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 3, 2009 GA HB 2 Citizenship Status Verification of Government Assistance Recipients Concurrence Vote Passed - House (121 - 47)
April 3, 2009 NY A 158-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 30)
April 3, 2009 NY A 159-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 30)
April 3, 2009 NE LB 260 Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 9)
April 3, 2009 NE LB 260 Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 9)
April 3, 2009 NY A 157-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 30)
April 3, 2009 ND HB 1572 Legislative Intent With Regards to the Legal Definition of Life Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 29)
April 3, 2009 VT H 441 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - House (94 - 52)
April 3, 2009 GA HB 243 Ending New Enrollment in Bonus Program for Teachers' National Certification Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
April 3, 2009 GA SB 86 Requiring Proof of Citizenship for Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 13)
April 3, 2009 GA SB 86 Requiring Proof of Citizenship for Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (140 - 67)
April 3, 2009 ID H 173 Restricting Eligibility for State Retiree Health Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
April 2, 2009 NY A 156-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 30)
April 2, 2009 MO HB 681 Special Elections for Statewide Office Vacancies Bill Passed - House (94 - 63)
April 2, 2009 MO HB 681 Special Elections for Statewide Office Vacancies Bill Passed - House (94 - 63)
April 2, 2009 RI H 5019 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
April 1, 2009 TX SB 1 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
April 1, 2009 VT H 438 Gas Tax Increase to Fund Transportation Construction Bonds Bill Passed - House (108 - 35)
April 1, 2009 RI H 5019 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (58 - 16)
April 1, 2009 OK SB 4 Voter Identification Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
April 1, 2009 GA SB 200 Reorganization of the Department of Transportation Bill Passed - House (90 - 84)
April 1, 2009 AK HB 81 2009-2010 Operating Budget Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 4)
April 1, 2009 GA SB 200 Reorganization of the Department of Transportation Bill Passed - House (90 - 84)
April 1, 2009 GA SB 200 Reorganization of the Department of Transportation Bill Passed - House (90 - 84)
April 1, 2009 OH HB 2 2009-2011 Biennium Transportation Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 29)
March 31, 2009 KS HB 2354 2009-2010 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 5)
March 31, 2009 KS HB 2354 2009-2010 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (71 - 53)
March 31, 2009 NY A 157-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (85 - 61)
March 31, 2009 NY A 156-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (91 - 56)
March 31, 2009 NY A 158-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (88 - 59)
March 31, 2009 NY A 159-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (86 - 59)
March 31, 2009 FL HB 903 Capping Attorney Fees in Workers' Compensation Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (84 - 35)
March 26, 2009 FL Amdt 677495 Amendments to Attorney Fee Cap in Workers Compensation Lawsuits Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 69)
March 26, 2009 MN HF 1797 Federal Stimulus Transportation Funding Bill Passed - House (113 - 19)
March 26, 2009 MO HB 2 2009-10 Education Budget Bill Passed - House (92 - 64)
March 26, 2009 MI HB 4317 Extending Pharmaceutical Manufacturer Liability Bill Passed - House (56 - 53)
March 26, 2009 MO HB 10 2009-10 Health Budget Bill Passed - House (88 - 66)
March 26, 2009 MD SB 279 Capital Punishment Restrictions Bill Passed - House (87 - 52)
March 26, 2009 MD HB 310 Extending Unemployment Benefits to Part-Time Employees Bill Passed - House (94 - 43)
March 26, 2009 ID S 1148 Alcohol Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
March 26, 2009 ID H 262 Teacher Compensation Adjustments Bill Passed - House (49 - 20)
March 26, 2009 MO HB 11 2009-2010 Social Services Budget Bill Passed - House (88 - 66)
March 25, 2009 PA SB 490 Oil and Gas Lease Fund Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
March 25, 2009 KS HB 2275 Drug Testing for Cash Assistance Recipients Bill Passed - House (99 - 26)
March 25, 2009 GA SB 83 Expanding Homestead Property Tax Exemption Bill Failed - House (109 - 63)
March 24, 2009 WI SB 37 Allowing Drivers To Keep Licenses While Paying Fines Bill Passed - House (53 - 45)
March 24, 2009 IN HB 1379 Unemployment Benefit Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
