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:
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.
| Date | State | Bill No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 17, 2006 | AZ | HB 2696 | Adoption Preference for Married Couples | Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 13) |
| April 17, 2006 | AZ | HB 2696 | Adoption Preference for Married Couples | Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 13) |
| April 17, 2006 | AZ | HB 2696 | Adoption Preference for Married Couples | Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 13) |
| April 17, 2006 | OK | HCS SB 806 | Tattoo Legalization and Changing Body Piercing Regulations | Bill Passed - House (70 - 28) |
| April 17, 2006 | OK | HCS SB 806 | Tattoo Legalization and Changing Body Piercing Regulations | Bill Passed - House (70 - 28) |
| April 17, 2006 | CT | HB 5212 | News Media Information Protection | Bill Passed - House (107 - 34) |
| April 13, 2006 | NE | LB 239 | In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants | Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 16) |
| April 13, 2006 | AZ | SB 1444 | Sentencing; Third Felony Offenses | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 8) |
| April 13, 2006 | NH | HB 345 | Photo ID for Voting | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 9) |
| April 13, 2006 | CO | HB 1314 | Prohibiting Forced Exposure to Employers Religious or Political Speech | Bill Passed - House (33 - 32) |
| April 13, 2006 | NE | LB 239 | In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18) |
| April 13, 2006 | CO | HB 1126 | Child Product Safety Requirements | Bill Passed - House (34 - 31) |
| April 12, 2006 | MO | HA 9 | Eminent Domain Amendment | Amendment Rejected - House (23 - 129) |
| April 12, 2006 | AZ | SB 1157 | Trespassing by Undocumented Immigrants | Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 27) |
| April 12, 2006 | AZ | SB 1157 | Trespassing by Undocumented Immigrants | Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 27) |
| April 12, 2006 | AZ | SB 1157 | Trespassing by Undocumented Immigrants | Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 27) |
| April 12, 2006 | AZ | SB 1157 | Trespassing by Undocumented Immigrants | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 12) |
| April 12, 2006 | AZ | SB 1157 | Trespassing by Undocumented Immigrants | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 12) |
| April 12, 2006 | AZ | SB 1157 | Trespassing by Undocumented Immigrants | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 12) |
| April 12, 2006 | AZ | HB 2142 | Human Eggs; Sale; Prohibition | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 21) |
| April 12, 2006 | AZ | HB 2074 | Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 19) |
| April 12, 2006 | AZ | HB 2666 | Notarized Parental Consent for Abortions | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 20) |
| April 12, 2006 | DE | SB 251 | Full-Day Kindergarten Act | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 2) |
| April 11, 2006 | VA | Amdt Item 391-4h | New Anti-Gang Initiatives Funding Amendment | Amendment Adopted - House (59 - 36) |
| April 11, 2006 | AZ | HB 2666 | Notarized Parental Consent for Abortions | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10) |
| April 11, 2006 | AZ | HB 2649 | Firearms; Possession; Storage | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8) |
| April 11, 2006 | AZ | HB 2142 | Human Eggs; Sale; Prohibition | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11) |
| April 11, 2006 | AZ | SB 1444 | Sentencing; Third Felony Offenses | Bill Passed - House (38 - 20) |
| April 7, 2006 | AR | SB 24 | Additional Education Funding Act | Bill Passed - House (83 - 8) |
| April 7, 2006 | MD | HB 853 | Prohibiting Dredging for Oysters & Clams in Atlantic Coastal Bays | Bill Passed - House (88 - 44) |
| April 6, 2006 | NH | HB 1177 | Smoking Ban | "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (12 - 11) |
| April 6, 2006 | FL | A 990255 | Florida KidCare Funding Amendment | Amendment Rejected - House (34 - 75) |
| April 6, 2006 | AZ | SB 1425 | Prohibition on Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency | Bill Passed - House (45 - 12) |
| April 6, 2006 | AZ | SB 1273 | Border Radar Lease Appropriation | Bill Passed - House (38 - 19) |
| April 6, 2006 | MO | HJR 39 | Prayer in Public Schools | Joint Resolution Passed - House (134 - 19) |
