Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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.


Page 1 of 2
results per page:
Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
Dec. 15, 2011 National HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (86 - 13)
Dec. 7, 2011 MI HB 4770 Prohibits Public Employers from Providing Medical Benefits to Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
Dec. 1, 2011 National S Amdt 1274 Authorizes Further Detention After Trial During Wartime Amendment Rejected - Senate (41 - 59)
Dec. 1, 2011 National S Amdt 1126 Prohibits Detention of U.S. Citizens Without Trial Amendment Rejected - Senate (45 - 55)
Dec. 1, 2011 National S Amdt 1125 Limits New Detention Rules to Prisoners Captured Outside the U.S. Amendment Rejected - Senate (45 - 55)
Nov. 29, 2011 National S Amdt 1107 Removes Provisions Requiring Military Custody of al-Qaeda Suspects Amendment Rejected - Senate (38 - 60)
Nov. 2, 2011 WI SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
Nov. 2, 2011 WI SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
Oct. 25, 2011 WI SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Oct. 21, 2011 National S Amdt 753 Prohibits the Use of Funds for Prosecution of Enemy Combatants in Civilian Courts Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 52)
Oct. 13, 2011 MA H 3711 Authorizes Gambling Casinos Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
Sept. 13, 2011 NC SB 514 Constitutional Amendment to Define Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
Sept. 8, 2011 CA SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
Sept. 8, 2011 CA AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Sept. 7, 2011 NH SB 88 Civil Immunity from Acts of Self Defense Veto Override Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
Sept. 7, 2011 NH SB 129 Requiring Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Failed - Senate (7 - 17)
Sept. 7, 2011 NH SB 88 Civil Immunity from Acts of Self Defense Veto Override Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
Sept. 6, 2011 CA AB 1236 Prohibits Requirement of Electronic Employment Verification Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
Sept. 6, 2011 CA AB 376 Prohibiting the Sale of Shark Fins Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
Aug. 30, 2011 CA AB 887 Prohibits Discrimination Against Transgendered Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
July 14, 2011 CA AB 433 Birth Certificates for Transgendered Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
July 14, 2011 CA AB 130 Authorizes Student Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
June 30, 2011 PA HB 960 Public Assistance Program Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
June 29, 2011 RI H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
June 29, 2011 RI H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
June 24, 2011 NY A 8354 Marriage Equality Enactment Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 29)
June 23, 2011 DE SB 129 Removes Protected Wildlife Designation from Coyotes Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
June 22, 2011 NH HB 329 Revising Abortion Procedures for Unemancipated Minors Veto Override Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
June 21, 2011 LA HB 7 Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 12)
June 19, 2011 LA HB 342 Requires Certain Employers to Use E-Verify Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
June 15, 2011 OH SB 17 Authorizes Concealed Handguns at Alcohol Vendors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
June 15, 2011 TX SB 9 Enforcement of Federal and State Immigration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
June 14, 2011 WI SB 93 Weapons Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
June 10, 2011 ME LD 1376 Repeal Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 14)
June 8, 2011 ME LD 1046 Transgender Discrimination Law Amendments "Ought to Pass" Report Not Adopted - Senate (11 - 23)
June 8, 2011 WI SB 116 Relating to Overseas Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
June 6, 2011 ME LD 1463 Penalties for Violent Offenses Against Fetuses "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Not Adopted - Senate (15 - 18)
June 4, 2011 CT SB 1014 Penalties For Certain Nonviolent Drug Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 18)
June 4, 2011 CT SB 1014 Penalties For Certain Nonviolent Drug Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 18)
June 4, 2011 CT HB 6599 Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Expression Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
June 2, 2011 AL HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 7)
May 31, 2011 IL SB 744 Authorizes Gambling Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 27)
May 30, 2011 NV AB 301 Voting Privileges for Felons Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
May 30, 2011 NV AB 136 Governing Credits for Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 26, 2011 National S 990 PATRIOT Act Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (72 - 23)
May 26, 2011 IL HB 1490 Regulates Full-Contact Martial Arts Events Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 8)
May 24, 2011 CT HB 6390 Access to Postsecondary Education Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
May 23, 2011 TX HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
May 23, 2011 NY S 1707 Authorizes Mixed Martial Arts Events Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 18)
May 23, 2011 National S 1038 PATRIOT Act Extension Cloture Invoked - Senate (74 - 8)
May 23, 2011 NJ S 2899 Medicaid Coverage for Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
May 20, 2011 TN SB 16 Voter Identification Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
May 20, 2011 TN SB 49 Prohibits Instruction of Non-Heterosexual Human Sexuality in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
May 12, 2011 RI S 400 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
May 11, 2011 NV AB 211 Prohibiting Discriminatory Employment Practices Based On Gender or Expression Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 11, 2011 SC H 3003 Voter ID Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 16)
May 11, 2011 KS SB 129 Amends Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Rejected - Senate (15 - 23)
May 11, 2011 MN SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - Senate (38 - 27)
May 9, 2011 TX SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
