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
Aug. 30, 2011 CA AB 887 Prohibits Discrimination Against Transgendered Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
July 14, 2011 CA AB 433 Birth Certificates for Transgendered Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
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 8, 2011 ME LD 1046 Transgender Discrimination Law Amendments "Ought to Pass" Report Not Adopted - Senate (11 - 23)
June 4, 2011 CT HB 6599 Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Expression Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
May 20, 2011 TN SB 49 Prohibits Instruction of Non-Heterosexual Human Sexuality in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
May 11, 2011 NV AB 211 Prohibiting Discriminatory Employment Practices Based On Gender or Expression Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 11, 2011 MN SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - Senate (38 - 27)
April 25, 2011 NV SB 368 Prohibits Discrimination in Housing Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
April 25, 2011 NV SB 180 Criminal and Civil Liability for Gender Identity Crimes Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 11)
April 25, 2011 NV SB 331 Prohibits Sex and Gender Identity Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
April 21, 2011 WA HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 21)
April 14, 2011 CA SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
April 11, 2011 MD HB 235 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination Motion Agreed - Senate (27 - 20)
April 7, 2011 DE SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 6)
March 24, 2011 CO SB 172 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
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. 23, 2011 MD SB 116 Civil Marriage Protection Act Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
Feb. 18, 2011 WY HB 74 Prohibiting the Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Feb. 16, 2011 HI SB 232 Civil Unions for All Couples Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
Feb. 2, 2011 VA SB 747 Prohibits Discrimination in State Employment Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
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)
Dec. 1, 2010 IL SB 1716 Authorizing Civil Unions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 24)
June 24, 2010 NY S 1523 Allowing Unmarried Partners to Adopt a Child Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 21)
May 12, 2010 MN SF 341 Domestic Partner Death Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
Feb. 8, 2010 VA SB 66 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Employment Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
Jan. 28, 2010 IN SJR 13 Defining Marriage as Being Between One Man and One Woman Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
Jan. 22, 2010 HI HB 444 Legalizing Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
Jan. 7, 2010 NJ S 1967 Legalizing Same Sex Marriage Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 20)
Dec. 2, 2009 NY A 40003 Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 38)
Oct. 22, 2009 National HR 2647 2009-2010 Defense Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (68 - 29)
Sept. 9, 2009 CA SB 54 Recognizing Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
Sept. 8, 2009 CA SB 572 Harvey Milk Day Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
June 24, 2009 DE SB 121 Adding Sexual Orientation to Delaware Anti-Discriminatory Laws Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
June 4, 2009 DE SB 121 Adding Sexual Orientation to Delaware Anti-Discriminatory Laws
May 30, 2009 NV SB 283 Establishing Domestic Partnerships Veto Override Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
May 20, 2009 NH HB 73 Religious Choice in Performing Marriage Ceremonies Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
May 14, 2009 CA SB 572 Harvey Milk Day Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
May 6, 2009 ME LD 1020 Same Sex Marriage Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
May 6, 2009 NC SB 526 Prevention of Bullying and Violence in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 22)
May 4, 2009 MN SF 341 Domestic Partner Death Rights Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
April 29, 2009 NH HB 436 Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 11)
April 22, 2009 CT SB 899 Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
April 21, 2009 NV SB 283 Establishing Domestic Partnerships Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
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 13, 2009 MD SB 785 Inheritance Tax Exemption for Domestic Partners Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
April 7, 2009 VT S 115 Same-Sex Marriage Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
March 23, 2009 VT Same-Sex Marriage Ballot Question Amendment Rejected - Senate (11 - 19)
March 23, 2009 VT S 115 Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
March 23, 2009 CO HB 1260 Designated Beneficiary Agreements Between Unmarried Adults Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
March 13, 2009 WV SB 238 Ban on Sexual Orientation Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
March 10, 2009 WA SB 5688 Expanding Domestic Partnership Rights Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
March 2, 2009 CA SR 7 Statement of Opposition to Proposition 8 Resolution Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
Feb. 26, 2009 NM SB 12 Establishing Domestic Partnerships Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 25)
Feb. 24, 2009 CO SB 88 Extending State Employee Health Benefits to Domestic Partners Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
Feb. 18, 2009 ND SB 2278 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 19)
Feb. 12, 2009 SD SB 156 Expansion of Hate Crime Law Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 21)
Aug. 7, 2008 CA AB 2654 Expanding Anti-Discrimination Laws Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Aug. 5, 2008 CA AB 2567 Creation of "Harvey Milk Day" Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
June 27, 2008 AZ SCR 1042 Parameters of Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
June 25, 2008 AZ SCR 1042 Parameters of Marriage Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (14 - 11)
May 5, 2008 CO SB 200 Sexual Orientation Nondiscrimination Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
April 3, 2008 MN SF 960 Modification of the Definition of Dependents for Local Government Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 22)
March 24, 2008 MD SB 597 Property Transfer Tax Exemptions for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
March 18, 2008 MD SB 566 Hospital Visitation/Decision-Making Rights for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
March 4, 2008 WA HB 3104 Domestic Partnership Rights Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
March 3, 2008 UT SB 299 Domestic Partnership Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 7)