March 24, 2009 KS HB 2354 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
March 24, 2009 NC SB 287 State Health Plan Changes and Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 18)
March 24, 2009 KS HB 2373 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (70 - 54)
March 23, 2009 VT Same-Sex Marriage Ballot Question Amendment Rejected - Senate (11 - 19)
March 23, 2009 GA HB 233 Two-Year Property Tax Assessment Freeze Concurrence Vote Passed - House (114 - 55)
March 23, 2009 CO HB 1260 Designated Beneficiary Agreements Between Unmarried Adults Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
March 21, 2009 NM SB 116 Campaign Contribution Limits Bill Passed - House (49 - 17)
March 20, 2009 ID H 214 Voluntary Death Certificates for Miscarriages Bill Failed - House (31 - 32)
March 19, 2009 IA SF 389 Health Insurance Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
March 19, 2009 NM HB 154 Capital Improvement Appropriations Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
March 19, 2009 ID H 246 Gasoline Tax Increase Bill Failed - House (27 - 43)
March 19, 2009 NM HB 393 Opening Conference Committees to the Public Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 8)
March 18, 2009 OH HB 2 2009-2011 Biennium Transportation Budget Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
March 17, 2009 CO HB 1299 National Popular Vote Act Bill Passed - House (34 - 29)
March 17, 2009 MT HB 2 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (65 - 35)
March 17, 2009 IA HF 670 Early Absentee Vote Counting Bill Passed - House (76 - 22)
March 17, 2009 NM SB 263 Requiring State Contractors to Disclose Campaign Contributions Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
March 17, 2009 CO SB 228 Repealing the General Fund Spending Cap Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
March 16, 2009 NJ S 2091 Formalizing Palimony Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
March 16, 2009 NJ S 2091 Formalizing Palimony Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
March 16, 2009 NJ S 21 Local Government PERS/PFRS Contribution Deferral Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
March 16, 2009 NJ S 21 Local Government PERS/PFRS Contribution Deferral Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
March 16, 2009 NJ S 21 Local Government PERS/PFRS Contribution Deferral Bill Passed - House (42 - 36)
March 16, 2009 NJ S 21 Local Government PERS/PFRS Contribution Deferral Bill Passed - House (42 - 36)
March 13, 2009 SD HB 1300 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
March 13, 2009 NM HB 346 Increasing Gross Receipts Tax and Compensating Tax to Fund Education Bill Passed - House (37 - 31)
March 13, 2009 SD HB 1300 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - House (42 - 28)
March 13, 2009 SD HB Fiscal Year 2009-2010 State Budget Bill Passed - House (42 - 28)
March 13, 2009 KY HB 374 Gasoline Tax Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
March 13, 2009 AK HB 81 2009-2010 Operating Budget Bill Passed - House (29 - 9)
March 12, 2009 SD HB 1197 Tax Changes Relating to Single Family Dwellings Under Construction Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
March 12, 2009 UT HB 2 2009-2010 Education Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 27)
March 12, 2009 UT SB 208 Posting Public Notices Online Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 10)
March 12, 2009 WA SB 2252 Shifting Local Tax Revenue Bill Passed - House (54 - 42)
March 12, 2009 GA HB 480 Car Tax Amendments Bill Passed - House (133 - 39)
March 12, 2009 MI SB 69 Alternative Business Tax Eligibility Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
March 12, 2009 WA SB 2252 Shifting Local Tax Revenue Bill Passed - House (54 - 42)
March 12, 2009 OR HB 2588 National Popular Vote Act Bill Passed - House (39 - 19)
March 12, 2009 TN SB 83 "Living" Wage Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
March 12, 2009 MO HJR 23 Constitutional State Spending Cap Joint Resolution Passed - House (82 - 78)
March 12, 2009 WA HB 2261 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
March 12, 2009 KS HB 2320 State Spending Limitations and Savings Accounts Bill Passed - House (89 - 33)
March 12, 2009 KS HB 2320 State Spending Limitations and Savings Accounts Bill Passed - House (89 - 33)
March 12, 2009 KS HB 2320 State Spending Limitations and Savings Accounts Bill Passed - House (89 - 33)
March 12, 2009 WA SB 5599 National Popular Vote Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
March 12, 2009 GA HB 243 Ending New Enrollment in Bonus Program for Teachers' National Certification Bill Passed - House (92 - 79)
March 12, 2009 MI SB 201 Vehicle Sales Tax Modification Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
