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 31, 2007 CT Sub SB 847 Workers' Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
May 30, 2007 SC Amendment No. P-2B State Scholarships for Private Schools Amendment Tabled - Senate (29 - 15)
May 25, 2007 OR HB 2650 School Food Nutritional Standards Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
May 24, 2007 TN SB 1325 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
May 23, 2007 National S Amdt 1169 Guest Worker Number Reduction Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (74 - 24)
May 23, 2007 AZ HB 2779 Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 4)
May 23, 2007 AZ HB 2779 Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 4)
May 23, 2007 CT Sub SB 1044 Gender Identification Nondiscrimination Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
May 23, 2007 CT Sub SB 938 Reporting of Lost or Stolen Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
May 21, 2007 TN SJR 139 Popular Election of Statewide Officers Resolution Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 21, 2007 CA SB 180 Collective Bargaining Representation for Agricultural Workers Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
May 19, 2007 MN HF 464 School District Health Insurance Pool Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 16)
May 17, 2007 National S Con Res 21 2008 Budget Resolution Conference Report Adopted - Senate (52 - 40)
May 17, 2007 IL HB 1798 Wrongful Death Damages Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 23)
May 16, 2007 MN SF 653 Resident Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 20)
May 15, 2007 NC SB 1006 Confidentiality of Competitive Health Care Information Act Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 5)
May 14, 2007 NY S 319 Death Penalty For Certain Murders Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 24)
May 11, 2007 MN SF 238 Smoking Ban Conference Report Adopted - Senate (43 - 21)
May 10, 2007 NH HB 790 Extending Medical Insurance Coverage for Dependents Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 10)
May 9, 2007 SC Amendment No. 2c Restructuring the Department of Transportation Amendment Tabled - Senate (20 - 19)
May 9, 2007 CT Sub HB 7350 In-School Suspensions Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
May 7, 2007 MN SF 2171 2008-2009 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 19)
May 7, 2007 MN SF 2171 2008-2009 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 19)
May 7, 2007 MN SF 2171 2008-2009 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 19)
May 4, 2007 FL CS HB 1497 Abortion Waiting Periods Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
May 2, 2007 AZ SB 1132 Volunteer Homeland Security Force Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
May 2, 2007 AZ SB 1132 Volunteer Homeland Security Force Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
May 2, 2007 MN SF 1398 Domestic Partnership Visitation Rights Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 22)
May 1, 2007 TX CSSB 966 Journalist Confidentiality Protection Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
May 1, 2007 CO HB 1301 Cervical Cancer Immunization Act Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
May 1, 2007 CO HB 1301 Cervical Cancer Immunization Act Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
April 30, 2007 MN S Amendment Domestic Partner Visitation Rights Amendment Rejected - Senate (31 - 34)
April 29, 2007 IN HB 1678 Employer Health Insurance Plans Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 13)
April 26, 2007 NH HB 437 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
April 26, 2007 NH HB 514 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 5)
April 25, 2007 IA SF 427 Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Discrimination Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
April 25, 2007 CT SB 1343 Emergency Contraception for Rape Victims Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
April 24, 2007 NV SB 52 Governor Guinn Millennium Teaching Scholarship Program Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
April 24, 2007 AZ HB 2589 Labor Solicitation and Criminal Trespass Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
April 24, 2007 NV SB 415 Undocumented Students and State Financial Aid Act Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
April 24, 2007 AZ HB 2589 Labor Solicitation and Criminal Trespass Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
April 23, 2007 MN SF 875 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 23)
April 20, 2007 VT SR 16 Urging National Executive Impeachment Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 9)
April 20, 2007 VT SR 16 Urging National Executive Impeachment Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 9)
April 19, 2007 OK SB 507 Comprehensive tort reform-Provide Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 23)
April 19, 2007 NV SB 409 HPV Vaccine Coverage Act Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
April 18, 2007 IA HF 877 Statewide Preschool Program Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
April 17, 2007 CO SB 25 Sexual Orientation Workplace Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
April 17, 2007 GA SCS HB 340 Children’s Health Care Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 21)
April 12, 2007 NH SB 176 Children's Lead Poisoning Level Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 8)
April 12, 2007 CO HB 1330 Second Parent Adoption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
April 11, 2007 AZ HB 2033 Teen Drivers License Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
April 10, 2007 IA HF 611 Research-Based Sex Education Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
April 10, 2007 AK CSSB 4 Senior Benefits Payment Program Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 2)
April 10, 2007 AK CSSB 4 Senior Benefits Payment Program Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 2)
April 10, 2007 SC S 332 Workers' Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
April 9, 2007 MD HB 430 State Living Wage Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
April 9, 2007 ND HB 1320 Prekindergarten Aid Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 22)
April 9, 2007 MD HB 992 Parole for Drug Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
April 5, 2007 MD HB 359 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
April 5, 2007 SC S 355 Restructuring the Department of Transportation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
April 5, 2007 SC S 355 Restructuring the Department of Transportation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
