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
June 13, 2006 RI H 6874 Ballot Questions from Governor Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
April 10, 2006 MD HB 1368 Election Changes Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
June 23, 2006 RI H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - House (49 - 15)
June 13, 2006 RI H 6874 Ballot Questions from Governor Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
June 14, 2006 MD SB 52 Maryland Transportation Authority Veto Override Passed - House (94 - 42)
April 8, 2006 MD HB 1674 Restrictions on Campaign Fund-Raising Activities by Members of the Board of Regents Veto Override Passed - House (88 - 49)
June 6, 2006 RI H 6874 Ballot Questions from Governor Veto Override Passed - House (50 - 23)
May 4, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 113 Veto Override Passed - Senate (37 - 2)
June 23, 2006 RI H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
April 25, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 20)
April 8, 2006 MD HB 1368 Election Changes Veto Override Passed - House (93 - 45)
April 25, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (147 - 10)
April 25, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 19)
June 23, 2006 RI H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
June 23, 2006 RI H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - House (49 - 15)
July 13, 2006 MA H 126 Unsigned Political Posters Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
June 14, 2006 SC H 4810 2006-2007 Budget Veto Override Passed - House (99 - 13)
April 21, 2006 AR SB 16 Science Specialist Program Funding Line Item Veto Veto Override Passed - House (71 - 13)
May 4, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 113 Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
May 24, 2006 MA H 4479 MassHealth Immigrant Eligibility Veto Override Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
April 10, 2006 MD HB 1674 Restrictions on Campaign Fund-Raising Activities by Members of the Board of Regents Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
June 14, 2006 SC H 4810 2006-2007 Budget Veto Override Passed - Senate (37 - 7)
June 6, 2006 RI H 6874 Ballot Questions from Governor Veto Override Passed - House (50 - 23)
June 14, 2006 MD SB 52 Maryland Transportation Authority Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
Jan. 31, 2006 National PN 1059 Samuel Alito, Associate Justice Nomination Confirmed - Senate (58 - 42)
March 30, 2006 National H Res 746 Jack Abramoff Investigation Resolution Resolution Tabled - House (216 - 193)
May 25, 2006 SC Amdt 3 to S 1084 Inclusion of Unborn Child/Fetus in Definition for Civil Suits Amendment Amendment Tabled - House (65 - 31)
March 29, 2006 SC Amendment 63 Cigarette Tax Amendment Tabled - House (58 - 53)
May 11, 2006 MO SA 1 Restrictions on salaries and state pensions for public officials Amendment Adopted - Senate (18 - 16)
April 11, 2006 VA Amdt Item 391-4h New Anti-Gang Initiatives Funding Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (59 - 36)
March 15, 2006 OH Amdt. HB 9 Concealed Weapons Permit Disclosure Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (51 - 43)
April 27, 2006 MA C Amdt "H" Local Education Funding Study Bill Amendment Adopted - House (144 - 13)
May 24, 2006 MA Amdt 8 to SB 3 Sales Tax Holiday Amendment Adopted - Senate (23 - 16)
June 28, 2006 PA A7999 to HB 1959 English as Official Language Amendment Adopted - House (122 - 70)
April 27, 2006 CT LCO # 4811 Chief Justice Powers Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (23 - 13)
April 27, 2006 CT LCO # 4811 Chief Justice Powers Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (23 - 13)
June 16, 2006 LA SB 382 Gift Ban on Cultural and Sporting Events for Elected Officials Motion Agreed - House (49 - 43)
June 19, 2006 RI Article 24 to H 7120 Sub A Article 24 Relating to Tuition Tax Credits Motion Agreed - House (62 - 8)
May 26, 2006 TN HA 1609 to HB 1114 Primary Election Regulations Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (48 - 45)
April 11, 2006 VA Amdt Item 4-5.04-2h Abortion Funding Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (59 - 34)
May 26, 2006 TN HA 1609 to HB 1114 Primary Election Regulations Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (48 - 45)
April 11, 2006 VA Amdt Item 462-4h Central Appropriations Amendment Adopted - House (60 - 35)
April 11, 2006 VA Amdt Item 4-0.01 Stem Cell Funding Prohibition Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (64 - 30)
March 7, 2006 VA Amendment LeBlanc Nomination Amendment Adopted - House (55 - 42)
April 6, 2006 AL SA 85045-1 to HB 135 Food Sales and Use Tax Reduction Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (16 - 11)
March 14, 2006 IN HB 1099 Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 16)
July 25, 2006 NC HB 1323 Establishment of NC Innocence Inquiry Commission Conference Report Adopted - House (86 - 28)
May 20, 2006 MN HF 2480 Baseball Stadium Financing, Construction, and Operation Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 32)
