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 24, 2008 IA SF 2432 2008-2009 Prison and Infrastructure Budget Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 13)
April 23, 2008 AZ HB 2630 Illegally Concealed Weapon Penalty Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 10)
April 23, 2008 AZ HB 2359 County Sheriff and Border Patrol Collaboration Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
April 23, 2008 AZ HB 2359 County Sheriff and Border Patrol Collaboration Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
April 23, 2008 AZ HB 2630 Illegally Concealed Weapon Penalty Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 10)
April 23, 2008 FL SB 2692 Science Curriculum Flexibility Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
April 21, 2008 MN HF 1351 Transportation Policy Reform Conference Report Adopted - Senate (51 - 11)
April 21, 2008 AZ HB 2395 Driving and Boating Under the Influence Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
April 17, 2008 IA S 5377 to SF 2425 Pregnancy Counseling and Support Services Amendment Rejected - Senate (22 - 27)
April 16, 2008 MS SB 2199 Gaming Restrictions Conference Report Rejected - Senate (24 - 26)
April 15, 2008 OK SB 1819 Tax Rebates for Sports Franchises Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 21)
April 15, 2008 KY HB 683 DNA Collection, Parole Board, and Felony Review Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 1)
April 15, 2008 KY HB 683 DNA Collection, Parole Board, and Felony Review Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 1)
April 15, 2008 LA SB 144 Castration of Sex Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
April 15, 2008 LA SB 144 Castration of Sex Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
April 10, 2008 SC H 3427 Ending Common Law Marriage Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (21 - 17)
April 10, 2008 AZ SB 1096 English Language Education Funding Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
April 10, 2008 ME LD 701 Slot Machine Authorization Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
April 9, 2008 FL HB 503 Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
April 8, 2008 IA HF 2212 Smoking Ban Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 22)
April 7, 2008 IA HF 2539 Health Care Expansion Plan Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 6)
April 4, 2008 CO SB 129 Restricting Beverage Sales at Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
April 4, 2008 GA HB 978 Vehicle Seizures for Unlicensed Drivers Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
April 4, 2008 GA HB 978 Vehicle Seizures for Unlicensed Drivers Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
April 3, 2008 AZ SB 1132 Allowing Pistols in Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
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 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 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 1, 2008 NE AM 2319 to LB 1174 Farm and Ranch Ownership Requirements Amendment Rejected - Senate (20 - 27)
April 1, 2008 IL SB 1997 Interscholastic Event Image Release Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 5)
March 31, 2008 IA HF 2145 Mandatory HPV Vaccination Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
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 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 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 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 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 CO HB 1276 Workplace Accommodations for Nursing Mothers Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
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 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 NH SB 527 Mandatory Abortion Counseling for Minors Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 14)
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 KS SB 541 Expanding Children's Health Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
March 19, 2008 ID S 1484 Disclosing Fiscal Impacts of Citizens Initiatives Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
March 19, 2008 KS SB 409 Three-Strikes Sentencing for Theft Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6)
March 18, 2008 CO HB 1297 Supplemental Department of Public Safety Funding Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
March 18, 2008 MD SB 566 Hospital Visitation/Decision-Making Rights for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
March 18, 2008 MD SB 269 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
March 18, 2008 MD SB 269 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
March 17, 2008 ID H 348 Legalizing Alcohol Sales on Election Day Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
March 14, 2008 National S Amdt 4233 Codifying the Definition of a Child Eligible for SCHIP Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 52)
March 14, 2008 MD SB 461 Prohibiting Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Bill Failed - Senate (22 - 21)
March 14, 2008 MD SB 461 Prohibiting Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Bill Failed - Senate (22 - 21)
March 13, 2008 National S Amdt 4309 Restriction of Federal Assistance Based on Compliance with Federal Immigration Laws Amendment Tabled - Senate (58 - 40)
March 13, 2008 National S Amdt 4309 Restriction of Federal Assistance Based on Compliance with Federal Immigration Laws Amendment Tabled - Senate (58 - 40)
March 13, 2008 National S Amdt 4231 Immigration Enforcement and Border Fence Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (61 - 37)
March 13, 2008 National S Amdt 4259 Immigration Enforcement and Employer Sanctions Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (53 - 45)
March 13, 2008 VA HB 30 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 14)
March 13, 2008 VA HB 30 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 14)
March 13, 2008 IA HF 2212 Smoking Ban Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (23 - 27)
March 13, 2008 FL SB 1380 Electronic Gaming Machines Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
March 13, 2008 OH HB 314 Abortion and Ultrasound Bill Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
March 12, 2008 KY SB 120 Booster Seat Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
March 12, 2008 IA SF 2355 Time Off to Attend Presidential Precinct Caucuses Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
March 12, 2008 MD SB 42 Temporary Confiscation of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
March 12, 2008 MD SB 42 Temporary Confiscation of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
March 12, 2008 OK SB 1407 Restricting Childhood Vaccine Mercury Levels Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 17)
March 12, 2008 KY SB 120 Booster Seat Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
March 10, 2008 CO HJR 1009 Ratification of the UN Convention Against the Discrimination of Women Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
March 10, 2008 AZ SB 1476 Reducing Probation for Good Behavior Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
March 10, 2008 AZ SB 1476 Reducing Probation for Good Behavior Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
March 10, 2008 IA HF 2359 Veterans Trust Fund Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
March 7, 2008 WA HB 2476 Tribal Police Jurisdiction Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
March 6, 2008 MN HF 380 Capital Improvements Budget Bill Passed - Senate (57 - 9)
March 6, 2008 MO SB 778 HPV Immunization Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
March 6, 2008 MO SB 778 HPV Immunization Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
March 5, 2008 WY HB 137 Deadly Force in Self Defense Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1)
March 5, 2008 WY HB 137 Deadly Force in Self Defense Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1)
March 4, 2008 UT SB 81 Expanding Immigration Enforcement Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
