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:
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.
| Date | State | Bill No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 3, 2008 | MN | SF 960 | Modification of the Definition of Dependents for Local Government Benefits | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 22) |
| April 3, 2008 | MN | SF 960 | Modification of the Definition of Dependents for Local Government Benefits | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 22) |
| April 3, 2008 | MO | SB 858 | Restrictions on Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
| 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 | GA | HB 257 | Limiting Concealed Weapon Restrictions | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17) |
| April 2, 2008 | KY | SB 120 | Booster Seat Requirement | Bill Passed - House (88 - 8) |
| April 2, 2008 | AZ | HB 2700 | 9/11 Memorial Modifications | Bill Passed - House (32 - 26) |
| April 2, 2008 | OK | SB 1878 | Abortion Regulations | Bill Passed - House (80 - 12) |
| April 2, 2008 | OK | SB 1878 | Abortion Regulations | Bill Passed - House (80 - 12) |
| April 2, 2008 | GA | SB 174 | Physical Fitness Standards for State Employees | Bill Failed - House (55 - 107) |
| April 2, 2008 | National | HR 5501 | Funding to Combat AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis | Bill Passed - House (308 - 116) |
| April 2, 2008 | KY | SB 120 | Booster Seat Requirement | Bill Passed - House (88 - 8) |
| April 1, 2008 | MN | Seifert Amendment: Prohibiting Grants for Groups Associated with Abortion Providers | Amendment Rejected - House (64 - 66) | |
| April 1, 2008 | NE | AM 2319 to LB 1174 | Farm and Ranch Ownership Requirements | Amendment Rejected - Senate (20 - 27) |
| April 1, 2008 | PA | A 6178 to HB 1845 | Reporting Missing Firearms | Amendment Rejected - House (75 - 128) |
| April 1, 2008 | CO | SB 129 | Restricting Beverage Sales at Schools | Bill Passed - House (37 - 27) |
| April 1, 2008 | MN | SF 2369 | Background Checks for Coaches | Bill Passed - House (118 - 11) |
| April 1, 2008 | IL | SB 1997 | Interscholastic Event Image Release | Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 5) |
| April 1, 2008 | AZ | HB 2745 | Amending Undocumented Immigrant Employment Sanctions | Bill Passed - House (41 - 16) |
| April 1, 2008 | KY | HB 70 | Restoring Voting Rights to Former Felons | Bill Passed - House (80 - 14) |
| April 1, 2008 | KY | HB 70 | Restoring Voting Rights to Former Felons | Bill Passed - House (80 - 14) |
| March 31, 2008 | MS | HB 1089 | Legalizing Deer Baiting | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 51) |
| March 31, 2008 | MS | HB 1089 | Legalizing Deer Baiting | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 51) |
| March 31, 2008 | MD | SB 269 | Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems | Bill Passed - House (89 - 47) |
| March 31, 2008 | MD | SB 269 | Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems | Bill Passed - House (89 - 47) |
| March 31, 2008 | IA | HF 2145 | Mandatory HPV Vaccination Coverage | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8) |
| March 27, 2008 | KS | Carlson Amnd. | Employment Eligibility Verification Amendment | Amendment Adopted - House (86 - 36) |
| March 27, 2008 | KS | Rhoades Amnd. | Repealing In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants | Amendment Rejected - House (51 - 70) |
| March 27, 2008 | MS | HB 520 | Reporting Sexual Activity of Minors | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 41) |
| March 27, 2008 | MS | HB 520 | Reporting Sexual Activity of Minors | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 41) |
| March 27, 2008 | MS | HB 520 | Reporting Sexual Activity of Minors | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 41) |
| March 27, 2008 | ME | LD 2012 | Prohibiting Smoking in Vehicles with Children | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| March 27, 2008 | ME | LD 2012 | Prohibiting Smoking in Vehicles with Children | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| March 27, 2008 | AZ | HB 2788 | Relaxing Concealed Weapon Restrictions | Bill Passed - House (51 - 5) |