May 9, 2011 TX SB 1581 Concealed Handguns on Campus Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
May 5, 2011 VT H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 10)
May 5, 2011 FL HB 353 Drug Screening for Temporary Assistance Beneficiaries Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
May 4, 2011 IL SB 2185 Establishes the DREAM Fund Commission Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 11)
April 28, 2011 MT HB 271 Authorizes Concealed-Carry Without a Permit Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 21)
April 28, 2011 MO HB 73 Drug Testing Of Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
April 28, 2011 FL HB 45 Regulation of Firearms and Ammunition Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
April 28, 2011 FL SB 234 Authorizes Open Display of a Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
April 26, 2011 MT HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
April 25, 2011 NV SB 368 Prohibits Discrimination in Housing Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
April 25, 2011 NV SB 180 Criminal and Civil Liability for Gender Identity Crimes Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 11)
April 25, 2011 NV SB 180 Criminal and Civil Liability for Gender Identity Crimes Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 11)
April 25, 2011 NV SB 331 Prohibits Sex and Gender Identity Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
April 21, 2011 WA HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 21)
April 21, 2011 WA HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 21)
April 21, 2011 AL SB 256 Undocumented Immigrant Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate
April 20, 2011 WA SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
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 WA SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
April 19, 2011 AZ SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
April 19, 2011 AZ HB 2230 Relating to the 9/11 Memorial Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
April 18, 2011 CO SB 126 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
April 14, 2011 GA HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
April 14, 2011 CA SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
April 14, 2011 CA SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
April 12, 2011 GA HB 234 Reduces Sales Taxes for Tourism Projects Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 10)
April 12, 2011 OK S Amdt 1 Removes Provision Authorizing Legislators to Carry Firearms Amendment Adopted - Senate (29 - 19)
April 11, 2011 MD SB 167 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 19)
April 11, 2011 MD HB 235 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination Motion Agreed - Senate (27 - 20)
April 11, 2011 GA HB 92 Limits Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 20)
April 7, 2011 ND HB 1450 Definition of Human Being Bill Not Tabled - Senate (26 - 21)
April 7, 2011 DE SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 6)
April 7, 2011 OR SB 695 Standards for Infant Formula Containers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
April 6, 2011 AZ HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
April 5, 2011 DE HB 19 Reduce Punishment for Drug Possession Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
April 5, 2011 RI S 87 Establishing the Rhode Island Health Benefit Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
March 30, 2011 NH SB 129 Requiring Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
March 29, 2011 OR SB 742 Resident Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
March 24, 2011 CO SB 172 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
March 23, 2011 KS HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
March 22, 2011 IA SF 464 Establishment of an Open Season for Hunting Mourning Doves Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
Date No. Title Outcome
12/15 HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (86 - 13)
12/07 HB 4770 Prohibits Public Employers from Providing Medical Benefits to Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
12/01 S Amdt 1274 Authorizes Further Detention After Trial During Wartime Amendment Rejected - Senate (41 - 59)
12/01 S Amdt 1126 Prohibits Detention of U.S. Citizens Without Trial Amendment Rejected - Senate (45 - 55)
12/01 S Amdt 1125 Limits New Detention Rules to Prisoners Captured Outside the U.S. Amendment Rejected - Senate (45 - 55)
11/29 S Amdt 1107 Removes Provisions Requiring Military Custody of al-Qaeda Suspects Amendment Rejected - Senate (38 - 60)
11/02 SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
11/02 SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
10/25 SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
10/21 S Amdt 753 Prohibits the Use of Funds for Prosecution of Enemy Combatants in Civilian Courts Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 52)
10/13 H 3711 Authorizes Gambling Casinos Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
9/13 SB 514 Constitutional Amendment to Define Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
9/08 SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
9/08 AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
9/07 SB 88 Civil Immunity from Acts of Self Defense Veto Override Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
9/07 SB 129 Requiring Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Failed - Senate (7 - 17)
9/07 SB 88 Civil Immunity from Acts of Self Defense Veto Override Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
9/06 AB 1236 Prohibits Requirement of Electronic Employment Verification Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
9/06 AB 376 Prohibiting the Sale of Shark Fins Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
8/30 AB 887 Prohibits Discrimination Against Transgendered Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
7/14 AB 433 Birth Certificates for Transgendered Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
7/14 AB 130 Authorizes Student Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
6/30 HB 960 Public Assistance Program Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
6/29 H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
6/29 H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
6/24 A 8354 Marriage Equality Enactment Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 29)
6/23 SB 129 Removes Protected Wildlife Designation from Coyotes Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
