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. 23, 2012 MD HB 438 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
Feb. 22, 2012 UT SB 41 Authorizes Regulations of Tanning Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 9)
Feb. 22, 2012 UT SB 41 Authorizes Regulations of Tanning Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 9)
Feb. 21, 2012 VA HB 189 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Refuse Adoptions for Religious Reasons Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Feb. 13, 2012 NJ S 1 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Feb. 9, 2012 VA SB 349 Authorizing Private Adoption Agencies to Refuse Certain Placements Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Feb. 7, 2012 UT SB 128 Prohibits Minors from Using Cell Phones while Driving Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
Feb. 1, 2012 WA SB 6239 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
Jan. 9, 2012 NJ A 4366 Amending Annulment Requirements and Eliminating Marriage Wait Period Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
Dec. 15, 2011 National HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (86 - 13)
Dec. 7, 2011 MI HB 4770 Prohibits Public Employers from Providing Medical Benefits to Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
Nov. 2, 2011 WI SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
Oct. 25, 2011 WI SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Sept. 13, 2011 NC SB 514 Constitutional Amendment to Define Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
Sept. 8, 2011 CA SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
Sept. 8, 2011 CA AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Sept. 2, 2011 CA SB 746 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Beds by Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
Aug. 31, 2011 CA AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
Aug. 30, 2011 CA AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
June 29, 2011 RI H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
June 24, 2011 NY A 8354 Marriage Equality Enactment Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 29)
June 22, 2011 NH HB 329 Revising Abortion Procedures for Unemancipated Minors Veto Override Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
May 11, 2011 MN SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - Senate (38 - 27)
April 26, 2011 MT HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
April 26, 2011 MT HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
April 21, 2011 WA HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 21)
April 21, 2011 WA HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 21)
April 7, 2011 DE SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 6)
April 7, 2011 OR SB 695 Standards for Infant Formula Containers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
April 7, 2011 OR SB 695 Standards for Infant Formula Containers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
March 24, 2011 CO SB 172 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
March 23, 2011 KS HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
March 23, 2011 KS HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1308 Separate Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
March 8, 2011 AZ SB 1188 Preference for Married Couples in Adoption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
March 2, 2011 WY HB 74 Prohibiting Recognition of Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages Conference Report Rejected - Senate (14 - 16)
Feb. 28, 2011 NM SB 319 Eliminating Corporal Punishment Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 18)
Feb. 23, 2011 MD SB 116 Civil Marriage Protection Act Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
Feb. 22, 2011 UT SB 96 Alimony Amendments Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 17)
Feb. 22, 2011 UT SB 96 Alimony Amendments Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 17)
Feb. 18, 2011 WY HB 74 Prohibiting the Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Feb. 18, 2011 MT SB 97 Parental Notice of Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
Feb. 17, 2011 AZ SB 1187 Extends Waiting Period for Divorce Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
Feb. 16, 2011 HI SB 232 Civil Unions for All Couples Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
Feb. 10, 2011 UT SB 124 Leaving a Child Unattended in a Motor Vehicle Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
Feb. 10, 2011 AZ SB 1086 Tobacco Prohibitions Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 16)
Jan. 28, 2011 HI SB 232 Civil Unions for All Couples Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 6)
Jan. 27, 2011 WY SJ 5 Definition of Marriage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
Dec. 18, 2010 National HR 2965 Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (65 - 31)
Aug. 31, 2010 CA SB 1317 Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
Aug. 31, 2010 CA SB 1317 Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
Aug. 24, 2010 CA AB 2072 Informational Pamphlet for Parents of Deaf Children Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
Aug. 23, 2010 NJ A 2740 Requiring Review of New Drivers' Program Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
July 7, 2010 NC HB 1726 Child Care Nutrition and Activity Standards Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 13)
June 24, 2010 NY S 1523 Allowing Unmarried Partners to Adopt a Child Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 21)
June 16, 2010 LA HB 1339 Increasing Driving Restrictions on Class E License Holders Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
June 15, 2010 NY S 3890 Divorce Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
June 14, 2010 LA HB 303 Authorizing Home School Student Athletic Participation Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
June 2, 2010 CA SB 1088 Young Adults Health insurance Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
June 1, 2010 CA SB 880 Requiring Snow Sport Helmets for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
May 27, 2010 IL SB 3658 Temporary Sales Tax Holiday Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (42 - 8)
May 27, 2010 CA SB 1255 Restrictions on Beverages Sold In Schools Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
May 18, 2010 OH SB 210 Establishing Health and Nutrition Standards in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
April 21, 2010 IL HB 5428 Limiting Adoption Records Disclosure Restrictions for Adoptees Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 16)
