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. 11, 2008 MI SB 505 Authorizing Judges to Carry Concealed Weapons in Courtrooms Bill Passed - House (80 - 18)
Dec. 10, 2008 OH HB 648 Increasing Restrictions on Access to Confidential Personal Information Bill Passed - House (69 - 26)
Dec. 4, 2008 MI HB 5117 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - House (68 - 32)
Dec. 4, 2008 MI HB 4090 Expanding Early Voting Bill Passed - House (58 - 50)
Dec. 4, 2008 MI HB 4405 Juvenile Parole Eligibility Reform Bill Passed - House (63 - 43)
Dec. 4, 2008 MI HB 4404 Prohibiting Life Without Parole Sentencing for Juveniles Bill Passed - House (59 - 47)
Oct. 21, 2008 SC S 429 DNA Sampling Upon Felony Arrest Veto Override Passed - House (86 - 25)
Oct. 21, 2008 SC S 429 DNA Sampling Upon Felony Arrest Veto Override Passed - House (86 - 25)
Sept. 24, 2008 National HR 2638 Continuing Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (370 - 58)
Sept. 17, 2008 National HR 6842 Repealing Portions of the D.C. Firearm Ban Bill Passed - House (266 - 152)
Aug. 29, 2008 CA SB 1407 Financing Courthouse Construction Bill Passed - House (45 - 20)
Aug. 13, 2008 CA SB 1171 Expanding Loaded Firearm Restrictions Bill Passed - House (45 - 32)
Aug. 13, 2008 CA SB 28 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - House (52 - 24)
Aug. 12, 2008 CA SB 1589 Uncorroborated Jailhouse Informant Testimony Ban Bill Passed - House (41 - 37)
July 30, 2008 National HR 1108 FDA Regulation of Tobacco Bill Passed - House (326 - 102)
July 29, 2008 MA Peterson Amdt to H 5022 Reducing Firearm Licensing Fee Amendment Adopted - House (97 - 59)
July 16, 2008 National H Amdt 1114 Allowing the Use of Certain Terms in Within the Intelligence Community Amendment Adopted - House (249 - 180)
July 1, 2008 DE SB 300 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - House (33 - 7)
June 27, 2008 AZ HB 2389 Involving Gun Owners' Rights Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 21)
June 26, 2008 WV HB 219 Nonbroadcast Political Advertisements Bill Passed - House (67 - 21)
June 25, 2008 PA A 7738 Real ID Biometric Data Bill Failed - House (92 - 108)
June 25, 2008 PA A 7738 Real ID Biometric Data Bill Failed - House (92 - 108)
June 23, 2008 NJ A 339 Handgun Purchasing Limitations Bill Passed - House (47 - 28)
June 21, 2008 LA HB 906 Anonymity of Ethics Board Complaints Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 21)
June 20, 2008 LA SB 718 State Board Member and Commissioner Financial Disclosures Bill Passed - House (92 - 8)
June 20, 2008 LA SB 51 Guns in Parked Locked Cars Bill Passed - House (66 - 35)
June 20, 2008 National HR 6304 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Amendments Bill Passed - House (293 - 129)
June 20, 2008 National HR 6304 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Amendments Bill Passed - House (293 - 129)
June 20, 2008 RI S 2706 Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - House (44 - 12)
June 19, 2008 National HR 2642 GI Bill, Funding for Midwest Flood Cleanup, Extension of Unemployment Benefits, and Other Provisions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (268 - 155)
June 19, 2008 National HR 2642 GI Bill, Funding for Midwest Flood Cleanup, Extension of Unemployment Benefits, and Other Provisions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (416 - 12)
June 19, 2008 LA SB 137 Young Drivers Using Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - House (70 - 19)
June 12, 2008 RI H 7222 page 5, re: Sec. 3-8-9: Transportation of Alcohol by Minors Bill Passed - House (52 - 14)
June 12, 2008 RI H 7222 page 5, re: Sec. 3-8-9: Transportation of Alcohol by Minors Bill Passed - House (52 - 14)
