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 10, 2010 CO HB 1238 Increasing Fines for Moving Traffic Violations in Wildlife Crossing Zones Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
May 8, 2010 KS HB 2130 Amending Seat Belt Laws Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 8)
May 7, 2010 KS HB 2650 Transportation Works For Kansas Program Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
May 7, 2010 KS HB 2180 Expansion of Gambling Operations Industry Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 20)
May 6, 2010 National S Amdt 3826 Consumer Financial Protection Division Within The FDIC Amendment Rejected - Senate (38 - 61)
May 6, 2010 IL SB 642 Public University Borrowing Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 11)
May 6, 2010 CO HB 1284 Increasing Medical Marijuana Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
May 5, 2010 IL SB 3695 Streetgang-Related Crime Fund Changes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 20)
May 5, 2010 CT SB 438 Education Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
May 5, 2010 MN HF 2614 Health and Human Services Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 19)
May 5, 2010 IL HB 4927 Video Gaming Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 11)
May 5, 2010 CT HB 5236 Concerning Off-Track Betting Branch Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
May 4, 2010 MO HB 1764 Prohibits Mandatory Participation in a Health Care System Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
May 4, 2010 IL HB 2360 Homeowner's Emergency Assistance Plan Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
May 4, 2010 CT SB 493 Increasing Use of Renewable Energy Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
May 3, 2010 CO HB 1141 Requirement for Mortgage Companies to have License and Registration Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
May 3, 2010 NY S 7678 Amending Charter School Cap Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 15)
April 30, 2010 CO SB 191 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
April 28, 2010 MO HB 2002 2010-2010 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 6)
April 28, 2010 HI HB 2377 Board of Education Selection Advisory Council Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 2)
April 28, 2010 MO HB 2010 2010-2011 Department of Mental Health and Department of Health and Senior Serices Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 10)
April 28, 2010 CO HB 1348 Regulations on Radioactive Material Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
April 28, 2010 CT SB 168 Workers Compensation Benefits for Police Officers Facing Injury From Interaction with Mammal Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
April 28, 2010 MN SF 2716 Charter School Facilities Financing Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 15)
April 27, 2010 VT SR 17 Requesting Congressional Waiver From Federal Drinking Age Requirement Resolution Passed - Senate (14 - 13)
April 23, 2010 CO SB 190 Suspension of Tax Exemption for Seniors Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
April 22, 2010 AZ HB 2338 Yellow Light Standardization Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 3)
April 22, 2010 FL HJR 37 Prohibiting Individual Health Care Mandate Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
April 21, 2010 AL SB 121 Highway Construction Appropriations from the Alabama Trust Fund Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 8)
April 21, 2010 LA SB 9 Classifying Text Messaging While Driving as a Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
April 20, 2010 MO SB 943 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
April 15, 2010 CA SB 4 Prohibiting Smoking at State Park Beaches Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
April 15, 2010 CO SB 94 State Funding for Works of Art in Capital Construction Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
April 15, 2010 WI SB 437 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
April 15, 2010 WI SB 434 Legalizing Sale of Unpasteurized Milk Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
April 15, 2010 WI SB 434 Legalizing Sale of Unpasteurized Milk Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
April 15, 2010 FL SB 622 Gaming Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
April 14, 2010 HI HB 2421 Petroleum Tax ("Barrel Tax") Increase Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 7)
April 14, 2010 AL HB 105 Required Physical Education Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 8)
April 14, 2010 SC H 3584 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 12)
April 13, 2010 NE LB 999 Temporary Prohibition on New Hospital Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
April 12, 2010 ME LD 1826 Bond Authorization Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
April 12, 2010 MD SB 590 Establishes a Public School Labor Relations Board Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
April 12, 2010 MD SB 277 Modifies the Solar Energy Portfolio Standard Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
April 12, 2010 WA HB 2493 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 17)
April 10, 2010 MD SB 627 Establishes Medical Marijuana Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
April 9, 2010 NE LB 780 PTSD Workers' Compensation Benefits for First Responders Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 5)