March 27, 2010 MS SB 2293 Allowing "Under-Performing" Schools to Become Charter Schools Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 11)
March 25, 2010 IL SB 2494 Funding for School Vouchers Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
March 22, 2010 NJ S 799 Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
March 22, 2010 AZ SB 1309 Expanding Parental Consent Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
March 22, 2010 AZ SB 1309 Expanding Parental Consent Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
March 22, 2010 NJ S 799 Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
March 18, 2010 IL SB 615 Local Food, Farms and Jobs Act Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 16)
March 17, 2010 KS SB 447 Home Child Care Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
March 16, 2010 AZ HCR 2001 Repealing Early Childhood Development and Health Program Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
March 11, 2010 IA SF 2357 Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
March 8, 2010 UT SB 44 Extending CHIP and Medicaid Coverage to Children of Documented Immigrants Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 14)
Feb. 16, 2010 VA SB 464 Requiring Insurance Coverage of Autism Disorder Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
Feb. 13, 2010 NM SB 10 Limiting Food Tax Deduction to Staple Foods Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 19)
Feb. 4, 2010 NM SB 26 Establishing the Domestic Violence Commission Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
Jan. 28, 2010 WI AB 458 Sex Education Curriculum Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Jan. 12, 2010 CA SB 880 Requiring Snow Sport Helmets for Minors
Jan. 6, 2010 CA SBx5 1 Education Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
Jan. 6, 2010 CA SBx5 4 Education Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
Dec. 10, 2009 NJ A 2762 Authorizing Reduction of Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Offenses in School Zones Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
Dec. 3, 2009 National S Amdt 2791 Preventive Services Coverage Requirements Amendment Adopted - Senate (61 - 39)
Nov. 3, 2009 CA SBx5 1 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Sept. 2, 2009 CA AB 1422 Medi-Cal and Healthy Families Program Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
Aug. 12, 2009 AZ HB 2013 Budget Reconciliation (Health and Welfare) Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 8)
June 24, 2009 NC HB 442 Regulating the Use of Corporal Punishment in Schools Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 25)
June 22, 2009 AZ SB 1440 Smoking in Cars with Minors Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 20)
June 15, 2009 OR HB 2672 Increasing Moist Snuff Tobacco Tax and Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
June 9, 2009 WI SB 167 Decreasing the Minimum Hunting Age Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
June 3, 2009 OR HB 2794 Mandatory HPV Vaccination Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
May 27, 2009 OR HB 2599 Expanding School Bullying Law Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 2)
May 18, 2009 OR HB 2509 Sexual Education Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
May 6, 2009 NC SB 526 Prevention of Bullying and Violence in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 22)
April 27, 2009 CO HB 1057 Mandatory Unpaid Parental Work Leave for Education Activities Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 13)
April 17, 2009 MN SF 971 School Anti-Bullying Policy Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 22)
April 16, 2009 MN Limmer Amdt Homosexuality in Education Amendment Rejected - Senate (24 - 37)
April 15, 2009 TX SB 1049 Increasing Age Restriction on Tobacco Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
April 6, 2009 ND HB 1171 Home School Deregulation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/23 HB 438 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
2/22 SB 41 Authorizes Regulations of Tanning Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 9)
2/22 SB 41 Authorizes Regulations of Tanning Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 9)
2/21 HB 189 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Refuse Adoptions for Religious Reasons Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
2/13 S 1 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
2/09 SB 349 Authorizing Private Adoption Agencies to Refuse Certain Placements Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
2/07 SB 128 Prohibits Minors from Using Cell Phones while Driving Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
2/01 SB 6239 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
1/09 A 4366 Amending Annulment Requirements and Eliminating Marriage Wait Period Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
12/15 HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (86 - 13)
12/07 HB 4770 Prohibits Public Employers from Providing Medical Benefits to Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
11/02 SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
10/25 SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
9/13 SB 514 Constitutional Amendment to Define Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
9/08 SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
9/08 AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
9/02 SB 746 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Beds by Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
8/31 AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
8/30 AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
6/29 H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
6/24 A 8354 Marriage Equality Enactment Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 29)
6/22 HB 329 Revising Abortion Procedures for Unemancipated Minors Veto Override Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
5/11 SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - Senate (38 - 27)
4/26 HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
4/26 HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
4/21 HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 21)
4/21 HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 21)
4/07 SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 6)
4/07 SB 695 Standards for Infant Formula Containers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
4/07 SB 695 Standards for Infant Formula Containers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
3/24 SB 172 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
3/23 HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
