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
March 23, 2011 KS HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
March 23, 2011 MI HB 4408 Employment Compensation Fund Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 44)
March 23, 2011 MI HB 4408 Employment Compensation Fund Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
March 23, 2011 KS SB 83 Amends Judicial Appointment Process Bill Passed - House (66 - 57)
March 22, 2011 CO HB 1140 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1405 Hospital Admissions and Restrictions Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1611 Requires Verification of Citizenship for Certain Benefits Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1309 Defines Arizona Citizenship Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
March 17, 2011 AR HB 1936 Dress Codes for Public Schools Bill Passed - House (73 - 19)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1308 Separate Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1308 Separate Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
March 17, 2011 ID H 260 Medicaid Funding Bill Passed - House (56 - 14)
March 16, 2011 WA SB 5407 Prohibits Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Motion Rejected - Senate (23 - 25)
March 16, 2011 OK HB 1593 Repealing Collective Bargaining Requirement for Cities Bill Passed - House (59 - 38)
March 15, 2011 MI HB 4214 Fiscal Accountability for Local Governments and School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
March 15, 2011 AZ SCR 1035 English as the Official Language Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
March 15, 2011 MI HB 4214 Fiscal Accountability for Local Governments and School Districts Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 48)
March 15, 2011 NM HB 644 Raises Retirement Age Bill Passed - House (37 - 32)
March 15, 2011 NH HB 89 State Lawsuit against the Federal Health Care Law Bill Passed - House (259 - 107)
March 14, 2011 OK SB 91 Proof of Presidential Candidates' Citizenship Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 10)
March 14, 2011 NY S 3331 Non-Partisan Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 24)
March 14, 2011 GA SB 40 Immigration Status Verification of Private Business Workers Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 21)
March 13, 2011 NM HB 644 Raises Retirement Age Bill Failed - House (28 - 38)
March 11, 2011 ND HB 1263 Athletic Nickname and Logo of the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 15)
March 10, 2011 WI AB 11 Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - House (53 - 42)
March 10, 2011 GA SB 162 DUIs a Felony for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
March 10, 2011 GA SB 162 DUIs a Felony for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Not Tabled - Senate (20 - 34)
March 10, 2011 MO HB 167 Driver License Examinations Administered in English Only Bill Passed - House (102 - 56)
March 10, 2011 SC S 20 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9)
March 10, 2011 TN SB 1528 Amends Requirements for Teacher Tenure Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
March 9, 2011 WI AB 11 Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 1)
March 9, 2011 MI HB 4216 Local Governments Fiscal Accountability Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
March 9, 2011 UT HB 183 School District Leave Policies Conference Report Adopted - House (42 - 28)
March 9, 2011 NM HB 78 Driver License and ID Card Restrictions for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 16)
March 9, 2011 MD Amendment 223923 Civil Marriage Protection Act Amendment Rejected - House (63 - 72)
March 8, 2011 UT HB 183 School District Leave Policies Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 7)
March 8, 2011 AZ SB 1188 Preference for Married Couples in Adoption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
March 8, 2011 IA HF 535 Repeals Statewide Preschool Program Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)
March 8, 2011 AZ SB 1188 Preference for Married Couples in Adoption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
March 8, 2011 AZ SB 1363 Labor Organization Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
March 8, 2011 MD HB 302 Parole Approval Bill Passed - House (74 - 66)
March 4, 2011 UT HB 497 Immigration Enforcement Act Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
March 4, 2011 NM HB 78 Driver License and ID Card Restrictions for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (42 - 28)
March 4, 2011 MS JR 1 Redistricting for House of Representatives Bill Passed - House (66 - 56)
March 4, 2011 UT HB 497 Immigration Enforcement Act Bill Passed - House (59 - 15)
March 4, 2011 ID H 104a Teacher Union Activities Bill Passed - House (55 - 14)
March 3, 2011 NJ S 1216 Loans for Women and Minority-Owned Businesses Veto Override Failed - Senate (23 - 16)
