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.


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Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
Dec. 7, 2011 National HR 10 Congressional Approval of Regulations Bill Passed - House (241 - 184)
Dec. 2, 2011 National HR 3010 Establishes Additional Requirements for Regulatory Agencies Bill Passed - House (253 - 167)
Dec. 1, 2011 National S 1931 Reduces Payroll Tax Rate Motion Rejected - Senate (20 - 78)
Dec. 1, 2011 National S 1917 Extends Payroll Tax Cut and Establishes Tax on Income Over $1 Million Motion Rejected - Senate (51 - 49)
Dec. 1, 2011 National HR 527 Increases Requirements for Agencies that Promulgate Regulations Affecting Small Businesses Bill Passed - House (263 - 159)
Nov. 29, 2011 IL HB 1883 Property Tax Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (8 - 99)
Nov. 29, 2011 IL HB 1883 Property Tax Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 18)
Nov. 17, 2011 RI H 6319 Amending the Pension System Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
Nov. 17, 2011 RI H 6319 Amending the Pension System Bill Passed - House (57 - 15)
Nov. 15, 2011 PA HB 439 Hiring Undocumented Workers Bill Passed - House (122 - 74)
Nov. 10, 2011 National S J Res 6 Disapproval of FCC Regulation of Internet and Broadband Industry Motion Rejected - Senate (46 - 52)
Nov. 10, 2011 National S Amdt 928 American Jobs and Economic Growth Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 56)
Nov. 3, 2011 National H Amdt 849 Requires Public Disclosure of Bonuses and Golden Parachute Arrangements Amendment Rejected - House (190 - 234)
Nov. 3, 2011 National H Amdt 853 Requires Crowdfunding Intermediaries to Disclose Methods of Compensation to Investors Amendment Rejected - House (189 - 234)
Nov. 3, 2011 WI SB 202 Repeals Punitive Damages for Workplace Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
Nov. 3, 2011 National HR 2930 Authorizes Crowdfunding for Small Businesses Bill Passed - House (407 - 17)
Nov. 2, 2011 MI HB 5002 Amends Workers' Compensation Law Bill Passed - House (59 - 49)
Oct. 27, 2011 WI SB 12 Limits Attorney Fees in Consumer Cases Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
Oct. 20, 2011 WI SB 95 Evaluating Teacher Performance Using Standardized Test Scores Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
Oct. 18, 2011 National S Amdt 740 Repeals Funding for Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms Amendment Rejected - Senate (44 - 55)
Oct. 11, 2011 National S 1660 American Jobs Act of 2011 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (50 - 49)
Sept. 22, 2011 National S Amdt 633 Extends Trade Adjustment Assistance Amendment Adopted - Senate (69 - 28)
Sept. 21, 2011 National S Amdt 645 Repeals the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program for Firms Amendment Rejected - Senate (43 - 54)
Sept. 21, 2011 National S Amdt 642 Modifies Eligibility Requirements for Trade Adjustment Assistance Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 57)
Sept. 21, 2011 National S Amdt 641 Requires Extension of Trade Adjustment Assistance to be Contingent Upon Ratification of Free Trade Agreements with Columbia, Korea and Panama Amendment Rejected - Senate (44 - 54)
Sept. 21, 2011 National S Amdt 625 Reducing and Extending Trade Adjustment Assistance Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 53)
Sept. 15, 2011 National HR 2587 National Labor Relations Board Prohibitions Bill Passed - House (238 - 186)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA SB 922 Project Labor Agreements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA SB 931 Payroll Debit Cards Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA SB 922 Project Labor Agreements Bill Passed - House (52 - 27)
Sept. 8, 2011 National HR 1249 Patent Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (89 - 9)
Sept. 8, 2011 CA SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
Sept. 8, 2011 CA SB 931 Payroll Debit Cards Bill Passed - House (48 - 28)
Sept. 8, 2011 CA ABX1 40 State Tax Code Restructuring Bill Passed - House (54 - 15)
Sept. 6, 2011 CA AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 27)
Sept. 6, 2011 CA SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Bill Passed - House (52 - 26)
Sept. 6, 2011 CA AB 1236 Prohibits Requirement of Electronic Employment Verification Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
Sept. 1, 2011 CA SB 185 Considering Race, Ethnicity and Gender in College Admissions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Sept. 1, 2011 CA SB 469 Requirements for Expansion by Large Retailers Bill Passed - House (46 - 28)
Aug. 30, 2011 CA AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Aug. 29, 2011 CA SB 185 Considering Race, Ethnicity and Gender in College Admissions Bill Passed - House (49 - 28)
July 13, 2011 NC SB 727 No Dues Checkoff for School Employees Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
June 30, 2011 MI SB 7 Employee Contribution to Health Care Benefits Bill Passed - House (56 - 52)
June 23, 2011 National HR 1249 Patent Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (304 - 117)
June 23, 2011 NJ S 2937 Pension and Health Care Benefits for Public Employees Bill Passed - House (46 - 32)
