Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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 20, 2007 GA SB 174 Physical Fitness Standards for State Employees Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
March 19, 2007 IA HF 5 Maximum Title Loan Finance Charge Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
March 16, 2007 MD SB 533 Removal of Remarriage Barriers Bill Failed - Senate (22 - 22)
March 15, 2007 NJ A 1044 Notification of Job Loss and Plant Closures Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
March 15, 2007 NH SB 18 Raising the Compulsory School Age Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
March 15, 2007 National S J Res 9 United States Policy in Iraq Resolution of 2007 Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (48 - 50)
March 13, 2007 OK SB 507 Firearm Injury Liability and Tort Reform Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 5)
March 13, 2007 AR SB 959 Adoption and Foster Care Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
March 13, 2007 AR SB 959 Adoption and Foster Care Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
March 13, 2007 AR SB 959 Adoption and Foster Care Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
March 8, 2007 MS SB 2391 Abortion Law Reform Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
March 8, 2007 MS SB 2391 Abortion Law Reform Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
March 8, 2007 AZ SB 1152 REAL ID Implementation Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
March 8, 2007 AZ SB 1132 Volunteer Homeland Security Force Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
March 8, 2007 AZ SB 1132 Volunteer Homeland Security Force Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
March 8, 2007 IA SF 413 “Fair Share” Union Fees Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
March 7, 2007 ID S 1172 English as the Official Language Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 7, 2007 WA Sub SB 5297 Sexual Health Education Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
March 7, 2007 ID S 1172 English as the Official Language Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 5, 2007 NM SB 1174 HPV Vaccine Requirement for Sixth Graders Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
March 5, 2007 NM SB 1174 HPV Vaccine Requirement for Sixth Graders Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
March 5, 2007 TN SB 201 English-Only Driver's License Exam Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
March 5, 2007 NY S 3318 Sex Offender Management and Treatment Act Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 8)
March 1, 2007 WA Sub SB 5336 Legal Benefits for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
Feb. 27, 2007 MD SB 61 Evidence in Sexual Misconduct Trials Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
Feb. 27, 2007 NM SB 322 Requiring Conference Committees to be Public Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 21)
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 SJR 7 Definition of Marriage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
Feb. 12, 2007 IN SB 327 HPV Immunization Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
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 IA HF 1 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 8)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 101 Reorganization of the State Government Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (22 - 23)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 284 The Appointment of the Adjutant General Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (27 - 18)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 286 Appointment of the Superintendent of Education Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (27 - 19)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 287 The Appointment of the Commissioner of Agriculture Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (30 - 15)
Jan. 24, 2007 SC S 288 Appointment of the Secretary of State Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (30 - 13)
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)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/20 SB 174 Physical Fitness Standards for State Employees Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
3/19 HF 5 Maximum Title Loan Finance Charge Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
3/16 SB 533 Removal of Remarriage Barriers Bill Failed - Senate (22 - 22)
3/15 A 1044 Notification of Job Loss and Plant Closures Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
3/15 SB 18 Raising the Compulsory School Age Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
3/15 S J Res 9 United States Policy in Iraq Resolution of 2007 Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (48 - 50)
3/13 SB 507 Firearm Injury Liability and Tort Reform Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 5)
3/13 SB 959 Adoption and Foster Care Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
3/13 SB 959 Adoption and Foster Care Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
3/13 SB 959 Adoption and Foster Care Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
3/08 SB 2391 Abortion Law Reform Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
3/08 SB 2391 Abortion Law Reform Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
3/08 SB 1152 REAL ID Implementation Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
3/08 SB 1132 Volunteer Homeland Security Force Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
3/08 SB 1132 Volunteer Homeland Security Force Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
3/08 SF 413 “Fair Share” Union Fees Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
3/07 S 1172 English as the Official Language Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/07 Sub SB 5297 Sexual Health Education Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
3/07 S 1172 English as the Official Language Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/05 SB 1174 HPV Vaccine Requirement for Sixth Graders Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
3/05 SB 1174 HPV Vaccine Requirement for Sixth Graders Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
3/05 SB 201 English-Only Driver's License Exam Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
3/05 S 3318 Sex Offender Management and Treatment Act Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 8)
3/01 Sub SB 5336 Legal Benefits for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
2/27 SB 61 Evidence in Sexual Misconduct Trials Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
2/27 SB 322 Requiring Conference Committees to be Public Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 21)
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 SJR 7 Definition of Marriage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
2/12 SB 327 HPV Immunization Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
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 HF 1 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 8)
1/24 S 101 Reorganization of the State Government Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (22 - 23)
1/24 S 284 The Appointment of the Adjutant General Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (27 - 18)
1/24 S 286 Appointment of the Superintendent of Education Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (27 - 19)
1/24 S 287 The Appointment of the Commissioner of Agriculture Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (30 - 15)
1/24 S 288 Appointment of the Secretary of State Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (30 - 13)
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)

arrow_upward