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
June 1, 2011 LA SB 133 Amends the Smoke-free Air Act Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 22)
June 1, 2011 CA AB 131 In-State College Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (50 - 27)
May 31, 2011 IL HB 1490 Regulates Full-Contact Martial Arts Events Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 45)
May 31, 2011 IL SB 145 Nursing Home Infection Control Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 24)
May 31, 2011 IL HB 1723 Amending The Illinois Nuclear Safety Preparedness Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 44)
May 31, 2011 IL SB 744 Authorizes Gambling Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 27)
May 31, 2011 IL SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 24)
May 30, 2011 NV AB 136 Governing Credits for Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 30, 2011 IL SB 145 Nursing Home Infection Control Bill Passed - House (69 - 45)
May 30, 2011 IL SB 744 Authorizes Gambling Bill Passed - House (65 - 50)
May 30, 2011 IL SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Bill Passed - House (67 - 47)
May 30, 2011 NV SB 140 Prohibiting the Use of Cellular Devices While Driving Bill Passed - House (24 - 17)
May 29, 2011 TX HB 242 Prohibits Texting While Driving Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 61)
May 28, 2011 IL HB 1091 Public-Private Transportation Partnership Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 40)
May 27, 2011 CT HB 6308 Establishes the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership Bill Passed - House (88 - 48)
May 26, 2011 IL HB 1490 Regulates Full-Contact Martial Arts Events Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 8)
May 26, 2011 IL HB 1600 Limits Artificial Trans Fats Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 40)
May 25, 2011 TX S Amdt 3 Prohibits Texting While Driving Amendment Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
May 25, 2011 OH HB 133 Establishes the Oil and Gas Leasing Commission Bill Passed - House (54 - 41)
May 24, 2011 LA HB 591 Permanent Cigarette Tax Bill Passed - House (70 - 30)
May 23, 2011 NY S 1707 Authorizes Mixed Martial Arts Events Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 18)
May 23, 2011 NV SB 368 Prohibits Discrimination in Housing Bill Passed - House (29 - 13)
May 23, 2011 NJ S 2899 Medicaid Coverage for Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
May 20, 2011 IL HB 1091 Public-Private Transportation Partnership Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12)
May 20, 2011 TX H Amdt 53 Prohibits Smoking in Public Places Amendment Adopted - House (73 - 66)
May 19, 2011 MN SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 63)
May 19, 2011 NC HB 578 State Health Plan Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 24)
May 18, 2011 MN SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 28)
May 18, 2011 NC HB 578 State Health Plan Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
May 18, 2011 NV SB 75 Investment in Private Equity Firms Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
May 17, 2011 NE LB 421 Park Entry Permit Fees Veto Override Passed - Senate (42 - 5)
May 16, 2011 CA SB 104 Labor Representatives Bill Passed - House (51 - 26)
May 16, 2011 CA AB 144 Concealed Weapons Bill Bill Passed - House (46 - 29)
May 12, 2011 CA AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - House (50 - 25)
May 11, 2011 MN SF 86 Repeals Carbon Dioxide Emissions Prohibition Bill Passed - House (76 - 54)
May 11, 2011 PA HB 574 Amending the Health Care Facilities Act of 1979 Bill Passed - House (148 - 43)
May 10, 2011 IA SF 522 Establishing a Property Tax Credit Bill Passed - House (58 - 40)
May 10, 2011 OR HB 2541 Amends Inheritance Taxes Bill Passed - House (34 - 25)
May 9, 2011 CO HB 1005 Repeals Taxes on Agricultural Products Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 18)
May 9, 2011 NJ A 3699 Prohibiting the Burial of Petty's Run Archaeological Excavation Site Bill Passed - House (45 - 29)
May 6, 2011 UT SB 229 Transportation Funding Revisions Veto Override Passed - House (50 - 18)
May 6, 2011 UT SB 229 Transportation Funding Revisions Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
May 6, 2011 VT H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (94 - 48)
May 6, 2011 VT H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (94 - 48)
May 6, 2011 FL HB 7107 Medicaid Managed Care Program Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 39)
May 6, 2011 FL HB 7107 Medicaid Managed Care Program Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
May 6, 2011 CO HB 1005 Repeals Taxes on Agricultural Products Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