3/23 HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
3/17 SB 1308 Separate Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
3/08 SB 1188 Preference for Married Couples in Adoption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
3/02 HB 74 Prohibiting Recognition of Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages Conference Report Rejected - Senate (14 - 16)
2/28 SB 319 Eliminating Corporal Punishment Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 18)
2/23 SB 116 Civil Marriage Protection Act Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
2/22 SB 96 Alimony Amendments Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 17)
2/22 SB 96 Alimony Amendments Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 17)
2/18 HB 74 Prohibiting the Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
2/18 SB 97 Parental Notice of Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
2/17 SB 1187 Extends Waiting Period for Divorce Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
2/16 SB 232 Civil Unions for All Couples Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
2/10 SB 124 Leaving a Child Unattended in a Motor Vehicle Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
2/10 SB 1086 Tobacco Prohibitions Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 16)
1/28 SB 232 Civil Unions for All Couples Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 6)
1/27 SJ 5 Definition of Marriage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
12/18 HR 2965 Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (65 - 31)
8/31 SB 1317 Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
8/31 SB 1317 Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
8/24 AB 2072 Informational Pamphlet for Parents of Deaf Children Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
8/23 A 2740 Requiring Review of New Drivers' Program Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
7/07 HB 1726 Child Care Nutrition and Activity Standards Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 13)
6/24 S 1523 Allowing Unmarried Partners to Adopt a Child Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 21)
6/16 HB 1339 Increasing Driving Restrictions on Class E License Holders Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
6/15 S 3890 Divorce Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
6/14 HB 303 Authorizing Home School Student Athletic Participation Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
6/02 SB 1088 Young Adults Health insurance Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
6/01 SB 880 Requiring Snow Sport Helmets for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
5/27 SB 3658 Temporary Sales Tax Holiday Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (42 - 8)
5/27 SB 1255 Restrictions on Beverages Sold In Schools Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
5/18 SB 210 Establishing Health and Nutrition Standards in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
4/21 HB 5428 Limiting Adoption Records Disclosure Restrictions for Adoptees Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 16)
3/27 SB 2293 Allowing "Under-Performing" Schools to Become Charter Schools Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 11)
3/25 SB 2494 Funding for School Vouchers Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
3/22 S 799 Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
3/22 SB 1309 Expanding Parental Consent Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
3/22 SB 1309 Expanding Parental Consent Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
3/22 S 799 Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
3/18 SB 615 Local Food, Farms and Jobs Act Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 16)
3/17 SB 447 Home Child Care Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
3/16 HCR 2001 Repealing Early Childhood Development and Health Program Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
3/11 SF 2357 Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
3/08 SB 44 Extending CHIP and Medicaid Coverage to Children of Documented Immigrants Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 14)
2/16 SB 464 Requiring Insurance Coverage of Autism Disorder Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
2/13 SB 10 Limiting Food Tax Deduction to Staple Foods Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 19)
2/04 SB 26 Establishing the Domestic Violence Commission Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
1/28 AB 458 Sex Education Curriculum Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
1/12 SB 880 Requiring Snow Sport Helmets for Minors
1/06 SBx5 1 Education Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
1/06 SBx5 4 Education Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
12/10 A 2762 Authorizing Reduction of Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Offenses in School Zones Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
12/03 S Amdt 2791 Preventive Services Coverage Requirements Amendment Adopted - Senate (61 - 39)
11/03 SBx5 1 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
9/02 AB 1422 Medi-Cal and Healthy Families Program Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
8/12 HB 2013 Budget Reconciliation (Health and Welfare) Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 8)
6/24 HB 442 Regulating the Use of Corporal Punishment in Schools Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 25)
6/22 SB 1440 Smoking in Cars with Minors Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 20)
6/15 HB 2672 Increasing Moist Snuff Tobacco Tax and Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
6/09 SB 167 Decreasing the Minimum Hunting Age Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
6/03 HB 2794 Mandatory HPV Vaccination Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
5/27 HB 2599 Expanding School Bullying Law Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 2)
5/18 HB 2509 Sexual Education Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
5/06 SB 526 Prevention of Bullying and Violence in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 22)
4/27 HB 1057 Mandatory Unpaid Parental Work Leave for Education Activities Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 13)
4/17 SF 971 School Anti-Bullying Policy Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 22)
4/16 Limmer Amdt Homosexuality in Education Amendment Rejected - Senate (24 - 37)
4/15 SB 1049 Increasing Age Restriction on Tobacco Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
4/06 HB 1171 Home School Deregulation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)

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