March 3, 2011 MT HB 521 Referendum to Revise Judicial Election Laws Bill Failed - House (45 - 54)
March 3, 2011 GA HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Bill Passed - House (113 - 56)
March 2, 2011 KY HB 305 2010-2012 Biennium Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
March 2, 2011 WY HB 74 Prohibiting Recognition of Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages Conference Report Rejected - Senate (14 - 16)
March 2, 2011 WY HB 74 Prohibiting Recognition of Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages Conference Report Adopted - House (31 - 28)
March 2, 2011 MA S 9 Establishing a Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - House (123 - 30)
March 2, 2011 ID H 109 Extends Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (41 - 28)
March 2, 2011 OH SB 5 Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
March 2, 2011 WV HB 2732 Increased Fees for Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (65 - 35)
March 1, 2011 SC S 434 Prohibiting DHHS From Reducing Provider Rates Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
Feb. 28, 2011 UT HB 191 Nonresident Tuition Waiver Amendments Bill Passed - House (44 - 28)
Feb. 28, 2011 AZ SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
Feb. 28, 2011 NM SB 319 Eliminating Corporal Punishment Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 18)
Feb. 28, 2011 WA HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)
Feb. 28, 2011 WA HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)
Feb. 25, 2011 WI AB 11 Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Employees Bill Passed - House (51 - 17)
Feb. 24, 2011 MI HB 4214 Fiscal Accountability for Local Governments and School Districts Bill Passed - House (62 - 47)
Feb. 24, 2011 KS HB 2130 Prohibits Union Dues for Political Activities Bill Passed - House (75 - 46)
Feb. 24, 2011 ID S 1108 Education Provisions and Teacher Entitlements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
Feb. 24, 2011 UT HB 165 State Reimbursement for Required Medical Services Act Bill Passed - House (57 - 14)
Feb. 24, 2011 KS HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - House (96 - 25)
Feb. 23, 2011 UT SJR 9 Supervision of Public Education Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
Feb. 23, 2011 UT HB 183 School District Leave Policies Bill Passed - House (46 - 22)
Feb. 23, 2011 UT HB 116 Guest Worker Program Bill Passed - House (43 - 28)
Feb. 23, 2011 MT HB 516 Limiting Local Ordinances Bill Passed - House (62 - 37)
Feb. 23, 2011 SD SB 156 Prohibits Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
Feb. 23, 2011 MD SB 116 Civil Marriage Protection Act Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
Feb. 23, 2011 MI HB 4216 Local Governments Fiscal Accountability Bill Passed - House (62 - 47)
Feb. 22, 2011 KS HB 2006 Prohibiting Undocumented Immigrants from Receiving In-State Tuition Rates Bill Passed - House (72 - 50)
Feb. 22, 2011 ID S 1007 Labor Organizations Bill Passed - House (55 - 15)
Feb. 22, 2011 ID S 1006 Right to Work Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (55 - 14)
Feb. 22, 2011 VT S 31 Electing the President by Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
Feb. 22, 2011 MT HB 456 Sexual Education in K-12 Public Schools Bill Passed - House (67 - 30)
Feb. 22, 2011 UT SB 96 Alimony Amendments Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 17)
Feb. 22, 2011 UT HB 253 Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (49 - 20)
Feb. 21, 2011 ND HB 1263 Athletic Nickname and Logo of the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - House (65 - 28)
Feb. 18, 2011 WY HB 74 Prohibiting the Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Feb. 18, 2011 National H Amdt 95 Prohibiting Use of Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood Amendment Adopted - House (240 - 185)
Feb. 18, 2011 MT SB 97 Parental Notice of Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
Feb. 18, 2011 MT SB 268 Election of Supreme Court Justices by District Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
Feb. 18, 2011 UT HB 70 Identifying Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (58 - 15)
Feb. 17, 2011 ND HB 1385 Senior Citizens Attending Institutions of Higher Education Bill Passed - House (65 - 29)
Feb. 17, 2011 IN SB 575 Collective Bargaining for School Employees Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
Feb. 17, 2011 ND HB 1267 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - House (72 - 21)
Feb. 17, 2011 AZ SB 1187 Extends Waiting Period for Divorce Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
Feb. 17, 2011 ID H 111 Increased Authority for Tribal Peace Officers Bill Failed - House (34 - 35)
Feb. 16, 2011 HI SB 232 Civil Unions for All Couples Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
