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
June 29, 2009 AZ SB 1175 Prohibiting Non-Physicians from Performing Abortions Bill Passed - House (35 - 19)
June 27, 2009 OR SB 767 Virtual Charter Schools Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 14)
June 27, 2009 OR HB 3508 Implementing Measure 57 Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
June 26, 2009 OR HB 3508 Implementing Measure 57 Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
June 25, 2009 NJ S 1175 Requiring an After School Activity Plan for School Districts with At-Risk Pupils Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 18)
June 25, 2009 NJ S 1880 Establishing Criminal Sentencing Commission Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 26)
June 25, 2009 NJ A4141 Eliminating Non-Operating School Districts Bill Passed - House (63 - 14)
June 25, 2009 OR SB 528 Prohibition on Field Burning in Certain Areas Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
June 25, 2009 NJ A 4048 2009 Economic Package Bill Passed - House (50 - 27)
June 25, 2009 NJ A 4048 2009 Economic Package Bill Passed - House (50 - 27)
June 25, 2009 NJ A4141 Eliminating Non-Operating School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
June 25, 2009 NJ A 4048 2009 Economic Package Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
June 25, 2009 NJ A 4048 2009 Economic Package Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
June 25, 2009 MI HB 4787 Restructure and Redefine Failing Schools Bill Passed - House (70 - 38)
June 25, 2009 NJ S 702 Promoting Purchase of Energy-Efficient Homes Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
June 24, 2009 MI HB 4436 2009-2010 Department of Community Health Budget Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
June 24, 2009 NC HB 442 Regulating the Use of Corporal Punishment in Schools Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 25)
June 24, 2009 MI HB 4476 Health Insurance for Autism Bill Passed - House (83 - 25)
June 24, 2009 MI HB 4183 Health Insurance for Autism Bill Passed - House (84 - 25)
June 24, 2009 MI HB 4447 2009-2010 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
June 23, 2009 MI HB 4441 2009-2010 Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
June 23, 2009 NC SB 526 Prevention of Bullying and Violence in Schools Bill Passed - House (58 - 57)
June 22, 2009 AZ SB 1440 Smoking in Cars with Minors Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 20)
June 22, 2009 LA HB 877 Bluebonnet-Perkins Conference Hotel Taxing District Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 17)
June 22, 2009 AZ HCR 2019 Ends Affirmative Action Amendment Adopted - Senate (17 - 11)
June 22, 2009 OR SB 5520 2009-2011 Supplemental Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - House (42 - 17)
June 22, 2009 CA AB 761 Mobile Home Rent Control Bill Failed - House (38 - 27)
June 19, 2009 OR SB 5520 2009-2011 Supplemental Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
June 18, 2009 NJ S 1880 Establishing Criminal Sentencing Commission Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
June 18, 2009 LA HB 531 Allowing Home-Schooled Students to Participate in Public School Sports Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
June 18, 2009 TN SB 2133 Charter School Access Expansion Bill Passed - House (79 - 15)
June 18, 2009 AZ HCR 2019 Ends Affirmative Action Amendment Adopted - House (32 - 18)
June 17, 2009 LA HB 689 Louisiana Statewide Education Facilities Fund Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
June 17, 2009 NY A 8903-A Extending City Board Jurisdiction Over New York City Schools Bill Passed - House (129 - 18)
June 16, 2009 RI H 5359 Medical Marijuana Veto Override Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
June 16, 2009 LA HB 11 Designating Driver's Licenses for Drug Dealers Bill Failed - House (68 - 23)
June 16, 2009 TN SB 162 Creation of the Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
June 16, 2009 LA HB 495 Aiken Optional School Bill Passed - House (72 - 23)
June 15, 2009 LA HB 889 Tobacco Tax Increase Bill Failed - House (45 - 55)
June 15, 2009 LA HB 504 Jefferson Parish School Board Elections Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
June 15, 2009 OR HB 2672 Increasing Moist Snuff Tobacco Tax and Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
June 12, 2009 ME LD 977 Repealing School District Consolidation "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - House (74 - 69)
June 11, 2009 ME LD 1259 Menu Labeling Bill Passed - House (85 - 59)
June 11, 2009 ME LD 1259 Menu Labeling Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
June 11, 2009 OR HB 2116 Changing Health Care Assessment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
June 11, 2009 OR HB 2009 Establishing the Oregon Health Authority Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