6/22 HB 329 Revising Abortion Procedures for Unemancipated Minors Veto Override Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
6/21 HB 7 Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 12)
6/19 HB 342 Requires Certain Employers to Use E-Verify Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
6/15 SB 17 Authorizes Concealed Handguns at Alcohol Vendors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
6/15 SB 9 Enforcement of Federal and State Immigration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
6/14 SB 93 Weapons Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
6/10 LD 1376 Repeal Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 14)
6/08 LD 1046 Transgender Discrimination Law Amendments "Ought to Pass" Report Not Adopted - Senate (11 - 23)
6/08 SB 116 Relating to Overseas Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
6/06 LD 1463 Penalties for Violent Offenses Against Fetuses "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Not Adopted - Senate (15 - 18)
6/04 SB 1014 Penalties For Certain Nonviolent Drug Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 18)
6/04 SB 1014 Penalties For Certain Nonviolent Drug Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 18)
6/04 HB 6599 Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Expression Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
6/02 HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 7)
5/31 SB 744 Authorizes Gambling Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 27)
5/30 AB 301 Voting Privileges for Felons Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
5/30 AB 136 Governing Credits for Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/26 S 990 PATRIOT Act Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (72 - 23)
5/26 HB 1490 Regulates Full-Contact Martial Arts Events Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 8)
5/24 HB 6390 Access to Postsecondary Education Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
5/23 HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
5/23 S 1707 Authorizes Mixed Martial Arts Events Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 18)
5/23 S 1038 PATRIOT Act Extension Cloture Invoked - Senate (74 - 8)
5/23 S 2899 Medicaid Coverage for Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
5/20 SB 16 Voter Identification Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
5/20 SB 49 Prohibits Instruction of Non-Heterosexual Human Sexuality in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
5/12 S 400 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
5/11 AB 211 Prohibiting Discriminatory Employment Practices Based On Gender or Expression Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/11 H 3003 Voter ID Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 16)
5/11 SB 129 Amends Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Rejected - Senate (15 - 23)
5/11 SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - Senate (38 - 27)
5/09 SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
5/09 SB 1581 Concealed Handguns on Campus Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
5/05 H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 10)
5/05 HB 353 Drug Screening for Temporary Assistance Beneficiaries Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
5/04 SB 2185 Establishes the DREAM Fund Commission Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 11)
4/28 HB 271 Authorizes Concealed-Carry Without a Permit Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 21)
4/28 HB 73 Drug Testing Of Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
4/28 HB 45 Regulation of Firearms and Ammunition Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
4/28 SB 234 Authorizes Open Display of a Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
4/26 HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
4/25 SB 368 Prohibits Discrimination in Housing Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
4/25 SB 180 Criminal and Civil Liability for Gender Identity Crimes Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 11)
4/25 SB 180 Criminal and Civil Liability for Gender Identity Crimes Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 11)
4/25 SB 331 Prohibits Sex and Gender Identity Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
4/21 HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 21)
4/21 HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 21)
4/21 SB 256 Undocumented Immigrant Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate
4/20 SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
4/20 SF 526 Requires a Study to Weigh Outcomes of Authorizing Online Poker in Iowa Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
4/20 SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
4/19 SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
4/19 HB 2230 Relating to the 9/11 Memorial Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
4/18 SB 126 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
4/14 HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
4/14 SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
4/14 SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
4/12 HB 234 Reduces Sales Taxes for Tourism Projects Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 10)
4/12 S Amdt 1 Removes Provision Authorizing Legislators to Carry Firearms Amendment Adopted - Senate (29 - 19)
4/11 SB 167 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 19)
4/11 HB 235 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination Motion Agreed - Senate (27 - 20)
4/11 HB 92 Limits Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 20)
4/07 HB 1450 Definition of Human Being Bill Not Tabled - Senate (26 - 21)
4/07 SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 6)
4/07 SB 695 Standards for Infant Formula Containers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
4/06 HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
4/05 HB 19 Reduce Punishment for Drug Possession Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
4/05 S 87 Establishing the Rhode Island Health Benefit Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
3/30 SB 129 Requiring Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
3/29 SB 742 Resident Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
3/24 SB 172 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
3/23 HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
3/22 SF 464 Establishment of an Open Season for Hunting Mourning Doves Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)

Page 1 of 2
arrow_upward