Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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
March 11, 2009 OK HB 1037 Voter Identification Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
March 11, 2009 UT HB 345 Regulating Former Lawmakers in Lobbying Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
March 10, 2009 UT SB 53 Prohibiting the Awarding of Legal Fees to Plaintiffs in Public Interest Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (42 - 30)
March 10, 2009 UT SB 53 Prohibiting the Awarding of Legal Fees to Plaintiffs in Public Interest Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
March 10, 2009 UT SB 53 Prohibiting the Awarding of Legal Fees to Plaintiffs in Public Interest Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
March 10, 2009 NV IP 1 Lodging Tax Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
March 10, 2009 OK SB 834 Increased Local School Board Control Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
March 10, 2009 OK SB 4 Voter Identification Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 21)
March 10, 2009 UT SB 79 Elevating Standard of Proof for Specific Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (53 - 18)
March 10, 2009 UT SB 53 Prohibiting the Awarding of Legal Fees to Plaintiffs in Public Interest Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (42 - 30)
March 10, 2009 HI HB 1744 Suspending the Distribution of Transient Accommodation Tax Revenue to Counties Bill Passed - House (33 - 17)
March 10, 2009 HI HB 1744 Suspending the Distribution of Transient Accommodation Tax Revenue to Counties Bill Passed - House (33 - 17)
March 10, 2009 RI H 5005 Voter Pre-Registration Bill Passed - House (56 - 10)
March 9, 2009 UT HB 379 Environmental Lawsuit Delay Bond Bill Passed - House (52 - 22)
March 9, 2009 UT SB 241 Instructional Spending Requirements for School Districts Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 17)
March 9, 2009 UT SB 241 Instructional Spending Requirements for School Districts Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 17)
March 9, 2009 KY HB 102 State and Local Transportation Authorities Bill Passed - House (67 - 23)
March 9, 2009 AR HB 1700 Expanding Eligibility for Children's Health Insurance Program Bill Passed - House (82 - 14)
March 9, 2009 GA HB 160 Speeding Fee Bill Passed - House (113 - 53)
March 9, 2009 KY HB 102 State and Local Transportation Authorities Bill Passed - House (67 - 23)
March 6, 2009 UT HB 100 Prison Education and Medical Financing Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
March 6, 2009 KY HB 374 Gasoline Tax Amendments Bill Passed - House (82 - 17)
March 5, 2009 SD SJR 3 Extending Senate Terms and Legislative Term-Limits Bill Failed - House (17 - 49)
March 5, 2009 OR SB 5552 2007-2009 Biennium Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (37 - 22)
March 5, 2009 OH HB 2 2009-2011 Biennium Transportation Budget Bill Passed - House (53 - 45)
March 5, 2009 OR SB 581 2007-2008, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (37 - 22)
March 5, 2009 OR SB 581 2007-2008, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (37 - 22)
March 5, 2009 NM HB 616 State Employee Return-to-Work Restrictions Bill Passed - House (49 - 13)
March 5, 2009 OR SB 5552 2007-2009 Biennium Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (37 - 22)
March 5, 2009 MD SB 279 Capital Punishment Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
March 5, 2009 GA SB 200 Reorganization of State Transportation Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 25)
March 5, 2009 GA SB 200 Reorganization of State Transportation Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 25)
March 5, 2009 GA SB 200 Reorganization of State Transportation Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 25)
March 4, 2009 NH HCR 6 Resolution Regarding States' Rights "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (216 - 150)
March 4, 2009 OK SB 748 Independent Performance Audit of State Department of Education Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
March 4, 2009 UT SB 29 Authorizing Corporate Water Systems to Refuse Fluoridation Bill Passed - House (60 - 11)
March 4, 2009 OK HB 1603 Tort Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (61 - 39)
March 4, 2009 OK SB 318 Repeal of the Grocery Sales Tax Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
March 4, 2009 NH HB 644 Gasoline Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (190 - 162)
March 4, 2009 KS HB 2206 Partial Birth/Late-term Abortion Reporting Requirements Bill Passed - House (82 - 40)
March 3, 2009 WY SF 12 Increasing Campaign Contribution Limit Bill Failed - House (30 - 30)
March 3, 2009 OH HB 6 Transferable Tax Credit for Film Production Bill Passed - House (83 - 14)
March 3, 2009 SC H 3418 Requiring Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (67 - 44)
March 3, 2009 OH SB 9 Transferable Tax Credit for Film Production Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
March 3, 2009 OK SB 315 Top Marginal Income Tax Rate Reduction Postponement Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
March 3, 2009 AL SB 279 Funding for Road Construction Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 11)
