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. 18, 2008 WA SB 6305 Use of Federal Sex Education Grants Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
Feb. 18, 2008 WA HB 2476 Tribal Police Jurisdiction Bill Passed - House (58 - 37)
Feb. 18, 2008 ID H 348 Legalizing Alcohol Sales on Election Day Bill Passed - House (44 - 25)
Feb. 15, 2008 WA HB 3104 Domestic Partnership Rights Bill Passed - House (62 - 32)
Feb. 15, 2008 WA HB 3104 Domestic Partnership Rights Bill Passed - House (62 - 32)
Feb. 14, 2008 NE AM 1736 Eliminating Opt-Out Provision of Smoking Ban Amendment Adopted - Senate (33 - 13)
Feb. 14, 2008 MN HF 2285 Funding for Natural Resources and Cultural Heritage Conference Report Adopted - House (85 - 46)
Feb. 14, 2008 MN HF 2285 Funding for Natural Resources and Cultural Heritage Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 17)
Feb. 14, 2008 MI HB 4505 Changes to Driver's License Eligibility Concurrence Vote Passed - House (99 - 5)
Feb. 14, 2008 MI HB 4505 Changes to Driver's License Eligibility Concurrence Vote Passed - House (99 - 5)
Feb. 14, 2008 KS HB 2617 Mandatory Drug Testing for Drivers Causing Serious Accidents Bill Passed - House (117 - 5)
Feb. 14, 2008 KY HB 55 Booster Seat Requirement Bill Passed - House (68 - 28)
Feb. 14, 2008 KS HB 2617 Mandatory Drug Testing for Drivers Causing Serious Accidents Bill Passed - House (117 - 5)
Feb. 14, 2008 SD HB 1151 Adult-Oriented Business Restrictions Bill Passed - House (47 - 21)
Feb. 14, 2008 UT SB 117 Increasing Penalties for Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 14)
Feb. 13, 2008 TN SB 3419 Parental Consent for Sexual Abuse Prevention Education Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
Feb. 13, 2008 SD SB 174 Railroad Eminent Domain Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
Feb. 13, 2008 NY A 9998 New York Racing Association Funding Bill Passed - House (92 - 40)
Feb. 13, 2008 TN SB 3419 Parental Consent for Sexual Abuse Prevention Education Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
Feb. 13, 2008 NY A 9998 New York Racing Association Funding Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 17)
Feb. 12, 2008 National S Amdt 3910 FISA as Exclusive Means for Conducting Electronic Surveillance Amendment Rejected - Senate (57 - 41)
Feb. 12, 2008 National S Amdt 3907 Striking Telecommunications Companies' Civil Immunity for Surveillance Amendment Rejected - Senate (31 - 67)
Feb. 12, 2008 MI SB 415 HPV Information for Schools Bill Passed - House (94 - 12)
Feb. 12, 2008 VA SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
Feb. 12, 2008 UT HB 241 Restricting In-State Tuition Eligibility Bill Passed - House (40 - 35)
Feb. 12, 2008 National S 2248 FISA Amendments Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (68 - 29)
Feb. 12, 2008 MI HB 5322 HPV Information for Schools Bill Passed - House (90 - 17)
Feb. 11, 2008 OR SB 1080 Driver's License Residency Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
Feb. 11, 2008 SD HB 1171 Hunting Mountain Lions Bill Failed - House (26 - 42)
Feb. 11, 2008 VA SB 436 Concealed Weapons in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Feb. 11, 2008 OR SB 1080 Driver's License Residency Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
Feb. 11, 2008 UT HB 239 Driver's License Requirements Bill Passed - House (39 - 35)
Feb. 10, 2008 NM HB 634 Filmmakers Production Fund Bill Passed - House (42 - 25)
Feb. 8, 2008 VA HB 933 "Triggerman Rule" in Capital Murder Cases Bill Passed - House (77 - 21)
Feb. 7, 2008 NH SB 436 Reducing the Voting Age for Primary Elections Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 6)
Feb. 7, 2008 GA SB 340 Prohibiting Sanctuary Policies Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 8)
Feb. 7, 2008 KY SB 40 Abortion Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
Feb. 7, 2008 KY SB 40 Abortion Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
Feb. 7, 2008 GA SB 350 Increasing Penalties for Driving Without a License Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 13)
Feb. 7, 2008 GA SB 350 Increasing Penalties for Driving Without a License Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 13)
Feb. 6, 2008 NM HB 484 Racetrack Tax Break Bill Passed - House (48 - 10)
Feb. 6, 2008 MI SB 962 Prohibiting Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
Feb. 6, 2008 MI SB 962 Prohibiting Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
Feb. 6, 2008 UT SB 75 Prohibiting Gang Activity Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 10)
Feb. 6, 2008 UT SB 75 Prohibiting Gang Activity Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 10)
Feb. 6, 2008 CO HB 1130 Removing Wiretap Restrictions Bill Passed - House (43 - 20)
Feb. 6, 2008 CO HB 1130 Removing Wiretap Restrictions Bill Passed - House (43 - 20)
