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:
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.
Date | State | Bill No. | Title | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|---|
March 31, 2008 | MN | SF 3099 | Health Improvement Program | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 23) |
June 7, 2007 | CA | SB 456 | Diacetyl Toxic Substance Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18) |
April 8, 2008 | AZ | HB 2220 | Repealing the State Equalization Property Tax | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13) |
June 18, 2002 | National | S 2600 | Terrorism Insurance Bill | Bill Passed - Senate (84 - 14) |
April 3, 2008 | AZ | SB 1132 | Allowing Pistols in Restaurants | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10) |
June 2, 2007 | CT | HB 7432 | Energy and Electricity Efficiency | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3) |
April 16, 2008 | FL | SB 2860 | Property Insurance Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7) |
March 22, 2006 | MI | HB 5743 | Repeal the Single Business Tax Bill | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17) |
May 24, 2007 | TN | SB 1325 | Indoor Smoking Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5) |
June 29, 2006 | National | S 3569 | U.S. -Oman Free Trade Agreement | Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 34) |
April 23, 2007 | MN | SF 875 | Minimum Wage Increase | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 23) |
May 4, 2006 | IL | HB 1918 | Support Horseracing Through Riverboat Casinos in Chicago | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 16) |
Sept. 19, 2006 | National | HR 5684 | U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement Implementation | Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 32) |
April 22, 2008 | MI | SB 1198 | Changes to Michigan Business Tax Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
March 23, 2010 | MD | SB 279 | Prohibits False Claims Against State Health Plans and Programs | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8) |
Feb. 2, 2006 | RI | S 2112 | Minimum Wage Increase | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2) |
May 5, 2008 | CT | HB 5105 | Minimum Wage Increase | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11) |
April 28, 2008 | CA | SB 1137 | Residential Property Foreclosures | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10) |
May 3, 2007 | MI | Sub for SB 96 | Industrial Personal Property Tax Exemption | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17) |
June 1, 2006 | RI | H 7935 Sub. A | West Warwick Casino | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 13) |
May 1, 2008 | CT | SB 217 | Mandatory Sick Leave | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16) |
July 28, 2005 | National | HR 3045 | CAFTA Implementation Bill | Bill Passed - Senate (55 - 45) |
May 3, 2007 | MI | Sub for SB 94 | Business and Economic Stimulus Tax | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17) |
April 22, 2008 | CO | SB 217 | Extended Health Care Coverage | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10) |
April 24, 2008 | MO | SB 817 | Physicians' Billing Practices | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8) |
May 3, 2007 | MI | Sub for SB 95 | Business Income Tax | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17) |
April 21, 2008 | AZ | HB 2395 | Driving and Boating Under the Influence | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6) |
April 30, 2008 | LA | SB 160 | Homeowners' Insurance | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13) |
June 30, 1993 | National | HR 1876 | GATT Uruguay Round Bill | Bill Passed - Senate (76 - 16) |
Jan. 6, 2006 | MS | SB 2310 | Food and Tobacco Taxes | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 15) |
May 6, 2008 | CT | HB 5536 | Health Insurance Pool | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12) |
March 29, 2007 | IL | SB 500 | Smoke Free Illinois Act | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 23) |
Sept. 8, 2011 | National | HR 1249 | Patent Law Amendments | Bill Passed - Senate (89 - 9) |
May 2, 2006 | TX | HB 3 | Business Tax Revisions | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14) |
Feb. 13, 2006 | VA | SB 648 | Smoking Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18) |
May 15, 2008 | MI | SB 860 | Great Lakes Water Management | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14) |
June 6, 2007 | CA | SB 840 | California Universal Healthcare Agency | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
March 10, 2008 | OK | SB 2118 | Requiring Health Insurance to Cover Autism | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9) |
May 15, 2008 | CA | SB 1713 | Bisphenol A (BPA) Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15) |
June 20, 2007 | MI | Sub for SB 448 | State Registration for CAFOs | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17) |
May 29, 2008 | CA | SB 1096 | Pharmacy Prescription Refill Mailings | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16) |
May 29, 2008 | CA | SB 1499 | Foil Balloon Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17) |
June 20, 2007 | MI | Sub for SB 447 | Insurance for Water Pollution | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16) |
June 4, 2008 | NY | S 6823 | Long Island Affordable Housing | Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 9) |
June 11, 2008 | DE | SB 263 | Greenhouse Gas Caps | Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5) |
Jan. 5, 2006 | NJ | S 2907 | Reimbursement for Contaminated Sites | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15) |
Dec. 1, 1994 | National | HR 5110 | Uruguay Round Agreements Act | Bill Passed - Senate (76 - 24) |