June 23, 2011 DE HB 100 Background Checks for Contractors on School Premises Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 5)
June 22, 2011 NH HB 2 Recertification of Employer Retirement Contribution Rates Conference Report Adopted - House (259 - 119)
June 22, 2011 NH HB 2 Recertification of Employer Retirement Contribution Rates Conference Report Adopted - House (259 - 119)
June 22, 2011 NH HB 2 Recertification of Employer Retirement Contribution Rates Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 5)
June 22, 2011 NH HB 2 Recertification of Employer Retirement Contribution Rates Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 5)
June 20, 2011 NY A 6698A Freelance Wage Protection Bill Passed - House (84 - 58)
June 20, 2011 NJ S 2937 Pension and Health Care Benefits for Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
June 19, 2011 LA HB 342 Requires Certain Employers to Use E-Verify Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
June 16, 2011 TX SB 8 Management and Operation of Public Schools Bill Passed - House (81 - 55)
June 9, 2011 National S Amdt 390 Amending Small Business Regulations Amendment Rejected - Senate (53 - 46)
June 8, 2011 National S Amdt 392 Debit Card Transactions Amendment Rejected - Senate (54 - 45)
June 6, 2011 TX SB 8 Management and Operation of Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
June 2, 2011 CA AB 889 Establishes Work Condition Requirements for Domestic Work Employees Bill Passed - House (49 - 28)
June 2, 2011 CA SB 568 Recycling Polystyrene Food Containers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
May 31, 2011 IL HB 1698 Amends Workers' Compensation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 43)
May 31, 2011 CA AB 155 Online Sale Taxes Bill Passed - House (52 - 20)
May 31, 2011 CA SB 469 Requirements for Expansion by Large Retailers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
May 25, 2011 LA SB 6 Teacher Retirement Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 19)
May 25, 2011 CT SB 913 Requires Paid Sick Leave Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
May 23, 2011 CA AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Bill Passed - House (42 - 29)
May 19, 2011 NC HB 578 State Health Plan Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 24)
May 19, 2011 CA AB 1236 Prohibits Requirement of Electronic Employment Verification Bill Passed - House (55 - 22)
May 18, 2011 NC HB 578 State Health Plan Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
May 18, 2011 NH SB 196 Guidelines for Teacher Dismissal Bill Passed - House (253 - 105)
May 18, 2011 MI SB 7 Employee Contribution to Health Care Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
May 18, 2011 NH SB 121 Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Bill Passed - House (259 - 100)
May 12, 2011 MI HB 4362 Business Tax Reduction Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 51)
May 12, 2011 MI HB 4362 Business Tax Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
May 11, 2011 NV AB 211 Prohibiting Discriminatory Employment Practices Based On Gender or Expression Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 11, 2011 WI SB 13 Repealing Regulations for Telecommunications Services Bill Passed - House (80 - 13)
May 11, 2011 WI SB 13 Repealing Regulations for Telecommunications Services Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
May 11, 2011 PA SB 612 Guidelines for Teacher Suspension Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
May 7, 2011 UT HB 328 State Government Work Week Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
May 6, 2011 UT HB 328 State Government Work Week Veto Override Passed - House (50 - 18)
May 6, 2011 FL HB 5007 Amends Business Regulations Conference Report Rejected - Senate (18 - 21)
May 6, 2011 FL HB 5007 Amends Business Regulations Conference Report Adopted - House (81 - 35)
April 29, 2011 IN HB 1216 Public Works Projects Conference Report Adopted - House (52 - 47)
April 29, 2011 IN HB 1216 Public Works Projects Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 20)
April 28, 2011 NC HB 546 Alternative Teacher Salary Plans Bill Passed - House (72 - 42)
April 27, 2011 SC Amendment No. 1 Distribution Facilities and the Sales Tax Amendment Rejected - House (47 - 71)
April 27, 2011 TX HB 2403 Internet Sales Tax Bill Passed - House (125 - 20)
April 26, 2011 GA HB 234 Reduces Sales Taxes for Tourism Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 73)
April 20, 2011 MT HB 13 Increases Pay for State Employees Bill Failed - House (40 - 60)
April 18, 2011 AZ SB 1609 Public Workers' Pensions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
April 18, 2011 CO HB 1141 Reduces Business Taxes Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
April 18, 2011 NV AB 211 Prohibiting Discriminatory Employment Practices Based On Gender or Expression Bill Passed - House (29 - 13)
April 14, 2011 NC SB 265 Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
April 14, 2011 AZ SB 1609 Public Workers' Pensions Bill Passed - House (36 - 20)
April 13, 2011 AZ SB 1593 Authorizing Out-of-State Insurance Policies in Arizona Bill Passed - House (37 - 21)
