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
March 13, 2013 OH HB 7 Limits Prize Payouts in Sweepstakes Bill Passed - House (66 - 29)
March 12, 2013 MO SB 26 Amends State Tax Code Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
March 11, 2013 CO HB 1228 Establishes a Background Check Fee Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
March 7, 2013 MN HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 28)
March 7, 2013 WI SB 1 Amends Wisconsin's Iron-Ore Mining Regulations Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
March 7, 2013 IL SB 622 Increases Physician License Fees Bill Passed - House (65 - 49)
March 6, 2013 MS SB 2687 Prohibits Local Government Management of Nutrition Labeling Bill Passed - House (92 - 26)
March 6, 2013 NY A 5424 Establishes a Two-Year Moratorium on Hydraulic Fracturing Bill Passed - House (103 - 40)
March 6, 2013 WI AB 15 Authorizes Work-Share Programs Bill Passed - House (74 - 22)
March 6, 2013 ID S 1117 Authorizes Permits for Heavy Trucks on Certain Routes Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
March 5, 2013 NY A 38 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (102 - 44)
March 4, 2013 MN HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - House (72 - 58)
March 4, 2013 GA HB 125 Amends State Immigration Policy Bill Passed - House (116 - 49)
March 4, 2013 AZ HB 2280 Prohibits Local Governments from Establishing Employee Pay Requirements Bill Passed - House (32 - 27)
March 4, 2013 NM SB 416 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 17)
March 4, 2013 NM SB 416 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 17)
Feb. 28, 2013 IL SB 26 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19)
Feb. 27, 2013 KY HB 416 Establishes the Kentucky Retirement Systems Sustainability Trust Fund Bill Passed - House (52 - 47)
Feb. 27, 2013 ND HB 1362 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - House (57 - 36)
Feb. 27, 2013 OK SB 1062 Amends State Worker's Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 12)
Feb. 27, 2013 WI SB 1 Amends Wisconsin's Iron-Ore Mining Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
Feb. 26, 2013 IN SB 213 Prohibits Localities From Requiring Certain Employment Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
Feb. 26, 2013 IN SB 213 Prohibits Localities From Requiring Certain Employment Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
Feb. 21, 2013 AZ HB 2147 Requires Individuals Seeking Unemployment Benefits to Provide Proof of Eligibility Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
Feb. 20, 2013 GA HB 178 Requires Pain Management Clinics to be Licensed Bill Passed - House (150 - 15)
Feb. 20, 2013 OK HB 1999 Authorizes the Slaughter of Horses Bill Passed - House (82 - 14)
Feb. 20, 2013 NH HB 370 Repeals the Education Tax Credit Program Bill Passed - House (188 - 151)
Feb. 19, 2013 AK HB 80 Amends Cruise Ship Wastewater Discharge Permits Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
Feb. 19, 2013 AK HB 80 Amends Cruise Ship Wastewater Discharge Permits Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
Feb. 18, 2013 CO HB 1229 Requires Background Checks For Private Gun Sales and Transfers Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
Feb. 14, 2013 NJ SCR 1 Increases Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 31)
Feb. 14, 2013 NJ SCR 1 Increases Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 31)
Feb. 14, 2013 MN HF 9 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 22)
Feb. 14, 2013 ID H 88 Expands Tax Credit for New Employees Bill Passed - House (62 - 7)
Feb. 14, 2013 KY SB 88 Repeals Regulations on Telephone Utility Companies Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
Feb. 14, 2013 IL SB 622 Increases Physician License Fees Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 19)
Feb. 14, 2013 KY SB 50 Authorizes Industrial Hemp Farming Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
Feb. 13, 2013 ID HB 55 Authorizes Telecommunications Businesses to Solicit Existing Customers Bill Passed - House (65 - 5)
Feb. 9, 2013 MT SB 96 Reduces Business Equipment Tax Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
Feb. 7, 2013 NJ SCR 1 Increases Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
Feb. 7, 2013 NJ SCR 1 Increases Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
Feb. 6, 2013 AK HB 80 Amends Cruise Ship Wastewater Discharge Permits Bill Passed - House (27 - 10)
Feb. 4, 2013 UT HB 34 Authorizes "In God We Trust" on License Plates Bill Passed - House (64 - 9)
Feb. 4, 2013 UT HB 274 Establishes a Tax Credit for Employing a Homeless Individual Bill Passed - House (41 - 33)
Feb. 4, 2013 WA SB 5128 Authorizes Voluntary Settlements for Workers' Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 24)
Feb. 4, 2013 WA SB 5112 Amends Scheduling Authority In Workers Compensation Rehabilitation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 24)
Feb. 4, 2013 WA SB 5127 Reduces Age Requirements for Workers' Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
Jan. 31, 2013 WY SF 131 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 17)
Dec. 17, 2012 NJ S 581 Establishes Tax Credits for Investors in Small Business Technology Bill Passed - House (47 - 30)
Dec. 6, 2012 MI SB 116 Prohibits Employees from Being Required to Join a Labor Union Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
