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. 16, 2010 VA SB 334 Authorizing Concealed Handguns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Feb. 16, 2010 VA SB 464 Requiring Insurance Coverage of Autism Disorder Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
Feb. 16, 2010 VA SB 408 Gun Regulation Modifications Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Feb. 15, 2010 WA HB 2793 Legalizing Paid Surrogacy Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
Feb. 15, 2010 AZ SB 1070 Expanding Undocumented Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
Feb. 13, 2010 NM SB 10 Limiting Food Tax Deduction to Staple Foods Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 19)
Feb. 12, 2010 NM HB 178 Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act Bill Failed - House (33 - 37)
Feb. 12, 2010 NM HB 178 Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act Bill Failed - House (33 - 37)
Feb. 12, 2010 NM SB 254 Eliminating Criminal Conviction Disclosure on State Employment Applications Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 4)
Feb. 12, 2010 NM SB 254 Eliminating Criminal Conviction Disclosure on State Employment Applications Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 4)
Feb. 12, 2010 NM SB 40 Authorizing Concealed Weapons in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 15)
Feb. 11, 2010 AZ SB 1125 Statewide Prohibition of Roadside Animal Sales Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
Feb. 11, 2010 NM SB 216 Repeal "Guilty but Mentally Ill" Plea Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 19)
Feb. 10, 2010 UT SB 11 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - House (56 - 17)
Feb. 10, 2010 KY HB 70 Voting Rights For Certain Felons Bill Passed - House (83 - 16)
Feb. 10, 2010 KY HB 70 Voting Rights For Certain Felons Bill Passed - House (83 - 16)
Feb. 10, 2010 MS HB 232 Novelty Lighter Ban Bill Passed - House (94 - 25)
Feb. 10, 2010 VA HB 53 Ban on Required Human Microchip Implantation Bill Passed - House (88 - 9)
Feb. 10, 2010 WY HB 68 Repealing Campaign Finance Restrictions Bill Failed - House (36 - 22)
Feb. 9, 2010 IA HJR 6 Constitutionally Defining Marriage as Between One Man and One Woman Motion Rejected - House (45 - 54)
Feb. 9, 2010 IA HJR 6 Constitutionally Defining Marriage as Between One Man and One Woman Motion Rejected - House (45 - 54)
Feb. 9, 2010 NM HB 10 Prohibiting Hand-Held Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - House (35 - 30)
Feb. 8, 2010 AZ SB 1004 Renewal of the Lottery Bill Passed - House (40 - 17)
Feb. 8, 2010 NM HB 17 Prohibiting Domestic Violence Offenders from Being Peace Officers Bill Passed - House (48 - 19)
Feb. 8, 2010 VA SB 66 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Employment Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
Feb. 8, 2010 VA SB 66 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Employment Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
Feb. 4, 2010 MA H 4466 Expanding Driving Regulations Bill Passed - House (146 - 9)
Feb. 4, 2010 KY HB 43 Ban on Texting and Underage Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - House (80 - 16)
Feb. 4, 2010 NM SB 26 Establishing the Domestic Violence Commission Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
Feb. 4, 2010 NM SB 26 Establishing the Domestic Violence Commission Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
Feb. 4, 2010 GA SB 235 Ban on Required Human Microchip Implantation Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
Feb. 3, 2010 UT SB 11 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
Feb. 3, 2010 VA HB 502 Expanding Death Penalty Eligibility to Accomplices Bill Passed - House (74 - 24)
Feb. 2, 2010 AZ SB 1004 Renewal of the Lottery Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
Feb. 2, 2010 UT SB 36 Requesting Removal of Wolves From Endangered Species List Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
Feb. 2, 2010 IN HB 1131 Statewide Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (73 - 26)
Feb. 1, 2010 OK SB 1685 Regarding Gun Rights (28 - 16)
Jan. 29, 2010 UT HB 12 Abortion and Homicide Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (59 - 12)
Jan. 28, 2010 WI AB 458 Sex Education Curriculum Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Jan. 28, 2010 WI AB 458 Sex Education Curriculum Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Jan. 28, 2010 DE HB 310 Legalizing Table Games Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 4)
Jan. 28, 2010 WI SB 415 Carbon Monoxide Detector Requirements Bill Passed - House (69 - 27)
Jan. 28, 2010 MA H 4441 School Nutrition Standards Bill Passed - House (152 - 4)
Jan. 28, 2010 IN SJR 13 Defining Marriage as Being Between One Man and One Woman Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
Jan. 28, 2010 IN SJR 13 Defining Marriage as Being Between One Man and One Woman Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