| April 6, 2006 | MO | HJR 39 | Prayer in Public Schools | Joint Resolution Passed - House (134 - 19) |
| April 5, 2006 | CO | HB 1375 | Public School Finance Act | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11) |
| April 4, 2006 | DE | HB 37 | Bans Open Containers of Alcoholic Beverages in Motor Vehicles | Bill Passed - House (22 - 12) |
| April 4, 2006 | AZ | HB 2074 | Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7) |
| April 3, 2006 | LA | HB 26 | Expanding the Definition of Resisting an Officer | Bill Passed - House (58 - 36) |
| April 3, 2006 | MN | SF 2734 | Sales Tax Dedicated to the Environment and the Arts Constitutional Amendment | Amendment Adopted - Senate (42 - 22) |
| March 31, 2006 | CO | HB 1212 | Allows Pharmacists to Prescribe Emergency Contraception | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14) |
| March 30, 2006 | AZ | SB 1157 | Trespassing by Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Passed - House (32 - 26) |
| March 30, 2006 | NE | LB 454 | Concealed Handgun Permit Act | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12) |
| March 30, 2006 | AZ | SB 1157 | Trespassing by Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Passed - House (32 - 26) |
| March 30, 2006 | AZ | SB 1157 | Trespassing by Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Passed - House (32 - 26) |
| March 29, 2006 | SC | Amendment 63 | Cigarette Tax | Amendment Tabled - House (58 - 53) |
| March 29, 2006 | OH | Am Sub SB 17 | Child Abuse Reporting Requirements and Statute of Limitations Regarding Religious Figures | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 13) |
| March 29, 2006 | OH | Am Sub SB 17 | Child Abuse Reporting Requirements and Statute of Limitations Regarding Religious Figures | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 13) |
| March 29, 2006 | CO | HB 1249 | Authorizing Minors to Approve Perinatal Care for Their Own Pregnancy | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
| March 29, 2006 | OH | Am Sub SB 17 | Child Abuse Reporting Requirements and Statute of Limitations Regarding Religious Figures | Bill Passed - House (77 - 18) |
| March 29, 2006 | OH | Am Sub SB 17 | Child Abuse Reporting Requirements and Statute of Limitations Regarding Religious Figures | Bill Passed - House (77 - 18) |
| March 28, 2006 | SC | Amdt 2B | Sex Offenders Penalties Amendment | Amendment Adopted - Senate (34 - 4) |
| March 28, 2006 | SC | Amdt 2B | Sex Offenders Penalties Amendment | Amendment Adopted - Senate (34 - 4) |
| March 28, 2006 | GA | CCS SB 529 | Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act | Conference Report Adopted - House (119 - 49) |
| March 28, 2006 | ID | H 630 | School Grounds - Violence | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4) |
| March 28, 2006 | ID | H 630 | School Grounds - Violence | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4) |
| March 28, 2006 | MD | SB 297 | Pharmacists Dispensing Emergency Contraception | Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 24) |
| March 28, 2006 | DE | HB 37 | Bans Open Containers of Alcoholic Beverages in Motor Vehicles | Bill Failed - House (24 - 13) |
| March 28, 2006 | MD | SB 539 | Hate Crimes Against Homeless Persons Bill | Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 25) |
| March 28, 2006 | MD | SB 539 | Hate Crimes Against Homeless Persons Bill | Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 25) |
| March 27, 2006 | MD | Amendment 3929 to SB 297 | Prohibiting Requirement of Pharmacist to Dispense Emergency Contraception Amendment | Amendment Rejected - Senate (17 - 28) |
| March 27, 2006 | GA | CCS SB 529 | Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 16) |
| March 27, 2006 | CO | HB 1344 | Same-Sex Partnership Benefits Act | Bill Passed - House (38 - 27) |
| March 27, 2006 | CO | HB 1344 | Same-Sex Partnership Benefits Act | Bill Passed - House (38 - 27) |
| March 27, 2006 | CO | HB 1344 | Same-Sex Partnership Benefits Act | Bill Passed - House (38 - 27) |
| March 27, 2006 | MD | SB 539 | Hate Crimes Against Homeless Persons Bill | Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 22) |
| March 27, 2006 | MD | SB 539 | Hate Crimes Against Homeless Persons Bill | Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 22) |
| March 24, 2006 | GA | SCS SB 396 | Use of Deadly Force | Bill Passed - House (115 - 42) |