| March 26, 2008 | KS | Journey Amnd. 1 | Penalties for Obstructing Immigration Enforcement | Amendment Rejected - Senate (14 - 24) |
| March 26, 2008 | KS | Barnett Amnd. | Immigration Reform Amendment | Amendment Rejected - Senate (12 - 27) |
| March 26, 2008 | KS | Journey Amnd. 2 | Repealing In-State Tuition for Immigrants | Amendment Rejected - Senate (14 - 25) |
| March 26, 2008 | KS | Journey Amnd. 1 | Penalties for Obstructing Immigration Enforcement | Amendment Rejected - Senate (14 - 24) |
| March 26, 2008 | KS | Huelskamp Amnd. 2 | Undocumented Immigrants Ineligible for Public Benefits | Amendment Rejected - Senate (12 - 26) |
| March 26, 2008 | KS | Brownlee Amnd. | Prohibits Union from collecting dues from Undocumented Workers | Amendment Adopted - Senate (19 - 18) |
| March 26, 2008 | KS | Huelskamp Amnd. 1 | Employment Verification | Amendment Rejected - Senate (11 - 27) |
| March 26, 2008 | MS | SB 2199 | Gaming Restrictions | Bill Passed - House (114 - 7) |
| March 26, 2008 | AK | HB 256 | Relaxing Predator Control Standards | Bill Passed - House (25 - 12) |
| March 26, 2008 | FL | HB 503 | Firearms in Vehicles | Bill Passed - House (72 - 42) |
| March 25, 2008 | AK | HB 301 | Redefining Partial-Birth/Late-Term Abortion | Bill Passed - House (21 - 15) |
| March 25, 2008 | AZ | HB 2263 | Maturity Requirement for Underage Abortions | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12) |
| March 25, 2008 | AZ | HB 2263 | Maturity Requirement for Underage Abortions | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12) |
| March 25, 2008 | ME | LD 2012 | Prohibiting Smoking in Vehicles with Children | Bill Passed - House (92 - 46) |
| March 25, 2008 | ME | LD 2012 | Prohibiting Smoking in Vehicles with Children | Bill Passed - House (92 - 46) |
| March 25, 2008 | AZ | HB 2769 | Increasing Partial-Birth/Late-Term Abortion Penalties | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9) |
| March 25, 2008 | AZ | HB 2769 | Increasing Partial-Birth/Late-Term Abortion Penalties | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9) |
| March 25, 2008 | ID | H 592 | Film and Television Production Rebate | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8) |
| March 24, 2008 | MD | SB 597 | Property Transfer Tax Exemptions for Domestic Partners | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21) |
| March 24, 2008 | AZ | HB 2713 | Student's Religious Liberties Act | Bill Passed - House (36 - 23) |
| March 24, 2008 | CO | HB 1276 | Workplace Accommodations for Nursing Mothers | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8) |
| March 24, 2008 | AZ | HB 2713 | Student's Religious Liberties Act | Bill Passed - House (36 - 23) |
| March 20, 2008 | MA | H 4920 to 4307 | Establishing and Regulating Casinos | Amendment Adopted - House (106 - 48) |
| March 20, 2008 | NH | SA 1051 to SB 527 | Parental Notification for Underage Abortions | Amendment Rejected - Senate (9 - 15) |
| March 20, 2008 | NH | SA 1051 to SB 527 | Parental Notification for Underage Abortions | Amendment Rejected - Senate (9 - 15) |
| March 20, 2008 | IA | HF 2145 | Mandatory HPV Vaccination Coverage | Bill Passed - House (81 - 16) |
| March 20, 2008 | NH | SB 527 | Mandatory Abortion Counseling for Minors | Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 14) |
| March 20, 2008 | GA | SB 350 | Increasing Penalties for Driving Without a License | Bill Passed - House (99 - 68) |
| March 20, 2008 | MD | SB 2 | Banning Cell Phones While Driving | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21) |
| March 20, 2008 | NH | SB 527 | Mandatory Abortion Counseling for Minors | Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 14) |
| March 20, 2008 | GA | SB 350 | Increasing Penalties for Driving Without a License | Bill Passed - House (99 - 68) |
| March 20, 2008 | KS | HB 2936 | Capital Improvements Funding | Bill Passed - House (87 - 35) |
| March 19, 2008 | GA | Fleming AM 29 0700 | Amending Capital Punishment Sentencing Procedures | Amendment Adopted - House (100 - 66) |
| March 19, 2008 | GA | SB 145 | Amending Sentencing Guidelines for Murder | Bill Passed - House (112 - 55) |
| March 19, 2008 | MS | SB 2264 | Authorizing Wire-tapping Out of State | Bill Passed - House (97 - 21) |