April 12, 2011 GA HB 234 Reduces Sales Taxes for Tourism Projects Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 10)
April 11, 2011 MD HB 235 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination Motion Agreed - Senate (27 - 20)
April 11, 2011 NY A 6130 Prohibiting Discrimination in Wages Based on Gender, Race or National Origin Bill Passed - House (93 - 53)
April 11, 2011 NY A 6130 Prohibiting Discrimination in Wages Based on Gender, Race or National Origin Bill Passed - House (93 - 53)
April 5, 2011 AZ HB 2619 Unemployment Security Special Assessment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
April 5, 2011 National HR 4 Repeals the Form 1099 Provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - Senate (87 - 12)
Date No. Title Outcome
12/07 HR 10 Congressional Approval of Regulations Bill Passed - House (241 - 184)
12/02 HR 3010 Establishes Additional Requirements for Regulatory Agencies Bill Passed - House (253 - 167)
12/01 S 1931 Reduces Payroll Tax Rate Motion Rejected - Senate (20 - 78)
12/01 S 1917 Extends Payroll Tax Cut and Establishes Tax on Income Over $1 Million Motion Rejected - Senate (51 - 49)
12/01 HR 527 Increases Requirements for Agencies that Promulgate Regulations Affecting Small Businesses Bill Passed - House (263 - 159)
11/29 HB 1883 Property Tax Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (8 - 99)
11/29 HB 1883 Property Tax Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 18)
11/17 H 6319 Amending the Pension System Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
11/17 H 6319 Amending the Pension System Bill Passed - House (57 - 15)
11/15 HB 439 Hiring Undocumented Workers Bill Passed - House (122 - 74)
11/10 S J Res 6 Disapproval of FCC Regulation of Internet and Broadband Industry Motion Rejected - Senate (46 - 52)
11/10 S Amdt 928 American Jobs and Economic Growth Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 56)
11/03 H Amdt 849 Requires Public Disclosure of Bonuses and Golden Parachute Arrangements Amendment Rejected - House (190 - 234)
11/03 H Amdt 853 Requires Crowdfunding Intermediaries to Disclose Methods of Compensation to Investors Amendment Rejected - House (189 - 234)
11/03 SB 202 Repeals Punitive Damages for Workplace Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
11/03 HR 2930 Authorizes Crowdfunding for Small Businesses Bill Passed - House (407 - 17)
11/02 HB 5002 Amends Workers' Compensation Law Bill Passed - House (59 - 49)
10/27 SB 12 Limits Attorney Fees in Consumer Cases Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
10/20 SB 95 Evaluating Teacher Performance Using Standardized Test Scores Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
10/18 S Amdt 740 Repeals Funding for Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms Amendment Rejected - Senate (44 - 55)
10/11 S 1660 American Jobs Act of 2011 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (50 - 49)
9/22 S Amdt 633 Extends Trade Adjustment Assistance Amendment Adopted - Senate (69 - 28)
9/21 S Amdt 645 Repeals the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program for Firms Amendment Rejected - Senate (43 - 54)
9/21 S Amdt 642 Modifies Eligibility Requirements for Trade Adjustment Assistance Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 57)
9/21 S Amdt 641 Requires Extension of Trade Adjustment Assistance to be Contingent Upon Ratification of Free Trade Agreements with Columbia, Korea and Panama Amendment Rejected - Senate (44 - 54)
9/21 S Amdt 625 Reducing and Extending Trade Adjustment Assistance Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 53)
9/15 HR 2587 National Labor Relations Board Prohibitions Bill Passed - House (238 - 186)
9/09 SB 922 Project Labor Agreements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
9/09 SB 931 Payroll Debit Cards Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
9/09 SB 922 Project Labor Agreements Bill Passed - House (52 - 27)
9/08 HR 1249 Patent Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (89 - 9)
9/08 SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
9/08 SB 931 Payroll Debit Cards Bill Passed - House (48 - 28)
9/08 ABX1 40 State Tax Code Restructuring Bill Passed - House (54 - 15)
9/06 AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 27)
9/06 SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Bill Passed - House (52 - 26)
9/06 AB 1236 Prohibits Requirement of Electronic Employment Verification Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
9/01 SB 185 Considering Race, Ethnicity and Gender in College Admissions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
9/01 SB 469 Requirements for Expansion by Large Retailers Bill Passed - House (46 - 28)
8/30 AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
8/29 SB 185 Considering Race, Ethnicity and Gender in College Admissions Bill Passed - House (49 - 28)
7/13 SB 727 No Dues Checkoff for School Employees Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
6/30 SB 7 Employee Contribution to Health Care Benefits Bill Passed - House (56 - 52)
6/23 HR 1249 Patent Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (304 - 117)
6/23 S 2937 Pension and Health Care Benefits for Public Employees Bill Passed - House (46 - 32)
6/23 HB 100 Background Checks for Contractors on School Premises Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 5)