Dec. 4, 2012 IL SB 681 Authorizes State Residents To Purchase Ammunition From In-State Companies Veto Override Passed - House (78 - 28)
Dec. 3, 2012 NJ A 2162 Increases Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (44 - 31)
Dec. 3, 2012 NJ A 2162 Increases Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (44 - 31)
Nov. 29, 2012 NJ A 2162 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
Nov. 29, 2012 NJ A 2162 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
Nov. 29, 2012 NJ SCR 1 Increases Minimum Wage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
Nov. 29, 2012 NJ SCR 1 Increases Minimum Wage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
Nov. 29, 2012 NJ S 2241 Prohibits Unauthorized Medical Provider Reimbursement Reductions Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
Oct. 25, 2012 NJ S 1650 Increases Requirements for Emergency Medical Service Workers Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
Oct. 17, 2012 PA HB 2626 Authorizes Employers to Keep Income Taxes Paid by their Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (111 - 80)
Oct. 17, 2012 PA HB 2626 Authorizes Employers to Keep Income Taxes Paid by their Employees Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
Aug. 31, 2012 CA AB 1313 Requires Overtime Wages for Agricultural Workers Concurrence Vote Failed - House (35 - 33)
Aug. 31, 2012 CA AB 1313 Requires Overtime Wages for Agricultural Workers Concurrence Vote Failed - House (35 - 33)
Aug. 31, 2012 CA SB 1234 Establishes Retirement Program for Private Sector Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
Aug. 30, 2012 CA AB 889 Establishes Work Condition Requirements for Domestic Work Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 30)
Aug. 29, 2012 CA AB 2346 Authorizes Farm Workers to Sue Employers for Health or Safety Violations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (42 - 33)
Aug. 29, 2012 CA AB 2132 Encourages State Universities to Include Public Service in Tenure Policy Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27)
Aug. 29, 2012 CA AB 889 Establishes Work Condition Requirements for Domestic Work Employees Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
Aug. 28, 2012 CA AB 2132 Encourages State Universities to Include Public Service in Tenure Policy Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
Aug. 27, 2012 CA AB 2327 Increases Penalties for the Misuse of Funds by Charitable Organizations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 18)
Aug. 27, 2012 CA AB 2346 Authorizes Farm Workers to Sue Employers for Health or Safety Violations Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Aug. 22, 2012 CA AB 2327 Increases Penalties for the Misuse of Funds by Charitable Organizations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
Aug. 21, 2012 CA HB 2676 Increases Penalties For Agriculture Health And Safety Violations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
Aug. 20, 2012 CA AB 1313 Requires Overtime Wages for Agricultural Workers Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
Aug. 13, 2012 CA AB 1500 Corporate Tax Rates and Middle Class Scholarship Fund Bill Passed - House (54 - 25)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/13 HB 7 Limits Prize Payouts in Sweepstakes Bill Passed - House (66 - 29)
3/12 SB 26 Amends State Tax Code Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
3/11 HB 1228 Establishes a Background Check Fee Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
3/07 HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 28)
3/07 SB 1 Amends Wisconsin's Iron-Ore Mining Regulations Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
3/07 SB 622 Increases Physician License Fees Bill Passed - House (65 - 49)
3/06 SB 2687 Prohibits Local Government Management of Nutrition Labeling Bill Passed - House (92 - 26)
3/06 A 5424 Establishes a Two-Year Moratorium on Hydraulic Fracturing Bill Passed - House (103 - 40)
3/06 AB 15 Authorizes Work-Share Programs Bill Passed - House (74 - 22)
3/06 S 1117 Authorizes Permits for Heavy Trucks on Certain Routes Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
3/05 A 38 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (102 - 44)
3/04 HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - House (72 - 58)
3/04 HB 125 Amends State Immigration Policy Bill Passed - House (116 - 49)
3/04 HB 2280 Prohibits Local Governments from Establishing Employee Pay Requirements Bill Passed - House (32 - 27)
3/04 SB 416 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 17)
3/04 SB 416 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 17)
2/28 SB 26 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19)
2/27 HB 416 Establishes the Kentucky Retirement Systems Sustainability Trust Fund Bill Passed - House (52 - 47)
2/27 HB 1362 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - House (57 - 36)
2/27 SB 1062 Amends State Worker's Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 12)
2/27 SB 1 Amends Wisconsin's Iron-Ore Mining Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
2/26 SB 213 Prohibits Localities From Requiring Certain Employment Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
2/26 SB 213 Prohibits Localities From Requiring Certain Employment Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
2/21 HB 2147 Requires Individuals Seeking Unemployment Benefits to Provide Proof of Eligibility Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