May 5, 2011 VT H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 10)
May 5, 2011 VT H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 10)
May 5, 2011 CO SB 200 Establishing a Health Benefit Exchange Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
May 4, 2011 CO SB 200 Establishing a Health Benefit Exchange Bill Passed - House (44 - 21)
May 4, 2011 FL SJR 2 Authorizes Exemptions from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Amendment Adopted - House (80 - 37)
May 4, 2011 FL HJR 381 Homestead and Property Assessment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
May 4, 2011 CO HB 1273 State Health Care Enactment Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
May 4, 2011 LA HB 52 Increasing New Orleans Traffic Court Costs Bill Failed - House (49 - 22)
May 4, 2011 National HR 1214 Repealing Funding for School-Based Health Center Construction Bill Passed - House (235 - 191)
April 28, 2011 OR HB 2726 Certification for Smoke Shops Bill Passed - House (35 - 23)
April 28, 2011 FL SB 408 Property and Casualty Insurance Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
April 27, 2011 NH SB 78 Gas Tax Reduction Bill Passed - House (208 - 98)
April 26, 2011 MT SB 125 Prohibits State from Requiring Individuals to Purchase Health Insurance Nonconcurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 32)
April 26, 2011 GA HB 234 Reduces Sales Taxes for Tourism Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 73)
April 25, 2011 LA HB 338 Prohibits Handheld Cellular Devices While Driving
April 25, 2011 CA SB 28 Penalties for Using Mobile Device When Driving Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
April 25, 2011 NV SB 368 Prohibits Discrimination in Housing Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
April 25, 2011 OR SB 99 Establishes the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
April 20, 2011 NC SB 33 Medical Malpractice Amendments Bill Passed - House (91 - 27)
April 20, 2011 MT HB 198 Eminent Domain Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
April 20, 2011 MT HB 198 Eminent Domain Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
April 20, 2011 IA SF 526 Requires a Study to Weigh Outcomes of Authorizing Online Poker in Iowa Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
April 20, 2011 IA SF 525 Revises the Iowa Mental Health System Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
April 20, 2011 WA SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
April 20, 2011 WA SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
April 20, 2011 WA SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
April 19, 2011 AZ SB 1402 Special License Plates Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
April 18, 2011 ND SB 2042 Gaming Tax Reduction Conference Report Rejected - House (46 - 48)
April 18, 2011 AZ SB 1402 Special License Plates Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
April 18, 2011 AZ SB 1495 Establishment of an Arizona State Guard Bill Passed - House (39 - 20)
April 18, 2011 CO HB 1141 Reduces Business Taxes Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
April 15, 2011 IN SB 473 Toll Way Projects Bill Passed - House (73 - 19)
April 15, 2011 WA HB 1382 Express Toll Lanes in the Eastside Corridor Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 44)
April 14, 2011 NC SB 265 Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
April 14, 2011 GA SB 36 Prescription Drug Database Concurrence Vote Passed - House (131 - 32)
April 14, 2011 GA HB 461 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
April 14, 2011 CA SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
April 13, 2011 AZ SB 1593 Authorizing Out-of-State Insurance Policies in Arizona Bill Passed - House (37 - 21)
April 13, 2011 National HR 1217 Repealing the Prevention and Public Health Fund Bill Passed - House (236 - 183)
April 13, 2011 IL HB 1600 Limits Artificial Trans Fats Bill Passed - House (73 - 43)
April 12, 2011 GA HB 234 Reduces Sales Taxes for Tourism Projects Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 10)
April 11, 2011 MD SB 690 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 20)
April 11, 2011 AK HB 1 Authorizes Individuals to Decline Health Care Coverage Bill Passed - House (23 - 16)
April 11, 2011 NY A 2674 Rent Regulation Bill Passed - House (92 - 54)
April 9, 2011 National HR 1363 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (348 - 70)
April 9, 2011 MD SB 690 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Amendments Bill Passed - House (74 - 60)
April 9, 2011 WA HB 1382 Express Toll Lanes in the Eastside Corridor Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
April 7, 2011 OR SB 695 Standards for Infant Formula Containers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