Jan. 30, 2008 KY SB 112 Restricting Public Employee Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
Jan. 29, 2008 IN SJR 7 Definition of Marriage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
June 7, 2006 National S J Res 1 Same Sex Marriage Resolution Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (49 - 48)
Date No. Title Outcome
8/30 AB 887 Prohibits Discrimination Against Transgendered Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
7/14 AB 433 Birth Certificates for Transgendered Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
6/29 H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
6/24 A 8354 Marriage Equality Enactment Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 29)
6/08 LD 1046 Transgender Discrimination Law Amendments "Ought to Pass" Report Not Adopted - Senate (11 - 23)
6/04 HB 6599 Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Expression Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
5/20 SB 49 Prohibits Instruction of Non-Heterosexual Human Sexuality in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
5/11 AB 211 Prohibiting Discriminatory Employment Practices Based On Gender or Expression Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/11 SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - Senate (38 - 27)
4/25 SB 368 Prohibits Discrimination in Housing Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
4/25 SB 180 Criminal and Civil Liability for Gender Identity Crimes Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 11)
4/25 SB 331 Prohibits Sex and Gender Identity Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
4/21 HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 21)
4/14 SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
4/11 HB 235 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination Motion Agreed - Senate (27 - 20)
4/07 SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 6)
3/24 SB 172 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
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)
2/23 SB 116 Civil Marriage Protection Act Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
2/18 HB 74 Prohibiting the Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
2/16 SB 232 Civil Unions for All Couples Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
2/02 SB 747 Prohibits Discrimination in State Employment Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
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)
12/01 SB 1716 Authorizing Civil Unions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 24)
6/24 S 1523 Allowing Unmarried Partners to Adopt a Child Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 21)
5/12 SF 341 Domestic Partner Death Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
2/08 SB 66 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Employment Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
1/28 SJR 13 Defining Marriage as Being Between One Man and One Woman Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
1/22 HB 444 Legalizing Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
1/07 S 1967 Legalizing Same Sex Marriage Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 20)
12/02 A 40003 Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 38)
10/22 HR 2647 2009-2010 Defense Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (68 - 29)
9/09 SB 54 Recognizing Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
9/08 SB 572 Harvey Milk Day Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
6/24 SB 121 Adding Sexual Orientation to Delaware Anti-Discriminatory Laws Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
6/04 SB 121 Adding Sexual Orientation to Delaware Anti-Discriminatory Laws
5/30 SB 283 Establishing Domestic Partnerships Veto Override Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
5/20 HB 73 Religious Choice in Performing Marriage Ceremonies Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
5/14 SB 572 Harvey Milk Day Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
5/06 LD 1020 Same Sex Marriage Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
5/06 SB 526 Prevention of Bullying and Violence in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 22)
5/04 SF 341 Domestic Partner Death Rights Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
4/29 HB 436 Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 11)
4/22 SB 899 Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
4/21 SB 283 Establishing Domestic Partnerships Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
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)
4/13 SB 785 Inheritance Tax Exemption for Domestic Partners Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
4/07 S 115 Same-Sex Marriage Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
3/23 Same-Sex Marriage Ballot Question Amendment Rejected - Senate (11 - 19)
3/23 S 115 Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
3/23 HB 1260 Designated Beneficiary Agreements Between Unmarried Adults Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
3/13 SB 238 Ban on Sexual Orientation Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
3/10 SB 5688 Expanding Domestic Partnership Rights Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
3/02 SR 7 Statement of Opposition to Proposition 8 Resolution Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
2/26 SB 12 Establishing Domestic Partnerships Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 25)
2/24 SB 88 Extending State Employee Health Benefits to Domestic Partners Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
2/18 SB 2278 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 19)
2/12 SB 156 Expansion of Hate Crime Law Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 21)
8/07 AB 2654 Expanding Anti-Discrimination Laws Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
8/05 AB 2567 Creation of "Harvey Milk Day" Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
6/27 SCR 1042 Parameters of Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
6/25 SCR 1042 Parameters of Marriage Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (14 - 11)
5/05 SB 200 Sexual Orientation Nondiscrimination Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
4/03 SF 960 Modification of the Definition of Dependents for Local Government Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 22)
3/24 SB 597 Property Transfer Tax Exemptions for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
3/18 SB 566 Hospital Visitation/Decision-Making Rights for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
3/04 HB 3104 Domestic Partnership Rights Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
3/03 SB 299 Domestic Partnership Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 7)
1/30 SB 112 Restricting Public Employee Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
1/29 SJR 7 Definition of Marriage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
6/07 S J Res 1 Same Sex Marriage Resolution Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (49 - 48)

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