June 14, 2006 PA HB 39 Property Taxes (Special Session) Conference Report Adopted - House (137 - 61)
April 17, 2006 CO HB 1375 Public School Finance Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 4)
May 20, 2006 MN SF 2460 University of Minnesota Football Stadium Conference Report Adopted - House (96 - 37)
May 20, 2006 MN SF 2460 University of Minnesota Football Stadium Conference Report Adopted - Senate (43 - 24)
July 25, 2006 NC HB 1323 Establishment of NC Innocence Inquiry Commission Conference Report Adopted - House (86 - 28)
March 2, 2006 AZ HB 2064 English Language Learners Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 13)
March 3, 2006 MS SB 3084 Food and Tobacco Taxes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 19)
June 27, 2006 CA AB 1801 2006-2007 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (54 - 23)
Jan. 31, 2006 OH HB 3 Election Law Reform Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 12)
June 8, 2006 AK CCS SB 2001 Oil and Gas Tax (Special Session) Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 6)
March 6, 2006 MS SB 3084 Food and Tobacco Taxes Conference Report Adopted - House (79 - 41)
June 27, 2006 CA AB 1801 2006-2007 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 10)
Jan. 31, 2006 OH HB 3 Election Law Reform Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 40)
July 1, 2006 PA HB 2499 2006-2007 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (130 - 68)
May 20, 2006 MN HF 2480 Baseball Stadium Financing, Construction, and Operation Conference Report Adopted - House (71 - 61)
Feb. 14, 2006 PA HB 1318 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - House (106 - 91)
Feb. 27, 2006 AZ HB 2064 English Language Learners Conference Report Adopted - House (31 - 27)
May 31, 2006 SC H 4449 Sales and Property Taxes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 11)
May 15, 2006 TX HB 2 Property Tax Reduction Conference Report Adopted - House (89 - 56)
May 27, 2006 TN SB 3178 State Legislator’s Pension Plan Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 12)
May 27, 2006 TN SB 3178 State Legislator’s Pension Plan Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 8)
May 12, 2006 MO CCS2 HCS SS2 SCS SB 1014 Voter Identification and Poll Regulation Conference Report Adopted - House (84 - 73)
May 11, 2006 MO CCS2 HCS SS2 SCS SB 1014 Voter Identification and Poll Regulation Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 10)
May 1, 2006 KS HB 2554 DNA Sampling in Felony Cases Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 11)
May 11, 2006 MO CCS SS HCS HB 1900 Campaign Finance and Lobbying Conference Report Adopted - House (88 - 67)
May 11, 2006 MO CCS SS HCS HB 1900 Campaign Finance and Lobbying Conference Report Adopted - House (88 - 67)
May 2, 2006 HI HB 3115 Gasoline Industry Controls Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 3)
May 26, 2006 OK SB 1807 Prohibiting Death Sentence For Mentally Retarded Defendant Conference Report Adopted - House (91 - 5)
March 8, 2006 WA SB 6386 2005-2007 Supplemental Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 19)
May 2, 2006 PA HB 39 Property Taxes (Special Session) Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 9)
May 3, 2006 CO HB 1090 Sexual Abuse Prosecution Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 17)
May 3, 2006 IA HF 2540 2006-2007 Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 2)
April 4, 2006 MA H 4479 Health Care Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (154 - 2)
May 3, 2006 IA HF 2540 2006-2007 Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (62 - 32)
Feb. 15, 2006 PA HB 1318 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 20)
March 13, 2006 MO CCS SCS HCS HB 1014 Budget Supplements Conference Report Adopted - House (92 - 63)
July 1, 2006 PA HB 2499 2006-2007 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 21)
March 14, 2006 IN HB 1099 Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries Conference Report Adopted - House (59 - 35)
May 11, 2006 MO CCS SS HCS HB 1900 Campaign Finance and Lobbying Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 5)
May 11, 2006 MO CCS SS HCS HB 1900 Campaign Finance and Lobbying Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 5)
May 25, 2006 AZ HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 9)
May 10, 2006 KS HB 2583 Machinery Tax Exemptions Conference Report Adopted - House (109 - 10)
May 24, 2006 OK SB 1807 Prohibiting Death Sentence For Mentally Retarded Defendant Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 10)
May 10, 2006 KS HB 2583 Machinery Tax Exemptions Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 11)
May 24, 2006 NH HB 656 "Do Not Resuscitate" Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (168 - 165)
May 24, 2006 NH HB 678 Insurance Company Tax Reduction Conference Report Adopted - House (204 - 109)
March 14, 2006 IN HB 1008 Indiana Toll Road Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 19)
