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
June 25, 2009 NJ A 4100 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
June 25, 2009 NJ A4141 Eliminating Non-Operating School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
June 24, 2009 LA SB 278 Governor Records Disclosed Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
June 24, 2009 MI HB 4436 2009-2010 Department of Community Health Budget Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
June 24, 2009 NC SB 943 Expanding Production Company Tax Credit Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 17)
June 24, 2009 NH HB 1 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (13 - 11)
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 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 21, 2009 LA HB 866 Publishing Legal Records Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
June 19, 2009 OR SB 5520 2009-2011 Supplemental Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
June 18, 2009 NJ A 3101 Creating Homelessness Trust Funds Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
June 18, 2009 MI SB 248 2010 Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
June 18, 2009 TN HB 614 Delaying Paper Ballot Requirements Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 14)
June 17, 2009 WI AB 75 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
June 17, 2009 LA HB 689 Louisiana Statewide Education Facilities Fund Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
June 16, 2009 SC S 351 State Ports Authority Amendments Veto Override Passed - Senate (35 - 9)
June 16, 2009 LA HB 782 Wireless Phone Card Fees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
June 16, 2009 TN SB 162 Creation of the Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
June 16, 2009 TN SB 162 Creation of the Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
June 15, 2009 OR HB 2005 Petition Regulation Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
June 15, 2009 LA HB 504 Jefferson Parish School Board Elections Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
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 11, 2009 OR HB 3405 Corporate Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
June 11, 2009 OR HB 2649 Income Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
June 11, 2009 OR HB 2116 Changing Health Care Assessment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
June 10, 2009 OR HB 2834 Funding School for Blind Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
June 5, 2009 ME LD 1088 Income and Sales Tax Reform Bill Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
June 4, 2009 ME LD 977 Repealing School District Consolidation "Ought Not to Pass" Report Rejected - Senate (16 - 19)
June 4, 2009 ME LD 977 Repealing School District Consolidation "Ought Not to Pass" Report Rejected - Senate (16 - 19)
June 3, 2009 OR HB 2067 Expiration Dates for Tax Credits Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
June 3, 2009 OH HB 1 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
June 3, 2009 NY A 8501 Government Consolidation Bill Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 16)
June 3, 2009 NY A 8501 Government Consolidation Bill Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 16)
June 2, 2009 VT H 441 2009-2010 Budget Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
June 2, 2009 NC SB 703 Restrictions on the State Treasurer Regarding the State Pension Fund Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
June 1, 2009 NV SB 52 New Standards for Drivers Licenses and Identification Cards Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
June 1, 2009 NV AB 458 Establishing the K-12 Public Education Stabilization Account Veto Override Failed - Senate (12 - 9)
May 31, 2009 NV AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
May 31, 2009 NV AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
May 30, 2009 IL HB 174 Income Tax Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 27)
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 29, 2009 OR HB 2001 Transit and Gas Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
May 29, 2009 CT SB 913 Elections to Fill US Senate Vacancies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
May 29, 2009 CT SB 913 Elections to Fill US Senate Vacancies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
May 28, 2009 IL HB 7 Campaign Contribution Limits Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 22)
May 28, 2009 LA SB 296 Retirement Debt Payment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
May 27, 2009 MI SB 585 Cobo Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
May 27, 2009 CT HB 6385 Probate Court System Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
May 27, 2009 MI SB 585 Cobo Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
May 27, 2009 AZ HB 2001 Scholarships for Disabled or Displaced Students Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
May 27, 2009 MI SB 587 Cobo Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
May 27, 2009 MI SB 587 Cobo Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
May 26, 2009 OR SB 284 Extension of Statute of Ultimate Repose Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
May 22, 2009 NV SB 311 Washoe County Fluoridation Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 9)
May 21, 2009 NJ A 2451 Vote by Mail Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
May 21, 2009 CT SB 1167 Deficit Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
May 20, 2009 SC H 3560 2009-2010 Budget Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
May 20, 2009 IL HB 255 Video Gambling in Various Establishments Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 12)
May 15, 2009 MO HB 191 Law Changes Regarding Taxation Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
May 14, 2009 AL HB 175 Permitting Elections in Smaller Municipalities on Allowing Alcohol Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
May 13, 2009 AZ HB 2028 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 8)
May 11, 2009 MN HF 1362 Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 18)