June 11, 2008 LA SB 144 Castration of Sex Offenders Bill Passed - House (69 - 15)
June 10, 2008 National HR 6028 Assistance for Mexico and Central America for Anti-Drug Programs (Merida Program) Bill Passed - House (311 - 106)
June 10, 2008 National HR 6028 Assistance for Mexico and Central America for Anti-Drug Programs (Merida Program) Bill Passed - House (311 - 106)
June 4, 2008 PA SB 246 Smoking Ban Conference Report Adopted - House (163 - 38)
May 29, 2008 SC H 4400 Immigration Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - House (94 - 16)
May 29, 2008 CA AB 2062 Regulation Of Ammunition Sales Bill Passed - House (42 - 32)
May 28, 2008 OH SB 184 Lethal Force Against Intruders Bill Passed - House (73 - 23)
May 28, 2008 CA AB 2279 Prohibiting Employment Discrimination Against Medical Marijuana Patients Bill Passed - House (41 - 35)
May 28, 2008 CA AB 2747 Disclosing End-of-Life Care Options Bill Passed - House (42 - 34)
May 28, 2008 MI HB 5074 Ban Smoking in Places of Employment and Public Places with Exceptions for Casinos, Cigar Bars, and Specialty Tobacco Stores Bill Passed - House (65 - 39)
May 27, 2008 CA AB 1996 Food Stamps for Convicted Drug Felons Bill Passed - House (42 - 35)
May 27, 2008 CA AB 2654 Expanding Anti-Discrimination Laws Bill Passed - House (48 - 30)
May 27, 2008 MI SB 776 Late-Term/Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Bill Passed - House (74 - 32)
May 21, 2008 AZ HB 2629 Legalizing the Defensive Display of a Firearm Concurrence Vote Passed - House (34 - 26)
May 20, 2008 National HR 6074 Prohibiting Foreign States or Associations from Forming a Group to Control Oil Bill Passed - House (324 - 84)
May 19, 2008 AZ SB 1476 Reducing Probation for Good Behavior Bill Passed - House (35 - 18)
May 19, 2008 AZ SB 1476 Reducing Probation for Good Behavior Bill Passed - House (35 - 18)
May 15, 2008 National HR 2642 Iraq Related Provisions such as a Troop Withdrawal, a Permanent Base Ban, and Limiting Interrogation Techniques Concurrence Vote Failed - House (141 - 149)
May 15, 2008 National HR 2642 Iraq Related Provisions such as a Troop Withdrawal, a Permanent Base Ban, and Limiting Interrogation Techniques Concurrence Vote Passed - House (227 - 196)
May 13, 2008 AZ HB 2807 Local Enforcement of Immigration Laws Veto Override Failed - House (30 - 25)
May 13, 2008 MN HF 3807 Real ID Prohibition Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 30)
May 13, 2008 LA HB 1357 Harboring of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (77 - 18)
May 13, 2008 LA HB 25 Verification of Citizenship or Immigration Status Bill Passed - House (83 - 11)
May 13, 2008 LA HB 1358 Transporting Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (70 - 17)
May 12, 2008 OK HB 2633 Religious Expression at Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 28)
May 12, 2008 AZ SCR 1042 Parameters of Marriage Resolution Passed - House (33 - 25)
May 7, 2008 SC Amendment No. 8A Requiring Employers to Verify Immigration the Status of Their Employees Amendment Adopted - House (80 - 33)
May 7, 2008 IL HB 4139 Peace Officer Firearms Bill Passed - House (91 - 18)
May 6, 2008 KS HB 2019 Voter Identification Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 56)
May 6, 2008 AL HB 829 Hate Crime Legislation Regarding Victim's Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - House (46 - 44)
May 5, 2008 CO HB 1082 Sealing Criminal Records Concurrence Vote Passed - House (36 - 28)
May 5, 2008 CO HB 1082 Sealing Criminal Records Concurrence Vote Passed - House (36 - 28)
May 5, 2008 CO HB 1208 Limitations on Direct File Juvenile Cases Concurrence Vote Passed - House (34 - 30)
May 5, 2008 CO SB 226 Zebra Mussels Ban Bill Passed - House (54 - 11)