| March 19, 2008 | MS | HB 1089 | Legalizing Deer Baiting | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 24) |
| March 19, 2008 | MS | HB 1089 | Legalizing Deer Baiting | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 24) |
| March 19, 2008 | ID | S 1484 | Disclosing Fiscal Impacts of Citizens Initiatives | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9) |
| March 19, 2008 | AZ | HB 2677 | Real ID | Bill Passed - House (51 - 8) |
| March 19, 2008 | AZ | HB 2454 | Child Protective Services Information Disclosure | Bill Passed - House (47 - 12) |
| Date | No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/03 | SF 960 | Modification of the Definition of Dependents for Local Government Benefits | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 22) |
| 4/03 | SF 960 | Modification of the Definition of Dependents for Local Government Benefits | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 22) |
| 4/03 | SB 858 | Restrictions on Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
| 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 | HB 257 | Limiting Concealed Weapon Restrictions | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17) |
| 4/02 | SB 120 | Booster Seat Requirement | Bill Passed - House (88 - 8) |
| 4/02 | HB 2700 | 9/11 Memorial Modifications | Bill Passed - House (32 - 26) |
| 4/02 | SB 1878 | Abortion Regulations | Bill Passed - House (80 - 12) |
| 4/02 | SB 1878 | Abortion Regulations | Bill Passed - House (80 - 12) |
| 4/02 | SB 174 | Physical Fitness Standards for State Employees | Bill Failed - House (55 - 107) |
| 4/02 | HR 5501 | Funding to Combat AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis | Bill Passed - House (308 - 116) |
| 4/02 | SB 120 | Booster Seat Requirement | Bill Passed - House (88 - 8) |
| 4/01 | Seifert Amendment: Prohibiting Grants for Groups Associated with Abortion Providers | Amendment Rejected - House (64 - 66) | |
| 4/01 | AM 2319 to LB 1174 | Farm and Ranch Ownership Requirements | Amendment Rejected - Senate (20 - 27) |
| 4/01 | A 6178 to HB 1845 | Reporting Missing Firearms | Amendment Rejected - House (75 - 128) |
| 4/01 | SB 129 | Restricting Beverage Sales at Schools | Bill Passed - House (37 - 27) |
| 4/01 | SF 2369 | Background Checks for Coaches | Bill Passed - House (118 - 11) |
| 4/01 | SB 1997 | Interscholastic Event Image Release | Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 5) |
| 4/01 | HB 2745 | Amending Undocumented Immigrant Employment Sanctions | Bill Passed - House (41 - 16) |
| 4/01 | HB 70 | Restoring Voting Rights to Former Felons | Bill Passed - House (80 - 14) |
| 4/01 | HB 70 | Restoring Voting Rights to Former Felons | Bill Passed - House (80 - 14) |
| 3/31 | HB 1089 | Legalizing Deer Baiting | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 51) |
| 3/31 | HB 1089 | Legalizing Deer Baiting | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 51) |
| 3/31 | SB 269 | Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems | Bill Passed - House (89 - 47) |
| 3/31 | SB 269 | Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems | Bill Passed - House (89 - 47) |
| 3/31 | HF 2145 | Mandatory HPV Vaccination Coverage | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8) |
| 3/27 | Carlson Amnd. | Employment Eligibility Verification Amendment | Amendment Adopted - House (86 - 36) |
| 3/27 | Rhoades Amnd. | Repealing In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants | Amendment Rejected - House (51 - 70) |
| 3/27 | HB 520 | Reporting Sexual Activity of Minors | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 41) |
| 3/27 | HB 520 | Reporting Sexual Activity of Minors | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 41) |
| 3/27 | HB 520 | Reporting Sexual Activity of Minors | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 41) |
| 3/27 | LD 2012 | Prohibiting Smoking in Vehicles with Children | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| 3/27 | LD 2012 | Prohibiting Smoking in Vehicles with Children | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| 3/27 | HB 2788 | Relaxing Concealed Weapon Restrictions | Bill Passed - House (51 - 5) |