May 11, 2009 TX HB 1736 Increasing Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
May 11, 2009 MN SF 1331 Changing Early Voting and Special Election Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 27)
May 8, 2009 HI SB 1111 Transient Accommodations Tax Increase Veto Override Passed - Senate (19 - 6)
May 8, 2009 MN HF 885 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (44 - 20)
May 8, 2009 FL SB 788 Gambling Expansion Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 9)
May 8, 2009 FL SB 2600 2009-2010 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 8)
May 8, 2009 ID H 376 Transportation Funding Package Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
May 8, 2009 ID H 374 Allowing Diversion of Funds to Virtual Education Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
May 7, 2009 MO HB 11 2009-2010 Social Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 7)
May 7, 2009 VT H 441 2009-2010 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 10)
May 7, 2009 MO HB 22 Capital Improvements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
May 6, 2009 CO HB 1366 Capital Gains Income Tax Reduction Modification Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
May 6, 2009 PA SB 850 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
May 5, 2009 KS HB 2373 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
May 4, 2009 MN SF 2081 2010-2011 Economic Development Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 28)
May 4, 2009 MN SF 341 Domestic Partner Death Rights Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
May 1, 2009 FL HB 903 Capping Attorney Fees in Workers' Compensation Lawsuits Motion Agreed - Senate (22 - 16)
May 1, 2009 FL HB 479 Amendments Regarding Public Employee Retirement Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
May 1, 2009 FL HB 479 Amendments Regarding Public Employee Retirement Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
April 30, 2009 FL Amdt 626368 Liability Insurance Related to SunRail Commuter Line Motion Rejected - Senate (17 - 23)
April 29, 2009 IN HB 1491 St. Joseph Superior Court Judges Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 18)
April 29, 2009 IN HB 1491 St. Joseph Superior Court Judges Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 18)
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 ND SCR 4038 Creating a Public Health Investment Trust Fund Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 23)
April 28, 2009 MT HB 2 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 23)
April 27, 2009 MN Ban on State Funds for Abortions Amendment Rejected - Senate (26 - 39)
April 25, 2009 IA SF 376 Bonds Issuance for Infrastructure Projects and the Creation of an Iowa Jobs Program, Board, and Fund. Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
April 25, 2009 IA SF 477 Appropriation Bonds Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
April 25, 2009 WA HB 1244 2009-2011 Biennium Budget and 2007-2009 Supplemental Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
April 24, 2009 WA SB 5768 Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Project Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
April 22, 2009 NC SB 287 State Health Plan Changes and Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 19)
April 22, 2009 OK HB 1603 Tort Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 19)
April 22, 2009 OK HB 1602 Attorney Fee Limits Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 23)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/25 A 4100 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
6/25 A4141 Eliminating Non-Operating School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
6/24 SB 278 Governor Records Disclosed Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
6/24 HB 4436 2009-2010 Department of Community Health Budget Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
6/24 SB 943 Expanding Production Company Tax Credit Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 17)
6/24 HB 1 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (13 - 11)
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)
6/22 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)
6/21 HB 866 Publishing Legal Records Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
6/19 SB 5520 2009-2011 Supplemental Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
6/18 A 3101 Creating Homelessness Trust Funds Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
6/18 SB 248 2010 Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
6/18 HB 614 Delaying Paper Ballot Requirements Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 14)
6/17 AB 75 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
6/17 HB 689 Louisiana Statewide Education Facilities Fund Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
6/16 S 351 State Ports Authority Amendments Veto Override Passed - Senate (35 - 9)
6/16 HB 782 Wireless Phone Card Fees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
6/16 SB 162 Creation of the Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
6/16 SB 162 Creation of the Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
6/15 HB 2005 Petition Regulation Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
6/15 HB 504 Jefferson Parish School Board Elections Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
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)
6/11 HB 3405 Corporate Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
6/11 HB 2649 Income Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
6/11 HB 2116 Changing Health Care Assessment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
6/10 HB 2834 Funding School for Blind Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
6/05 LD 1088 Income and Sales Tax Reform Bill Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
6/04 LD 977 Repealing School District Consolidation "Ought Not to Pass" Report Rejected - Senate (16 - 19)
6/04 LD 977 Repealing School District Consolidation "Ought Not to Pass" Report Rejected - Senate (16 - 19)
6/03 HB 2067 Expiration Dates for Tax Credits Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