March 4, 2008 WA HB 3104 Domestic Partnership Rights Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
March 4, 2008 WA HB 2438 Permitting Dogs in Cougar Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
March 4, 2008 WI SB 537 John Doe Proceedings Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
March 4, 2008 WA HB 3104 Domestic Partnership Rights Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/24 SF 2432 2008-2009 Prison and Infrastructure Budget Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 13)
4/23 HB 2630 Illegally Concealed Weapon Penalty Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 10)
4/23 HB 2359 County Sheriff and Border Patrol Collaboration Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
4/23 HB 2359 County Sheriff and Border Patrol Collaboration Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
4/23 HB 2630 Illegally Concealed Weapon Penalty Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 10)
4/23 SB 2692 Science Curriculum Flexibility Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
4/21 HF 1351 Transportation Policy Reform Conference Report Adopted - Senate (51 - 11)
4/21 HB 2395 Driving and Boating Under the Influence Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
4/17 S 5377 to SF 2425 Pregnancy Counseling and Support Services Amendment Rejected - Senate (22 - 27)
4/16 SB 2199 Gaming Restrictions Conference Report Rejected - Senate (24 - 26)
4/15 SB 1819 Tax Rebates for Sports Franchises Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 21)
4/15 HB 683 DNA Collection, Parole Board, and Felony Review Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 1)
4/15 HB 683 DNA Collection, Parole Board, and Felony Review Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 1)
4/15 SB 144 Castration of Sex Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
4/15 SB 144 Castration of Sex Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
4/10 H 3427 Ending Common Law Marriage Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (21 - 17)
4/10 SB 1096 English Language Education Funding Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
4/10 LD 701 Slot Machine Authorization Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
4/09 HB 503 Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
4/08 HF 2212 Smoking Ban Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 22)
4/07 HF 2539 Health Care Expansion Plan Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 6)
4/04 SB 129 Restricting Beverage Sales at Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
4/04 HB 978 Vehicle Seizures for Unlicensed Drivers Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
4/04 HB 978 Vehicle Seizures for Unlicensed Drivers Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
4/03 SB 1132 Allowing Pistols in Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
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 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)
4/03 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)
4/01 AM 2319 to LB 1174 Farm and Ranch Ownership Requirements Amendment Rejected - Senate (20 - 27)
4/01 SB 1997 Interscholastic Event Image Release Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 5)
3/31 HF 2145 Mandatory HPV Vaccination Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
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)
3/26 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 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)
3/25 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 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 1276 Workplace Accommodations for Nursing Mothers Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
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 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 527 Mandatory Abortion Counseling for Minors Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 14)
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 SB 541 Expanding Children's Health Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
3/19 S 1484 Disclosing Fiscal Impacts of Citizens Initiatives Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
3/19 SB 409 Three-Strikes Sentencing for Theft Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6)
3/18 HB 1297 Supplemental Department of Public Safety Funding Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
3/18 SB 566 Hospital Visitation/Decision-Making Rights for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
3/18 SB 269 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
3/18 SB 269 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
3/17 H 348 Legalizing Alcohol Sales on Election Day Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
3/14 S Amdt 4233 Codifying the Definition of a Child Eligible for SCHIP Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 52)
3/14 SB 461 Prohibiting Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Bill Failed - Senate (22 - 21)
3/14 SB 461 Prohibiting Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Bill Failed - Senate (22 - 21)
3/13 S Amdt 4309 Restriction of Federal Assistance Based on Compliance with Federal Immigration Laws Amendment Tabled - Senate (58 - 40)
3/13 S Amdt 4309 Restriction of Federal Assistance Based on Compliance with Federal Immigration Laws Amendment Tabled - Senate (58 - 40)
3/13 S Amdt 4231 Immigration Enforcement and Border Fence Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (61 - 37)
3/13 S Amdt 4259 Immigration Enforcement and Employer Sanctions Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (53 - 45)
3/13 HB 30 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 14)
3/13 HB 30 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 14)
3/13 HF 2212 Smoking Ban Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (23 - 27)
3/13 SB 1380 Electronic Gaming Machines Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
3/13 HB 314 Abortion and Ultrasound Bill Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
3/12 SB 120 Booster Seat Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
3/12 SF 2355 Time Off to Attend Presidential Precinct Caucuses Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
3/12 SB 42 Temporary Confiscation of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
3/12 SB 42 Temporary Confiscation of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
3/12 SB 1407 Restricting Childhood Vaccine Mercury Levels Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 17)
3/12 SB 120 Booster Seat Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
3/10 HJR 1009 Ratification of the UN Convention Against the Discrimination of Women Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
3/10 SB 1476 Reducing Probation for Good Behavior Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
3/10 SB 1476 Reducing Probation for Good Behavior Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
3/10 HF 2359 Veterans Trust Fund Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
3/07 HB 2476 Tribal Police Jurisdiction Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
3/06 HF 380 Capital Improvements Budget Bill Passed - Senate (57 - 9)
3/06 SB 778 HPV Immunization Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
3/06 SB 778 HPV Immunization Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
3/05 HB 137 Deadly Force in Self Defense Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1)
3/05 HB 137 Deadly Force in Self Defense Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1)
3/04 SB 81 Expanding Immigration Enforcement Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
3/04 HB 3104 Domestic Partnership Rights Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
3/04 HB 2438 Permitting Dogs in Cougar Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
3/04 SB 537 John Doe Proceedings Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
3/04 HB 3104 Domestic Partnership Rights Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)

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