Feb. 6, 2008 SD SB 164 Right to Obtain Contraception Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 22)
Feb. 6, 2008 SD SB 164 Right to Obtain Contraception Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 22)
Feb. 5, 2008 VA SB 501 Restaurant and Bar Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Feb. 5, 2008 VA SB 202 Local Regulation of Smoking in Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
Feb. 5, 2008 VA SB 298 Banning Smoking Public Places Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Feb. 4, 2008 ID H 366 Driver's License Residency Requirement Bill Passed - House (47 - 21)
Feb. 4, 2008 SD HB 1261 Firearm Possession on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (63 - 3)
Feb. 4, 2008 NM SB 34 New Mexico School for the Arts Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
Feb. 4, 2008 MS SB 2199 Gaming Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
Feb. 2, 2008 NM SB 68 Increasing Domestic Violence Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
Feb. 2, 2008 NM SB 68 Increasing Domestic Violence Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
Feb. 1, 2008 UT HB 237 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (44 - 25)
Feb. 1, 2008 MS SB 2037 Requirements for Public Works Laborers Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 5)
Jan. 31, 2008 GA HB 89 Concealed Weapons in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (111 - 58)
Jan. 31, 2008 GA HB 89 Concealed Weapons in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (111 - 58)
Jan. 31, 2008 SC H 4400 Immigration Bill Bill Passed - House (80 - 13)
Jan. 31, 2008 SC H 4400 Immigration Bill Bill Passed - House (80 - 13)
Jan. 30, 2008 TN SA 837 Allowing Abortion in Certain Circumstances Bill Tabled - Senate (20 - 11)
Jan. 30, 2008 TN SA 841 Allowing Abortion for Rape Victims who are Minors Bill Tabled - Senate (20 - 12)
Jan. 30, 2008 TN SA 839 Allowing Medically Necessary Abortions Bill Tabled - Senate (18 - 14)
Jan. 30, 2008 TN SJR 127 Abortion Not Protected by State Constitution Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
Jan. 30, 2008 NH HB 847 Speed Limitations for Vessels Operating on Water Bill Passed - House (236 - 111)
Jan. 30, 2008 KY SB 112 Restricting Public Employee Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
Jan. 30, 2008 KY SB 112 Restricting Public Employee Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
Jan. 29, 2008 IN HB 1153 Low-Stakes Gambling Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
Jan. 29, 2008 IN SB 146 Pre-Abortion Notification Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
Jan. 29, 2008 IN SB 3 Authorizing Physicians to Refuse Prescriptions Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
Jan. 29, 2008 IN SB 3 Authorizing Physicians to Refuse Prescriptions Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/18 SB 6305 Use of Federal Sex Education Grants Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
2/18 HB 2476 Tribal Police Jurisdiction Bill Passed - House (58 - 37)
2/18 H 348 Legalizing Alcohol Sales on Election Day Bill Passed - House (44 - 25)
2/15 HB 3104 Domestic Partnership Rights Bill Passed - House (62 - 32)
2/15 HB 3104 Domestic Partnership Rights Bill Passed - House (62 - 32)
2/14 AM 1736 Eliminating Opt-Out Provision of Smoking Ban Amendment Adopted - Senate (33 - 13)
2/14 HF 2285 Funding for Natural Resources and Cultural Heritage Conference Report Adopted - House (85 - 46)
2/14 HF 2285 Funding for Natural Resources and Cultural Heritage Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 17)
2/14 HB 4505 Changes to Driver's License Eligibility Concurrence Vote Passed - House (99 - 5)
2/14 HB 4505 Changes to Driver's License Eligibility Concurrence Vote Passed - House (99 - 5)
2/14 HB 2617 Mandatory Drug Testing for Drivers Causing Serious Accidents Bill Passed - House (117 - 5)
2/14 HB 55 Booster Seat Requirement Bill Passed - House (68 - 28)
2/14 HB 2617 Mandatory Drug Testing for Drivers Causing Serious Accidents Bill Passed - House (117 - 5)
2/14 HB 1151 Adult-Oriented Business Restrictions Bill Passed - House (47 - 21)
2/14 SB 117 Increasing Penalties for Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 14)
2/13 SB 3419 Parental Consent for Sexual Abuse Prevention Education Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
2/13 SB 174 Railroad Eminent Domain Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
2/13 A 9998 New York Racing Association Funding Bill Passed - House (92 - 40)
2/13 SB 3419 Parental Consent for Sexual Abuse Prevention Education Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
2/13 A 9998 New York Racing Association Funding Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 17)
2/12 S Amdt 3910 FISA as Exclusive Means for Conducting Electronic Surveillance Amendment Rejected - Senate (57 - 41)