2/20 HB 178 Requires Pain Management Clinics to be Licensed Bill Passed - House (150 - 15)
2/20 HB 1999 Authorizes the Slaughter of Horses Bill Passed - House (82 - 14)
2/20 HB 370 Repeals the Education Tax Credit Program Bill Passed - House (188 - 151)
2/19 HB 80 Amends Cruise Ship Wastewater Discharge Permits Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
2/19 HB 80 Amends Cruise Ship Wastewater Discharge Permits Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
2/18 HB 1229 Requires Background Checks For Private Gun Sales and Transfers Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
2/14 SCR 1 Increases Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 31)
2/14 SCR 1 Increases Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 31)
2/14 HF 9 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 22)
2/14 H 88 Expands Tax Credit for New Employees Bill Passed - House (62 - 7)
2/14 SB 88 Repeals Regulations on Telephone Utility Companies Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
2/14 SB 622 Increases Physician License Fees Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 19)
2/14 SB 50 Authorizes Industrial Hemp Farming Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
2/13 HB 55 Authorizes Telecommunications Businesses to Solicit Existing Customers Bill Passed - House (65 - 5)
2/09 SB 96 Reduces Business Equipment Tax Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
2/07 SCR 1 Increases Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
2/07 SCR 1 Increases Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
2/06 HB 80 Amends Cruise Ship Wastewater Discharge Permits Bill Passed - House (27 - 10)
2/04 HB 34 Authorizes "In God We Trust" on License Plates Bill Passed - House (64 - 9)
2/04 HB 274 Establishes a Tax Credit for Employing a Homeless Individual Bill Passed - House (41 - 33)
2/04 SB 5128 Authorizes Voluntary Settlements for Workers' Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 24)
2/04 SB 5112 Amends Scheduling Authority In Workers Compensation Rehabilitation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 24)
2/04 SB 5127 Reduces Age Requirements for Workers' Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
1/31 SF 131 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 17)
12/17 S 581 Establishes Tax Credits for Investors in Small Business Technology Bill Passed - House (47 - 30)
12/06 SB 116 Prohibits Employees from Being Required to Join a Labor Union Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
12/04 SB 681 Authorizes State Residents To Purchase Ammunition From In-State Companies Veto Override Passed - House (78 - 28)
12/03 A 2162 Increases Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (44 - 31)
12/03 A 2162 Increases Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (44 - 31)
11/29 A 2162 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
11/29 A 2162 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
11/29 SCR 1 Increases Minimum Wage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
11/29 SCR 1 Increases Minimum Wage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
11/29 S 2241 Prohibits Unauthorized Medical Provider Reimbursement Reductions Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
10/25 S 1650 Increases Requirements for Emergency Medical Service Workers Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
10/17 HB 2626 Authorizes Employers to Keep Income Taxes Paid by their Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (111 - 80)
10/17 HB 2626 Authorizes Employers to Keep Income Taxes Paid by their Employees Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
8/31 AB 1313 Requires Overtime Wages for Agricultural Workers Concurrence Vote Failed - House (35 - 33)
8/31 AB 1313 Requires Overtime Wages for Agricultural Workers Concurrence Vote Failed - House (35 - 33)
8/31 SB 1234 Establishes Retirement Program for Private Sector Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
8/30 AB 889 Establishes Work Condition Requirements for Domestic Work Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 30)
8/29 AB 2346 Authorizes Farm Workers to Sue Employers for Health or Safety Violations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (42 - 33)
8/29 AB 2132 Encourages State Universities to Include Public Service in Tenure Policy Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27)
8/29 AB 889 Establishes Work Condition Requirements for Domestic Work Employees Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
8/28 AB 2132 Encourages State Universities to Include Public Service in Tenure Policy Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
8/27 AB 2327 Increases Penalties for the Misuse of Funds by Charitable Organizations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 18)
8/27 AB 2346 Authorizes Farm Workers to Sue Employers for Health or Safety Violations Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
8/22 AB 2327 Increases Penalties for the Misuse of Funds by Charitable Organizations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
8/21 HB 2676 Increases Penalties For Agriculture Health And Safety Violations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
8/20 AB 1313 Requires Overtime Wages for Agricultural Workers Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
8/13 AB 1500 Corporate Tax Rates and Middle Class Scholarship Fund Bill Passed - House (54 - 25)

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