April 7, 2010 ME LD 1826 Bond Authorization Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 16)
April 7, 2010 MD HB 825 Increase in Motor Vehicle Liability Payment Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
April 6, 2010 NE Amdt 2454 Limiting First Responder PTSD Death Benefits to 1 Year Amendment Rejected - Senate (17 - 27)
April 6, 2010 NE Amdt 2455 Limiting First Responder PTSD Benefits to 26 Weeks Amendment Rejected - Senate (12 - 30)
April 1, 2010 KY HB 109 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 18)
April 1, 2010 GA HB 307 Hospital Medicaid Fee Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
April 1, 2010 AL SB 233 Prohibiting Individual Health Care Mandate Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
March 31, 2010 CO HB 1365 Utility Emission Reduction Plan Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
March 31, 2010 AZ SB 1001 Authorizing Governor to Challenge Federal Individual Health Care Mandate Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
March 30, 2010 GA SB 67 English Only Requirement for Driver's License Examinations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
March 30, 2010 NE LB 1102 Legalizing "Horse Racing Machines" Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (30 - 13)
March 30, 2010 AL SB 380 Authorization, Regulation, and Taxation of Bingo Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
March 29, 2010 SD SB 121 Deaf and Hearing-Impaired Education Promotion Programs Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
March 29, 2010 ID H 729 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
March 29, 2010 CO HB 1180 Performance-Based Incentive for Film Production Activities Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
March 27, 2010 MS SB 2293 Allowing "Under-Performing" Schools to Become Charter Schools Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 11)
March 26, 2010 KY HB 368 Telephone and Online Gambling Tax Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
March 26, 2010 ME LD 1706 Requiring Cell Phone Radiation Warning Label Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 20)
March 26, 2010 GA SB 407 Allowing the Purchasing of Health Insurance Policies Approved in Other States Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 16)
March 26, 2010 IA S 5340 Prohibiting Individual Health Care Mandate Amendment Rejected - Senate (18 - 31)
March 26, 2010 GA SB 399 General Assembly Authorization Requirements for Implementation of Federal Health Care Legislation Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
March 25, 2010 National HR 4872 Health Care Reconciliation Act Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 43)
March 25, 2010 CO HB 1288 Authorizing Real Estate Brokers to File Liens for Unpaid Commissions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
March 25, 2010 MI HB 4394 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
March 25, 2010 IL SB 2494 Funding for School Vouchers Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
March 25, 2010 FL SJR 2 Classroom Size Limitation Amendments Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
March 24, 2010 MD SB 778 Prohibits Public Schools from Sending Vocational Test Scores to Military Recruiters Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 23)
March 24, 2010 MD SB 321 Prohibiting Hand-Held Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 23)
March 24, 2010 FL SB 6 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
March 24, 2010 MI SB 1163 2010-2011 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
March 24, 2010 NH SB 392 Annual Public Hearing on Health Care Costs Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
March 24, 2010 ID S 1419 2010-2011 Higher Education Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
March 24, 2010 NH SB 489 Gambling Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
March 24, 2010 MD SB 1035 Authorizes Card Games at a Specific Facility Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
March 23, 2010 IA HF 2456 Texting While Driving Ban Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 12)
March 23, 2010 KY HB 239 School Principal Selection Process Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
March 22, 2010 CO HB 1188 Navigation Rights for River Outfitters Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
March 22, 2010 AZ SB 1334 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
March 22, 2010 ID S 1418 2010-2011 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
March 22, 2010 AZ SB 1309 Expanding Parental Consent Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
March 18, 2010 IL SB 615 Local Food, Farms and Jobs Act Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 16)
March 17, 2010 National HR 2847 Employment, Infrastructure, and Transportation Appropriations and Tax Credits ("Senate Jobs Bill") Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (68 - 29)
March 17, 2010 GA SR 794 Prohibiting Health Care Mandates Resolution Failed - Senate (34 - 19)
March 16, 2010 IA SF 2376 2010-2011 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
March 16, 2010 IA SF 2378 Increase in Fees for Traffic Violations Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 17)
March 12, 2010 WV HB 4652 School Calendar Committees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
March 11, 2010 CA SBx8 32 Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