May 5, 2008 CA AB 2233 Ban on Holding Pets While Driving Bill Passed - House (44 - 20)
May 1, 2008 MN SF 2369 Background Checks for Coaches Conference Report Adopted - House (112 - 15)
April 30, 2008 IL HB 5191 Parental Responsibility for Gun Accessibility Bill Passed - House (74 - 36)
April 25, 2008 RI H 7204 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (60 - 12)
April 25, 2008 IA SF 2432 Prison and Infrastructure Funding Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
April 25, 2008 IA H 8672 DUI Appeals Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 50)
April 25, 2008 IA H 8672 DUI Appeals Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 50)
April 24, 2008 AZ HB 2395 Driving and Boating Under the Influence Concurrence Vote Passed - House (35 - 15)
April 22, 2008 CO HB 1082 Sealing Criminal Records Bill Passed - House (36 - 28)
April 22, 2008 CO HB 1082 Sealing Criminal Records Bill Passed - House (36 - 28)
April 21, 2008 LA HB 852 Banning Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
April 15, 2008 KY HB 683 DNA Collection, Parole Board, and Felony Review Conference Report Adopted - House (51 - 42)
April 14, 2008 MN HF 1351 Transportation Policy Reform Conference Report Adopted - House (88 - 44)
April 8, 2008 IA HF 2212 Smoking Ban Conference Report Adopted - House (54 - 45)
April 7, 2008 MN Emmer Amnd. Voter Identification Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (59 - 70)
April 4, 2008 GA HB 978 Vehicle Seizures for Unlicensed Drivers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (115 - 44)
April 2, 2008 KY SB 120 Booster Seat Requirement Bill Passed - House (88 - 8)
April 2, 2008 OK SB 1878 Abortion Regulations Bill Passed - House (80 - 12)
April 2, 2008 GA SB 174 Physical Fitness Standards for State Employees Bill Failed - House (55 - 107)
April 1, 2008 PA A 6178 to HB 1845 Reporting Missing Firearms Amendment Rejected - House (75 - 128)
April 1, 2008 MN SF 2369 Background Checks for Coaches Bill Passed - House (118 - 11)
April 1, 2008 KY HB 70 Restoring Voting Rights to Former Felons Bill Passed - House (80 - 14)
April 1, 2008 KY HB 70 Restoring Voting Rights to Former Felons Bill Passed - House (80 - 14)
March 31, 2008 MS HB 1089 Legalizing Deer Baiting Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 51)
March 31, 2008 MD SB 269 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - House (89 - 47)
March 31, 2008 MD SB 269 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - House (89 - 47)
March 27, 2008 MS HB 520 Reporting Sexual Activity of Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 41)
March 27, 2008 AZ HB 2788 Relaxing Concealed Weapon Restrictions Bill Passed - House (51 - 5)
March 26, 2008 FL HB 503 Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (72 - 42)
March 25, 2008 ME LD 2012 Prohibiting Smoking in Vehicles with Children Bill Passed - House (92 - 46)
March 24, 2008 AZ HB 2713 Student's Religious Liberties Act Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
March 20, 2008 GA SB 350 Increasing Penalties for Driving Without a License Bill Passed - House (99 - 68)
Date No. Title Outcome
12/11 SB 505 Authorizing Judges to Carry Concealed Weapons in Courtrooms Bill Passed - House (80 - 18)
12/10 HB 648 Increasing Restrictions on Access to Confidential Personal Information Bill Passed - House (69 - 26)
12/04 HB 5117 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - House (68 - 32)
12/04 HB 4090 Expanding Early Voting Bill Passed - House (58 - 50)
12/04 HB 4405 Juvenile Parole Eligibility Reform Bill Passed - House (63 - 43)
12/04 HB 4404 Prohibiting Life Without Parole Sentencing for Juveniles Bill Passed - House (59 - 47)
