Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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 3, 2006 OK HCS SB 806 Tattoo Legalization and Changing Body Piercing Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 15)
May 3, 2006 CO HB 1315 Juvenile Criminal Parole Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
May 3, 2006 CO HB 1125 Seat Belt Enforcement Bill Bill Failed - House (32 - 32)
May 3, 2006 RI S 2486 Ex-Felon's Voting Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
May 3, 2006 RI S 2486 Ex-Felon's Voting Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
May 2, 2006 HI SB 3262 Smoking Ban Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 3)
May 2, 2006 HI SB 3262 Smoking Ban Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (47 - 3)
May 2, 2006 CO HB 1100 Prescription Drug Discount Program Bill Failed - House (30 - 35)
May 2, 2006 TX HB 3 Business Tax Revisions Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
May 1, 2006 TN HA 1232 Removing “Sexual Orientation” Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (55 - 32)
May 1, 2006 KS HB 2554 DNA Sampling in Felony Cases Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 11)
April 30, 2006 CT LCO # 5227 Estate/Death and Gift Taxes Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (49 - 98)
April 28, 2006 ME HCA C to LD 1717 Sentencing Requirements for Certain Sex Offenses Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
April 28, 2006 ME HCA C to LD 1717 Sentencing Requirements for Certain Sex Offenses Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
April 28, 2006 ME LD 1789 Environmental Terrorism Protection Bill Passed - House (74 - 66)
April 27, 2006 CT Sub SB 4 Birth Information for Adult Adoptees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
April 27, 2006 ME LD 1938 Notification Requirements for Certain Firearm Purchases Concurrence Vote Failed - House (68 - 77)
April 27, 2006 ME LD 1938 Notification Requirements for Certain Firearm Purchases Concurrence Vote Failed - House (68 - 77)
April 27, 2006 ME LD 1938 Notification Requirements for Certain Firearm Purchases Concurrence Vote Failed - House (68 - 77)
April 27, 2006 CT Sub SB 4 Birth Information for Adult Adoptees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
April 27, 2006 CO HB 1315 Juvenile Criminal Parole Act Bill Passed - House (44 - 21)
April 27, 2006 MO HCS HB 1814 English as the State’s Official Language Bill Passed - House (122 - 30)
April 27, 2006 CA SCR 113 The Great American Boycott 2006 Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
April 27, 2006 CA SCR 113 The Great American Boycott 2006 Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
April 27, 2006 CT Sub SB 373 Healthy Food and Beverages In Schools Bill Passed - House (76 - 71)
April 26, 2006 AZ SB 1425 Prohibition of Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency Veto Override Failed - Senate (19 - 10)
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 26, 2006 OK SB 1434 Prescription Drug Reimportation Act Bill Passed - House (83 - 16)
April 26, 2006 NH SB 318 Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (193 - 134)
April 26, 2006 NH SB 318 Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (193 - 134)
April 26, 2006 OK SB 1742 Abortion Information Requirements and Changes to the Definition of Homicide Bill Passed - House (84 - 5)
April 25, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 19)
April 25, 2006 OK HCS HB 2615 "Stand Your Ground Law" Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 5)
April 25, 2006 MI Sub H-1 Self Defense Bill/ Deadly Force Bill Bill Passed - House (90 - 16)
April 25, 2006 MI Sub H-1 Self Defense Bill/ Deadly Force Bill Bill Passed - House (90 - 16)
April 25, 2006 MN SF 2734 Sales Tax Dedicated to the Environment and the Arts Constitutional Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (78 - 55)
April 25, 2006 OK HCS HB 2615 "Stand Your Ground Law" Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 5)
April 25, 2006 MI Sub H-1 Self Defense Bill/ Deadly Force Bill Bill Passed - House (90 - 16)
April 24, 2006 TX HB 3 Business Tax Revisions Bill Passed - House (80 - 68)
April 24, 2006 CT Sub SB 4 Birth Information for Adult Adoptees Bill Passed - House (79 - 64)
April 24, 2006 CT Sub SB 4 Birth Information for Adult Adoptees Bill Passed - House (79 - 64)
April 20, 2006 CO SB 81 Employment Nondiscrimination Expansion Bill Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
April 20, 2006 CO SB 81 Employment Nondiscrimination Expansion Bill Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
April 20, 2006 OR SB 5644 Social Services and Education Funding Bill Passed - House (57 - 3)
April 20, 2006 OR HB 3511 Minimum Sentence for Some First-Degree Sex Offenders Bill Passed - House (54 - 6)
April 20, 2006 MN SF 1070 Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 20)
April 20, 2006 OR SB 5644 Social Services and Education Funding Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