March 11, 2010 CA SBx8 32 Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
March 10, 2010 VA HB 885 Authorizing Concealed Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
March 10, 2010 ID S 1352 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
March 9, 2010 SD HB 1231 Prescription Drug Registry Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
March 9, 2010 ID H 391 Opposing Federal Individual Health Insurance Mandate Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
March 9, 2010 VA SB 737 Requiring Department of Education Review of Charter School Applications Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/10 HB 1238 Increasing Fines for Moving Traffic Violations in Wildlife Crossing Zones Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
5/08 HB 2130 Amending Seat Belt Laws Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 8)
5/07 HB 2650 Transportation Works For Kansas Program Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
5/07 HB 2180 Expansion of Gambling Operations Industry Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 20)
5/06 S Amdt 3826 Consumer Financial Protection Division Within The FDIC Amendment Rejected - Senate (38 - 61)
5/06 SB 642 Public University Borrowing Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 11)
5/06 HB 1284 Increasing Medical Marijuana Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
5/05 SB 3695 Streetgang-Related Crime Fund Changes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 20)
5/05 SB 438 Education Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
5/05 HF 2614 Health and Human Services Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 19)
5/05 HB 4927 Video Gaming Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 11)
5/05 HB 5236 Concerning Off-Track Betting Branch Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
5/04 HB 1764 Prohibits Mandatory Participation in a Health Care System Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
5/04 HB 2360 Homeowner's Emergency Assistance Plan Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
5/04 SB 493 Increasing Use of Renewable Energy Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
5/03 HB 1141 Requirement for Mortgage Companies to have License and Registration Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
5/03 S 7678 Amending Charter School Cap Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 15)
4/30 SB 191 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
4/28 HB 2002 2010-2010 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 6)
4/28 HB 2377 Board of Education Selection Advisory Council Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 2)
4/28 HB 2010 2010-2011 Department of Mental Health and Department of Health and Senior Serices Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 10)
4/28 HB 1348 Regulations on Radioactive Material Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
4/28 SB 168 Workers Compensation Benefits for Police Officers Facing Injury From Interaction with Mammal Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
4/28 SF 2716 Charter School Facilities Financing Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 15)
4/27 SR 17 Requesting Congressional Waiver From Federal Drinking Age Requirement Resolution Passed - Senate (14 - 13)
4/23 SB 190 Suspension of Tax Exemption for Seniors Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
4/22 HB 2338 Yellow Light Standardization Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 3)
4/22 HJR 37 Prohibiting Individual Health Care Mandate Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
4/21 SB 121 Highway Construction Appropriations from the Alabama Trust Fund Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 8)
4/21 SB 9 Classifying Text Messaging While Driving as a Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
4/20 SB 943 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
4/15 SB 4 Prohibiting Smoking at State Park Beaches Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
4/15 SB 94 State Funding for Works of Art in Capital Construction Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
4/15 SB 437 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
4/15 SB 434 Legalizing Sale of Unpasteurized Milk Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
4/15 SB 434 Legalizing Sale of Unpasteurized Milk Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
4/15 SB 622 Gaming Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
4/14 HB 2421 Petroleum Tax ("Barrel Tax") Increase Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 7)
4/14 HB 105 Required Physical Education Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 8)
4/14 H 3584 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 12)
4/13 LB 999 Temporary Prohibition on New Hospital Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
4/12 LD 1826 Bond Authorization Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
4/12 SB 590 Establishes a Public School Labor Relations Board Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
4/12 SB 277 Modifies the Solar Energy Portfolio Standard Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
4/12 HB 2493 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 17)
4/10 SB 627 Establishes Medical Marijuana Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
4/09 LB 780 PTSD Workers' Compensation Benefits for First Responders Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 5)