6/03 HB 1 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
6/03 A 8501 Government Consolidation Bill Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 16)
6/03 A 8501 Government Consolidation Bill Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 16)
6/02 H 441 2009-2010 Budget Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
6/02 SB 703 Restrictions on the State Treasurer Regarding the State Pension Fund Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
6/01 SB 52 New Standards for Drivers Licenses and Identification Cards Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
6/01 AB 458 Establishing the K-12 Public Education Stabilization Account Veto Override Failed - Senate (12 - 9)
5/31 AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
5/31 AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
5/30 HB 174 Income Tax Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 27)
5/30 HB 6600 SustiNet Health Insurance Plan Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
5/30 HB 6582 Healthcare Partnership Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
5/29 HB 2001 Transit and Gas Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
5/29 SB 913 Elections to Fill US Senate Vacancies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
5/29 SB 913 Elections to Fill US Senate Vacancies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
5/28 HB 7 Campaign Contribution Limits Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 22)
5/28 SB 296 Retirement Debt Payment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
5/27 SB 585 Cobo Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
5/27 HB 6385 Probate Court System Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
5/27 SB 585 Cobo Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
5/27 HB 2001 Scholarships for Disabled or Displaced Students Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
5/27 SB 587 Cobo Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
5/27 SB 587 Cobo Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
5/26 SB 284 Extension of Statute of Ultimate Repose Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
5/22 SB 311 Washoe County Fluoridation Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 9)
5/21 A 2451 Vote by Mail Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
5/21 SB 1167 Deficit Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
5/20 H 3560 2009-2010 Budget Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
5/20 HB 255 Video Gambling in Various Establishments Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 12)
5/15 HB 191 Law Changes Regarding Taxation Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
5/14 HB 175 Permitting Elections in Smaller Municipalities on Allowing Alcohol Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
5/13 HB 2028 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 8)
5/11 HF 1362 Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 18)
5/11 HB 1736 Increasing Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
5/11 SF 1331 Changing Early Voting and Special Election Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 27)
5/08 SB 1111 Transient Accommodations Tax Increase Veto Override Passed - Senate (19 - 6)
5/08 HF 885 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (44 - 20)
5/08 SB 788 Gambling Expansion Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 9)
5/08 SB 2600 2009-2010 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 8)
5/08 H 376 Transportation Funding Package Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
5/08 H 374 Allowing Diversion of Funds to Virtual Education Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
5/07 HB 11 2009-2010 Social Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 7)
5/07 H 441 2009-2010 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 10)
5/07 HB 22 Capital Improvements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
5/06 HB 1366 Capital Gains Income Tax Reduction Modification Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
5/06 SB 850 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
5/05 HB 2373 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
5/04 SF 2081 2010-2011 Economic Development Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 28)
5/04 SF 341 Domestic Partner Death Rights Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
5/01 HB 903 Capping Attorney Fees in Workers' Compensation Lawsuits Motion Agreed - Senate (22 - 16)
5/01 HB 479 Amendments Regarding Public Employee Retirement Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
5/01 HB 479 Amendments Regarding Public Employee Retirement Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
4/30 Amdt 626368 Liability Insurance Related to SunRail Commuter Line Motion Rejected - Senate (17 - 23)
4/29 HB 1491 St. Joseph Superior Court Judges Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 18)
4/29 HB 1491 St. Joseph Superior Court Judges Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 18)
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 SCR 4038 Creating a Public Health Investment Trust Fund Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 23)
4/28 HB 2 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 23)
4/27 Ban on State Funds for Abortions Amendment Rejected - Senate (26 - 39)
4/25 SF 376 Bonds Issuance for Infrastructure Projects and the Creation of an Iowa Jobs Program, Board, and Fund. Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
4/25 SF 477 Appropriation Bonds Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
4/25 HB 1244 2009-2011 Biennium Budget and 2007-2009 Supplemental Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
4/24 SB 5768 Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Project Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
4/22 SB 287 State Health Plan Changes and Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 19)
4/22 HB 1603 Tort Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 19)
4/22 HB 1602 Attorney Fee Limits Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 23)

arrow_upward