June 11, 2008 | CT | SB 1001 | Real Estate Conveyance Tax Extension | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14) |
June 7, 2007 | CA | SB 48 | Health Care Coverage and Cost Control Act | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16) |
June 16, 2008 | PA | SB 1385 | Increase Tax Credit for Business Net Losses | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19) |
July 31, 2003 | National | HR 2738 | U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act | Bill Passed - Senate (65 - 32) |
June 16, 2008 | PA | SB 1387 | Business Property Tax Deduction | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15) |
June 16, 2008 | PA | SB 1388 | Change Formula for Calculating Corporate Net Income Tax | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19) |
Jan. 5, 2006 | NJ | S 1412 | Development Subsidies Application and Reporting Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
June 18, 2008 | DE | SB 280 | Minimum Wage Increase for Tipped Employees | Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 8) |
June 26, 2007 | WI | SS SB 40 | 2007-2009 Biennium Budget | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15) |
June 25, 2008 | VA | SB 6009 | Transportation Taxes | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16) |
Sept. 19, 2000 | National | HR 4444 | U.S.-China Relations Act of 2000 | Bill Passed - Senate (83 - 15) |
May 29, 2007 | LA | SB 223 | Required Liability Insurance Increase | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12) |
June 26, 2007 | PA | SB 246 | Smoking Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17) |
April 24, 2006 | AK | SB 305 | Oil and Gas Production Tax | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6) |
July 17, 2008 | NC | HB 2690 | Durham County Meals Tax | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 22) |
July 31, 2003 | National | HR 2739 | U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act | Bill Passed - Senate (66 - 32) |
June 6, 2007 | CA | SB 974 | Shipping Fee | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12) |
June 6, 2007 | CA | SB 974 | Shipping Fee | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12) |
June 14, 2007 | DE | SB 36 | State Employee Collective Bargaining | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6) |
June 26, 2007 | MI | Sub for SB 547 | Public School Employee Retirement Plan | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17) |
Aug. 1, 2008 | AK | HB 3001 | Natural Gas Pipeline to Canada | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5) |
Oct. 19, 1995 | National | HR 927 | Cuba Sanctions Bill | Bill Passed - Senate (74 - 24) |
March 24, 2006 | CO | HB 1010 | Requiring Legislative Approval Before Entering International Trade Agreements | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
May 21, 2007 | CA | SB 180 | Collective Bargaining Representation for Agricultural Workers | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15) |
Aug. 8, 2008 | NY | A 11258 | Mandatory Cigarette Taxation | Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 4) |
May 2, 2006 | TX | SCS HCS HB 4 | Motor Vehicle Taxes | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10) |
May 27, 2008 | CA | SB 1440 | Capping Administrative Spending for Health Insurers | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16) |
March 14, 2006 | AL | SB 352 | Smoking Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
May 12, 2008 | CA | SB 1313 | Perfluorochemical (PFC) Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15) |
July 31, 2007 | MA | HB 2876 | Sales Tax Holiday | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4) |
Aug. 24, 2007 | KY | HCS HB 1 | Renewable Energy Tax Incentives | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1) |
Aug. 29, 2006 | CA | AB 2496 | Water Conservation: Low-Flush Water Closet | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11) |
Nov. 20, 1993 | National | HR 3450 | North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Implementation Act | Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 38) |
Aug. 29, 2007 | MO | SCS HCS HB 1 | Economic Development | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7) |
Feb. 21, 2006 | MS | SB 3084 | Food and Tobacco Taxes | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17) |
Sept. 19, 2008 | CA | SBx1 28 | Tax Law Amendments | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14) |
June 24, 2008 | NY | S 8638 | Internet Sales Tax Repeal | Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 18) |
Sept. 4, 2007 | MI | Sub SB 418 | Public Employees Health Benefit Act | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18) |
Nov. 24, 2008 | NJ | A 3294 | Capital Investment and Employment Grants | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 7) |
Jan. 26, 2007 | VA | SB 1014 | Payday Lending Restrictions | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2) |
Feb. 14, 2006 | NM | SB 449 | Minimum Wage Increase | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 18) |
Dec. 4, 2007 | National | HR 3688 | United States-Peru Trade Agreement | Bill Passed - Senate (77 - 18) |
Feb. 5, 2007 | CO | HB 1072 | Termination of All-Union Agreements | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15) |
Feb. 5, 2009 | MI | SB 93 | Prohibiting Mandatory Workplace Ergonomics Rules | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16) |
Feb. 5, 2007 | VA | Sub SB 1327 | Minimum Wage Increase | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8) |
Nov. 7, 2007 | MI | Sub SB 838 | Amending the Use Tax Act | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
Oct. 29, 2007 | HI | SB 1 | Superferry Environmental Assessment | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 5) |