Feb. 15, 2011 National S Amdt 14 Prohibiting Transportation Security Administration Employees from Collective Bargaining Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 51)
Feb. 15, 2011 NH HB 474 Labor Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (221 - 131)
Feb. 11, 2011 HI SB 232 Civil Unions for All Couples Bill Passed - House (31 - 19)
Feb. 10, 2011 AZ SB 1086 Tobacco Prohibitions Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 16)
Feb. 10, 2011 MA S 9 Establishing a Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
Feb. 9, 2011 WY HB 256 Tenant Rights in Domestic and Sexual Violence Cases Bill Passed - House (33 - 26)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/23 HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
3/23 HB 4408 Employment Compensation Fund Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 44)
3/23 HB 4408 Employment Compensation Fund Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
3/23 SB 83 Amends Judicial Appointment Process Bill Passed - House (66 - 57)
3/22 HB 1140 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
3/17 SB 1405 Hospital Admissions and Restrictions Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
3/17 SB 1611 Requires Verification of Citizenship for Certain Benefits Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
3/17 SB 1309 Defines Arizona Citizenship Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
3/17 HB 1936 Dress Codes for Public Schools Bill Passed - House (73 - 19)
3/17 SB 1308 Separate Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
3/17 SB 1308 Separate Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
3/17 H 260 Medicaid Funding Bill Passed - House (56 - 14)
3/16 SB 5407 Prohibits Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Motion Rejected - Senate (23 - 25)
3/16 HB 1593 Repealing Collective Bargaining Requirement for Cities Bill Passed - House (59 - 38)
3/15 HB 4214 Fiscal Accountability for Local Governments and School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
3/15 SCR 1035 English as the Official Language Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
3/15 HB 4214 Fiscal Accountability for Local Governments and School Districts Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 48)
3/15 HB 644 Raises Retirement Age Bill Passed - House (37 - 32)
3/15 HB 89 State Lawsuit against the Federal Health Care Law Bill Passed - House (259 - 107)
3/14 SB 91 Proof of Presidential Candidates' Citizenship Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 10)
3/14 S 3331 Non-Partisan Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 24)
3/14 SB 40 Immigration Status Verification of Private Business Workers Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 21)
3/13 HB 644 Raises Retirement Age Bill Failed - House (28 - 38)
3/11 HB 1263 Athletic Nickname and Logo of the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 15)
3/10 AB 11 Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - House (53 - 42)
3/10 SB 162 DUIs a Felony for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
3/10 SB 162 DUIs a Felony for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Not Tabled - Senate (20 - 34)
3/10 HB 167 Driver License Examinations Administered in English Only Bill Passed - House (102 - 56)
3/10 S 20 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9)
3/10 SB 1528 Amends Requirements for Teacher Tenure Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
3/09 AB 11 Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 1)
3/09 HB 4216 Local Governments Fiscal Accountability Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
3/09 HB 183 School District Leave Policies Conference Report Adopted - House (42 - 28)
3/09 HB 78 Driver License and ID Card Restrictions for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 16)
3/09 Amendment 223923 Civil Marriage Protection Act Amendment Rejected - House (63 - 72)
3/08 HB 183 School District Leave Policies Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 7)
3/08 SB 1188 Preference for Married Couples in Adoption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
3/08 HF 535 Repeals Statewide Preschool Program Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)
3/08 SB 1188 Preference for Married Couples in Adoption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
3/08 SB 1363 Labor Organization Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
3/08 HB 302 Parole Approval Bill Passed - House (74 - 66)
3/04 HB 497 Immigration Enforcement Act Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
3/04 HB 78 Driver License and ID Card Restrictions for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (42 - 28)
3/04 JR 1 Redistricting for House of Representatives Bill Passed - House (66 - 56)
3/04 HB 497 Immigration Enforcement Act Bill Passed - House (59 - 15)
3/04 H 104a Teacher Union Activities Bill Passed - House (55 - 14)
3/03 S 1216 Loans for Women and Minority-Owned Businesses Veto Override Failed - Senate (23 - 16)