| March 24, 2006 | CO | HB 1056 | Vending Machines Requirements for Schools Bill | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| March 24, 2006 | GA | SCS SB 396 | Use of Deadly Force | Bill Passed - House (115 - 42) |
| March 24, 2006 | GA | SCS SB 396 | Use of Deadly Force | Bill Passed - House (115 - 42) |
| March 23, 2006 | KS | SB 418 | Concealed Weapons Permits | Veto Override Passed - House (91 - 33) |
| March 23, 2006 | KS | SB 418 | Concealed Weapons Permits | Veto Override Passed - House (91 - 33) |
| March 23, 2006 | KS | SB 418 | Concealed Weapons Permits | Veto Override Passed - House (91 - 33) |
| Date | No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/17 | HB 2696 | Adoption Preference for Married Couples | Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 13) |
| 4/17 | HB 2696 | Adoption Preference for Married Couples | Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 13) |
| 4/17 | HB 2696 | Adoption Preference for Married Couples | Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 13) |
| 4/17 | HCS SB 806 | Tattoo Legalization and Changing Body Piercing Regulations | Bill Passed - House (70 - 28) |
| 4/17 | HCS SB 806 | Tattoo Legalization and Changing Body Piercing Regulations | Bill Passed - House (70 - 28) |
| 4/17 | HB 5212 | News Media Information Protection | Bill Passed - House (107 - 34) |
| 4/13 | LB 239 | In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants | Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 16) |
| 4/13 | SB 1444 | Sentencing; Third Felony Offenses | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 8) |
| 4/13 | HB 345 | Photo ID for Voting | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 9) |
| 4/13 | HB 1314 | Prohibiting Forced Exposure to Employers Religious or Political Speech | Bill Passed - House (33 - 32) |
| 4/13 | LB 239 | In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18) |
| 4/13 | HB 1126 | Child Product Safety Requirements | Bill Passed - House (34 - 31) |
| 4/12 | HA 9 | Eminent Domain Amendment | Amendment Rejected - House (23 - 129) |
| 4/12 | SB 1157 | Trespassing by Undocumented Immigrants | Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 27) |
| 4/12 | SB 1157 | Trespassing by Undocumented Immigrants | Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 27) |
| 4/12 | SB 1157 | Trespassing by Undocumented Immigrants | Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 27) |
| 4/12 | SB 1157 | Trespassing by Undocumented Immigrants | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 12) |
| 4/12 | SB 1157 | Trespassing by Undocumented Immigrants | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 12) |
| 4/12 | SB 1157 | Trespassing by Undocumented Immigrants | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 12) |
| 4/12 | HB 2142 | Human Eggs; Sale; Prohibition | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 21) |
| 4/12 | HB 2074 | Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 19) |
| 4/12 | HB 2666 | Notarized Parental Consent for Abortions | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 20) |
| 4/12 | SB 251 | Full-Day Kindergarten Act | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 2) |
| 4/11 | Amdt Item 391-4h | New Anti-Gang Initiatives Funding Amendment | Amendment Adopted - House (59 - 36) |
| 4/11 | HB 2666 | Notarized Parental Consent for Abortions | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10) |
| 4/11 | HB 2649 | Firearms; Possession; Storage | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8) |
| 4/11 | HB 2142 | Human Eggs; Sale; Prohibition | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11) |
| 4/11 | SB 1444 | Sentencing; Third Felony Offenses | Bill Passed - House (38 - 20) |
| 4/07 | SB 24 | Additional Education Funding Act | Bill Passed - House (83 - 8) |
| 4/07 | HB 853 | Prohibiting Dredging for Oysters & Clams in Atlantic Coastal Bays | Bill Passed - House (88 - 44) |
| 4/06 | HB 1177 | Smoking Ban | "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (12 - 11) |
| 4/06 | A 990255 | Florida KidCare Funding Amendment | Amendment Rejected - House (34 - 75) |
| 4/06 | SB 1425 | Prohibition on Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency | Bill Passed - House (45 - 12) |
| 4/06 | SB 1273 | Border Radar Lease Appropriation | Bill Passed - House (38 - 19) |
| 4/06 | HJR 39 | Prayer in Public Schools | Joint Resolution Passed - House (134 - 19) |
