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 20, 2009 NY S 1290 Anti-Shackling Bill Bill Passed - House (119 - 21)
May 20, 2009 NY S 1290 Anti-Shackling Bill Bill Passed - House (119 - 21)
May 20, 2009 OH HB 3 Moratorium on Foreclosures Bill Passed - House (54 - 43)
May 20, 2009 MI HB 4836 Hate Crimes Bill Passed - House (66 - 43)
May 20, 2009 RI H 5359 Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - House (63 - 5)
May 20, 2009 CT HB 6600 SustiNet Health Insurance Plan Bill Passed - House (107 - 35)
May 20, 2009 CT HB 6582 Healthcare Partnership Bill Passed - House (109 - 36)
May 19, 2009 LA HB 504 Jefferson Parish School Board Elections Bill Passed - House (63 - 26)
May 19, 2009 LA HB 517 Health Care Protection Bill Passed - House (82 - 13)
May 18, 2009 MN SF 97 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 28)
May 18, 2009 MN SF 97 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - House (70 - 64)
May 18, 2009 OR HB 2509 Sexual Education Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
May 18, 2009 MN SF 971 School Anti-Bullying Policy Requirements Bill Passed - House (95 - 39)
May 18, 2009 OR HB 2509 Sexual Education Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
May 17, 2009 MN HF 1362 Health Budget Veto Override Failed - House (87 - 47)
May 15, 2009 OR HB 2726 Nutrition Labeling on Menus Bill Passed - House (43 - 15)
May 15, 2009 TX HB 2962 Childrens' Health Care Bill Passed - House (87 - 55)
May 14, 2009 TX HB 1657 Contractor Worker's Compensation Bill Passed - House (73 - 71)
May 14, 2009 MO SB 291 Education Provision Modifications Bill Passed - House (110 - 46)
May 14, 2009 CA SB 572 Harvey Milk Day Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
May 14, 2009 CA SB 4 Prohibiting Smoking at State Park Beaches Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
May 13, 2009 ME LD 290 Out-of-State Health Insurance "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - House (82 - 63)
May 13, 2009 WI SB 181 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (61 - 38)
May 13, 2009 AZ HB 2028 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 8)
May 13, 2009 WI SB 181 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
May 13, 2009 AZ HB 2028 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (33 - 25)
May 12, 2009 MO SB 306 State Health Care Expansion Bill Passed - House (83 - 77)
May 12, 2009 RI H 5143 E-Verify Bill Bill Passed - House (38 - 33)
May 11, 2009 MN HF 1362 Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 18)
May 11, 2009 MN HF 1362 Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 51)
May 11, 2009 TX HB 1736 Increasing Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
May 11, 2009 NC HB 2 Statewide Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
May 8, 2009 FL SB 788 Gambling Expansion Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 9)
May 8, 2009 FL SB 788 Gambling Expansion Conference Report Adopted - House (82 - 35)
May 8, 2009 ID H 374 Allowing Diversion of Funds to Virtual Education Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
May 7, 2009 TN SB 433 Homeschool Diplomas Bill Passed - House (61 - 27)
May 7, 2009 TN SB 2133 Charter School Access Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
May 7, 2009 ID H 374 Allowing Diversion of Funds to Virtual Education Bill Passed - House (49 - 15)
May 6, 2009 CO HB 1366 Capital Gains Income Tax Reduction Modification Concurrence Vote Passed - House (37 - 28)
May 6, 2009 CO HB 1366 Capital Gains Income Tax Reduction Modification Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
May 6, 2009 NY S 1363 Tenants' Protection In Foreclosure Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 24)
May 6, 2009 NC SB 526 Prevention of Bullying and Violence in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 22)
May 6, 2009 MI HB 4785 Job Training Program Benefits and Security Bill Passed - House (68 - 39)
May 6, 2009 OH HB 9 Tenants' Protection During Foreclosure Bill Passed - House (53 - 42)
May 6, 2009 CO SB 241 DNA Sampling Upon Felony Arrest Conference Report Adopted - House (52 - 12)
May 5, 2009 CO SB 244 Requiring Health Insurance Plans to Cover Autism Treatments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
May 4, 2009 CO SB 244 Requiring Health Insurance Plans to Cover Autism Treatments Bill Passed - House (45 - 20)
May 4, 2009 MN SF 97 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 29)
May 4, 2009 ND SB 2003 2009-2011 Biennuim Higher Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 24)
May 4, 2009 CO HB 1057 Mandatory Unpaid Parental Work Leave for Education Activities Conference Report Adopted - House (39 - 26)
May 1, 2009 FL HB 1495 Property Insurance Law Modifications Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
