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
May 4, 2006 CA AB 140 Disaster Preparedness and Flood Prevention Bond Act Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
May 4, 2006 CA AB 127 Kindergarten-University Public Education Bond Act of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
May 3, 2006 National S Amdt 3688 Influenza Vaccine Injury Compensation Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (53 - 46)
May 3, 2006 IA HF 2540 2006-2007 Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 2)
May 3, 2006 CO HB 1090 Sexual Abuse Prosecution Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 17)
May 3, 2006 KS SB 528 Abortion and Live Birth Reporting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 15)
May 3, 2006 OK HCS SB 806 Tattoo Legalization and Changing Body Piercing Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 15)
May 3, 2006 WI AB 414 Smoking Ban Expansion Nonconcurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 14)
May 3, 2006 OK HCS SB 806 Tattoo Legalization and Changing Body Piercing Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 15)
May 3, 2006 CO HB 1149 Increasing Lobbyist Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
May 3, 2006 RI S 2486 Ex-Felon's Voting Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
May 3, 2006 CO HB 1315 Juvenile Criminal Parole Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
May 2, 2006 PA HB 39 Property Taxes (Special Session) Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 9)
May 2, 2006 HI SB 3262 Smoking Ban Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 3)
May 2, 2006 PA HB 39 Property Taxes (Special Session) Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 9)
May 2, 2006 TX HB 3 Business Tax Revisions Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
May 1, 2006 KS HB 2554 DNA Sampling in Felony Cases Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 11)
May 1, 2006 FL CS for CS for CS for SJR 2170 School Vouchers Constitutional Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (23 - 16)
May 1, 2006 MO SCS HCS HB 1022 State College and University Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
May 1, 2006 LA SB 693 Insurance Rate Increases Approval Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
May 1, 2006 CO SB 227 Healthcare Disclosure Act Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
April 28, 2006 ME LD 1381 Teacher Minimum Salary Increase Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
April 28, 2006 ME HCA C to LD 1717 Sentencing Requirements for Certain Sex Offenses Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
April 28, 2006 FL CS for SJR 1150 65 Percent Funding, Class Size, Classroom Instruction Amendment Rejected - Senate (20 - 20)
April 28, 2006 ME SCA A to LD 1935 Dirigo Health Insurance Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
April 27, 2006 CT LCO # 4811 Chief Justice Powers Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (23 - 13)
April 27, 2006 KS SCS SB 584 School Finance Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
April 27, 2006 CA SCR 113 The Great American Boycott 2006 Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
April 27, 2006 MO SCS HB 1865 Access Missouri Scholarship Program Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
April 26, 2006 LA Amdt 1923 Exceptions to Abortion Ban in Cases of Rape or Incest Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (17 - 20)
April 26, 2006 LA SB 33 Prohibits Abortion Except When Necessary to Save the Life of the Woman Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
April 25, 2006 OK HCS HB 2615 "Stand Your Ground Law" Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 5)
April 25, 2006 WI AB 4 Tax Deduction for Health Savings Account Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
April 24, 2006 OK SCS HCS HB 2608 End-of-Instruction Tests Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 12)
April 20, 2006 AK CSSB 235 Public School Performance Incentive Program Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
April 20, 2006 CO SB 81 Employment Nondiscrimination Expansion Bill Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
April 20, 2006 OR HB 3510 Lottery Revenue to Department of Education Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
April 20, 2006 OR SB 5644 Social Services and Education Funding Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
April 20, 2006 OR SB 5644 Social Services and Education Funding Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
April 20, 2006 MI SB 1111 Industrial Development Districts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
April 20, 2006 CT Sub SB 373 Healthy Food and Beverages In Schools Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
April 20, 2006 CT Sub SB 373 Healthy Food and Beverages In Schools Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
April 20, 2006 OR SB 1106 Property Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
April 19, 2006 VA Governor's Recommendation: DMV Voter Registration Requirements Amendment Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
April 19, 2006 OK HCS HB 2807 Semipublic Community Act Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 21)
April 19, 2006 TN SB 303 Driver's License Examination English Language Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
April 17, 2006 CO HB 1375 Public School Finance Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 4)
April 17, 2006 AZ HB 2696 Adoption Preference for Married Couples Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 13)
April 14, 2006 VT H 861 Health Care Bill Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 3)
April 13, 2006 NE LB 239 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
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 NE LB 239 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
April 13, 2006 NE LB 1024 School Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
April 13, 2006 NE LB 239 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
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 NE LR 449 Impeachment of C. David Hergert Resolution Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
April 12, 2006 OK HB 2177 Higher Education Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 10)