2/12 S Amdt 3907 Striking Telecommunications Companies' Civil Immunity for Surveillance Amendment Rejected - Senate (31 - 67)
2/12 SB 415 HPV Information for Schools Bill Passed - House (94 - 12)
2/12 SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
2/12 HB 241 Restricting In-State Tuition Eligibility Bill Passed - House (40 - 35)
2/12 S 2248 FISA Amendments Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (68 - 29)
2/12 HB 5322 HPV Information for Schools Bill Passed - House (90 - 17)
2/11 SB 1080 Driver's License Residency Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
2/11 HB 1171 Hunting Mountain Lions Bill Failed - House (26 - 42)
2/11 SB 436 Concealed Weapons in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
2/11 SB 1080 Driver's License Residency Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
2/11 HB 239 Driver's License Requirements Bill Passed - House (39 - 35)
2/10 HB 634 Filmmakers Production Fund Bill Passed - House (42 - 25)
2/08 HB 933 "Triggerman Rule" in Capital Murder Cases Bill Passed - House (77 - 21)
2/07 SB 436 Reducing the Voting Age for Primary Elections Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 6)
2/07 SB 340 Prohibiting Sanctuary Policies Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 8)
2/07 SB 40 Abortion Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
2/07 SB 40 Abortion Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
2/07 SB 350 Increasing Penalties for Driving Without a License Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 13)
2/07 SB 350 Increasing Penalties for Driving Without a License Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 13)
2/06 HB 484 Racetrack Tax Break Bill Passed - House (48 - 10)
2/06 SB 962 Prohibiting Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
2/06 SB 962 Prohibiting Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
2/06 SB 75 Prohibiting Gang Activity Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 10)
2/06 SB 75 Prohibiting Gang Activity Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 10)
2/06 HB 1130 Removing Wiretap Restrictions Bill Passed - House (43 - 20)
2/06 HB 1130 Removing Wiretap Restrictions Bill Passed - House (43 - 20)
2/06 SB 164 Right to Obtain Contraception Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 22)
2/06 SB 164 Right to Obtain Contraception Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 22)
2/05 SB 501 Restaurant and Bar Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
2/05 SB 202 Local Regulation of Smoking in Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
2/05 SB 298 Banning Smoking Public Places Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
2/04 H 366 Driver's License Residency Requirement Bill Passed - House (47 - 21)
2/04 HB 1261 Firearm Possession on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (63 - 3)
2/04 SB 34 New Mexico School for the Arts Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
2/04 SB 2199 Gaming Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
2/02 SB 68 Increasing Domestic Violence Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
2/02 SB 68 Increasing Domestic Violence Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
2/01 HB 237 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (44 - 25)
2/01 SB 2037 Requirements for Public Works Laborers Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 5)
1/31 HB 89 Concealed Weapons in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (111 - 58)
1/31 HB 89 Concealed Weapons in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (111 - 58)
1/31 H 4400 Immigration Bill Bill Passed - House (80 - 13)
1/31 H 4400 Immigration Bill Bill Passed - House (80 - 13)
1/30 SA 837 Allowing Abortion in Certain Circumstances Bill Tabled - Senate (20 - 11)
1/30 SA 841 Allowing Abortion for Rape Victims who are Minors Bill Tabled - Senate (20 - 12)
1/30 SA 839 Allowing Medically Necessary Abortions Bill Tabled - Senate (18 - 14)
1/30 SJR 127 Abortion Not Protected by State Constitution Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
1/30 HB 847 Speed Limitations for Vessels Operating on Water Bill Passed - House (236 - 111)
1/30 SB 112 Restricting Public Employee Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
1/30 SB 112 Restricting Public Employee Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
1/29 HB 1153 Low-Stakes Gambling Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
1/29 SB 146 Pre-Abortion Notification Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
1/29 SB 3 Authorizing Physicians to Refuse Prescriptions Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
1/29 SB 3 Authorizing Physicians to Refuse Prescriptions Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)

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