6/22 HB 2 Recertification of Employer Retirement Contribution Rates Conference Report Adopted - House (259 - 119)
6/22 HB 2 Recertification of Employer Retirement Contribution Rates Conference Report Adopted - House (259 - 119)
6/22 HB 2 Recertification of Employer Retirement Contribution Rates Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 5)
6/22 HB 2 Recertification of Employer Retirement Contribution Rates Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 5)
6/20 A 6698A Freelance Wage Protection Bill Passed - House (84 - 58)
6/20 S 2937 Pension and Health Care Benefits for Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
6/19 HB 342 Requires Certain Employers to Use E-Verify Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
6/16 SB 8 Management and Operation of Public Schools Bill Passed - House (81 - 55)
6/09 S Amdt 390 Amending Small Business Regulations Amendment Rejected - Senate (53 - 46)
6/08 S Amdt 392 Debit Card Transactions Amendment Rejected - Senate (54 - 45)
6/06 SB 8 Management and Operation of Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
6/02 AB 889 Establishes Work Condition Requirements for Domestic Work Employees Bill Passed - House (49 - 28)
6/02 SB 568 Recycling Polystyrene Food Containers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
5/31 HB 1698 Amends Workers' Compensation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 43)
5/31 AB 155 Online Sale Taxes Bill Passed - House (52 - 20)
5/31 SB 469 Requirements for Expansion by Large Retailers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
5/25 SB 6 Teacher Retirement Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 19)
5/25 SB 913 Requires Paid Sick Leave Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
5/23 AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Bill Passed - House (42 - 29)
5/19 HB 578 State Health Plan Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 24)
5/19 AB 1236 Prohibits Requirement of Electronic Employment Verification Bill Passed - House (55 - 22)
5/18 HB 578 State Health Plan Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
5/18 SB 196 Guidelines for Teacher Dismissal Bill Passed - House (253 - 105)
5/18 SB 7 Employee Contribution to Health Care Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
5/18 SB 121 Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Bill Passed - House (259 - 100)
5/12 HB 4362 Business Tax Reduction Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 51)
5/12 HB 4362 Business Tax Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
5/11 AB 211 Prohibiting Discriminatory Employment Practices Based On Gender or Expression Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/11 SB 13 Repealing Regulations for Telecommunications Services Bill Passed - House (80 - 13)
5/11 SB 13 Repealing Regulations for Telecommunications Services Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
5/11 SB 612 Guidelines for Teacher Suspension Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
5/07 HB 328 State Government Work Week Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
5/06 HB 328 State Government Work Week Veto Override Passed - House (50 - 18)
5/06 HB 5007 Amends Business Regulations Conference Report Rejected - Senate (18 - 21)
5/06 HB 5007 Amends Business Regulations Conference Report Adopted - House (81 - 35)
4/29 HB 1216 Public Works Projects Conference Report Adopted - House (52 - 47)
4/29 HB 1216 Public Works Projects Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 20)
4/28 HB 546 Alternative Teacher Salary Plans Bill Passed - House (72 - 42)
4/27 Amendment No. 1 Distribution Facilities and the Sales Tax Amendment Rejected - House (47 - 71)
4/27 HB 2403 Internet Sales Tax Bill Passed - House (125 - 20)
4/26 HB 234 Reduces Sales Taxes for Tourism Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 73)
4/20 HB 13 Increases Pay for State Employees Bill Failed - House (40 - 60)
4/18 SB 1609 Public Workers' Pensions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
4/18 HB 1141 Reduces Business Taxes Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
4/18 AB 211 Prohibiting Discriminatory Employment Practices Based On Gender or Expression Bill Passed - House (29 - 13)
4/14 SB 265 Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
4/14 SB 1609 Public Workers' Pensions Bill Passed - House (36 - 20)
4/13 SB 1593 Authorizing Out-of-State Insurance Policies in Arizona Bill Passed - House (37 - 21)
4/12 HB 234 Reduces Sales Taxes for Tourism Projects Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 10)
4/11 HB 235 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination Motion Agreed - Senate (27 - 20)
4/11 A 6130 Prohibiting Discrimination in Wages Based on Gender, Race or National Origin Bill Passed - House (93 - 53)
4/11 A 6130 Prohibiting Discrimination in Wages Based on Gender, Race or National Origin Bill Passed - House (93 - 53)
4/05 HB 2619 Unemployment Security Special Assessment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
4/05 HR 4 Repeals the Form 1099 Provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - Senate (87 - 12)

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