April 12, 2006 MN SF 1459 School District Employees Statewide Health Insurance Pool Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 27)
April 12, 2006 DE SB 251 Full-Day Kindergarten Act Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 2)
April 11, 2006 AZ HB 2142 Human Eggs; Sale; Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
April 11, 2006 HI HB 1242 Intentional Termination of Pregnancy Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
April 11, 2006 AZ HB 2142 Human Eggs; Sale; Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
April 10, 2006 MD HB 1215 School Closure Regulations Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
April 7, 2006 AR SB 27 Educational Adequacy Act of 2006 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
April 6, 2006 NH HB 1177 Smoking Ban "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (12 - 11)
April 6, 2006 NE AM 3142 Redistricting of Omaha Public Schools Amendment Adopted - Senate (33 - 6)
April 6, 2006 IL SB 668 Funding for Schools, Universities, and Roads Bill Failed - Senate (32 - 26)
April 6, 2006 IL SB 3053 Bond Authorization Bill Failed - Senate (32 - 26)
April 6, 2006 MD SB 320 Emergency Goods & Services Price Restriction Bill Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
April 5, 2006 NE LB 1060 2005-2007 Biennium Budget Veto Override Failed - Senate (14 - 24)
April 5, 2006 CO HB 1375 Public School Finance Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
April 4, 2006 AZ HB 2254 Requiring Doctors to Inform Women of Fetal Pain Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
March 31, 2006 CO HB 1212 Allows Pharmacists to Prescribe Emergency Contraception Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
March 30, 2006 KS SB 501 School Funding Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 20)
March 30, 2006 IL HB 5284 Carbon Monoxide Detector Act Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
March 30, 2006 IL HB 5284 Carbon Monoxide Detector Act Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
March 30, 2006 KS Sub HB 2986 School Finance Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 25)
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 AL SB 446 Eminent Domain Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
March 29, 2006 CO HB 1249 Authorizing Minors to Approve Perinatal Care for Their Own Pregnancy Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
March 29, 2006 AL SB 446 Eminent Domain Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
March 28, 2006 SC Amdt 2B Sex Offenders Penalties Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (34 - 4)
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 OH Am Sub SB 265 Air Pollution Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
March 28, 2006 MD SB 297 Pharmacists Dispensing Emergency Contraception Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 24)
March 28, 2006 OH HB 530 Budget Correction Bill Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
March 28, 2006 NE LB 1060 2005-2007 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 7)
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 ME LD 1640 Charter School Pilot Program "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 16)
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 ME LD 1926 Amending Work Place Smoking Laws Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 21)
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 MD SB 257 Little Blackwater River Golf Course Conservation Bill Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 27)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/04 AB 140 Disaster Preparedness and Flood Prevention Bond Act Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
5/04 AB 127 Kindergarten-University Public Education Bond Act of 2006 Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
5/03 S Amdt 3688 Influenza Vaccine Injury Compensation Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (53 - 46)
5/03 HF 2540 2006-2007 Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 2)
5/03 HB 1090 Sexual Abuse Prosecution Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 17)
5/03 SB 528 Abortion and Live Birth Reporting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 15)
5/03 HCS SB 806 Tattoo Legalization and Changing Body Piercing Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 15)
5/03 AB 414 Smoking Ban Expansion Nonconcurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 14)
5/03 HCS SB 806 Tattoo Legalization and Changing Body Piercing Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 15)
5/03 HB 1149 Increasing Lobbyist Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
5/03 S 2486 Ex-Felon's Voting Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
5/03 HB 1315 Juvenile Criminal Parole Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
5/02 HB 39 Property Taxes (Special Session) Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 9)
5/02 SB 3262 Smoking Ban Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 3)
5/02 HB 39 Property Taxes (Special Session) Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 9)
5/02 HB 3 Business Tax Revisions Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
5/01 HB 2554 DNA Sampling in Felony Cases Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 11)
5/01 CS for CS for CS for SJR 2170 School Vouchers Constitutional Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (23 - 16)
5/01 SCS HCS HB 1022 State College and University Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
5/01 SB 693 Insurance Rate Increases Approval Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
5/01 SB 227 Healthcare Disclosure Act Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
4/28 LD 1381 Teacher Minimum Salary Increase Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
4/28 HCA C to LD 1717 Sentencing Requirements for Certain Sex Offenses Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
4/28 CS for SJR 1150 65 Percent Funding, Class Size, Classroom Instruction Amendment Rejected - Senate (20 - 20)
4/28 SCA A to LD 1935 Dirigo Health Insurance Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
4/27 LCO # 4811 Chief Justice Powers Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (23 - 13)