3/03 HB 521 Referendum to Revise Judicial Election Laws Bill Failed - House (45 - 54)
3/03 HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Bill Passed - House (113 - 56)
3/02 HB 305 2010-2012 Biennium Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
3/02 HB 74 Prohibiting Recognition of Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages Conference Report Rejected - Senate (14 - 16)
3/02 HB 74 Prohibiting Recognition of Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages Conference Report Adopted - House (31 - 28)
3/02 S 9 Establishing a Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - House (123 - 30)
3/02 H 109 Extends Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (41 - 28)
3/02 SB 5 Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
3/02 HB 2732 Increased Fees for Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (65 - 35)
3/01 S 434 Prohibiting DHHS From Reducing Provider Rates Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
2/28 HB 191 Nonresident Tuition Waiver Amendments Bill Passed - House (44 - 28)
2/28 SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
2/28 SB 319 Eliminating Corporal Punishment Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 18)
2/28 HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)
2/28 HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)
2/25 AB 11 Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Employees Bill Passed - House (51 - 17)
2/24 HB 4214 Fiscal Accountability for Local Governments and School Districts Bill Passed - House (62 - 47)
2/24 HB 2130 Prohibits Union Dues for Political Activities Bill Passed - House (75 - 46)
2/24 S 1108 Education Provisions and Teacher Entitlements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
2/24 HB 165 State Reimbursement for Required Medical Services Act Bill Passed - House (57 - 14)
2/24 HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - House (96 - 25)
2/23 SJR 9 Supervision of Public Education Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
2/23 HB 183 School District Leave Policies Bill Passed - House (46 - 22)
2/23 HB 116 Guest Worker Program Bill Passed - House (43 - 28)
2/23 HB 516 Limiting Local Ordinances Bill Passed - House (62 - 37)
2/23 SB 156 Prohibits Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
2/23 SB 116 Civil Marriage Protection Act Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
2/23 HB 4216 Local Governments Fiscal Accountability Bill Passed - House (62 - 47)
2/22 HB 2006 Prohibiting Undocumented Immigrants from Receiving In-State Tuition Rates Bill Passed - House (72 - 50)
2/22 S 1007 Labor Organizations Bill Passed - House (55 - 15)
2/22 S 1006 Right to Work Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (55 - 14)
2/22 S 31 Electing the President by Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
2/22 HB 456 Sexual Education in K-12 Public Schools Bill Passed - House (67 - 30)
2/22 SB 96 Alimony Amendments Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 17)
2/22 HB 253 Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (49 - 20)
2/21 HB 1263 Athletic Nickname and Logo of the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - House (65 - 28)
2/18 HB 74 Prohibiting the Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
2/18 H Amdt 95 Prohibiting Use of Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood Amendment Adopted - House (240 - 185)
2/18 SB 97 Parental Notice of Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
2/18 SB 268 Election of Supreme Court Justices by District Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
2/18 HB 70 Identifying Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (58 - 15)
2/17 HB 1385 Senior Citizens Attending Institutions of Higher Education Bill Passed - House (65 - 29)
2/17 SB 575 Collective Bargaining for School Employees Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
2/17 HB 1267 Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - House (72 - 21)
2/17 SB 1187 Extends Waiting Period for Divorce Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
2/17 H 111 Increased Authority for Tribal Peace Officers Bill Failed - House (34 - 35)
2/16 SB 232 Civil Unions for All Couples Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
2/15 S Amdt 14 Prohibiting Transportation Security Administration Employees from Collective Bargaining Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 51)
2/15 HB 474 Labor Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (221 - 131)
2/11 SB 232 Civil Unions for All Couples Bill Passed - House (31 - 19)
2/10 SB 1086 Tobacco Prohibitions Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 16)
2/10 S 9 Establishing a Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
2/09 HB 256 Tenant Rights in Domestic and Sexual Violence Cases Bill Passed - House (33 - 26)

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