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
May 31, 2007 CT Sub SB 167 Restricting Eminent Domain Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
May 31, 2007 TN SB 2143 Legalization of Handguns in State Parks Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
May 24, 2007 TN SB 1325 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
May 23, 2007 CT Sub SB 1044 Gender Identification Nondiscrimination Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
May 23, 2007 TX CSHB 3678 Religious Expression at Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
May 23, 2007 CT Sub SB 938 Reporting of Lost or Stolen Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
May 23, 2007 CT Sub SB 938 Reporting of Lost or Stolen Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
May 14, 2007 NY S 319 Death Penalty For Certain Murders Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 24)
May 14, 2007 NY S 319 Death Penalty For Certain Murders Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 24)
May 11, 2007 MN SF 238 Smoking Ban Conference Report Adopted - Senate (43 - 21)
May 10, 2007 RI S 21 Telephone Political Solicitation Act Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
May 9, 2007 IL SB 1007 Large Capacity Firearm Magazine Ban Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 26)
May 3, 2007 MN SF 345 Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 29)
May 1, 2007 TX CSSB 966 Journalist Confidentiality Protection Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
April 27, 2007 KS HB 2528 Concealed Firearms Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
April 27, 2007 TX CSSB 308 Syringe Exchange Program Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
April 25, 2007 IA SF 427 Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Discrimination Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
April 23, 2007 ND HB 1466 Abortion Ban Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 16)
April 19, 2007 OK SB 507 Comprehensive tort reform-Provide Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 23)
April 18, 2007 IA S 3371 Firearms for Campus Police Amendment Rejected - Senate (25 - 25)
April 17, 2007 TX CSSB 1909 Treatment for Drug Possession Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
April 17, 2007 TX CSSB 1909 Treatment for Drug Possession Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
April 17, 2007 CO SB 25 Sexual Orientation Workplace Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
April 16, 2007 TN SB 227 Voter ID Act Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
April 12, 2007 CO HB 1330 Second Parent Adoption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
April 9, 2007 MD HB 992 Parole for Drug Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
April 9, 2007 MD HB 992 Parole for Drug Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
April 5, 2007 MD HB 359 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
April 4, 2007 VA Sub HB 2750 Capital Murder of a Judge Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
April 4, 2007 VA Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 14)
April 4, 2007 VA Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 14)
April 4, 2007 VA HB 2347 Capital Murder of a Witness Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
April 4, 2007 VA HB 2347 Capital Murder of a Witness Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
April 4, 2007 VA Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 14)
March 29, 2007 IL SB 500 Smoke Free Illinois Act Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 23)
March 28, 2007 KS HB 2019 Voter Identification Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
March 28, 2007 KS HB 2062 Violence Against Unborn Children Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
March 28, 2007 ID H 121 Smoking Ban in Bowling Alleys Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
March 27, 2007 KS HB 2528 Concealed Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
March 27, 2007 MN SF 238 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
March 26, 2007 IA SF 427 Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
March 26, 2007 MD SB 91 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
March 26, 2007 CO HB 1269 Casino Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
March 23, 2007 MD SB 488 Felon Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
March 23, 2007 MD SB 488 Felon Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
March 22, 2007 IN HB 1237 Seat Belt Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 17)
March 20, 2007 National S 214 United States Attorneys Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (94 - 2)
March 20, 2007 National S 214 United States Attorneys Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (94 - 2)
March 20, 2007 GA SB 174 Physical Fitness Standards for State Employees Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
March 20, 2007 NE LB 476 Elimination of the Death Penalty Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 25)
March 20, 2007 NE LB 476 Elimination of the Death Penalty Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 25)
March 16, 2007 MD SB 533 Removal of Remarriage Barriers Bill Failed - Senate (22 - 22)
March 13, 2007 National S 4 Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 38)
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 ID H 121 Smoking Ban in Bowling Alleys Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
March 8, 2007 NM HB 283 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
March 8, 2007 AZ SB 1152 REAL ID Implementation Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
March 6, 2007 MD SB 160 Discrimination Against the Homeless Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
March 6, 2007 MD SB 160 Discrimination Against the Homeless Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
March 5, 2007 NY S 3318 Sex Offender Management and Treatment Act Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 8)
Feb. 28, 2007 UT 2SSB 251 Concealed Firearms on College Campuses Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
Feb. 27, 2007 MD SB 61 Evidence in Sexual Misconduct Trials Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
Feb. 24, 2007 MT SB 306 Eliminate Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
Feb. 24, 2007 MT SB 306 Eliminate Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
