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:
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.
| Date | State | Bill No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 15, 2009 | IL | SB 1292 | Issuing of Bonds for Revenue | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 12) |
| July 13, 2009 | OH | HB 1 | 2009-2011 Biennium Budget | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 15) |
| July 1, 2009 | DE | HB 290 | 2009-2010 Budget | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4) |
| June 30, 2009 | IN | HB 1001 | 2010 Budget Bill | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 16) |
| June 30, 2009 | CA | SB 74 | Deferring Education Funding (2009-2010 Budget Financing) | Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (25 - 14) |
| June 30, 2009 | IL | SB 415 | Bond Approval | Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (32 - 21) |
| June 30, 2009 | NC | SB 311 | Continuing Budget Authority | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 13) |
| June 30, 2009 | DE | HB 291 | Estate Tax | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6) |
| June 30, 2009 | DE | HB 210 | Liquor License Fee | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 3) |
| June 30, 2009 | DE | HB 211 | Cigarette Tax Increase | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6) |
| June 30, 2009 | CA | SB 80 | Shifting Redevelopment Agency Funds (2009-2010 Budget Financing) | Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (25 - 14) |
| June 30, 2009 | CA | SB 64 | Education Spending Reductions (2009-2010 Budget Financing) | Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (25 - 14) |
| June 30, 2009 | RI | H 5005 | Voter Pre-Registration | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 4) |
| June 29, 2009 | CA | SBX3 17 | Tax Law Amendments (2009-2010 Budget Financing) | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 16) |
| June 29, 2009 | OR | HB 3369 | Water Development | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9) |
| June 29, 2009 | CA | SBx3 16 | 2009-2010 Budget Amendments | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 17) |
| June 27, 2009 | OR | HB 3508 | Implementing Measure 57 | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8) |
| June 26, 2009 | OR | HB 2472 | Renewable Energy Tax Credit Amendments | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 2) |
| June 26, 2009 | RI | H 5983 | 2009-2010 Budget | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2) |
| June 25, 2009 | WI | AB 75 | 2009-2011 Biennium Budget | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 15) |
| June 25, 2009 | NJ | A 4111 | State Employee Wage Increases | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15) |
| June 25, 2009 | NJ | A 4048 | 2009 Economic Package | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12) |
| June 25, 2009 | CT | SB 1801 | Biennium Budget Bill | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| June 25, 2009 | NJ | S 702 | Promoting Purchase of Energy-Efficient Homes | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7) |
| June 25, 2009 | NJ | A 3901 | Issuing Bonds for Conservation and Preservation Purposes | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
| 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) |
| Date | No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7/15 | SB 1292 | Issuing of Bonds for Revenue | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 12) |
| 7/13 | HB 1 | 2009-2011 Biennium Budget | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 15) |
| 7/01 | HB 290 | 2009-2010 Budget | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4) |
| 6/30 | HB 1001 | 2010 Budget Bill | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 16) |
| 6/30 | SB 74 | Deferring Education Funding (2009-2010 Budget Financing) | Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (25 - 14) |
| 6/30 | SB 415 | Bond Approval | Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (32 - 21) |
| 6/30 | SB 311 | Continuing Budget Authority | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 13) |
| 6/30 | HB 291 | Estate Tax | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6) |
| 6/30 | HB 210 | Liquor License Fee | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 3) |
| 6/30 | HB 211 | Cigarette Tax Increase | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6) |
| 6/30 | SB 80 | Shifting Redevelopment Agency Funds (2009-2010 Budget Financing) | Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (25 - 14) |
| 6/30 | SB 64 | Education Spending Reductions (2009-2010 Budget Financing) | Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (25 - 14) |
| 6/30 | H 5005 | Voter Pre-Registration | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 4) |
| 6/29 | SBX3 17 | Tax Law Amendments (2009-2010 Budget Financing) | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 16) |
| 6/29 | HB 3369 | Water Development | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9) |
| 6/29 | SBx3 16 | 2009-2010 Budget Amendments | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 17) |
| 6/27 | HB 3508 | Implementing Measure 57 | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8) |
| 6/26 | HB 2472 | Renewable Energy Tax Credit Amendments | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 2) |
| 6/26 | H 5983 | 2009-2010 Budget | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2) |
| 6/25 | AB 75 | 2009-2011 Biennium Budget | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 15) |
| 6/25 | A 4111 | State Employee Wage Increases | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15) |
| 6/25 | A 4048 | 2009 Economic Package | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12) |
| 6/25 | SB 1801 | Biennium Budget Bill | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| 6/25 | S 702 | Promoting Purchase of Energy-Efficient Homes | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7) |
| 6/25 | A 3901 | Issuing Bonds for Conservation and Preservation Purposes | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
| 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) |