Jan. 28, 2010 WI SB 263 Expanding Access to Public Defenders Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Jan. 27, 2010 OH SJR 8 Casino Location Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (71 - 26)
Jan. 27, 2010 VA SB 9 Enforcing Seat Belt Violations as Primary Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Jan. 27, 2010 VA SB 9 Enforcing Seat Belt Violations as Primary Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Jan. 26, 2010 OH Schiavoni Amdt Casino Location Amendment Amendment Tabled - Senate (20 - 13)
Jan. 26, 2010 IA HF 2110 Military Spouse Relocation Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (56 - 44)
Jan. 25, 2010 KY SB 3 Omnibus Constitutional Amendment Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 0)
Jan. 25, 2010 KY SB 3 Omnibus Constitutional Amendment Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 0)
Jan. 22, 2010 HI HB 444 Legalizing Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
Jan. 22, 2010 HI HB 444 Legalizing Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
Jan. 21, 2010 DE HB 310 Legalizing Table Games Bill Passed - House (27 - 5)
Jan. 12, 2010 CA SB 880 Requiring Snow Sport Helmets for Minors
Jan. 11, 2010 NJ S 119 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
Jan. 11, 2010 NJ S 119 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - House (48 - 14)
Jan. 11, 2010 NJ A 4378 Exception to the Ban on Former State Employees Working for the Casino Industry Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
Jan. 11, 2010 NJ A 4378 Exception to the Ban on Former State Employees Working for the Casino Industry Bill Passed - House (42 - 31)
Jan. 7, 2010 NJ A 2762 Authorizing Reduction of Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Offenses in School Zones Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 30)
Jan. 7, 2010 NJ A 2762 Authorizing Reduction of Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Offenses in School Zones Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 30)
Jan. 7, 2010 NJ A 2762 Authorizing Reduction of Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Offenses in School Zones Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 30)
Jan. 7, 2010 NJ S 1967 Legalizing Same Sex Marriage Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 20)
Jan. 7, 2010 NJ S 1967 Legalizing Same Sex Marriage Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 20)
Jan. 6, 2010 PA SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Conference Report Adopted - House (103 - 89)
Jan. 6, 2010 CA SBx5 4 Education Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
Jan. 6, 2010 CA SBx5 1 Education Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
Jan. 6, 2010 NH HB 569 Expanding Coverage Requirements for Autism Disorders Bill Passed - House (213 - 147)
Jan. 5, 2010 PA SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 22)
Jan. 5, 2010 CA SBx5 4 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (41 - 27)
Jan. 5, 2010 CA SBx5 1 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (45 - 17)
Dec. 22, 2009 National S Amdt 3276 Senate Health Care Bill Amendments Amendment Adopted - Senate (60 - 39)
Dec. 16, 2009 OH HB 60 Restrictions on Snack and Beverage Sales in Schools Bill Passed - House (60 - 37)
Dec. 16, 2009 PA SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
Dec. 15, 2009 PA SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Bill Passed - House (103 - 92)
Dec. 10, 2009 NJ A 2762 Authorizing Reduction of Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Offenses in School Zones Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 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. 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)
Dec. 3, 2009 National S Amdt 2791 Preventive Services Coverage Requirements Amendment Adopted - Senate (61 - 39)
Dec. 2, 2009 NY A 40003 Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 38)
Dec. 2, 2009 NY A 40003 Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (88 - 51)
Dec. 2, 2009 NY A 40003 Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (88 - 51)
Dec. 2, 2009 NY A 40003 Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 38)
Nov. 18, 2009 MA S 2210 Sentencing Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
Nov. 5, 2009 WI AB 458 Sex Education Curriculum Requirements Bill Passed - House (48 - 43)
Nov. 5, 2009 WI AB 458 Sex Education Curriculum Requirements Bill Passed - House (48 - 43)
Nov. 3, 2009 CA SBx5 1 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Oct. 29, 2009 RI HB 5044 Prostitution Ban Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 9)
Oct. 29, 2009 RI HB 5044 Prostitution Ban Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
Oct. 28, 2009 NH HB 648 Medical Marijuana Legalization Veto Override Failed - Senate (14 - 10)
Oct. 28, 2009 NH HB 648 Medical Marijuana Legalization Veto Override Passed - House (240 - 115)
Oct. 22, 2009 National HR 2647 2009-2010 Defense Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (68 - 29)