Feb. 23, 2007 UT SB 78 Firearm Regulations for Private Property Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 8)
Feb. 23, 2007 MT SB 300 Seat Belt Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
Feb. 23, 2007 CO SB 34 Concealed Weapons Permits Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 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 AZ SB 1251 Secure Storage of Guns at Public Establishments Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
Feb. 20, 2007 UT SB 251 Concealed Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
Feb. 19, 2007 MN SF 372 Legalization of Ticket Scalping Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 15)
Feb. 14, 2007 SD HB 1160 Physician Presence at Executions Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
Feb. 14, 2007 SD HB 1175 Lethal Injection Reform Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Feb. 14, 2007 SD HB 1175 Lethal Injection Reform Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Feb. 14, 2007 SD HB 1160 Physician Presence at Executions Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
Feb. 7, 2007 MS SB 2617 Voter Identification Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 15)
Feb. 7, 2007 NM SB 238 Medical Marijuana Legalization Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 7)
Feb. 6, 2007 WY SF 101 Sex Offender Tracking Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
Feb. 6, 2007 WY SF 101 Sex Offender Tracking Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
Feb. 2, 2007 WY SF 118 Homicide During Pregnancy Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
Jan. 31, 2007 WY SF 13 Same Sex Marriages Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
Jan. 25, 2007 VA SJ 307 Voting Rights of Nonviolent Felons Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
Jan. 25, 2007 WY SF 104 Sexual Abuse of Minors Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
Jan. 25, 2007 MT SB 15 Funeral Picketing Ban Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
Jan. 25, 2007 MT SB 15 Funeral Picketing Ban Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
Jan. 23, 2007 VA Sub SB 1116 Capital Murder of a Judge or Witness Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
Jan. 23, 2007 VA Sub SB 1116 Capital Murder of a Judge or Witness Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
Sept. 29, 2006 National HR 6061 Secure Fence Act of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (80 - 19)
Sept. 28, 2006 National S Amdt 5095 Oversight of CIA Interrogation and Detention Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 53)
Sept. 28, 2006 National S Amdt 5087 Habeas Review Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 51)
Sept. 28, 2006 National S Amdt 5087 Habeas Review Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 51)
Sept. 28, 2006 National S Amdt 5087 Habeas Review Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 51)
Sept. 28, 2006 National S Amdt 5104 Military Commissions Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 52)
Sept. 28, 2006 National S Amdt 5095 Oversight of CIA Interrogation and Detention Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 53)
Sept. 28, 2006 National S 3930 Military Commissions Act of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (65 - 34)
Sept. 28, 2006 National S 3930 Military Commissions Act of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (65 - 34)
Sept. 28, 2006 National S 3930 Military Commissions Act of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (65 - 34)
Sept. 13, 2006 National S Amdt 4999 Security of Cargo Containers Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (43 - 55)
Sept. 13, 2006 National S Amdt 4936 National Security Amendment Motion Rejected - Senate (41 - 57)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/31 Sub SB 167 Restricting Eminent Domain Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
5/31 SB 2143 Legalization of Handguns in State Parks Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
5/24 SB 1325 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
5/23 Sub SB 1044 Gender Identification Nondiscrimination Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
5/23 CSHB 3678 Religious Expression at Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
5/23 Sub SB 938 Reporting of Lost or Stolen Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
5/23 Sub SB 938 Reporting of Lost or Stolen Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
5/14 S 319 Death Penalty For Certain Murders Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 24)
5/14 S 319 Death Penalty For Certain Murders Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 24)
5/11 SF 238 Smoking Ban Conference Report Adopted - Senate (43 - 21)
5/10 S 21 Telephone Political Solicitation Act Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
5/09 SB 1007 Large Capacity Firearm Magazine Ban Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 26)
5/03 SF 345 Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 29)
5/01 CSSB 966 Journalist Confidentiality Protection Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
4/27 HB 2528 Concealed Firearms Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
4/27 CSSB 308 Syringe Exchange Program Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
4/25 SF 427 Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Discrimination Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
4/23 HB 1466 Abortion Ban Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 16)
4/19 SB 507 Comprehensive tort reform-Provide Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 23)
4/18 S 3371 Firearms for Campus Police Amendment Rejected - Senate (25 - 25)
4/17 CSSB 1909 Treatment for Drug Possession Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
4/17 CSSB 1909 Treatment for Drug Possession Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
4/17 SB 25 Sexual Orientation Workplace Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
4/16 SB 227 Voter ID Act Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
4/12 HB 1330 Second Parent Adoption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
4/09 HB 992 Parole for Drug Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
4/09 HB 992 Parole for Drug Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
4/05 HB 359 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