April 4, 2007 VA HB 2347 Capital Murder of a Witness Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
April 4, 2007 VA Sub HB 2750 Capital Murder of a Judge Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
April 4, 2007 VA Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 14)
March 29, 2007 CO SJM Opposition to Troop Escalation in Iraq Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
March 29, 2007 IL SB 500 Smoke Free Illinois Act Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 23)
March 29, 2007 MN SF 2171 2008-2009 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 23)
March 29, 2007 MN SF 2171 2008-2009 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 23)
March 29, 2007 MN SF 2171 2008-2009 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 23)
March 29, 2007 CO SJM 2 Opposition to Troop Escalation in Iraq Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
March 28, 2007 IA SF 430 Recognition of Tribal Court Decisions Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
March 28, 2007 MN SF 276 School District Health Insurance Pool Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 23)
March 27, 2007 National S Amdt 643 Iraq Withdrawal Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 50)
March 27, 2007 KS SB 385 State Employee Pay Increase Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
March 27, 2007 MN SF 238 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
March 26, 2007 MD SB 91 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
March 26, 2007 IA SF 427 Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
March 24, 2007 MN SF 1997 2008-2009 State Government Budget Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 20)
March 23, 2007 National S Con Res 21 2008 Budget Resolution Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (52 - 47)
March 22, 2007 MN SF 1989 2008-2009 Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (64 - 2)
March 22, 2007 MN SF 1989 2008-2009 Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (64 - 2)
March 20, 2007 KS HB 2140 English as the Official Language Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
March 20, 2007 National S 214 United States Attorneys Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (94 - 2)
March 20, 2007 IL SB 1296 Damages in Civil Actions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 23)
March 20, 2007 GA SB 174 Physical Fitness Standards for State Employees Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
March 19, 2007 IA HF 5 Maximum Title Loan Finance Charge Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
March 16, 2007 MD SB 533 Removal of Remarriage Barriers Bill Failed - Senate (22 - 22)
March 15, 2007 NJ A 1044 Notification of Job Loss and Plant Closures Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
March 15, 2007 National S J Res 9 United States Policy in Iraq Resolution of 2007 Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (48 - 50)
March 15, 2007 NH SB 18 Raising the Compulsory School Age Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
March 13, 2007 AR SB 959 Adoption and Foster Care Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
March 13, 2007 AR SB 959 Adoption and Foster Care Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
March 13, 2007 AR SB 959 Adoption and Foster Care Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
March 13, 2007 OK SB 507 Firearm Injury Liability and Tort Reform Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 5)
March 8, 2007 MS SB 2391 Abortion Law Reform Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
March 8, 2007 MS SB 2391 Abortion Law Reform Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
March 8, 2007 AZ SB 1152 REAL ID Implementation Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
March 8, 2007 IA SF 413 “Fair Share” Union Fees Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
March 8, 2007 AZ SB 1132 Volunteer Homeland Security Force Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/31 Sub SB 847 Workers' Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
5/30 Amendment No. P-2B State Scholarships for Private Schools Amendment Tabled - Senate (29 - 15)
5/25 HB 2650 School Food Nutritional Standards Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
5/24 SB 1325 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
5/23 S Amdt 1169 Guest Worker Number Reduction Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (74 - 24)
5/23 HB 2779 Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 4)
5/23 HB 2779 Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 4)
5/23 Sub SB 1044 Gender Identification Nondiscrimination Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
5/23 Sub SB 938 Reporting of Lost or Stolen Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
5/21 SJR 139 Popular Election of Statewide Officers Resolution Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/21 SB 180 Collective Bargaining Representation for Agricultural Workers Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
5/19 HF 464 School District Health Insurance Pool Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 16)
5/17 S Con Res 21 2008 Budget Resolution Conference Report Adopted - Senate (52 - 40)
5/17 HB 1798 Wrongful Death Damages Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 23)
5/16 SF 653 Resident Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 20)
5/15 SB 1006 Confidentiality of Competitive Health Care Information Act Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 5)
5/14 S 319 Death Penalty For Certain Murders Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 24)
5/11 SF 238 Smoking Ban Conference Report Adopted - Senate (43 - 21)
5/10 HB 790 Extending Medical Insurance Coverage for Dependents Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 10)
5/09 Amendment No. 2c Restructuring the Department of Transportation Amendment Tabled - Senate (20 - 19)
5/09 Sub HB 7350 In-School Suspensions Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
5/07 SF 2171 2008-2009 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 19)
5/07 SF 2171 2008-2009 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 19)
5/07 SF 2171 2008-2009 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 19)
5/04 CS HB 1497 Abortion Waiting Periods Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
5/02 SB 1132 Volunteer Homeland Security Force Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
5/02 SB 1132 Volunteer Homeland Security Force Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
5/02 SF 1398 Domestic Partnership Visitation Rights Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 22)
5/01 CSSB 966 Journalist Confidentiality Protection Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