May 1, 2009 FL SB 360 Growth Management Deregulation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 37)
May 1, 2009 FL SB 360 Growth Management Deregulation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
May 1, 2009 FL HB 1495 Property Insurance Law Modifications Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 35)
April 30, 2009 MO SB 71 Income Tax Rate Reduction and Additional Tax Credt Bill Passed - House (86 - 66)
April 29, 2009 NH HB 383 Mandating Seat Belt Usage Bill Tabled - Senate (13 - 11)
April 29, 2009 OK SB 834 Increased Local School Board Control Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
April 29, 2009 ND SCR 4038 Creating a Public Health Investment Trust Fund Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 23)
April 29, 2009 OH HB 1 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (53 - 45)
April 29, 2009 National HR 1913 Hate Crimes Expansion Bill Passed - House (249 - 175)
April 29, 2009 NH HB 648 Medical Marijuana Legalization Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
April 28, 2009 National PN 188 Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services Nomination Confirmed - Senate (65 - 31)
April 28, 2009 WI AB 100 Restricting Health Insurance Companies' Ability to Exclude Individuals. Bill Passed - House (61 - 38)
April 28, 2009 CO SB 88 Extending Health Benefits to Domestic Partners of State Employees Bill Passed - House (34 - 30)
April 27, 2009 FL SB 762 Allowing Universities to Levy "Tuition Differential" Charges Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
April 27, 2009 CO SB 244 Requiring Health Insurance Plans to Cover Autism Treatments Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
April 27, 2009 CO HB 1057 Mandatory Unpaid Parental Work Leave for Education Activities Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 13)
April 27, 2009 CO SB 241 DNA Sampling Upon Felony Arrest Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
April 25, 2009 WA SB 5288 Probation Time Reductions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
April 25, 2009 WA HB 2344 Allowing Tuition Increases Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
April 24, 2009 ND HB 1478 Children's Health Insurance Program Eligibility Expansion Conference Report Rejected - House (41 - 47)
April 23, 2009 FL Amdt 168357 Extended Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Premium Rate Freeze Amendment Rejected - House (40 - 76)
April 23, 2009 AL HB 533 Hate Crime Law Expansion Bill Passed - House (46 - 41)
April 23, 2009 WI SB 27 Requires Insurance Coverage for Children's Hearing Aid Treatments Bill Passed - House (80 - 16)
April 23, 2009 FL HB 1293 Changes in High School Graduation Standards Bill Passed - House (75 - 42)
April 22, 2009 NC SB 287 State Health Plan Changes and Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - House (60 - 56)
April 22, 2009 NC SB 287 State Health Plan Changes and Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 19)
April 22, 2009 WA HB 1517 Expediting the Restoration of Felons' Voting Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 44)
April 22, 2009 WA HB 2344 Allowing Tuition Increases Bill Passed - House (50 - 47)
April 22, 2009 OR HB 2672 Increasing Moist Snuff Tobacco Tax and Regulations Bill Passed - House (40 - 18)
April 21, 2009 WA SB 5288 Probation Time Reductions Bill Passed - House (51 - 45)
April 21, 2009 ID H 262 Teacher Compensation Adjustments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
April 20, 2009 WA HB 2261 Education Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 31)
April 20, 2009 TX HB 681 Warning Signs Regarding Mercury Levels in Fish Bill Passed - House (95 - 50)
April 20, 2009 NV AB 495 Removing Medical Malpractice Award Cap Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
April 20, 2009 MN SF 802 2009-2011 Biennium Public Safety and Corrections Budget Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 31)
April 17, 2009 MN SF 2083 2009-2011 Biennium Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 23)
April 17, 2009 MN SF 2083 2009-2011 Biennium Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 23)
April 17, 2009 MN Limit of 3 Percent on Tuition Increases Amendment Rejected - Senate (32 - 33)
April 17, 2009 NV SB 372 Smoking Ban Exceptions Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
April 17, 2009 MN SF 971 School Anti-Bullying Policy Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 22)
April 16, 2009 MN Limmer Amdt Homosexuality in Education Amendment Rejected - Senate (24 - 37)
April 16, 2009 WA HB 2261 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
April 16, 2009 NC HB 88 Parental Choice Between Abstinence-Only or Comprehensive Sex Education Bill Passed - House (62 - 52)