March 3, 2009 UT HB 187 Restricting Access to Public Waters on Private Property Bill Failed - House (34 - 41)
March 3, 2009 OR SB 5552 2007-2009 Biennium Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
March 3, 2009 OR SB 5552 2007-2009 Biennium Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
March 3, 2009 OR SB 581 2007-2008, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
March 3, 2009 OR SB 581 2007-2008, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
March 3, 2009 UT SB 29 Authorizing Corporate Water Systems to Refuse Fluoridation Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
March 3, 2009 WA HB 1956 Limiting Local Regulations of Homeless Shelters Bill Passed - House (56 - 41)
March 2, 2009 UT HB 66 Tax Law and Education Funding Amendments Bill Failed - House (33 - 42)
Feb. 27, 2009 VT S 34 Presidential Election by National Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 10)
Feb. 27, 2009 VT S 34 Presidential Election by National Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 10)
Feb. 26, 2009 MO HB 242 Authorizing Four-Day School Weeks Bill Passed - House (101 - 60)
Feb. 26, 2009 NM SB 12 Establishing Domestic Partnerships Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 25)
Feb. 26, 2009 National S 160 Washington DC Voting Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
Feb. 26, 2009 National S 160 Washington DC Voting Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
Feb. 26, 2009 IA HF 414 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
Feb. 26, 2009 National S 160 Washington DC Voting Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
Feb. 26, 2009 CO SB 108 Increasing Vehicle Fees to Fund Transportation Projects Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
Feb. 26, 2009 IA SF 218 Growth Percentage for State School Foundation Program Bill Passed - House (53 - 44)
Feb. 25, 2009 IN HB 1729 Gaming Facility Tax Amendments Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
Feb. 25, 2009 IN HB 1607 West Lake Commuter Rail Project Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
Feb. 25, 2009 AR HB 1339 Election of the President by National Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (56 - 43)
Feb. 25, 2009 VA SB 1167 Increasing the Fees for Personalized License Plates Bill Failed - House (41 - 57)
Feb. 25, 2009 IN HB 1730 Exempting Energy Efficient Projects From Referendum Requirements Bill Passed - House (52 - 48)
Feb. 25, 2009 IN HB 1730 Exempting Energy Efficient Projects From Referendum Requirements Bill Passed - House (52 - 48)
Feb. 25, 2009 CT HB 6602 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
Feb. 25, 2009 NM SB 141 Allowing Increase of Penalties for Convicted Public Officials Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 12)
Feb. 25, 2009 NM SB 141 Allowing Increase of Penalties for Convicted Public Officials Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 12)
Feb. 25, 2009 VA SB 961 Expanding Death Penalty Eligibility to Accomplices Bill Passed - House (74 - 26)
Feb. 25, 2009 CO HB 1001 Tax Credit for Job Creation Bill Passed - House (52 - 13)
Feb. 25, 2009 NM HB 28 Increasing Penalties for Intimidation of Judges Bill Passed - House (43 - 21)
Feb. 25, 2009 GA SB 23 Admissibility of Seat Belt Evidence in Court Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 12)
Feb. 24, 2009 IN HB 1379 Unemployment Benefit Amendments Bill Passed - House (55 - 41)
Feb. 24, 2009 NV IP 1 Lodging Tax Bill Passed - House (35 - 7)
Feb. 24, 2009 VA HB 1671 "Derelict Building" Plan Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
Feb. 24, 2009 IN HB 1215 Increasing Traffic Fines to Fund Trauma Centers Bill Passed - House (53 - 42)
Feb. 24, 2009 GA SB 120 Repeal of Certain MARTA Financial Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
Feb. 24, 2009 IA SF 218 Growth Percentage for State School Foundation Program Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
Feb. 24, 2009 ID H 173 Restricting Eligibility for State Retiree Health Benefits Bill Passed - House (59 - 11)
Feb. 24, 2009 IN SB 512 Eliminating Township Boards in Counties Without a Consolidated City Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
Feb. 24, 2009 IN SB 512 Eliminating Township Boards in Counties Without a Consolidated City Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
Feb. 24, 2009 CO HB 1260 Designated Beneficiary Agreements Between Unmarried Adults Bill Passed - House (41 - 24)
Feb. 23, 2009 OR SB 311 Changes in Liability Limits Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
Feb. 23, 2009 OR SB 311 Changes in Liability Limits Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
Feb. 23, 2009 OR SB 311 Changes in Liability Limits Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
Feb. 20, 2009 VT Ainsworth Amdt Legislative Pay Cut Amendment Rejected - House (50 - 88)
Feb. 20, 2009 VT Ainsworth Amdt Legislative Pay Cut Amendment Rejected - House (50 - 88)
Feb. 20, 2009 MT SB 394 Expanding Mail Ballot Elections Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
Feb. 20, 2009 NE LB 85 Bond Revenue to Fund Streets and Bridges Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 10)