April 7, 2011 National HR 1363 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (247 - 181)
April 6, 2011 MN SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - House (70 - 62)
April 5, 2011 MT SB 125 Prohibits State from Requiring Individuals to Purchase Health Insurance Nonconcurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
April 5, 2011 IN SB 47 Gambling Expansion Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)
April 5, 2011 IN SB 47 Gambling Expansion Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/01 SB 133 Amends the Smoke-free Air Act Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 22)
6/01 AB 131 In-State College Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (50 - 27)
5/31 HB 1490 Regulates Full-Contact Martial Arts Events Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 45)
5/31 SB 145 Nursing Home Infection Control Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 24)
5/31 HB 1723 Amending The Illinois Nuclear Safety Preparedness Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 44)
5/31 SB 744 Authorizes Gambling Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 27)
5/31 SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 24)
5/30 AB 136 Governing Credits for Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/30 SB 145 Nursing Home Infection Control Bill Passed - House (69 - 45)
5/30 SB 744 Authorizes Gambling Bill Passed - House (65 - 50)
5/30 SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Bill Passed - House (67 - 47)
5/30 SB 140 Prohibiting the Use of Cellular Devices While Driving Bill Passed - House (24 - 17)
5/29 HB 242 Prohibits Texting While Driving Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 61)
5/28 HB 1091 Public-Private Transportation Partnership Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 40)
5/27 HB 6308 Establishes the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership Bill Passed - House (88 - 48)
5/26 HB 1490 Regulates Full-Contact Martial Arts Events Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 8)
5/26 HB 1600 Limits Artificial Trans Fats Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 40)
5/25 S Amdt 3 Prohibits Texting While Driving Amendment Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
5/25 HB 133 Establishes the Oil and Gas Leasing Commission Bill Passed - House (54 - 41)
5/24 HB 591 Permanent Cigarette Tax Bill Passed - House (70 - 30)
5/23 S 1707 Authorizes Mixed Martial Arts Events Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 18)
5/23 SB 368 Prohibits Discrimination in Housing Bill Passed - House (29 - 13)
5/23 S 2899 Medicaid Coverage for Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
5/20 HB 1091 Public-Private Transportation Partnership Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12)
5/20 H Amdt 53 Prohibits Smoking in Public Places Amendment Adopted - House (73 - 66)
5/19 SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 63)
5/19 HB 578 State Health Plan Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 24)
5/18 SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 28)
5/18 HB 578 State Health Plan Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
5/18 SB 75 Investment in Private Equity Firms Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
5/17 LB 421 Park Entry Permit Fees Veto Override Passed - Senate (42 - 5)
5/16 SB 104 Labor Representatives Bill Passed - House (51 - 26)
5/16 AB 144 Concealed Weapons Bill Bill Passed - House (46 - 29)
5/12 AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - House (50 - 25)
5/11 SF 86 Repeals Carbon Dioxide Emissions Prohibition Bill Passed - House (76 - 54)
5/11 HB 574 Amending the Health Care Facilities Act of 1979 Bill Passed - House (148 - 43)
5/10 SF 522 Establishing a Property Tax Credit Bill Passed - House (58 - 40)
5/10 HB 2541 Amends Inheritance Taxes Bill Passed - House (34 - 25)
5/09 HB 1005 Repeals Taxes on Agricultural Products Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 18)
5/09 A 3699 Prohibiting the Burial of Petty's Run Archaeological Excavation Site Bill Passed - House (45 - 29)
5/06 SB 229 Transportation Funding Revisions Veto Override Passed - House (50 - 18)
5/06 SB 229 Transportation Funding Revisions Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
5/06 H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (94 - 48)
5/06 H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (94 - 48)
5/06 HB 7107 Medicaid Managed Care Program Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 39)
5/06 HB 7107 Medicaid Managed Care Program Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
5/06 HB 1005 Repeals Taxes on Agricultural Products Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