March 11, 2009 SD HB 1197 Tax Changes Relating to Single Family Dwellings Under Construction Veto Override Passed - House (60 - 10)
March 11, 2009 SC H 3560 2009-2010 Budget Motion Agreed - House (71 - 43)
March 11, 2009 UT HB 2 2009-2010 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 9)
March 11, 2009 UT SB 208 Posting Public Notices Online Bill Passed - House (38 - 32)
March 11, 2009 UT HB 345 Regulating Former Lawmakers in Lobbying Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
March 11, 2009 TX SB 362 Requiring Proof of Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/03 HB 2 Citizenship Status Verification of Government Assistance Recipients Concurrence Vote Passed - House (121 - 47)
4/03 A 158-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 30)
4/03 A 159-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 30)
4/03 LB 260 Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 9)
4/03 LB 260 Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 9)
4/03 A 157-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 30)
4/03 HB 1572 Legislative Intent With Regards to the Legal Definition of Life Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 29)
4/03 H 441 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - House (94 - 52)
4/03 HB 243 Ending New Enrollment in Bonus Program for Teachers' National Certification Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
4/03 SB 86 Requiring Proof of Citizenship for Voter Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 13)
4/03 SB 86 Requiring Proof of Citizenship for Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (140 - 67)
4/03 H 173 Restricting Eligibility for State Retiree Health Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
4/02 A 156-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 30)
4/02 HB 681 Special Elections for Statewide Office Vacancies Bill Passed - House (94 - 63)
4/02 HB 681 Special Elections for Statewide Office Vacancies Bill Passed - House (94 - 63)
4/02 H 5019 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
4/01 SB 1 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
4/01 H 438 Gas Tax Increase to Fund Transportation Construction Bonds Bill Passed - House (108 - 35)
4/01 H 5019 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (58 - 16)
4/01 SB 4 Voter Identification Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
4/01 SB 200 Reorganization of the Department of Transportation Bill Passed - House (90 - 84)
4/01 HB 81 2009-2010 Operating Budget Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 4)
4/01 SB 200 Reorganization of the Department of Transportation Bill Passed - House (90 - 84)
4/01 SB 200 Reorganization of the Department of Transportation Bill Passed - House (90 - 84)
4/01 HB 2 2009-2011 Biennium Transportation Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 29)
3/31 HB 2354 2009-2010 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 5)
3/31 HB 2354 2009-2010 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (71 - 53)
3/31 A 157-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (85 - 61)
3/31 A 156-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (91 - 56)
3/31 A 158-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (88 - 59)
3/31 A 159-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (86 - 59)
3/31 HB 903 Capping Attorney Fees in Workers' Compensation Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (84 - 35)
3/26 Amdt 677495 Amendments to Attorney Fee Cap in Workers Compensation Lawsuits Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 69)
3/26 HF 1797 Federal Stimulus Transportation Funding Bill Passed - House (113 - 19)
3/26 HB 2 2009-10 Education Budget Bill Passed - House (92 - 64)
3/26 HB 4317 Extending Pharmaceutical Manufacturer Liability Bill Passed - House (56 - 53)
3/26 HB 10 2009-10 Health Budget Bill Passed - House (88 - 66)
3/26 SB 279 Capital Punishment Restrictions Bill Passed - House (87 - 52)
3/26 HB 310 Extending Unemployment Benefits to Part-Time Employees Bill Passed - House (94 - 43)
3/26 S 1148 Alcohol Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
3/26 H 262 Teacher Compensation Adjustments Bill Passed - House (49 - 20)
3/26 HB 11 2009-2010 Social Services Budget Bill Passed - House (88 - 66)
3/25 SB 490 Oil and Gas Lease Fund Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
3/25 HB 2275 Drug Testing for Cash Assistance Recipients Bill Passed - House (99 - 26)
3/25 SB 83 Expanding Homestead Property Tax Exemption Bill Failed - House (109 - 63)
3/24 SB 37 Allowing Drivers To Keep Licenses While Paying Fines Bill Passed - House (53 - 45)
3/24 HB 1379 Unemployment Benefit Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
