17, 2006 National S Amdt 3965 Employment-based Immigrant Visa Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (50 - 48)
May 17, 2006 TN SA 1505 Medical Malpractice Limits Amendment Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 16)
May 16, 2006 AZ HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
May 16, 2006 AZ HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
May 11, 2006 National HR 4297 Tax Relief Extension Reconciliation Act of 2005 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (54 - 44)
May 11, 2006 CA AB 813 Medi-Cal: Emergency Drug Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
May 11, 2006 CA AB 813 Medi-Cal: Emergency Drug Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
May 11, 2006 CA SB 1437 Sexual Diversity Content in Public School Curriculums Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
May 9, 2006 LA SB 655 Remediation for Oil and Gas Sites Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/27 SB 61 Evidence in Sexual Misconduct Trials Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
2/26 HB 95 Quality Childcare Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
2/23 SB 300 Seat Belt Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
2/22 Sub SB 152 Elections for Senate Vacancies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
2/21 Com Sub for Com Sub SB 219 Ban on Smoking in a Vehicle with a Minor Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
2/20 SB 208 Tanning Restrictions Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 24)
2/13 SB 2122 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 26)
2/12 SB 327 HPV Immunization Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
2/12 SB 327 HPV Immunization Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
2/12 SJR 7 Definition of Marriage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
2/12 SB 207 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
2/09 HB 148 Parent Choice in Education Act Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
2/07 SB 2391 Parental Consent Waiver for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 0)
2/07 SB 2391 Parental Consent Waiver for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 0)
2/06 SF 101 Sex Offender Tracking Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
2/06 SJR 7 Extension of Term Limits Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (17 - 18)
2/05 Sub SB 1327 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
2/05 HB 1072 Termination of All-Union Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
2/02 SB 324 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 7)
2/02 Sub SB 905 Refusal of Medical Treatment for Children Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
1/31 SF 13 Same Sex Marriages Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
1/31 SF 13 Same Sex Marriages Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
1/29 SB 1032 Emergency Room Malpractice Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
1/25 SF 104 Sexual Abuse of Minors Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
1/24 S 285 The Appointment of the Comptroller General Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 11)
1/24 S 101 Reorganization of the State Government Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (22 - 23)
1/24 HF 1 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 8)
1/24 S 288 Appointment of the Secretary of State Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (30 - 13)
1/24 S 286 Appointment of the Superintendent of Education Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (27 - 19)
1/24 S 284 The Appointment of the Adjutant General Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (27 - 18)
1/24 S 287 The Appointment of the Commissioner of Agriculture Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (30 - 15)
1/23 SB 1204 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
11/15 SB 1275 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 21)
9/29 HR 6061 Secure Fence Act of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (80 - 19)
9/28 S Amdt 5104 Military Commissions Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 52)
8/31 SB 1414 Health Care Requirements for Large Companies Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
8/28 AB 3029 CalWorks and Food Stamp Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
8/28 AB 3029 CalWorks and Food Stamp Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
8/24 AB 2205 Food Stamp Eligibility for Medi-Cal Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
8/24 AB 2205 Food Stamp Eligibility for Medi-Cal Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
8/23 AB 2536 Overtime Pay for Personal Attendants Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
8/22 AB 2108 Child Booster and Seat Belt Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
8/22 SB 1248 Long-Term Health Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
8/17 AB 2555 Wage Discrimination Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
8/17 AB 2555 Wage Discrimination Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
8/16 AB 1873 Safe Child Surrender Time Limit Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
8/03 HR 5970 Death/Estate Tax and Minimum Wage Bill Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (56 - 42)
8/02 S Amdt 4775 Triple-Layered Fencing Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (94 - 3)
7/19 HB 2699 Early Childhood Vision Care Program Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
7/13 S Amdt 4659 Double-Layered Fencing Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (29 - 71)
7/10 HB 1023 Public Benefits for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
7/10 HB 1017 Employer Verification of Employee Work Status Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
7/10 HB 2174 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
7/10 HB 1017 Employer Verification of Employee Work Status Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
7/08 HB 1020 Business Deductions for Employees Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
6/23 H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
6/22 S 2766 Defense Department FY 2007 Authorization bill Bill Passed - Senate (96 - 0)
6/22 SB 1090 Minimum Wage Bill Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
6/21 S Amdt 4322 Minimum Wage Adjustment Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (52 - 46)
6/21 S Amdt 4376 Increasing Minimum Wage Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (45 - 53)
6/21 HB 2381 Marriage Definition Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
6/21 S 8446 DNA Database Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 2)
6/16 HB 194 Minimum Wage for State Employees Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 19)
6/16 HB 194 Minimum Wage for State Employees Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 18)
6/15 HB 2 Mandatory Sentences and Other Penalties for Sex Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 5)
6/14 H 3726 ATV Use Regulations Veto Override Failed - Senate (19 - 22)
6/08 SB 1289 Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Prohibited Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
6/07 S J Res 1 Same Sex Marriage Resolution Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (49 - 48)
6/01 SB 106 Labor Unions Bill Bill Failed - Senate (8 - 26)
6/01 SB 1162 Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
6/01 SB 1160 Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
6/01 SB 753 Hiring of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
5/31 H 4938 State Guard Emergency Air Wing Veto Override Failed - Senate (29 - 15)
5/31 SB 700 Minimum Wage Bill Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
5/30 SB 1576 Transitional Housing Services for Foster Youth Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
5/25 S Amdt 4097 Confidentiality Requirement Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (49 - 49)
5/25 HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 9)
5/25 HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 9)
5/25 S 2611 Immigration Reform Bill Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 36)
5/24 H 4479 MassHealth Immigrant Eligibility Veto Override Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
5/24 S Amdt 4095 H-2C Visa Program Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 49)
5/24 SB 1807 Prohibiting Death Sentence For Mentally Retarded Defendant Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 10)
5/24 SB 1800 Death Penalty for Second Offender Sex Offenders Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 8)
5/24 LD 1021 Police and Firefighter Insurance Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
5/23 S Amdt 4177 Employer Verification Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (59 - 39)
5/23 S Amdt 4087 Orange Card Program Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (37 - 61)
5/23 SB 347 Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 24)
5/23 SB 347 Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 24)
5/18 S Amdt 4073 English as Unifying Language Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (58 - 39)
5/18 S Amdt 4064 English As National Language Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (62 - 35)
5/18 S Amdt 4072 "State Criminal Alien Assistance Program" Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (43 - 52)
5/17 S Amdt 3965 Employment-based Immigrant Visa Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (50 - 48)
5/17 SA 1505 Medical Malpractice Limits Amendment Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 16)
5/16 HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
5/16 HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
5/11 HR 4297 Tax Relief Extension Reconciliation Act of 2005 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (54 - 44)
5/11 AB 813 Medi-Cal: Emergency Drug Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
5/11 AB 813 Medi-Cal: Emergency Drug Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
5/11 SB 1437 Sexual Diversity Content in Public School Curriculums Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
5/09 SB 655 Remediation for Oil and Gas Sites Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)

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