April 16, 2009 MO HJR 32 Bonds to Fund Higher Education Joint Resolution Passed - House (131 - 28)
April 16, 2009 MO HB 668 Firearm Regulation Amendments Bill Passed - House (105 - 50)
April 16, 2009 MO SB 306 State Health Care Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
April 16, 2009 CA SB 242 Prohibiting Language Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
April 15, 2009 IN SB 89 Health Care Amendments Bill Passed - House (73 - 20)
April 15, 2009 WA HB 1517 Expediting the Restoration of Felons' Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/20 S 1290 Anti-Shackling Bill Bill Passed - House (119 - 21)
5/20 S 1290 Anti-Shackling Bill Bill Passed - House (119 - 21)
5/20 HB 3 Moratorium on Foreclosures Bill Passed - House (54 - 43)
5/20 HB 4836 Hate Crimes Bill Passed - House (66 - 43)
5/20 H 5359 Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - House (63 - 5)
5/20 HB 6600 SustiNet Health Insurance Plan Bill Passed - House (107 - 35)
5/20 HB 6582 Healthcare Partnership Bill Passed - House (109 - 36)
5/19 HB 504 Jefferson Parish School Board Elections Bill Passed - House (63 - 26)
5/19 HB 517 Health Care Protection Bill Passed - House (82 - 13)
5/18 SF 97 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 28)
5/18 SF 97 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - House (70 - 64)
5/18 HB 2509 Sexual Education Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
5/18 SF 971 School Anti-Bullying Policy Requirements Bill Passed - House (95 - 39)
5/18 HB 2509 Sexual Education Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
5/17 HF 1362 Health Budget Veto Override Failed - House (87 - 47)
5/15 HB 2726 Nutrition Labeling on Menus Bill Passed - House (43 - 15)
5/15 HB 2962 Childrens' Health Care Bill Passed - House (87 - 55)
5/14 HB 1657 Contractor Worker's Compensation Bill Passed - House (73 - 71)
5/14 SB 291 Education Provision Modifications Bill Passed - House (110 - 46)
5/14 SB 572 Harvey Milk Day Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
5/14 SB 4 Prohibiting Smoking at State Park Beaches Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
5/13 LD 290 Out-of-State Health Insurance "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - House (82 - 63)
5/13 SB 181 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (61 - 38)
5/13 HB 2028 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 8)
5/13 SB 181 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
5/13 HB 2028 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (33 - 25)
5/12 SB 306 State Health Care Expansion Bill Passed - House (83 - 77)
5/12 H 5143 E-Verify Bill Bill Passed - House (38 - 33)
5/11 HF 1362 Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 18)
5/11 HF 1362 Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 51)
5/11 HB 1736 Increasing Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
5/11 HB 2 Statewide Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
5/08 SB 788 Gambling Expansion Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 9)
5/08 SB 788 Gambling Expansion Conference Report Adopted - House (82 - 35)
5/08 H 374 Allowing Diversion of Funds to Virtual Education Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
5/07 SB 433 Homeschool Diplomas Bill Passed - House (61 - 27)
5/07 SB 2133 Charter School Access Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
5/07 H 374 Allowing Diversion of Funds to Virtual Education Bill Passed - House (49 - 15)
5/06 HB 1366 Capital Gains Income Tax Reduction Modification Concurrence Vote Passed - House (37 - 28)
5/06 HB 1366 Capital Gains Income Tax Reduction Modification Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
5/06 S 1363 Tenants' Protection In Foreclosure Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 24)
5/06 SB 526 Prevention of Bullying and Violence in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 22)
5/06 HB 4785 Job Training Program Benefits and Security Bill Passed - House (68 - 39)
5/06 HB 9 Tenants' Protection During Foreclosure Bill Passed - House (53 - 42)
5/06 SB 241 DNA Sampling Upon Felony Arrest Conference Report Adopted - House (52 - 12)
5/05 SB 244 Requiring Health Insurance Plans to Cover Autism Treatments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
5/04 SB 244 Requiring Health Insurance Plans to Cover Autism Treatments Bill Passed - House (45 - 20)
5/04 SF 97 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 29)
5/04 SB 2003 2009-2011 Biennuim Higher Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 24)
5/04 HB 1057 Mandatory Unpaid Parental Work Leave for Education Activities Conference Report Adopted - House (39 - 26)
5/01 HB 1495 Property Insurance Law Modifications Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