3/24 HB 2354 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
3/24 SB 287 State Health Plan Changes and Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 18)
3/24 HB 2373 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (70 - 54)
3/23 Same-Sex Marriage Ballot Question Amendment Rejected - Senate (11 - 19)
3/23 HB 233 Two-Year Property Tax Assessment Freeze Concurrence Vote Passed - House (114 - 55)
3/23 HB 1260 Designated Beneficiary Agreements Between Unmarried Adults Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
3/21 SB 116 Campaign Contribution Limits Bill Passed - House (49 - 17)
3/20 H 214 Voluntary Death Certificates for Miscarriages Bill Failed - House (31 - 32)
3/19 SF 389 Health Insurance Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
3/19 HB 154 Capital Improvement Appropriations Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
3/19 H 246 Gasoline Tax Increase Bill Failed - House (27 - 43)
3/19 HB 393 Opening Conference Committees to the Public Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 8)
3/18 HB 2 2009-2011 Biennium Transportation Budget Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
3/17 HB 1299 National Popular Vote Act Bill Passed - House (34 - 29)
3/17 HB 2 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (65 - 35)
3/17 HF 670 Early Absentee Vote Counting Bill Passed - House (76 - 22)
3/17 SB 263 Requiring State Contractors to Disclose Campaign Contributions Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
3/17 SB 228 Repealing the General Fund Spending Cap Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
3/16 S 2091 Formalizing Palimony Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
3/16 S 2091 Formalizing Palimony Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
3/16 S 21 Local Government PERS/PFRS Contribution Deferral Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
3/16 S 21 Local Government PERS/PFRS Contribution Deferral Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
3/16 S 21 Local Government PERS/PFRS Contribution Deferral Bill Passed - House (42 - 36)
3/16 S 21 Local Government PERS/PFRS Contribution Deferral Bill Passed - House (42 - 36)
3/13 HB 1300 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
3/13 HB 346 Increasing Gross Receipts Tax and Compensating Tax to Fund Education Bill Passed - House (37 - 31)
3/13 HB 1300 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - House (42 - 28)
3/13 HB Fiscal Year 2009-2010 State Budget Bill Passed - House (42 - 28)
3/13 HB 374 Gasoline Tax Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
3/13 HB 81 2009-2010 Operating Budget Bill Passed - House (29 - 9)
3/12 HB 1197 Tax Changes Relating to Single Family Dwellings Under Construction Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
3/12 HB 2 2009-2010 Education Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 27)
3/12 SB 208 Posting Public Notices Online Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 10)
3/12 SB 2252 Shifting Local Tax Revenue Bill Passed - House (54 - 42)
3/12 HB 480 Car Tax Amendments Bill Passed - House (133 - 39)
3/12 SB 69 Alternative Business Tax Eligibility Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
3/12 SB 2252 Shifting Local Tax Revenue Bill Passed - House (54 - 42)
3/12 HB 2588 National Popular Vote Act Bill Passed - House (39 - 19)
3/12 SB 83 "Living" Wage Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
3/12 HJR 23 Constitutional State Spending Cap Joint Resolution Passed - House (82 - 78)
3/12 HB 2261 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
3/12 HB 2320 State Spending Limitations and Savings Accounts Bill Passed - House (89 - 33)
3/12 HB 2320 State Spending Limitations and Savings Accounts Bill Passed - House (89 - 33)
3/12 HB 2320 State Spending Limitations and Savings Accounts Bill Passed - House (89 - 33)
3/12 SB 5599 National Popular Vote Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
3/12 HB 243 Ending New Enrollment in Bonus Program for Teachers' National Certification Bill Passed - House (92 - 79)
3/12 SB 201 Vehicle Sales Tax Modification Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
3/11 HB 1197 Tax Changes Relating to Single Family Dwellings Under Construction Veto Override Passed - House (60 - 10)
3/11 H 3560 2009-2010 Budget Motion Agreed - House (71 - 43)
3/11 HB 2 2009-2010 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 9)
3/11 SB 208 Posting Public Notices Online Bill Passed - House (38 - 32)
3/11 HB 345 Regulating Former Lawmakers in Lobbying Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
3/11 SB 362 Requiring Proof of Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)

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