April 20, 2006 AZ SB 1477 Psychotropic drugs; Testing; Informed Consent Bill Passed - House (34 - 23)
April 20, 2006 CT Sub SB 373 Healthy Food and Beverages In Schools Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
April 20, 2006 MO HB 1864 College Admission of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (119 - 30)
April 19, 2006 VA HB 1106 Possession of Concealed Weapons Veto Override Failed - House (61 - 36)
April 19, 2006 VA HB 493 High School Baccalaureate Ceremonies Veto Override Failed - House (60 - 36)
April 19, 2006 VA Governor's Recommendation: DMV Voter Registration Requirements Amendment Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
April 19, 2006 VA Governor's Recommendation: DMV Voter Registration Requirements Amendment Rejected - House (27 - 70)
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 17, 2006 AZ SB 1477 Psychotropic drugs; Testing; Informed Consent Bill Failed - House (25 - 30)
April 17, 2006 CT HB 5212 News Media Information Protection Bill Passed - House (107 - 34)
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 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 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 CO HB 1314 Prohibiting Forced Exposure to Employer’s 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 NH HB 345 Photo ID for Voting Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
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 - Senate (17 - 12)
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 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 2142 Human Eggs; Sale; Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
April 11, 2006 AZ HB 2649 Firearms; Possession; Storage Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
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 MO HJR 39 Prayer in Public Schools Joint Resolution Passed - House (134 - 19)
April 6, 2006 AZ SB 1425 Prohibition on Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency Bill Passed - House (45 - 12)
April 6, 2006 MO HJR 39 Prayer in Public Schools Joint Resolution Passed - House (134 - 19)
April 6, 2006 AZ SB 1273 Border Radar Lease Appropriation Bill Passed - House (38 - 19)
April 5, 2006 CO HB 1375 Public School Finance Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
April 4, 2006 AZ HB 2074 Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
April 4, 2006 DE HB 37 Bans Open Containers of Alcoholic Beverages in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (22 - 12)
April 3, 2006 MN SF 2734 Sales Tax Dedicated to the Environment and the Arts Constitutional Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (42 - 22)
April 3, 2006 LA HB 26 Expanding the Definition of Resisting an Officer Bill Passed - House (58 - 36)
March 31, 2006 CO HB 1212 Allows Pharmacists to Prescribe Emergency Contraception Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/03 HCS SB 806 Tattoo Legalization and Changing Body Piercing Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 15)
5/03 HB 1315 Juvenile Criminal Parole Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
5/03 HB 1125 Seat Belt Enforcement Bill Bill Failed - House (32 - 32)
5/03 S 2486 Ex-Felon's Voting Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
5/03 S 2486 Ex-Felon's Voting Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
5/02 SB 3262 Smoking Ban Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 3)
5/02 SB 3262 Smoking Ban Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (47 - 3)
5/02 HB 1100 Prescription Drug Discount Program Bill Failed - House (30 - 35)
5/02 HB 3 Business Tax Revisions Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
5/01 HA 1232 Removing “Sexual Orientation” Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (55 - 32)
5/01 HB 2554 DNA Sampling in Felony Cases Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 11)
4/30 LCO # 5227 Estate/Death and Gift Taxes Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (49 - 98)
4/28 HCA C to LD 1717 Sentencing Requirements for Certain Sex Offenses Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
4/28 HCA C to LD 1717 Sentencing Requirements for Certain Sex Offenses Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
4/28 LD 1789 Environmental Terrorism Protection Bill Passed - House (74 - 66)
4/27 Sub SB 4 Birth Information for Adult Adoptees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
4/27 LD 1938 Notification Requirements for Certain Firearm Purchases Concurrence Vote Failed - House (68 - 77)
4/27 LD 1938 Notification Requirements for Certain Firearm Purchases Concurrence Vote Failed - House (68 - 77)
4/27 LD 1938 Notification Requirements for Certain Firearm Purchases Concurrence Vote Failed - House (68 - 77)
4/27 Sub SB 4 Birth Information for Adult Adoptees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
4/27 HB 1315 Juvenile Criminal Parole Act Bill Passed - House (44 - 21)