4/04 Sub HB 2750 Capital Murder of a Judge Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
4/04 Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 14)
4/04 Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 14)
4/04 HB 2347 Capital Murder of a Witness Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
4/04 HB 2347 Capital Murder of a Witness Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
4/04 Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 14)
3/29 SB 500 Smoke Free Illinois Act Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 23)
3/28 HB 2019 Voter Identification Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
3/28 HB 2062 Violence Against Unborn Children Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
3/28 H 121 Smoking Ban in Bowling Alleys Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
3/27 HB 2528 Concealed Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
3/27 SF 238 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
3/26 SF 427 Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
3/26 SB 91 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
3/26 HB 1269 Casino Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
3/23 SB 488 Felon Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
3/23 SB 488 Felon Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
3/22 HB 1237 Seat Belt Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 17)
3/20 S 214 United States Attorneys Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (94 - 2)
3/20 S 214 United States Attorneys Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (94 - 2)
3/20 SB 174 Physical Fitness Standards for State Employees Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
3/20 LB 476 Elimination of the Death Penalty Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 25)
3/20 LB 476 Elimination of the Death Penalty Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 25)
3/16 SB 533 Removal of Remarriage Barriers Bill Failed - Senate (22 - 22)
3/13 S 4 Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 38)
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 H 121 Smoking Ban in Bowling Alleys Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
3/08 HB 283 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
3/08 SB 1152 REAL ID Implementation Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
3/06 SB 160 Discrimination Against the Homeless Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
3/06 SB 160 Discrimination Against the Homeless Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
3/05 S 3318 Sex Offender Management and Treatment Act Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 8)
2/28 2SSB 251 Concealed Firearms on College Campuses Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
2/27 SB 61 Evidence in Sexual Misconduct Trials Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
2/24 SB 306 Eliminate Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
2/24 SB 306 Eliminate Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
2/23 SB 78 Firearm Regulations for Private Property Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 8)
2/23 SB 300 Seat Belt Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
2/23 SB 34 Concealed Weapons Permits Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 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 1251 Secure Storage of Guns at Public Establishments Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
2/20 SB 251 Concealed Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
2/19 SF 372 Legalization of Ticket Scalping Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 15)
2/14 HB 1160 Physician Presence at Executions Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
2/14 HB 1175 Lethal Injection Reform Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
2/14 HB 1175 Lethal Injection Reform Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
2/14 HB 1160 Physician Presence at Executions Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
2/07 SB 2617 Voter Identification Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 15)
2/07 SB 238 Medical Marijuana Legalization Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 7)
2/06 SF 101 Sex Offender Tracking Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
2/06 SF 101 Sex Offender Tracking Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
2/02 SF 118 Homicide During Pregnancy Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
1/31 SF 13 Same Sex Marriages Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
1/25 SJ 307 Voting Rights of Nonviolent Felons Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
1/25 SF 104 Sexual Abuse of Minors Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
1/25 SB 15 Funeral Picketing Ban Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
1/25 SB 15 Funeral Picketing Ban Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
1/23 Sub SB 1116 Capital Murder of a Judge or Witness Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
1/23 Sub SB 1116 Capital Murder of a Judge or Witness Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
9/29 HR 6061 Secure Fence Act of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (80 - 19)
9/28 S Amdt 5095 Oversight of CIA Interrogation and Detention Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 53)
9/28 S Amdt 5087 Habeas Review Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 51)
9/28 S Amdt 5087 Habeas Review Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 51)
9/28 S Amdt 5087 Habeas Review Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 51)
9/28 S Amdt 5104 Military Commissions Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 52)
9/28 S Amdt 5095 Oversight of CIA Interrogation and Detention Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 53)
9/28 S 3930 Military Commissions Act of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (65 - 34)
9/28 S 3930 Military Commissions Act of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (65 - 34)
9/28 S 3930 Military Commissions Act of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (65 - 34)
9/13 S Amdt 4999 Security of Cargo Containers Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (43 - 55)
9/13 S Amdt 4936 National Security Amendment Motion Rejected - Senate (41 - 57)

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