Feb. 19, 2009 NC SB 15 Limiting Per Diem Payments to Legislators Motion Agreed - Senate (37 - 11)
Feb. 19, 2009 CA SBx3 1 2009-2010 Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
Feb. 19, 2009 CA ABx3 3 Tax Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
Feb. 19, 2009 ND HB 1400 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (78 - 16)
Feb. 19, 2009 CA SBx3 7 Transportation Financing Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
Feb. 19, 2009 GA SB 42 Transfer of Authority Over State's Public Defender System Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 21)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/11 HB 1037 Voter Identification Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
3/11 HB 345 Regulating Former Lawmakers in Lobbying Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
3/10 SB 53 Prohibiting the Awarding of Legal Fees to Plaintiffs in Public Interest Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (42 - 30)
3/10 SB 53 Prohibiting the Awarding of Legal Fees to Plaintiffs in Public Interest Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
3/10 SB 53 Prohibiting the Awarding of Legal Fees to Plaintiffs in Public Interest Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
3/10 IP 1 Lodging Tax Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
3/10 SB 834 Increased Local School Board Control Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
3/10 SB 4 Voter Identification Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 21)
3/10 SB 79 Elevating Standard of Proof for Specific Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (53 - 18)
3/10 SB 53 Prohibiting the Awarding of Legal Fees to Plaintiffs in Public Interest Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (42 - 30)
3/10 HB 1744 Suspending the Distribution of Transient Accommodation Tax Revenue to Counties Bill Passed - House (33 - 17)
3/10 HB 1744 Suspending the Distribution of Transient Accommodation Tax Revenue to Counties Bill Passed - House (33 - 17)
3/10 H 5005 Voter Pre-Registration Bill Passed - House (56 - 10)
3/09 HB 379 Environmental Lawsuit Delay Bond Bill Passed - House (52 - 22)
3/09 SB 241 Instructional Spending Requirements for School Districts Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 17)
3/09 SB 241 Instructional Spending Requirements for School Districts Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 17)
3/09 HB 102 State and Local Transportation Authorities Bill Passed - House (67 - 23)
3/09 HB 1700 Expanding Eligibility for Children's Health Insurance Program Bill Passed - House (82 - 14)
3/09 HB 160 Speeding Fee Bill Passed - House (113 - 53)
3/09 HB 102 State and Local Transportation Authorities Bill Passed - House (67 - 23)
3/06 HB 100 Prison Education and Medical Financing Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
3/06 HB 374 Gasoline Tax Amendments Bill Passed - House (82 - 17)
3/05 SJR 3 Extending Senate Terms and Legislative Term-Limits Bill Failed - House (17 - 49)
3/05 SB 5552 2007-2009 Biennium Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (37 - 22)
3/05 HB 2 2009-2011 Biennium Transportation Budget Bill Passed - House (53 - 45)
3/05 SB 581 2007-2008, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (37 - 22)
3/05 SB 581 2007-2008, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (37 - 22)
3/05 HB 616 State Employee Return-to-Work Restrictions Bill Passed - House (49 - 13)
3/05 SB 5552 2007-2009 Biennium Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (37 - 22)
3/05 SB 279 Capital Punishment Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
3/05 SB 200 Reorganization of State Transportation Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 25)
3/05 SB 200 Reorganization of State Transportation Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 25)
3/05 SB 200 Reorganization of State Transportation Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 25)
3/04 HCR 6 Resolution Regarding States' Rights "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (216 - 150)
3/04 SB 748 Independent Performance Audit of State Department of Education Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
3/04 SB 29 Authorizing Corporate Water Systems to Refuse Fluoridation Bill Passed - House (60 - 11)
3/04 HB 1603 Tort Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (61 - 39)
3/04 SB 318 Repeal of the Grocery Sales Tax Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
3/04 HB 644 Gasoline Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (190 - 162)
3/04 HB 2206 Partial Birth/Late-term Abortion Reporting Requirements Bill Passed - House (82 - 40)
3/03 SF 12 Increasing Campaign Contribution Limit Bill Failed - House (30 - 30)
3/03 HB 6 Transferable Tax Credit for Film Production Bill Passed - House (83 - 14)
3/03 H 3418 Requiring Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (67 - 44)
3/03 SB 9 Transferable Tax Credit for Film Production Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
3/03 SB 315 Top Marginal Income Tax Rate Reduction Postponement Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