Feb. 10, 2009 | WI | SB 1 | Minimum Wage Increase | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14) |
May 31, 2006 | LA | SB 700 | Minimum Wage Bill | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18) |
Feb. 3, 2009 | VA | SB 1105 | Prohibiting Smoking in Bars and Restaurants | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13) |
Feb. 9, 2009 | SD | SJR 1 | Authorization of Legal Gaming due to Gaming in Bordering States | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
Feb. 6, 2009 | WY | SF 18 | Expanding Workers Compensation Coverage to Include Mental Injury | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13) |
Feb. 5, 2007 | VA | SB 1161 | Virginia Smoke-Free Air Act | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16) |
Date | No. | Title | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|
3/31 | SF 3099 | Health Improvement Program | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 23) |
6/07 | SB 456 | Diacetyl Toxic Substance Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18) |
4/08 | HB 2220 | Repealing the State Equalization Property Tax | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13) |
6/18 | S 2600 | Terrorism Insurance Bill | Bill Passed - Senate (84 - 14) |
4/03 | SB 1132 | Allowing Pistols in Restaurants | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10) |
6/02 | HB 7432 | Energy and Electricity Efficiency | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3) |
4/16 | SB 2860 | Property Insurance Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7) |
3/22 | HB 5743 | Repeal the Single Business Tax Bill | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17) |
5/24 | SB 1325 | Indoor Smoking Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5) |
6/29 | S 3569 | U.S. -Oman Free Trade Agreement | Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 34) |
4/23 | SF 875 | Minimum Wage Increase | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 23) |
5/04 | HB 1918 | Support Horseracing Through Riverboat Casinos in Chicago | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 16) |
9/19 | HR 5684 | U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement Implementation | Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 32) |
4/22 | SB 1198 | Changes to Michigan Business Tax Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
3/23 | SB 279 | Prohibits False Claims Against State Health Plans and Programs | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8) |
2/02 | S 2112 | Minimum Wage Increase | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2) |
5/05 | HB 5105 | Minimum Wage Increase | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11) |
4/28 | SB 1137 | Residential Property Foreclosures | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10) |
5/03 | Sub for SB 96 | Industrial Personal Property Tax Exemption | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17) |
6/01 | H 7935 Sub. A | West Warwick Casino | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 13) |
5/01 | SB 217 | Mandatory Sick Leave | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16) |
7/28 | HR 3045 | CAFTA Implementation Bill | Bill Passed - Senate (55 - 45) |
5/03 | Sub for SB 94 | Business and Economic Stimulus Tax | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17) |
4/22 | SB 217 | Extended Health Care Coverage | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10) |
4/24 | SB 817 | Physicians' Billing Practices | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8) |
5/03 | Sub for SB 95 | Business Income Tax | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17) |
4/21 | HB 2395 | Driving and Boating Under the Influence | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6) |
4/30 | SB 160 | Homeowners' Insurance | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13) |
6/30 | HR 1876 | GATT Uruguay Round Bill | Bill Passed - Senate (76 - 16) |
1/06 | SB 2310 | Food and Tobacco Taxes | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 15) |
5/06 | HB 5536 | Health Insurance Pool | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12) |
3/29 | SB 500 | Smoke Free Illinois Act | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 23) |
9/08 | HR 1249 | Patent Law Amendments | Bill Passed - Senate (89 - 9) |
5/02 | HB 3 | Business Tax Revisions | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14) |
2/13 | SB 648 | Smoking Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18) |
5/15 | SB 860 | Great Lakes Water Management | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14) |
6/06 | SB 840 | California Universal Healthcare Agency | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
3/10 | SB 2118 | Requiring Health Insurance to Cover Autism | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9) |
5/15 | SB 1713 | Bisphenol A (BPA) Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15) |
6/20 | Sub for SB 448 | State Registration for CAFOs | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17) |
5/29 | SB 1096 | Pharmacy Prescription Refill Mailings | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16) |
5/29 | SB 1499 | Foil Balloon Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17) |
6/20 | Sub for SB 447 | Insurance for Water Pollution | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16) |
6/04 | S 6823 | Long Island Affordable Housing | Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 9) |
6/11 | SB 263 | Greenhouse Gas Caps | Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5) |
1/05 | S 2907 | Reimbursement for Contaminated Sites | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15) |
12/01 | HR 5110 | Uruguay Round Agreements Act | Bill Passed - Senate (76 - 24) |