Oct. 8, 2009 National HR 2647 2009-2010 Defense Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - House (281 - 146)
Oct. 8, 2009 MA SB 2028 Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness Plan Bill Passed - House (114 - 36)
Oct. 7, 2009 PA HB 1531 Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (102 - 96)
Oct. 6, 2009 PA HB 1531 Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
Oct. 2, 2009 PA HB 1531 Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 98)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/16 SB 334 Authorizing Concealed Handguns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
2/16 SB 464 Requiring Insurance Coverage of Autism Disorder Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
2/16 SB 408 Gun Regulation Modifications Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
2/15 HB 2793 Legalizing Paid Surrogacy Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
2/15 SB 1070 Expanding Undocumented Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
2/13 SB 10 Limiting Food Tax Deduction to Staple Foods Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 19)
2/12 HB 178 Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act Bill Failed - House (33 - 37)
2/12 HB 178 Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act Bill Failed - House (33 - 37)
2/12 SB 254 Eliminating Criminal Conviction Disclosure on State Employment Applications Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 4)
2/12 SB 254 Eliminating Criminal Conviction Disclosure on State Employment Applications Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 4)
2/12 SB 40 Authorizing Concealed Weapons in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 15)
2/11 SB 1125 Statewide Prohibition of Roadside Animal Sales Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
2/11 SB 216 Repeal "Guilty but Mentally Ill" Plea Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 19)
2/10 SB 11 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - House (56 - 17)
2/10 HB 70 Voting Rights For Certain Felons Bill Passed - House (83 - 16)
2/10 HB 70 Voting Rights For Certain Felons Bill Passed - House (83 - 16)
2/10 HB 232 Novelty Lighter Ban Bill Passed - House (94 - 25)
2/10 HB 53 Ban on Required Human Microchip Implantation Bill Passed - House (88 - 9)
2/10 HB 68 Repealing Campaign Finance Restrictions Bill Failed - House (36 - 22)
2/09 HJR 6 Constitutionally Defining Marriage as Between One Man and One Woman Motion Rejected - House (45 - 54)
2/09 HJR 6 Constitutionally Defining Marriage as Between One Man and One Woman Motion Rejected - House (45 - 54)
2/09 HB 10 Prohibiting Hand-Held Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - House (35 - 30)
2/08 SB 1004 Renewal of the Lottery Bill Passed - House (40 - 17)
2/08 HB 17 Prohibiting Domestic Violence Offenders from Being Peace Officers Bill Passed - House (48 - 19)
2/08 SB 66 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Employment Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
2/08 SB 66 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Employment Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
2/04 H 4466 Expanding Driving Regulations Bill Passed - House (146 - 9)
2/04 HB 43 Ban on Texting and Underage Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - House (80 - 16)
2/04 SB 26 Establishing the Domestic Violence Commission Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
2/04 SB 26 Establishing the Domestic Violence Commission Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
2/04 SB 235 Ban on Required Human Microchip Implantation Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
2/03 SB 11 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
2/03 HB 502 Expanding Death Penalty Eligibility to Accomplices Bill Passed - House (74 - 24)
2/02 SB 1004 Renewal of the Lottery Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
2/02 SB 36 Requesting Removal of Wolves From Endangered Species List Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
2/02 HB 1131 Statewide Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (73 - 26)
2/01 SB 1685 Regarding Gun Rights (28 - 16)
1/29 HB 12 Abortion and Homicide Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (59 - 12)
1/28 AB 458 Sex Education Curriculum Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
1/28 AB 458 Sex Education Curriculum Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
1/28 HB 310 Legalizing Table Games Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 4)
1/28 SB 415 Carbon Monoxide Detector Requirements Bill Passed - House (69 - 27)
1/28 H 4441 School Nutrition Standards Bill Passed - House (152 - 4)
1/28 SJR 13 Defining Marriage as Being Between One Man and One Woman Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
1/28 SJR 13 Defining Marriage as Being Between One Man and One Woman Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
1/28 SB 263 Expanding Access to Public Defenders Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