3/03 SB 279 Funding for Road Construction Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 11)
3/03 HB 187 Restricting Access to Public Waters on Private Property Bill Failed - House (34 - 41)
3/03 SB 5552 2007-2009 Biennium Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
3/03 SB 5552 2007-2009 Biennium Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
3/03 SB 581 2007-2008, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
3/03 SB 581 2007-2008, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
3/03 SB 29 Authorizing Corporate Water Systems to Refuse Fluoridation Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
3/03 HB 1956 Limiting Local Regulations of Homeless Shelters Bill Passed - House (56 - 41)
3/02 HB 66 Tax Law and Education Funding Amendments Bill Failed - House (33 - 42)
2/27 S 34 Presidential Election by National Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 10)
2/27 S 34 Presidential Election by National Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 10)
2/26 HB 242 Authorizing Four-Day School Weeks Bill Passed - House (101 - 60)
2/26 SB 12 Establishing Domestic Partnerships Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 25)
2/26 S 160 Washington DC Voting Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
2/26 S 160 Washington DC Voting Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
2/26 HF 414 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
2/26 S 160 Washington DC Voting Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
2/26 SB 108 Increasing Vehicle Fees to Fund Transportation Projects Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
2/26 SF 218 Growth Percentage for State School Foundation Program Bill Passed - House (53 - 44)
2/25 HB 1729 Gaming Facility Tax Amendments Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
2/25 HB 1607 West Lake Commuter Rail Project Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
2/25 HB 1339 Election of the President by National Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (56 - 43)
2/25 SB 1167 Increasing the Fees for Personalized License Plates Bill Failed - House (41 - 57)
2/25 HB 1730 Exempting Energy Efficient Projects From Referendum Requirements Bill Passed - House (52 - 48)
2/25 HB 1730 Exempting Energy Efficient Projects From Referendum Requirements Bill Passed - House (52 - 48)
2/25 HB 6602 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
2/25 SB 141 Allowing Increase of Penalties for Convicted Public Officials Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 12)
2/25 SB 141 Allowing Increase of Penalties for Convicted Public Officials Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 12)
2/25 SB 961 Expanding Death Penalty Eligibility to Accomplices Bill Passed - House (74 - 26)
2/25 HB 1001 Tax Credit for Job Creation Bill Passed - House (52 - 13)
2/25 HB 28 Increasing Penalties for Intimidation of Judges Bill Passed - House (43 - 21)
2/25 SB 23 Admissibility of Seat Belt Evidence in Court Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 12)
2/24 HB 1379 Unemployment Benefit Amendments Bill Passed - House (55 - 41)
2/24 IP 1 Lodging Tax Bill Passed - House (35 - 7)
2/24 HB 1671 "Derelict Building" Plan Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
2/24 HB 1215 Increasing Traffic Fines to Fund Trauma Centers Bill Passed - House (53 - 42)
2/24 SB 120 Repeal of Certain MARTA Financial Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
2/24 SF 218 Growth Percentage for State School Foundation Program Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
2/24 H 173 Restricting Eligibility for State Retiree Health Benefits Bill Passed - House (59 - 11)
2/24 SB 512 Eliminating Township Boards in Counties Without a Consolidated City Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
2/24 SB 512 Eliminating Township Boards in Counties Without a Consolidated City Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
2/24 HB 1260 Designated Beneficiary Agreements Between Unmarried Adults Bill Passed - House (41 - 24)
2/23 SB 311 Changes in Liability Limits Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
2/23 SB 311 Changes in Liability Limits Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
2/23 SB 311 Changes in Liability Limits Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
2/20 Ainsworth Amdt Legislative Pay Cut Amendment Rejected - House (50 - 88)
2/20 Ainsworth Amdt Legislative Pay Cut Amendment Rejected - House (50 - 88)
2/20 SB 394 Expanding Mail Ballot Elections Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
2/20 LB 85 Bond Revenue to Fund Streets and Bridges Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 10)
2/19 SB 15 Limiting Per Diem Payments to Legislators Motion Agreed - Senate (37 - 11)
2/19 SBx3 1 2009-2010 Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
2/19 ABx3 3 Tax Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
2/19 HB 1400 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (78 - 16)
2/19 SBx3 7 Transportation Financing Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
2/19 SB 42 Transfer of Authority Over State's Public Defender System Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 21)

arrow_upward