4/27 SCS SB 584 School Finance Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
4/27 SCR 113 The Great American Boycott 2006 Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
4/27 SCS HB 1865 Access Missouri Scholarship Program Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
4/26 Amdt 1923 Exceptions to Abortion Ban in Cases of Rape or Incest Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (17 - 20)
4/26 SB 33 Prohibits Abortion Except When Necessary to Save the Life of the Woman Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
4/25 HCS HB 2615 "Stand Your Ground Law" Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 5)
4/25 AB 4 Tax Deduction for Health Savings Account Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
4/24 SCS HCS HB 2608 End-of-Instruction Tests Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 12)
4/20 CSSB 235 Public School Performance Incentive Program Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
4/20 SB 81 Employment Nondiscrimination Expansion Bill Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
4/20 HB 3510 Lottery Revenue to Department of Education Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
4/20 SB 5644 Social Services and Education Funding Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
4/20 SB 5644 Social Services and Education Funding Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
4/20 SB 1111 Industrial Development Districts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
4/20 Sub SB 373 Healthy Food and Beverages In Schools Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
4/20 Sub SB 373 Healthy Food and Beverages In Schools Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
4/20 SB 1106 Property Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
4/19 Governor's Recommendation: DMV Voter Registration Requirements Amendment Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
4/19 HCS HB 2807 Semipublic Community Act Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 21)
4/19 SB 303 Driver's License Examination English Language Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
4/17 HB 1375 Public School Finance Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 4)
4/17 HB 2696 Adoption Preference for Married Couples Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 13)
4/14 H 861 Health Care Bill Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 3)
4/13 LB 239 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
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 LB 239 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
4/13 LB 1024 School Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
4/13 LB 239 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
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 LR 449 Impeachment of C. David Hergert Resolution Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
4/12 HB 2177 Higher Education Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 10)
4/12 SF 1459 School District Employees Statewide Health Insurance Pool Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 27)
4/12 SB 251 Full-Day Kindergarten Act Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 2)
4/11 HB 2142 Human Eggs; Sale; Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
4/11 HB 1242 Intentional Termination of Pregnancy Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
4/11 HB 2142 Human Eggs; Sale; Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
4/10 HB 1215 School Closure Regulations Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
4/07 SB 27 Educational Adequacy Act of 2006 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
4/06 HB 1177 Smoking Ban "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (12 - 11)
4/06 AM 3142 Redistricting of Omaha Public Schools Amendment Adopted - Senate (33 - 6)
4/06 SB 668 Funding for Schools, Universities, and Roads Bill Failed - Senate (32 - 26)
4/06 SB 3053 Bond Authorization Bill Failed - Senate (32 - 26)
4/06 SB 320 Emergency Goods & Services Price Restriction Bill Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
4/05 LB 1060 2005-2007 Biennium Budget Veto Override Failed - Senate (14 - 24)
4/05 HB 1375 Public School Finance Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
4/04 HB 2254 Requiring Doctors to Inform Women of Fetal Pain Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
3/31 HB 1212 Allows Pharmacists to Prescribe Emergency Contraception Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
3/30 SB 501 School Funding Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 20)
3/30 HB 5284 Carbon Monoxide Detector Act Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
3/30 HB 5284 Carbon Monoxide Detector Act Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
3/30 Sub HB 2986 School Finance Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 25)
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 SB 446 Eminent Domain Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
3/29 HB 1249 Authorizing Minors to Approve Perinatal Care for Their Own Pregnancy Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
3/29 SB 446 Eminent Domain Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
3/28 Amdt 2B Sex Offenders Penalties Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (34 - 4)
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 Am Sub SB 265 Air Pollution Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
3/28 SB 297 Pharmacists Dispensing Emergency Contraception Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 24)
3/28 HB 530 Budget Correction Bill Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
3/28 LB 1060 2005-2007 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 7)
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 LD 1640 Charter School Pilot Program "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 16)
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 LD 1926 Amending Work Place Smoking Laws Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 21)
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 SB 257 Little Blackwater River Golf Course Conservation Bill Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 27)

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