4/27 HCS HB 1814 English as the State’s Official Language Bill Passed - House (122 - 30)
4/27 SCR 113 The Great American Boycott 2006 Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
4/27 SCR 113 The Great American Boycott 2006 Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
4/27 Sub SB 373 Healthy Food and Beverages In Schools Bill Passed - House (76 - 71)
4/26 SB 1425 Prohibition of Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency Veto Override Failed - Senate (19 - 10)
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)
4/26 SB 1434 Prescription Drug Reimportation Act Bill Passed - House (83 - 16)
4/26 SB 318 Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (193 - 134)
4/26 SB 318 Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (193 - 134)
4/26 SB 1742 Abortion Information Requirements and Changes to the Definition of Homicide Bill Passed - House (84 - 5)
4/25 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 19)
4/25 HCS HB 2615 "Stand Your Ground Law" Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 5)
4/25 Sub H-1 Self Defense Bill/ Deadly Force Bill Bill Passed - House (90 - 16)
4/25 Sub H-1 Self Defense Bill/ Deadly Force Bill Bill Passed - House (90 - 16)
4/25 SF 2734 Sales Tax Dedicated to the Environment and the Arts Constitutional Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (78 - 55)
4/25 HCS HB 2615 "Stand Your Ground Law" Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 5)
4/25 Sub H-1 Self Defense Bill/ Deadly Force Bill Bill Passed - House (90 - 16)
4/24 HB 3 Business Tax Revisions Bill Passed - House (80 - 68)
4/24 Sub SB 4 Birth Information for Adult Adoptees Bill Passed - House (79 - 64)
4/24 Sub SB 4 Birth Information for Adult Adoptees Bill Passed - House (79 - 64)
4/20 SB 81 Employment Nondiscrimination Expansion Bill Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
4/20 SB 81 Employment Nondiscrimination Expansion Bill Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
4/20 SB 5644 Social Services and Education Funding Bill Passed - House (57 - 3)
4/20 HB 3511 Minimum Sentence for Some First-Degree Sex Offenders Bill Passed - House (54 - 6)
4/20 SF 1070 Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 20)
4/20 SB 5644 Social Services and Education Funding Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
4/20 SB 1477 Psychotropic drugs; Testing; Informed Consent Bill Passed - House (34 - 23)
4/20 Sub SB 373 Healthy Food and Beverages In Schools Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
4/20 HB 1864 College Admission of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (119 - 30)
4/19 HB 1106 Possession of Concealed Weapons Veto Override Failed - House (61 - 36)
4/19 HB 493 High School Baccalaureate Ceremonies Veto Override Failed - House (60 - 36)
4/19 Governor's Recommendation: DMV Voter Registration Requirements Amendment Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
4/19 Governor's Recommendation: DMV Voter Registration Requirements Amendment Rejected - House (27 - 70)
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)
4/17 SB 1477 Psychotropic drugs; Testing; Informed Consent Bill Failed - House (25 - 30)
4/17 HB 5212 News Media Information Protection Bill Passed - House (107 - 34)
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 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)
4/13 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 1314 Prohibiting Forced Exposure to Employer’s 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 345 Photo ID for Voting Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
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 - Senate (17 - 12)
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 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 2142 Human Eggs; Sale; Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
4/11 HB 2649 Firearms; Possession; Storage Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
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 HJR 39 Prayer in Public Schools Joint Resolution Passed - House (134 - 19)
4/06 SB 1425 Prohibition on Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency Bill Passed - House (45 - 12)
4/06 HJR 39 Prayer in Public Schools Joint Resolution Passed - House (134 - 19)
4/06 SB 1273 Border Radar Lease Appropriation Bill Passed - House (38 - 19)
4/05 HB 1375 Public School Finance Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
4/04 HB 2074 Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
4/04 HB 37 Bans Open Containers of Alcoholic Beverages in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (22 - 12)
4/03 SF 2734 Sales Tax Dedicated to the Environment and the Arts Constitutional Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (42 - 22)
4/03 HB 26 Expanding the Definition of Resisting an Officer Bill Passed - House (58 - 36)
3/31 HB 1212 Allows Pharmacists to Prescribe Emergency Contraception Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)

arrow_upward