May 8, 2006 TX HB 4 Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Conference Report Adopted - House (86 - 47)
May 8, 2006 KS SB 142 Campaign Finance Conference Report Adopted - House (75 - 45)
May 10, 2006 KS SB 142 Campaign Finance Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 11)
May 9, 2006 KS SB 549 2006-2007, 2007-2008, and 2008-2009 Department of Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 18)
May 9, 2006 KS SB 549 2006-2007, 2007-2008, and 2008-2009 Department of Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (66 - 54)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/13 H 6874 Ballot Questions from Governor Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
4/10 HB 1368 Election Changes Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
6/23 H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - House (49 - 15)
6/13 H 6874 Ballot Questions from Governor Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
6/14 SB 52 Maryland Transportation Authority Veto Override Passed - House (94 - 42)
4/08 HB 1674 Restrictions on Campaign Fund-Raising Activities by Members of the Board of Regents Veto Override Passed - House (88 - 49)
6/06 H 6874 Ballot Questions from Governor Veto Override Passed - House (50 - 23)
5/04 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 113 Veto Override Passed - Senate (37 - 2)
6/23 H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
4/25 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 20)
4/08 HB 1368 Election Changes Veto Override Passed - House (93 - 45)
4/25 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (147 - 10)
4/25 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 112 Veto Override Passed - House (137 - 19)
6/23 H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
6/23 H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - House (49 - 15)
7/13 H 126 Unsigned Political Posters Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
6/14 H 4810 2006-2007 Budget Veto Override Passed - House (99 - 13)
4/21 SB 16 Science Specialist Program Funding Line Item Veto Veto Override Passed - House (71 - 13)
5/04 H 4479 Health Care Access & Affordability Bill Section 113 Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
5/24 H 4479 MassHealth Immigrant Eligibility Veto Override Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
4/10 HB 1674 Restrictions on Campaign Fund-Raising Activities by Members of the Board of Regents Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
6/14 H 4810 2006-2007 Budget Veto Override Passed - Senate (37 - 7)
6/06 H 6874 Ballot Questions from Governor Veto Override Passed - House (50 - 23)
6/14 SB 52 Maryland Transportation Authority Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
1/31 PN 1059 Samuel Alito, Associate Justice Nomination Confirmed - Senate (58 - 42)
3/30 H Res 746 Jack Abramoff Investigation Resolution Resolution Tabled - House (216 - 193)
5/25 Amdt 3 to S 1084 Inclusion of Unborn Child/Fetus in Definition for Civil Suits Amendment Amendment Tabled - House (65 - 31)
3/29 Amendment 63 Cigarette Tax Amendment Tabled - House (58 - 53)
5/11 SA 1 Restrictions on salaries and state pensions for public officials Amendment Adopted - Senate (18 - 16)
4/11 Amdt Item 391-4h New Anti-Gang Initiatives Funding Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (59 - 36)
3/15 Amdt. HB 9 Concealed Weapons Permit Disclosure Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (51 - 43)
4/27 C Amdt "H" Local Education Funding Study Bill Amendment Adopted - House (144 - 13)
5/24 Amdt 8 to SB 3 Sales Tax Holiday Amendment Adopted - Senate (23 - 16)
6/28 A7999 to HB 1959 English as Official Language Amendment Adopted - House (122 - 70)
4/27 LCO # 4811 Chief Justice Powers Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (23 - 13)
4/27 LCO # 4811 Chief Justice Powers Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (23 - 13)
6/16 SB 382 Gift Ban on Cultural and Sporting Events for Elected Officials Motion Agreed - House (49 - 43)
6/19 Article 24 to H 7120 Sub A Article 24 Relating to Tuition Tax Credits Motion Agreed - House (62 - 8)
5/26 HA 1609 to HB 1114 Primary Election Regulations Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (48 - 45)
4/11 Amdt Item 4-5.04-2h Abortion Funding Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (59 - 34)
5/26 HA 1609 to HB 1114 Primary Election Regulations Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (48 - 45)
4/11 Amdt Item 462-4h Central Appropriations Amendment Adopted - House (60 - 35)
4/11 Amdt Item 4-0.01 Stem Cell Funding Prohibition Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (64 - 30)
3/07 Amendment LeBlanc Nomination Amendment Adopted - House (55 - 42)
4/06 SA 85045-1 to HB 135 Food Sales and Use Tax Reduction Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (16 - 11)
3/14 HB 1099 Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 16)
7/25 HB 1323 Establishment of NC Innocence Inquiry Commission Conference Report Adopted - House (86 - 28)
5/20 HF 2480 Baseball Stadium Financing, Construction, and Operation Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 32)