| 4/06 | HJR 39 | Prayer in Public Schools | Joint Resolution Passed - House (134 - 19) |
| 4/05 | HB 1375 | Public School Finance Act | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11) |
| 4/04 | HB 37 | Bans Open Containers of Alcoholic Beverages in Motor Vehicles | Bill Passed - House (22 - 12) |
| 4/04 | HB 2074 | Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7) |
| 4/03 | HB 26 | Expanding the Definition of Resisting an Officer | Bill Passed - House (58 - 36) |
| 4/03 | SF 2734 | Sales Tax Dedicated to the Environment and the Arts Constitutional Amendment | Amendment Adopted - Senate (42 - 22) |
| 3/31 | HB 1212 | Allows Pharmacists to Prescribe Emergency Contraception | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14) |
| 3/30 | SB 1157 | Trespassing by Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Passed - House (32 - 26) |
| 3/30 | LB 454 | Concealed Handgun Permit Act | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12) |
| 3/30 | SB 1157 | Trespassing by Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Passed - House (32 - 26) |
| 3/30 | SB 1157 | Trespassing by Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Passed - House (32 - 26) |
| 3/29 | Amendment 63 | Cigarette Tax | Amendment Tabled - House (58 - 53) |
| 3/29 | Am Sub SB 17 | Child Abuse Reporting Requirements and Statute of Limitations Regarding Religious Figures | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 13) |
| 3/29 | Am Sub SB 17 | Child Abuse Reporting Requirements and Statute of Limitations Regarding Religious Figures | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 13) |
| 3/29 | HB 1249 | Authorizing Minors to Approve Perinatal Care for Their Own Pregnancy | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
| 3/29 | Am Sub SB 17 | Child Abuse Reporting Requirements and Statute of Limitations Regarding Religious Figures | Bill Passed - House (77 - 18) |
| 3/29 | Am Sub SB 17 | Child Abuse Reporting Requirements and Statute of Limitations Regarding Religious Figures | Bill Passed - House (77 - 18) |
| 3/28 | Amdt 2B | Sex Offenders Penalties Amendment | Amendment Adopted - Senate (34 - 4) |
| 3/28 | Amdt 2B | Sex Offenders Penalties Amendment | Amendment Adopted - Senate (34 - 4) |
| 3/28 | CCS SB 529 | Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act | Conference Report Adopted - House (119 - 49) |
| 3/28 | H 630 | School Grounds - Violence | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4) |
| 3/28 | H 630 | School Grounds - Violence | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4) |
| 3/28 | SB 297 | Pharmacists Dispensing Emergency Contraception | Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 24) |
| 3/28 | HB 37 | Bans Open Containers of Alcoholic Beverages in Motor Vehicles | Bill Failed - House (24 - 13) |
| 3/28 | SB 539 | Hate Crimes Against Homeless Persons Bill | Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 25) |
| 3/28 | SB 539 | Hate Crimes Against Homeless Persons Bill | Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 25) |
| 3/27 | Amendment 3929 to SB 297 | Prohibiting Requirement of Pharmacist to Dispense Emergency Contraception Amendment | Amendment Rejected - Senate (17 - 28) |
| 3/27 | CCS SB 529 | Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 16) |
| 3/27 | HB 1344 | Same-Sex Partnership Benefits Act | Bill Passed - House (38 - 27) |
| 3/27 | HB 1344 | Same-Sex Partnership Benefits Act | Bill Passed - House (38 - 27) |
| 3/27 | HB 1344 | Same-Sex Partnership Benefits Act | Bill Passed - House (38 - 27) |
| 3/27 | SB 539 | Hate Crimes Against Homeless Persons Bill | Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 22) |
| 3/27 | SB 539 | Hate Crimes Against Homeless Persons Bill | Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 22) |
| 3/24 | SCS SB 396 | Use of Deadly Force | Bill Passed - House (115 - 42) |
| 3/24 | HB 1056 | Vending Machines Requirements for Schools Bill | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| 3/24 | SCS SB 396 | Use of Deadly Force | Bill Passed - House (115 - 42) |
| 3/24 | SCS SB 396 | Use of Deadly Force | Bill Passed - House (115 - 42) |
| 3/23 | SB 418 | Concealed Weapons Permits | Veto Override Passed - House (91 - 33) |
| 3/23 | SB 418 | Concealed Weapons Permits | Veto Override Passed - House (91 - 33) |
| 3/23 | SB 418 | Concealed Weapons Permits | Veto Override Passed - House (91 - 33) |