5/01 SB 360 Growth Management Deregulation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 37)
5/01 SB 360 Growth Management Deregulation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
5/01 HB 1495 Property Insurance Law Modifications Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 35)
4/30 SB 71 Income Tax Rate Reduction and Additional Tax Credt Bill Passed - House (86 - 66)
4/29 HB 383 Mandating Seat Belt Usage Bill Tabled - Senate (13 - 11)
4/29 SB 834 Increased Local School Board Control Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
4/29 SCR 4038 Creating a Public Health Investment Trust Fund Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 23)
4/29 HB 1 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (53 - 45)
4/29 HR 1913 Hate Crimes Expansion Bill Passed - House (249 - 175)
4/29 HB 648 Medical Marijuana Legalization Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
4/28 PN 188 Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services Nomination Confirmed - Senate (65 - 31)
4/28 AB 100 Restricting Health Insurance Companies' Ability to Exclude Individuals. Bill Passed - House (61 - 38)
4/28 SB 88 Extending Health Benefits to Domestic Partners of State Employees Bill Passed - House (34 - 30)
4/27 SB 762 Allowing Universities to Levy "Tuition Differential" Charges Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
4/27 SB 244 Requiring Health Insurance Plans to Cover Autism Treatments Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
4/27 HB 1057 Mandatory Unpaid Parental Work Leave for Education Activities Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 13)
4/27 SB 241 DNA Sampling Upon Felony Arrest Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
4/25 SB 5288 Probation Time Reductions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
4/25 HB 2344 Allowing Tuition Increases Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
4/24 HB 1478 Children's Health Insurance Program Eligibility Expansion Conference Report Rejected - House (41 - 47)
4/23 Amdt 168357 Extended Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Premium Rate Freeze Amendment Rejected - House (40 - 76)
4/23 HB 533 Hate Crime Law Expansion Bill Passed - House (46 - 41)
4/23 SB 27 Requires Insurance Coverage for Children's Hearing Aid Treatments Bill Passed - House (80 - 16)
4/23 HB 1293 Changes in High School Graduation Standards Bill Passed - House (75 - 42)
4/22 SB 287 State Health Plan Changes and Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - House (60 - 56)
4/22 SB 287 State Health Plan Changes and Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 19)
4/22 HB 1517 Expediting the Restoration of Felons' Voting Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 44)
4/22 HB 2344 Allowing Tuition Increases Bill Passed - House (50 - 47)
4/22 HB 2672 Increasing Moist Snuff Tobacco Tax and Regulations Bill Passed - House (40 - 18)
4/21 SB 5288 Probation Time Reductions Bill Passed - House (51 - 45)
4/21 H 262 Teacher Compensation Adjustments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
4/20 HB 2261 Education Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 31)
4/20 HB 681 Warning Signs Regarding Mercury Levels in Fish Bill Passed - House (95 - 50)
4/20 AB 495 Removing Medical Malpractice Award Cap Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
4/20 SF 802 2009-2011 Biennium Public Safety and Corrections Budget Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 31)
4/17 SF 2083 2009-2011 Biennium Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 23)
4/17 SF 2083 2009-2011 Biennium Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 23)
4/17 Limit of 3 Percent on Tuition Increases Amendment Rejected - Senate (32 - 33)
4/17 SB 372 Smoking Ban Exceptions Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
4/17 SF 971 School Anti-Bullying Policy Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 22)
4/16 Limmer Amdt Homosexuality in Education Amendment Rejected - Senate (24 - 37)
4/16 HB 2261 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
4/16 HB 88 Parental Choice Between Abstinence-Only or Comprehensive Sex Education Bill Passed - House (62 - 52)
4/16 HJR 32 Bonds to Fund Higher Education Joint Resolution Passed - House (131 - 28)
4/16 HB 668 Firearm Regulation Amendments Bill Passed - House (105 - 50)
4/16 SB 306 State Health Care Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
4/16 SB 242 Prohibiting Language Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
4/15 SB 89 Health Care Amendments Bill Passed - House (73 - 20)
4/15 HB 1517 Expediting the Restoration of Felons' Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)

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