June 10, 2009 OR HB 2834 Funding School for Blind Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
June 9, 2009 RI H 6088 Limiting Alcohol Sales Bill Passed - House (35 - 33)
June 9, 2009 ME LD 285 Delay of School District Consolidation Penalties Bill Passed - House (110 - 36)
June 9, 2009 LA HB 877 Bluebonnet-Perkins Conference Hotel Taxing District Bill Passed - House (53 - 28)
June 9, 2009 DE HB 117 School Board Elections Bill Passed - House (23 - 17)
June 8, 2009 ME LD 1438 Allowing Charter Schools "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 14)
June 8, 2009 ME LD 1264 Expand and Fund DirigoChoice Health Insurance Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
June 8, 2009 OR HB 2116 Changing Health Care Assessment Bill Passed - House (36 - 24)
June 8, 2009 LA HB 316 Property Tax Exemption Joint Resolution Failed - House (30 - 63)
June 8, 2009 OR HB 2009 Establishing the Oregon Health Authority Bill Passed - House (38 - 22)
June 8, 2009 LA HB 872 Graduate School Tuition Increase Bill Failed - House (51 - 33)
June 5, 2009 ME LD 1438 Allowing Charter Schools "Ought Not to Pass" Report Rejected - House (65 - 72)
June 5, 2009 ME LD 1088 Income and Sales Tax Reform Bill Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
June 5, 2009 ME LD 1264 Expand and Fund DirigoChoice Health Insurance Bill Passed - House (83 - 53)
June 5, 2009 ME LD 1088 Income and Sales Tax Reform Bill Bill Passed - House (84 - 54)
June 4, 2009 ME LD 977 Repealing School District Consolidation "Ought Not to Pass" Report Rejected - Senate (16 - 19)
June 4, 2009 OR HB 2794 Mandatory HPV Vaccination Coverage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (40 - 17)
June 4, 2009 LA HB 687 Dentistry in Schools Bill Passed - House (64 - 31)
June 4, 2009 LA HB 687 Dentistry in Schools Bill Passed - House (64 - 31)
June 4, 2009 LA HB 717 Physician Advisory Group Bill Failed - House (30 - 61)
June 3, 2009 ME LD 1357 Relating to Driver's License and Identification Card Regulations Veto Override Failed - Senate (7 - 28)
June 3, 2009 MA H Amendment 2 Eliminate Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day Amendment Rejected - House (78 - 78)
June 3, 2009 OR HB 2794 Mandatory HPV Vaccination Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
June 3, 2009 OH HB 1 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
June 3, 2009 ME LD 1357 Relating to Driver's License and Identification Card Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
June 3, 2009 LA HB 531 Allowing Home-Schooled Students to Participate in Public School Sports Bill Passed - House (65 - 35)
June 3, 2009 NY S 2020 SUNY Buffalo Education Bill Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 17)
June 2, 2009 LA HB 851 School Board Operations Bill Failed - House (46 - 51)
June 1, 2009 CT SB 1080 Calorie Information on Menus Bill Passed - House (89 - 60)
June 1, 2009 ME LD 1357 Relating to Driver's License and Identification Card Regulations Bill Passed - House (81 - 56)
June 1, 2009 OR HB 2726 Nutrition Labeling on Menus Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 7)
June 1, 2009 NV AB 458 Establishing the K-12 Public Education Stabilization Account Veto Override Failed - Senate (12 - 9)
May 31, 2009 TX SB 956 Establishing a Public Law School in Dallas Conference Report Adopted - House (112 - 24)
May 31, 2009 IL SB 612 Raising the Cap on Charter Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (45 - 10)
May 31, 2009 NV AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
May 30, 2009 CT HB 6600 SustiNet Health Insurance Plan Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
May 30, 2009 CT HB 6582 Healthcare Partnership Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
May 30, 2009 NV AB 458 Establishing the K-12 Public Education Stabilization Account Veto Override Passed - House (36 - 5)
May 29, 2009 OR HB 2834 Funding School for Blind Bill Passed - House (41 - 18)
May 29, 2009 NV AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - House (33 - 9)
May 28, 2009 LA SB 186 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
May 28, 2009 CT HB 6187 Requiring Paid Sick Leave Bill Passed - House (88 - 58)
May 28, 2009 LA HB 834 Education Requirements for Marriage and Family Therapists Bill Passed - House (53 - 40)
May 28, 2009 LA HB 834 Education Requirements for Marriage and Family Therapists Bill Passed - House (53 - 40)
May 27, 2009 LA Amendment # 1874 Video Draw Poker Device Location Restriction Amendment Adopted - Senate (18 - 16)
May 27, 2009 LA HB 689 Louisiana Statewide Education Facilities Fund Bill Passed - House (60 - 24)
May 27, 2009 AZ HB 2001 Scholarships for Disabled or Displaced Students Bill Passed - House (35 - 25)
May 27, 2009 AZ HB 2001 Scholarships for Disabled or Displaced Students Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
May 27, 2009 OR HB 2599 Expanding School Bullying Law Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 2)
