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
April 15, 2008 AL HB 274 Food Sales Tax Repeal Bill Passed - House (63 - 38)
April 13, 2008 AK SB 221 2008-2009 Capital Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
April 12, 2008 AK SB 221 2008-2009 Capital Budget Bill Passed - House (33 - 6)
April 10, 2008 NE LB 1082 Expanding Workers' Compensation Benefits Motion Rejected - Senate (22 - 18)
April 10, 2008 CO HB 1375 2008-2009 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (39 - 23)
April 10, 2008 CO HB 1375 2008-2009 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 14)
April 10, 2008 AZ SB 1096 English Language Education Funding Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
April 10, 2008 MA H 4645 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (131 - 23)
April 10, 2008 MA Garry and D'Amico Amendment: Removal of Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Failed - House (49 - 105)
April 10, 2008 MN HF 3569 Workers' Lung Health Study Bill Passed - House (88 - 45)
April 10, 2008 MO HJR 70 State Spending Limit Joint Resolution Passed - House (84 - 65)
April 10, 2008 IA SJR 2002 Natural Resources Trust Fund Joint Resolution Passed - House (88 - 10)
April 10, 2008 FL HB 5001 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - House (72 - 41)
April 9, 2008 AZ SB 1096 English Language Education Funding Bill Passed - House (37 - 23)
April 9, 2008 FL SB 2900 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
April 9, 2008 SC H 4549 Funding Road Repair and Maintenance Bill Passed - House (91 - 9)
April 9, 2008 IA HF 2663 Statewide Sales Tax Increase for School Infrastructure Funding Bill Passed - House (59 - 41)
April 9, 2008 NY S 6807 Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (107 - 41)
April 9, 2008 SC H 4673 Cost-of-Living Pension Increases for Retired Legislators and State Workers Bill Passed - House (58 - 51)
April 9, 2008 NY S 6801 2008-2009 Legislative and Judiciary Budget Bill Passed - House (110 - 37)
April 8, 2008 CO HB 1001 Expanding Bioscience Research Funding Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
April 8, 2008 MI SB 120 Issuing Food Stamps Twice Monthly Bill Passed - House (87 - 19)
April 8, 2008 CO SB 128 Eliminating Sales and Use Tax Cap Bill Passed - House (38 - 26)
April 8, 2008 AZ HB 2220 Repealing the State Equalization Property Tax Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
April 7, 2008 ME LD 1932 School Consolidation Veto Override Failed - Senate (12 - 23)
April 7, 2008 NE LB 959 Gas Tax Veto Override Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
April 7, 2008 ME LD 1932 School Consolidation Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 14)
April 7, 2008 MD SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
April 7, 2008 MD SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Bill Passed - House (113 - 25)
April 7, 2008 IA HF 2539 Health Care Expansion Plan Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 6)
April 5, 2008 MD SB 90 2008-2009 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 7)
April 5, 2008 MD SB 90 2008-2009 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (109 - 31)
April 5, 2008 MD SB 46 Computer Services Sales Tax Repeal and Other Tax Adjustments Bill Passed - House (93 - 44)
April 4, 2008 GA SR 845 Regional Transportation Sales Tax Conference Report Rejected - Senate (35 - 18)
April 4, 2008 ME LD 1932 School Consolidation Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 47)
April 4, 2008 GA SR 845 Regional Transportation Sales Tax Conference Report Adopted - House (134 - 34)
April 4, 2008 MD SB 597 Property Transfer Tax Exemptions for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - House (86 - 47)
April 3, 2008 AZ SB 1167 Off-Highway Vehicle Regulations Bill Passed - House (42 - 13)
April 3, 2008 MD SB 46 Computer Services Sales Tax Repeal and Other Tax Adjustments Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
April 3, 2008 MO HJR 41 Prohibiting Judges from Imposing Taxes Joint Resolution Passed - House (82 - 68)
April 2, 2008 SC AM 1 Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit Amendment Rejected - House (40 - 73)
April 2, 2008 MN Marty Amnd. Removing Funding for Stadium Study Amendment Adopted - Senate (41 - 22)
April 2, 2008 MN Hann Amnd. Prohibiting Funding for Cities that Prevent Immigration Status Checks Amendment Rejected - Senate (24 - 33)
April 2, 2008 ME LD 1932 School Consolidation Conference Report Rejected - House (97 - 46)
April 2, 2008 KY HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 3)
April 2, 2008 KY HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 21)
April 2, 2008 AR SB 1 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - House (82 - 17)