6/14 HB 39 Property Taxes (Special Session) Conference Report Adopted - House (137 - 61)
4/17 HB 1375 Public School Finance Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 4)
5/20 SF 2460 University of Minnesota Football Stadium Conference Report Adopted - House (96 - 37)
5/20 SF 2460 University of Minnesota Football Stadium Conference Report Adopted - Senate (43 - 24)
7/25 HB 1323 Establishment of NC Innocence Inquiry Commission Conference Report Adopted - House (86 - 28)
3/02 HB 2064 English Language Learners Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 13)
3/03 SB 3084 Food and Tobacco Taxes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 19)
6/27 AB 1801 2006-2007 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (54 - 23)
1/31 HB 3 Election Law Reform Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 12)
6/08 CCS SB 2001 Oil and Gas Tax (Special Session) Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 6)
3/06 SB 3084 Food and Tobacco Taxes Conference Report Adopted - House (79 - 41)
6/27 AB 1801 2006-2007 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 10)
1/31 HB 3 Election Law Reform Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 40)
7/01 HB 2499 2006-2007 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (130 - 68)
5/20 HF 2480 Baseball Stadium Financing, Construction, and Operation Conference Report Adopted - House (71 - 61)
2/14 HB 1318 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - House (106 - 91)
2/27 HB 2064 English Language Learners Conference Report Adopted - House (31 - 27)
5/31 H 4449 Sales and Property Taxes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 11)
5/15 HB 2 Property Tax Reduction Conference Report Adopted - House (89 - 56)
5/27 SB 3178 State Legislator’s Pension Plan Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 12)
5/27 SB 3178 State Legislator’s Pension Plan Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 8)
5/12 CCS2 HCS SS2 SCS SB 1014 Voter Identification and Poll Regulation Conference Report Adopted - House (84 - 73)
5/11 CCS2 HCS SS2 SCS SB 1014 Voter Identification and Poll Regulation Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 10)
5/01 HB 2554 DNA Sampling in Felony Cases Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 11)
5/11 CCS SS HCS HB 1900 Campaign Finance and Lobbying Conference Report Adopted - House (88 - 67)
5/11 CCS SS HCS HB 1900 Campaign Finance and Lobbying Conference Report Adopted - House (88 - 67)
5/02 HB 3115 Gasoline Industry Controls Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 3)
5/26 SB 1807 Prohibiting Death Sentence For Mentally Retarded Defendant Conference Report Adopted - House (91 - 5)
3/08 SB 6386 2005-2007 Supplemental Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 19)
5/02 HB 39 Property Taxes (Special Session) Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 9)
5/03 HB 1090 Sexual Abuse Prosecution Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 17)
5/03 HF 2540 2006-2007 Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (47 - 2)
4/04 H 4479 Health Care Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (154 - 2)
5/03 HF 2540 2006-2007 Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (62 - 32)
2/15 HB 1318 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 20)
3/13 CCS SCS HCS HB 1014 Budget Supplements Conference Report Adopted - House (92 - 63)
7/01 HB 2499 2006-2007 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 21)
3/14 HB 1099 Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries Conference Report Adopted - House (59 - 35)
5/11 CCS SS HCS HB 1900 Campaign Finance and Lobbying Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 5)
5/11 CCS SS HCS HB 1900 Campaign Finance and Lobbying Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 5)
5/25 HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 9)
5/10 HB 2583 Machinery Tax Exemptions Conference Report Adopted - House (109 - 10)
5/24 SB 1807 Prohibiting Death Sentence For Mentally Retarded Defendant Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 10)
5/10 HB 2583 Machinery Tax Exemptions Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 11)
5/24 HB 656 "Do Not Resuscitate" Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (168 - 165)
5/24 HB 678 Insurance Company Tax Reduction Conference Report Adopted - House (204 - 109)
3/14 HB 1008 Indiana Toll Road Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 19)
5/08 HB 4 Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Conference Report Adopted - House (86 - 47)
5/08 SB 142 Campaign Finance Conference Report Adopted - House (75 - 45)
5/10 SB 142 Campaign Finance Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 11)
5/09 SB 549 2006-2007, 2007-2008, and 2008-2009 Department of Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 18)
5/09 SB 549 2006-2007, 2007-2008, and 2008-2009 Department of Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (66 - 54)

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