1/27 SJR 8 Casino Location Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (71 - 26)
1/27 SB 9 Enforcing Seat Belt Violations as Primary Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
1/27 SB 9 Enforcing Seat Belt Violations as Primary Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
1/26 Schiavoni Amdt Casino Location Amendment Amendment Tabled - Senate (20 - 13)
1/26 HF 2110 Military Spouse Relocation Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (56 - 44)
1/25 SB 3 Omnibus Constitutional Amendment Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 0)
1/25 SB 3 Omnibus Constitutional Amendment Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 0)
1/22 HB 444 Legalizing Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
1/22 HB 444 Legalizing Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
1/21 HB 310 Legalizing Table Games Bill Passed - House (27 - 5)
1/12 SB 880 Requiring Snow Sport Helmets for Minors
1/11 S 119 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
1/11 S 119 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - House (48 - 14)
1/11 A 4378 Exception to the Ban on Former State Employees Working for the Casino Industry Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
1/11 A 4378 Exception to the Ban on Former State Employees Working for the Casino Industry Bill Passed - House (42 - 31)
1/07 A 2762 Authorizing Reduction of Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Offenses in School Zones Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 30)
1/07 A 2762 Authorizing Reduction of Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Offenses in School Zones Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 30)
1/07 A 2762 Authorizing Reduction of Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Offenses in School Zones Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 30)
1/07 S 1967 Legalizing Same Sex Marriage Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 20)
1/07 S 1967 Legalizing Same Sex Marriage Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 20)
1/06 SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Conference Report Adopted - House (103 - 89)
1/06 SBx5 4 Education Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
1/06 SBx5 1 Education Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
1/06 HB 569 Expanding Coverage Requirements for Autism Disorders Bill Passed - House (213 - 147)
1/05 SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 22)
1/05 SBx5 4 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (41 - 27)
1/05 SBx5 1 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (45 - 17)
12/22 S Amdt 3276 Senate Health Care Bill Amendments Amendment Adopted - Senate (60 - 39)
12/16 HB 60 Restrictions on Snack and Beverage Sales in Schools Bill Passed - House (60 - 37)
12/16 SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
12/15 SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Bill Passed - House (103 - 92)
12/10 A 2762 Authorizing Reduction of Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Offenses in School Zones Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
12/10 A 2762 Authorizing Reduction of Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Offenses in School Zones Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 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)
12/03 S Amdt 2791 Preventive Services Coverage Requirements Amendment Adopted - Senate (61 - 39)
12/02 A 40003 Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 38)
12/02 A 40003 Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (88 - 51)
12/02 A 40003 Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (88 - 51)
12/02 A 40003 Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 38)
11/18 S 2210 Sentencing Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
11/05 AB 458 Sex Education Curriculum Requirements Bill Passed - House (48 - 43)
11/05 AB 458 Sex Education Curriculum Requirements Bill Passed - House (48 - 43)
11/03 SBx5 1 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
10/29 HB 5044 Prostitution Ban Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 9)
10/29 HB 5044 Prostitution Ban Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
10/28 HB 648 Medical Marijuana Legalization Veto Override Failed - Senate (14 - 10)
10/28 HB 648 Medical Marijuana Legalization Veto Override Passed - House (240 - 115)
10/22 HR 2647 2009-2010 Defense Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (68 - 29)
10/08 HR 2647 2009-2010 Defense Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - House (281 - 146)
10/08 SB 2028 Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness Plan Bill Passed - House (114 - 36)
10/07 HB 1531 Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (102 - 96)
10/06 HB 1531 Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
10/02 HB 1531 Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 98)

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