April 2, 2008 GA HB 881 Georgia Charter Schools Commission Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
April 2, 2008 AR HB 1004 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
April 2, 2008 AK SB 221 2008-2009 Capital Budget Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
April 2, 2008 SC H 4550 Marriage Tax Cut Bill Passed - House (100 - 14)
April 1, 2008 MN Seifert Amendment: Prohibiting Grants for Groups Associated with Abortion Providers Amendment Rejected - House (64 - 66)
April 1, 2008 MN Buesgens Amnd. Amendment Prohibiting Grants for Groups Involved in Political Activity Amendment Rejected - House (60 - 69)
April 1, 2008 GA HB 1244 State Income Tax Reductions Bill Passed - House (154 - 18)
April 1, 2008 GA HR 1246 Property Tax Assessment Freeze Resolution Passed - House (166 - 7)
April 1, 2008 GA HB 1244 State Income Tax Reductions Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
April 1, 2008 MD SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 25)
April 1, 2008 GA HB 1133 Tax Credits for Nonprofit Donations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 20)
April 1, 2008 AR HB 1004 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - House (81 - 16)
April 1, 2008 ID SJR 107 City, County, and Public Hospital Debt Financing Bill Failed - House (36 - 33)
April 1, 2008 MO HJR 43 Constitutional Amendment Limiting Property Taxes Amendment Adopted - House (133 - 19)
April 1, 2008 AR SB 1 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
March 31, 2008 ME LD 2289 2008-2009 Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - House (84 - 55)
March 31, 2008 ME LD 2289 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
March 31, 2008 GA HB 1158 Motor Vehicle Trauma Care Fee Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
March 28, 2008 MD HB 362 Department of Information Technology Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
March 28, 2008 NE LB 959 2007-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
March 28, 2008 ID H 655 Tax Rebate for Road Projects Bill Passed - House (40 - 25)
March 28, 2008 GA HR 1246 Property Tax Assessment Freeze Resolution Passed - Senate (46 - 7)
March 28, 2008 GA HB 1244 State Income Tax Reductions Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 6)
March 27, 2008 GA SR 845 Regional Transportation Sales Tax Resolution Passed - House (136 - 35)
March 27, 2008 MO HB 2002 2008-2009 Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Budget Bill Passed - House (90 - 66)
March 27, 2008 MO HB 2010 2008-2009 Department of Mental Health and Department of Health and Senior Services Budget Bill Passed - House (87 - 66)
March 27, 2008 MO HB 2003 2008-2009 Department of Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - House (90 - 66)
March 27, 2008 MO HB 2011 2008-2009 Department of Social Services Budget Bill Passed - House (87 - 62)
March 27, 2008 ID H 680 Community Infrastructure Districts Bill Passed - House (50 - 18)
March 26, 2008 MS SB 2188 Attorney General-Private Attorney Contract Restrictions Bill Passed - House (95 - 25)
March 26, 2008 MD SB 373 Tax Credit for Educational Donations Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
March 25, 2008 KS SB 81 Health Care Reform Bill Passed - House (103 - 20)
March 25, 2008 MI SB 1094 2008-2009 Department of Community Health Budget Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
March 25, 2008 WI AB 1 Budget Repair Plan Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
March 25, 2008 ID H 592 Film and Television Production Rebate Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
March 24, 2008 MS HB 859 Salary Adjustments for State Officials Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 3)
March 24, 2008 KY HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
March 24, 2008 AK HB 310 2008-2009 Operating Budget Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 4)
March 24, 2008 IA HF 2645 Public Employee Collective Bargaining and Teacher Termination Policy Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
March 24, 2008 MD SB 597 Property Transfer Tax Exemptions for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
March 21, 2008 ID HJR 4 Local Tax Authority Joint Resolution Passed - House (51 - 19)
March 21, 2008 ID H 599 Eliminating the Personal Property Tax Bill Passed - House (39 - 31)
March 20, 2008 MA H 4920 to 4307 Establishing and Regulating Casinos Amendment Adopted - House (106 - 48)
March 20, 2008 KS SB 461 Electronic Wage Reports and Reimbursement Payments Motion Agreed - House (63 - 58)
March 20, 2008 ME LD 1932 School Consolidation Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 8)
March 20, 2008 MD SB 90 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - House (105 - 34)
March 20, 2008 AZ SB 1465 Public-Private Transportation Projects Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 15)