6/11 | SB 1001 | Real Estate Conveyance Tax Extension | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14) |
6/07 | SB 48 | Health Care Coverage and Cost Control Act | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16) |
6/16 | SB 1385 | Increase Tax Credit for Business Net Losses | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19) |
7/31 | HR 2738 | U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act | Bill Passed - Senate (65 - 32) |
6/16 | SB 1387 | Business Property Tax Deduction | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15) |
6/16 | SB 1388 | Change Formula for Calculating Corporate Net Income Tax | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19) |
1/05 | S 1412 | Development Subsidies Application and Reporting Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
6/18 | SB 280 | Minimum Wage Increase for Tipped Employees | Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 8) |
6/26 | SS SB 40 | 2007-2009 Biennium Budget | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15) |
6/25 | SB 6009 | Transportation Taxes | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16) |
9/19 | HR 4444 | U.S.-China Relations Act of 2000 | Bill Passed - Senate (83 - 15) |
5/29 | SB 223 | Required Liability Insurance Increase | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12) |
6/26 | SB 246 | Smoking Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17) |
4/24 | SB 305 | Oil and Gas Production Tax | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6) |
7/17 | HB 2690 | Durham County Meals Tax | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 22) |
7/31 | HR 2739 | U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act | Bill Passed - Senate (66 - 32) |
6/06 | SB 974 | Shipping Fee | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12) |
6/06 | SB 974 | Shipping Fee | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12) |
6/14 | SB 36 | State Employee Collective Bargaining | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6) |
6/26 | Sub for SB 547 | Public School Employee Retirement Plan | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17) |
8/01 | HB 3001 | Natural Gas Pipeline to Canada | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5) |
10/19 | HR 927 | Cuba Sanctions Bill | Bill Passed - Senate (74 - 24) |
3/24 | HB 1010 | Requiring Legislative Approval Before Entering International Trade Agreements | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
5/21 | SB 180 | Collective Bargaining Representation for Agricultural Workers | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15) |
8/08 | A 11258 | Mandatory Cigarette Taxation | Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 4) |
5/02 | SCS HCS HB 4 | Motor Vehicle Taxes | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10) |
5/27 | SB 1440 | Capping Administrative Spending for Health Insurers | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16) |
3/14 | SB 352 | Smoking Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
5/12 | SB 1313 | Perfluorochemical (PFC) Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15) |
7/31 | HB 2876 | Sales Tax Holiday | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4) |
8/24 | HCS HB 1 | Renewable Energy Tax Incentives | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1) |
8/29 | AB 2496 | Water Conservation: Low-Flush Water Closet | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11) |
11/20 | HR 3450 | North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Implementation Act | Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 38) |
8/29 | SCS HCS HB 1 | Economic Development | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7) |
2/21 | SB 3084 | Food and Tobacco Taxes | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17) |
9/19 | SBx1 28 | Tax Law Amendments | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14) |
6/24 | S 8638 | Internet Sales Tax Repeal | Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 18) |
9/04 | Sub SB 418 | Public Employees Health Benefit Act | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18) |
11/24 | A 3294 | Capital Investment and Employment Grants | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 7) |
1/26 | SB 1014 | Payday Lending Restrictions | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2) |
2/14 | SB 449 | Minimum Wage Increase | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 18) |
12/04 | HR 3688 | United States-Peru Trade Agreement | Bill Passed - Senate (77 - 18) |
2/05 | HB 1072 | Termination of All-Union Agreements | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15) |
2/05 | SB 93 | Prohibiting Mandatory Workplace Ergonomics Rules | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16) |
2/05 | Sub SB 1327 | Minimum Wage Increase | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8) |
11/07 | Sub SB 838 | Amending the Use Tax Act | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
10/29 | SB 1 | Superferry Environmental Assessment | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 5) |
2/10 | SB 1 | Minimum Wage Increase | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14) |
5/31 | SB 700 | Minimum Wage Bill | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18) |
2/03 | SB 1105 | Prohibiting Smoking in Bars and Restaurants | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13) |
2/09 | SJR 1 | Authorization of Legal Gaming due to Gaming in Bordering States | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
2/06 | SF 18 | Expanding Workers Compensation Coverage to Include Mental Injury | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13) |
2/05 | SB 1161 | Virginia Smoke-Free Air Act | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16) |