May 26, 2009 TX SB 175 Capping Automatic College Admissions Bill Passed - House (123 - 20)
May 26, 2009 MI HB 4377 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (73 - 31)
May 26, 2009 CA SB 219 Extending Whistle-Blower Protection to UC Employees Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
May 22, 2009 NV SB 311 Washoe County Fluoridation Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 9)
May 20, 2009 ME LD 290 Out-of-State Health Insurance "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 16)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/29 SB 1175 Prohibiting Non-Physicians from Performing Abortions Bill Passed - House (35 - 19)
6/27 SB 767 Virtual Charter Schools Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 14)
6/27 HB 3508 Implementing Measure 57 Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
6/26 HB 3508 Implementing Measure 57 Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
6/25 S 1175 Requiring an After School Activity Plan for School Districts with At-Risk Pupils Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 18)
6/25 S 1880 Establishing Criminal Sentencing Commission Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 26)
6/25 A4141 Eliminating Non-Operating School Districts Bill Passed - House (63 - 14)
6/25 SB 528 Prohibition on Field Burning in Certain Areas Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
6/25 A 4048 2009 Economic Package Bill Passed - House (50 - 27)
6/25 A 4048 2009 Economic Package Bill Passed - House (50 - 27)
6/25 A4141 Eliminating Non-Operating School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
6/25 A 4048 2009 Economic Package Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
6/25 A 4048 2009 Economic Package Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
6/25 HB 4787 Restructure and Redefine Failing Schools Bill Passed - House (70 - 38)
6/25 S 702 Promoting Purchase of Energy-Efficient Homes Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
6/24 HB 4436 2009-2010 Department of Community Health Budget Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
6/24 HB 442 Regulating the Use of Corporal Punishment in Schools Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 25)
6/24 HB 4476 Health Insurance for Autism Bill Passed - House (83 - 25)
6/24 HB 4183 Health Insurance for Autism Bill Passed - House (84 - 25)
6/24 HB 4447 2009-2010 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
6/23 HB 4441 2009-2010 Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
6/23 SB 526 Prevention of Bullying and Violence in Schools Bill Passed - House (58 - 57)
6/22 SB 1440 Smoking in Cars with Minors Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 20)
6/22 HB 877 Bluebonnet-Perkins Conference Hotel Taxing District Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 17)
6/22 HCR 2019 Ends Affirmative Action Amendment Adopted - Senate (17 - 11)
6/22 SB 5520 2009-2011 Supplemental Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - House (42 - 17)
6/22 AB 761 Mobile Home Rent Control Bill Failed - House (38 - 27)
6/19 SB 5520 2009-2011 Supplemental Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
6/18 S 1880 Establishing Criminal Sentencing Commission Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
6/18 HB 531 Allowing Home-Schooled Students to Participate in Public School Sports Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
6/18 SB 2133 Charter School Access Expansion Bill Passed - House (79 - 15)
6/18 HCR 2019 Ends Affirmative Action Amendment Adopted - House (32 - 18)
6/17 HB 689 Louisiana Statewide Education Facilities Fund Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
6/17 A 8903-A Extending City Board Jurisdiction Over New York City Schools Bill Passed - House (129 - 18)
6/16 H 5359 Medical Marijuana Veto Override Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
6/16 HB 11 Designating Driver's Licenses for Drug Dealers Bill Failed - House (68 - 23)
6/16 SB 162 Creation of the Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
6/16 HB 495 Aiken Optional School Bill Passed - House (72 - 23)
6/15 HB 889 Tobacco Tax Increase Bill Failed - House (45 - 55)
6/15 HB 504 Jefferson Parish School Board Elections Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
6/15 HB 2672 Increasing Moist Snuff Tobacco Tax and Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
6/12 LD 977 Repealing School District Consolidation "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - House (74 - 69)
6/11 LD 1259 Menu Labeling Bill Passed - House (85 - 59)
6/11 LD 1259 Menu Labeling Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
6/11 HB 2116 Changing Health Care Assessment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
6/11 HB 2009 Establishing the Oregon Health Authority Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