March 20, 2008 NH SB 502 Expanding Unemployment Compensation Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 8)
March 20, 2008 AZ SB 1420 Public Highway Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
March 20, 2008 KS HB 2936 Capital Improvements Funding Bill Passed - House (87 - 35)
March 20, 2008 KS HB 2947 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (71 - 51)
March 20, 2008 NH SB 539 Education Funding Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
March 20, 2008 AZ SB 1450 Theme Park Funding Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/15 HB 274 Food Sales Tax Repeal Bill Passed - House (63 - 38)
4/13 SB 221 2008-2009 Capital Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
4/12 SB 221 2008-2009 Capital Budget Bill Passed - House (33 - 6)
4/10 LB 1082 Expanding Workers' Compensation Benefits Motion Rejected - Senate (22 - 18)
4/10 HB 1375 2008-2009 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (39 - 23)
4/10 HB 1375 2008-2009 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 14)
4/10 SB 1096 English Language Education Funding Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
4/10 H 4645 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (131 - 23)
4/10 Garry and D'Amico Amendment: Removal of Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Failed - House (49 - 105)
4/10 HF 3569 Workers' Lung Health Study Bill Passed - House (88 - 45)
4/10 HJR 70 State Spending Limit Joint Resolution Passed - House (84 - 65)
4/10 SJR 2002 Natural Resources Trust Fund Joint Resolution Passed - House (88 - 10)
4/10 HB 5001 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - House (72 - 41)
4/09 SB 1096 English Language Education Funding Bill Passed - House (37 - 23)
4/09 SB 2900 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
4/09 H 4549 Funding Road Repair and Maintenance Bill Passed - House (91 - 9)
4/09 HF 2663 Statewide Sales Tax Increase for School Infrastructure Funding Bill Passed - House (59 - 41)
4/09 S 6807 Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (107 - 41)
4/09 H 4673 Cost-of-Living Pension Increases for Retired Legislators and State Workers Bill Passed - House (58 - 51)
4/09 S 6801 2008-2009 Legislative and Judiciary Budget Bill Passed - House (110 - 37)
4/08 HB 1001 Expanding Bioscience Research Funding Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
4/08 SB 120 Issuing Food Stamps Twice Monthly Bill Passed - House (87 - 19)
4/08 SB 128 Eliminating Sales and Use Tax Cap Bill Passed - House (38 - 26)
4/08 HB 2220 Repealing the State Equalization Property Tax Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
4/07 LD 1932 School Consolidation Veto Override Failed - Senate (12 - 23)
4/07 LB 959 Gas Tax Veto Override Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
4/07 LD 1932 School Consolidation Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 14)
4/07 SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
4/07 SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Bill Passed - House (113 - 25)
4/07 HF 2539 Health Care Expansion Plan Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 6)
4/05 SB 90 2008-2009 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 7)
4/05 SB 90 2008-2009 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (109 - 31)
4/05 SB 46 Computer Services Sales Tax Repeal and Other Tax Adjustments Bill Passed - House (93 - 44)
4/04 SR 845 Regional Transportation Sales Tax Conference Report Rejected - Senate (35 - 18)
4/04 LD 1932 School Consolidation Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 47)
4/04 SR 845 Regional Transportation Sales Tax Conference Report Adopted - House (134 - 34)
4/04 SB 597 Property Transfer Tax Exemptions for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - House (86 - 47)
4/03 SB 1167 Off-Highway Vehicle Regulations Bill Passed - House (42 - 13)
4/03 SB 46 Computer Services Sales Tax Repeal and Other Tax Adjustments Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
4/03 HJR 41 Prohibiting Judges from Imposing Taxes Joint Resolution Passed - House (82 - 68)
4/02 AM 1 Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit Amendment Rejected - House (40 - 73)
4/02 Marty Amnd. Removing Funding for Stadium Study Amendment Adopted - Senate (41 - 22)
4/02 Hann Amnd. Prohibiting Funding for Cities that Prevent Immigration Status Checks Amendment Rejected - Senate (24 - 33)
4/02 LD 1932 School Consolidation Conference Report Rejected - House (97 - 46)
4/02 HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 3)
4/02 HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 21)
4/02 SB 1 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - House (82 - 17)
4/02 HB 881 Georgia Charter Schools Commission Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