4/07 LD 1826 Bond Authorization Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 16)
4/07 HB 825 Increase in Motor Vehicle Liability Payment Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
4/06 Amdt 2454 Limiting First Responder PTSD Death Benefits to 1 Year Amendment Rejected - Senate (17 - 27)
4/06 Amdt 2455 Limiting First Responder PTSD Benefits to 26 Weeks Amendment Rejected - Senate (12 - 30)
4/01 HB 109 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 18)
4/01 HB 307 Hospital Medicaid Fee Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
4/01 SB 233 Prohibiting Individual Health Care Mandate Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
3/31 HB 1365 Utility Emission Reduction Plan Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
3/31 SB 1001 Authorizing Governor to Challenge Federal Individual Health Care Mandate Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
3/30 SB 67 English Only Requirement for Driver's License Examinations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
3/30 LB 1102 Legalizing "Horse Racing Machines" Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (30 - 13)
3/30 SB 380 Authorization, Regulation, and Taxation of Bingo Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
3/29 SB 121 Deaf and Hearing-Impaired Education Promotion Programs Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
3/29 H 729 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
3/29 HB 1180 Performance-Based Incentive for Film Production Activities Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
3/27 SB 2293 Allowing "Under-Performing" Schools to Become Charter Schools Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 11)
3/26 HB 368 Telephone and Online Gambling Tax Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
3/26 LD 1706 Requiring Cell Phone Radiation Warning Label Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 20)
3/26 SB 407 Allowing the Purchasing of Health Insurance Policies Approved in Other States Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 16)
3/26 S 5340 Prohibiting Individual Health Care Mandate Amendment Rejected - Senate (18 - 31)
3/26 SB 399 General Assembly Authorization Requirements for Implementation of Federal Health Care Legislation Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
3/25 HR 4872 Health Care Reconciliation Act Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 43)
3/25 HB 1288 Authorizing Real Estate Brokers to File Liens for Unpaid Commissions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
3/25 HB 4394 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
3/25 SB 2494 Funding for School Vouchers Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
3/25 SJR 2 Classroom Size Limitation Amendments Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
3/24 SB 778 Prohibits Public Schools from Sending Vocational Test Scores to Military Recruiters Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 23)
3/24 SB 321 Prohibiting Hand-Held Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 23)
3/24 SB 6 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
3/24 SB 1163 2010-2011 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
3/24 SB 392 Annual Public Hearing on Health Care Costs Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
3/24 S 1419 2010-2011 Higher Education Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
3/24 SB 489 Gambling Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
3/24 SB 1035 Authorizes Card Games at a Specific Facility Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
3/23 HF 2456 Texting While Driving Ban Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 12)
3/23 HB 239 School Principal Selection Process Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
3/22 HB 1188 Navigation Rights for River Outfitters Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
3/22 SB 1334 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
3/22 S 1418 2010-2011 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
3/22 SB 1309 Expanding Parental Consent Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
3/18 SB 615 Local Food, Farms and Jobs Act Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 16)
3/17 HR 2847 Employment, Infrastructure, and Transportation Appropriations and Tax Credits ("Senate Jobs Bill") Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (68 - 29)
3/17 SR 794 Prohibiting Health Care Mandates Resolution Failed - Senate (34 - 19)
3/16 SF 2376 2010-2011 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
3/16 SF 2378 Increase in Fees for Traffic Violations Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 17)
3/12 HB 4652 School Calendar Committees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
3/11 SBx8 32 Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
3/11 SBx8 32 Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
3/10 HB 885 Authorizing Concealed Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
3/10 S 1352 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
3/09 HB 1231 Prescription Drug Registry Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
3/09 H 391 Opposing Federal Individual Health Insurance Mandate Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
3/09 SB 737 Requiring Department of Education Review of Charter School Applications Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)

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