6/10 HB 2834 Funding School for Blind Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
6/09 H 6088 Limiting Alcohol Sales Bill Passed - House (35 - 33)
6/09 LD 285 Delay of School District Consolidation Penalties Bill Passed - House (110 - 36)
6/09 HB 877 Bluebonnet-Perkins Conference Hotel Taxing District Bill Passed - House (53 - 28)
6/09 HB 117 School Board Elections Bill Passed - House (23 - 17)
6/08 LD 1438 Allowing Charter Schools "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 14)
6/08 LD 1264 Expand and Fund DirigoChoice Health Insurance Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
6/08 HB 2116 Changing Health Care Assessment Bill Passed - House (36 - 24)
6/08 HB 316 Property Tax Exemption Joint Resolution Failed - House (30 - 63)
6/08 HB 2009 Establishing the Oregon Health Authority Bill Passed - House (38 - 22)
6/08 HB 872 Graduate School Tuition Increase Bill Failed - House (51 - 33)
6/05 LD 1438 Allowing Charter Schools "Ought Not to Pass" Report Rejected - House (65 - 72)
6/05 LD 1088 Income and Sales Tax Reform Bill Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
6/05 LD 1264 Expand and Fund DirigoChoice Health Insurance Bill Passed - House (83 - 53)
6/05 LD 1088 Income and Sales Tax Reform Bill Bill Passed - House (84 - 54)
6/04 LD 977 Repealing School District Consolidation "Ought Not to Pass" Report Rejected - Senate (16 - 19)
6/04 HB 2794 Mandatory HPV Vaccination Coverage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (40 - 17)
6/04 HB 687 Dentistry in Schools Bill Passed - House (64 - 31)
6/04 HB 687 Dentistry in Schools Bill Passed - House (64 - 31)
6/04 HB 717 Physician Advisory Group Bill Failed - House (30 - 61)
6/03 LD 1357 Relating to Driver's License and Identification Card Regulations Veto Override Failed - Senate (7 - 28)
6/03 H Amendment 2 Eliminate Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day Amendment Rejected - House (78 - 78)
6/03 HB 2794 Mandatory HPV Vaccination Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
6/03 HB 1 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
6/03 LD 1357 Relating to Driver's License and Identification Card Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
6/03 HB 531 Allowing Home-Schooled Students to Participate in Public School Sports Bill Passed - House (65 - 35)
6/03 S 2020 SUNY Buffalo Education Bill Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 17)
6/02 HB 851 School Board Operations Bill Failed - House (46 - 51)
6/01 SB 1080 Calorie Information on Menus Bill Passed - House (89 - 60)
6/01 LD 1357 Relating to Driver's License and Identification Card Regulations Bill Passed - House (81 - 56)
6/01 HB 2726 Nutrition Labeling on Menus Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 7)
6/01 AB 458 Establishing the K-12 Public Education Stabilization Account Veto Override Failed - Senate (12 - 9)
5/31 SB 956 Establishing a Public Law School in Dallas Conference Report Adopted - House (112 - 24)
5/31 SB 612 Raising the Cap on Charter Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (45 - 10)
5/31 AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
5/30 HB 6600 SustiNet Health Insurance Plan Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
5/30 HB 6582 Healthcare Partnership Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
5/30 AB 458 Establishing the K-12 Public Education Stabilization Account Veto Override Passed - House (36 - 5)
5/29 HB 2834 Funding School for Blind Bill Passed - House (41 - 18)
5/29 AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - House (33 - 9)
5/28 SB 186 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
5/28 HB 6187 Requiring Paid Sick Leave Bill Passed - House (88 - 58)
5/28 HB 834 Education Requirements for Marriage and Family Therapists Bill Passed - House (53 - 40)
5/28 HB 834 Education Requirements for Marriage and Family Therapists Bill Passed - House (53 - 40)
5/27 Amendment # 1874 Video Draw Poker Device Location Restriction Amendment Adopted - Senate (18 - 16)
5/27 HB 689 Louisiana Statewide Education Facilities Fund Bill Passed - House (60 - 24)
5/27 HB 2001 Scholarships for Disabled or Displaced Students Bill Passed - House (35 - 25)
5/27 HB 2001 Scholarships for Disabled or Displaced Students Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
5/27 HB 2599 Expanding School Bullying Law Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 2)
5/26 SB 175 Capping Automatic College Admissions Bill Passed - House (123 - 20)
5/26 HB 4377 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (73 - 31)
5/26 SB 219 Extending Whistle-Blower Protection to UC Employees Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
5/22 SB 311 Washoe County Fluoridation Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 9)
5/20 LD 290 Out-of-State Health Insurance "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 16)

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