4/02 HB 1004 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
4/02 SB 221 2008-2009 Capital Budget Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
4/02 H 4550 Marriage Tax Cut Bill Passed - House (100 - 14)
4/01 Seifert Amendment: Prohibiting Grants for Groups Associated with Abortion Providers Amendment Rejected - House (64 - 66)
4/01 Buesgens Amnd. Amendment Prohibiting Grants for Groups Involved in Political Activity Amendment Rejected - House (60 - 69)
4/01 HB 1244 State Income Tax Reductions Bill Passed - House (154 - 18)
4/01 HR 1246 Property Tax Assessment Freeze Resolution Passed - House (166 - 7)
4/01 HB 1244 State Income Tax Reductions Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
4/01 SB 268 Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 25)
4/01 HB 1133 Tax Credits for Nonprofit Donations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 20)
4/01 HB 1004 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - House (81 - 16)
4/01 SJR 107 City, County, and Public Hospital Debt Financing Bill Failed - House (36 - 33)
4/01 HJR 43 Constitutional Amendment Limiting Property Taxes Amendment Adopted - House (133 - 19)
4/01 SB 1 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
3/31 LD 2289 2008-2009 Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - House (84 - 55)
3/31 LD 2289 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
3/31 HB 1158 Motor Vehicle Trauma Care Fee Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
3/28 HB 362 Department of Information Technology Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
3/28 LB 959 2007-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
3/28 H 655 Tax Rebate for Road Projects Bill Passed - House (40 - 25)
3/28 HR 1246 Property Tax Assessment Freeze Resolution Passed - Senate (46 - 7)
3/28 HB 1244 State Income Tax Reductions Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 6)
3/27 SR 845 Regional Transportation Sales Tax Resolution Passed - House (136 - 35)
3/27 HB 2002 2008-2009 Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Budget Bill Passed - House (90 - 66)
3/27 HB 2010 2008-2009 Department of Mental Health and Department of Health and Senior Services Budget Bill Passed - House (87 - 66)
3/27 HB 2003 2008-2009 Department of Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - House (90 - 66)
3/27 HB 2011 2008-2009 Department of Social Services Budget Bill Passed - House (87 - 62)
3/27 H 680 Community Infrastructure Districts Bill Passed - House (50 - 18)
3/26 SB 2188 Attorney General-Private Attorney Contract Restrictions Bill Passed - House (95 - 25)
3/26 SB 373 Tax Credit for Educational Donations Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
3/25 SB 81 Health Care Reform Bill Passed - House (103 - 20)
3/25 SB 1094 2008-2009 Department of Community Health Budget Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
3/25 AB 1 Budget Repair Plan Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
3/25 H 592 Film and Television Production Rebate Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
3/24 HB 859 Salary Adjustments for State Officials Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 3)
3/24 HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
3/24 HB 310 2008-2009 Operating Budget Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 4)
3/24 HF 2645 Public Employee Collective Bargaining and Teacher Termination Policy Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
3/24 SB 597 Property Transfer Tax Exemptions for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
3/21 HJR 4 Local Tax Authority Joint Resolution Passed - House (51 - 19)
3/21 H 599 Eliminating the Personal Property Tax Bill Passed - House (39 - 31)
3/20 H 4920 to 4307 Establishing and Regulating Casinos Amendment Adopted - House (106 - 48)
3/20 SB 461 Electronic Wage Reports and Reimbursement Payments Motion Agreed - House (63 - 58)
3/20 LD 1932 School Consolidation Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 8)
3/20 SB 90 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - House (105 - 34)
3/20 SB 1465 Public-Private Transportation Projects Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 15)
3/20 SB 502 Expanding Unemployment Compensation Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 8)
3/20 SB 1420 Public Highway Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
3/20 HB 2936 Capital Improvements Funding Bill Passed - House (87 - 35)
3/20 HB 2947 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (71 - 51)
3/20 SB 539 Education Funding Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
3/20 SB 1450 Theme Park Funding Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)

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