5/01 HB 1301 Cervical Cancer Immunization Act Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
5/01 HB 1301 Cervical Cancer Immunization Act Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
4/30 S Amendment Domestic Partner Visitation Rights Amendment Rejected - Senate (31 - 34)
4/29 HB 1678 Employer Health Insurance Plans Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 13)
4/26 HB 437 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
4/26 HB 514 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 5)
4/25 SF 427 Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Discrimination Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
4/25 SB 1343 Emergency Contraception for Rape Victims Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
4/24 SB 52 Governor Guinn Millennium Teaching Scholarship Program Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
4/24 HB 2589 Labor Solicitation and Criminal Trespass Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
4/24 SB 415 Undocumented Students and State Financial Aid Act Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
4/24 HB 2589 Labor Solicitation and Criminal Trespass Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
4/23 SF 875 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 23)
4/20 SR 16 Urging National Executive Impeachment Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 9)
4/20 SR 16 Urging National Executive Impeachment Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 9)
4/19 SB 507 Comprehensive tort reform-Provide Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 23)
4/19 SB 409 HPV Vaccine Coverage Act Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
4/18 HF 877 Statewide Preschool Program Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
4/17 SB 25 Sexual Orientation Workplace Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
4/17 SCS HB 340 Children’s Health Care Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 21)
4/12 SB 176 Children's Lead Poisoning Level Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 8)
4/12 HB 1330 Second Parent Adoption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
4/11 HB 2033 Teen Drivers License Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
4/10 HF 611 Research-Based Sex Education Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
4/10 CSSB 4 Senior Benefits Payment Program Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 2)
4/10 CSSB 4 Senior Benefits Payment Program Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 2)
4/10 S 332 Workers' Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
4/09 HB 430 State Living Wage Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
4/09 HB 1320 Prekindergarten Aid Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 22)
4/09 HB 992 Parole for Drug Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
4/05 HB 359 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
4/05 S 355 Restructuring the Department of Transportation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
4/05 S 355 Restructuring the Department of Transportation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
4/04 HB 2347 Capital Murder of a Witness Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
4/04 Sub HB 2750 Capital Murder of a Judge Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
4/04 Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 14)
3/29 SJM Opposition to Troop Escalation in Iraq Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
3/29 SB 500 Smoke Free Illinois Act Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 23)
3/29 SF 2171 2008-2009 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 23)
3/29 SF 2171 2008-2009 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 23)
3/29 SF 2171 2008-2009 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 23)
3/29 SJM 2 Opposition to Troop Escalation in Iraq Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
3/28 SF 430 Recognition of Tribal Court Decisions Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
3/28 SF 276 School District Health Insurance Pool Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 23)
3/27 S Amdt 643 Iraq Withdrawal Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (48 - 50)
3/27 SB 385 State Employee Pay Increase Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
3/27 SF 238 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
3/26 SB 91 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
3/26 SF 427 Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
3/24 SF 1997 2008-2009 State Government Budget Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 20)
3/23 S Con Res 21 2008 Budget Resolution Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (52 - 47)
3/22 SF 1989 2008-2009 Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (64 - 2)
3/22 SF 1989 2008-2009 Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (64 - 2)
3/20 HB 2140 English as the Official Language Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
3/20 S 214 United States Attorneys Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (94 - 2)
3/20 SB 1296 Damages in Civil Actions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 23)
3/20 SB 174 Physical Fitness Standards for State Employees Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
3/19 HF 5 Maximum Title Loan Finance Charge Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
3/16 SB 533 Removal of Remarriage Barriers Bill Failed - Senate (22 - 22)
3/15 A 1044 Notification of Job Loss and Plant Closures Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
3/15 S J Res 9 United States Policy in Iraq Resolution of 2007 Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (48 - 50)
3/15 SB 18 Raising the Compulsory School Age Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
3/13 SB 959 Adoption and Foster Care Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
3/13 SB 959 Adoption and Foster Care Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
3/13 SB 959 Adoption and Foster Care Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
3/13 SB 507 Firearm Injury Liability and Tort Reform Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 5)
3/08 SB 2391 Abortion Law Reform Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
3/08 SB 2391 Abortion Law Reform Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
3/08 SB 1152 REAL ID Implementation Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
3/08 SF 413 “Fair Share” Union Fees Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
3/08 SB 1132 Volunteer Homeland Security Force Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)

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