| 3/26 | Journey Amnd. 1 | Penalties for Obstructing Immigration Enforcement | Amendment Rejected - Senate (14 - 24) |
| 3/26 | Barnett Amnd. | Immigration Reform Amendment | Amendment Rejected - Senate (12 - 27) |
| 3/26 | Journey Amnd. 2 | Repealing In-State Tuition for Immigrants | Amendment Rejected - Senate (14 - 25) |
| 3/26 | Journey Amnd. 1 | Penalties for Obstructing Immigration Enforcement | Amendment Rejected - Senate (14 - 24) |
| 3/26 | Huelskamp Amnd. 2 | Undocumented Immigrants Ineligible for Public Benefits | Amendment Rejected - Senate (12 - 26) |
| 3/26 | Brownlee Amnd. | Prohibits Union from collecting dues from Undocumented Workers | Amendment Adopted - Senate (19 - 18) |
| 3/26 | Huelskamp Amnd. 1 | Employment Verification | Amendment Rejected - Senate (11 - 27) |
| 3/26 | SB 2199 | Gaming Restrictions | Bill Passed - House (114 - 7) |
| 3/26 | HB 256 | Relaxing Predator Control Standards | Bill Passed - House (25 - 12) |
| 3/26 | HB 503 | Firearms in Vehicles | Bill Passed - House (72 - 42) |
| 3/25 | HB 301 | Redefining Partial-Birth/Late-Term Abortion | Bill Passed - House (21 - 15) |
| 3/25 | HB 2263 | Maturity Requirement for Underage Abortions | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12) |
| 3/25 | HB 2263 | Maturity Requirement for Underage Abortions | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12) |
| 3/25 | LD 2012 | Prohibiting Smoking in Vehicles with Children | Bill Passed - House (92 - 46) |
| 3/25 | LD 2012 | Prohibiting Smoking in Vehicles with Children | Bill Passed - House (92 - 46) |
| 3/25 | HB 2769 | Increasing Partial-Birth/Late-Term Abortion Penalties | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9) |
| 3/25 | HB 2769 | Increasing Partial-Birth/Late-Term Abortion Penalties | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9) |
| 3/25 | H 592 | Film and Television Production Rebate | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8) |
| 3/24 | SB 597 | Property Transfer Tax Exemptions for Domestic Partners | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21) |
| 3/24 | HB 2713 | Student's Religious Liberties Act | Bill Passed - House (36 - 23) |
| 3/24 | HB 1276 | Workplace Accommodations for Nursing Mothers | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8) |
| 3/24 | HB 2713 | Student's Religious Liberties Act | Bill Passed - House (36 - 23) |
| 3/20 | H 4920 to 4307 | Establishing and Regulating Casinos | Amendment Adopted - House (106 - 48) |
| 3/20 | SA 1051 to SB 527 | Parental Notification for Underage Abortions | Amendment Rejected - Senate (9 - 15) |
| 3/20 | SA 1051 to SB 527 | Parental Notification for Underage Abortions | Amendment Rejected - Senate (9 - 15) |
| 3/20 | HF 2145 | Mandatory HPV Vaccination Coverage | Bill Passed - House (81 - 16) |
| 3/20 | SB 527 | Mandatory Abortion Counseling for Minors | Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 14) |
| 3/20 | SB 350 | Increasing Penalties for Driving Without a License | Bill Passed - House (99 - 68) |
| 3/20 | SB 2 | Banning Cell Phones While Driving | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21) |
| 3/20 | SB 527 | Mandatory Abortion Counseling for Minors | Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 14) |
| 3/20 | SB 350 | Increasing Penalties for Driving Without a License | Bill Passed - House (99 - 68) |
| 3/20 | HB 2936 | Capital Improvements Funding | Bill Passed - House (87 - 35) |
| 3/19 | Fleming AM 29 0700 | Amending Capital Punishment Sentencing Procedures | Amendment Adopted - House (100 - 66) |
| 3/19 | SB 145 | Amending Sentencing Guidelines for Murder | Bill Passed - House (112 - 55) |
| 3/19 | SB 2264 | Authorizing Wire-tapping Out of State | Bill Passed - House (97 - 21) |
| 3/19 | HB 1089 | Legalizing Deer Baiting | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 24) |
| 3/19 | HB 1089 | Legalizing Deer Baiting | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 24) |
| 3/19 | S 1484 | Disclosing Fiscal Impacts of Citizens Initiatives | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9) |
| 3/19 | HB 2677 | Real ID | Bill Passed - House (51 - 8) |
| 3/19 | HB 2454 | Child Protective Services Information Disclosure | Bill Passed - House (47 - 12) |