5/05 H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 10)
5/05 H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 10)
5/05 SB 200 Establishing a Health Benefit Exchange Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
5/04 SB 200 Establishing a Health Benefit Exchange Bill Passed - House (44 - 21)
5/04 SJR 2 Authorizes Exemptions from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Amendment Adopted - House (80 - 37)
5/04 HJR 381 Homestead and Property Assessment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
5/04 HB 1273 State Health Care Enactment Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
5/04 HB 52 Increasing New Orleans Traffic Court Costs Bill Failed - House (49 - 22)
5/04 HR 1214 Repealing Funding for School-Based Health Center Construction Bill Passed - House (235 - 191)
4/28 HB 2726 Certification for Smoke Shops Bill Passed - House (35 - 23)
4/28 SB 408 Property and Casualty Insurance Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
4/27 SB 78 Gas Tax Reduction Bill Passed - House (208 - 98)
4/26 SB 125 Prohibits State from Requiring Individuals to Purchase Health Insurance Nonconcurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 32)
4/26 HB 234 Reduces Sales Taxes for Tourism Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 73)
4/25 HB 338 Prohibits Handheld Cellular Devices While Driving
4/25 SB 28 Penalties for Using Mobile Device When Driving Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
4/25 SB 368 Prohibits Discrimination in Housing Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
4/25 SB 99 Establishes the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
4/20 SB 33 Medical Malpractice Amendments Bill Passed - House (91 - 27)
4/20 HB 198 Eminent Domain Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
4/20 HB 198 Eminent Domain Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
4/20 SF 526 Requires a Study to Weigh Outcomes of Authorizing Online Poker in Iowa Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
4/20 SF 525 Revises the Iowa Mental Health System Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
4/20 SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
4/20 SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
4/20 SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
4/19 SB 1402 Special License Plates Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
4/18 SB 2042 Gaming Tax Reduction Conference Report Rejected - House (46 - 48)
4/18 SB 1402 Special License Plates Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
4/18 SB 1495 Establishment of an Arizona State Guard Bill Passed - House (39 - 20)
4/18 HB 1141 Reduces Business Taxes Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
4/15 SB 473 Toll Way Projects Bill Passed - House (73 - 19)
4/15 HB 1382 Express Toll Lanes in the Eastside Corridor Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 44)
4/14 SB 265 Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
4/14 SB 36 Prescription Drug Database Concurrence Vote Passed - House (131 - 32)
4/14 HB 461 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
4/14 SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
4/13 SB 1593 Authorizing Out-of-State Insurance Policies in Arizona Bill Passed - House (37 - 21)
4/13 HR 1217 Repealing the Prevention and Public Health Fund Bill Passed - House (236 - 183)
4/13 HB 1600 Limits Artificial Trans Fats Bill Passed - House (73 - 43)
4/12 HB 234 Reduces Sales Taxes for Tourism Projects Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 10)
4/11 SB 690 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 20)
4/11 HB 1 Authorizes Individuals to Decline Health Care Coverage Bill Passed - House (23 - 16)
4/11 A 2674 Rent Regulation Bill Passed - House (92 - 54)
4/09 HR 1363 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (348 - 70)
4/09 SB 690 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Amendments Bill Passed - House (74 - 60)
4/09 HB 1382 Express Toll Lanes in the Eastside Corridor Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
4/07 SB 695 Standards for Infant Formula Containers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
4/07 HR 1363 2011 Department of Defense Budget and Additional Continuing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (247 - 181)
4/06 SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - House (70 - 62)
4/05 SB 125 Prohibits State from Requiring Individuals to Purchase Health Insurance Nonconcurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
4/05 SB 47 Gambling Expansion Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)
4/05 SB 47 Gambling Expansion Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)

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