10/21 S 429 DNA Sampling Upon Felony Arrest Veto Override Passed - House (86 - 25)
10/21 S 429 DNA Sampling Upon Felony Arrest Veto Override Passed - House (86 - 25)
9/24 HR 2638 Continuing Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (370 - 58)
9/17 HR 6842 Repealing Portions of the D.C. Firearm Ban Bill Passed - House (266 - 152)
8/29 SB 1407 Financing Courthouse Construction Bill Passed - House (45 - 20)
8/13 SB 1171 Expanding Loaded Firearm Restrictions Bill Passed - House (45 - 32)
8/13 SB 28 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - House (52 - 24)
8/12 SB 1589 Uncorroborated Jailhouse Informant Testimony Ban Bill Passed - House (41 - 37)
7/30 HR 1108 FDA Regulation of Tobacco Bill Passed - House (326 - 102)
7/29 Peterson Amdt to H 5022 Reducing Firearm Licensing Fee Amendment Adopted - House (97 - 59)
7/16 H Amdt 1114 Allowing the Use of Certain Terms in Within the Intelligence Community Amendment Adopted - House (249 - 180)
7/01 SB 300 2008-2009 Budget Bill Passed - House (33 - 7)
6/27 HB 2389 Involving Gun Owners' Rights Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 21)
6/26 HB 219 Nonbroadcast Political Advertisements Bill Passed - House (67 - 21)
6/25 A 7738 Real ID Biometric Data Bill Failed - House (92 - 108)
6/25 A 7738 Real ID Biometric Data Bill Failed - House (92 - 108)
6/23 A 339 Handgun Purchasing Limitations Bill Passed - House (47 - 28)
6/21 HB 906 Anonymity of Ethics Board Complaints Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 21)
6/20 SB 718 State Board Member and Commissioner Financial Disclosures Bill Passed - House (92 - 8)
6/20 SB 51 Guns in Parked Locked Cars Bill Passed - House (66 - 35)
6/20 HR 6304 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Amendments Bill Passed - House (293 - 129)
6/20 HR 6304 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Amendments Bill Passed - House (293 - 129)
6/20 S 2706 Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - House (44 - 12)
6/19 HR 2642 GI Bill, Funding for Midwest Flood Cleanup, Extension of Unemployment Benefits, and Other Provisions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (268 - 155)
6/19 HR 2642 GI Bill, Funding for Midwest Flood Cleanup, Extension of Unemployment Benefits, and Other Provisions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (416 - 12)
6/19 SB 137 Young Drivers Using Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - House (70 - 19)
6/12 H 7222 page 5, re: Sec. 3-8-9: Transportation of Alcohol by Minors Bill Passed - House (52 - 14)
6/12 H 7222 page 5, re: Sec. 3-8-9: Transportation of Alcohol by Minors Bill Passed - House (52 - 14)
6/11 SB 144 Castration of Sex Offenders Bill Passed - House (69 - 15)
6/10 HR 6028 Assistance for Mexico and Central America for Anti-Drug Programs (Merida Program) Bill Passed - House (311 - 106)
6/10 HR 6028 Assistance for Mexico and Central America for Anti-Drug Programs (Merida Program) Bill Passed - House (311 - 106)
6/04 SB 246 Smoking Ban Conference Report Adopted - House (163 - 38)
5/29 H 4400 Immigration Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - House (94 - 16)
5/29 AB 2062 Regulation Of Ammunition Sales Bill Passed - House (42 - 32)
5/28 SB 184 Lethal Force Against Intruders Bill Passed - House (73 - 23)
5/28 AB 2279 Prohibiting Employment Discrimination Against Medical Marijuana Patients Bill Passed - House (41 - 35)
5/28 AB 2747 Disclosing End-of-Life Care Options Bill Passed - House (42 - 34)
5/28 HB 5074 Ban Smoking in Places of Employment and Public Places with Exceptions for Casinos, Cigar Bars, and Specialty Tobacco Stores Bill Passed - House (65 - 39)
5/27 AB 1996 Food Stamps for Convicted Drug Felons Bill Passed - House (42 - 35)
5/27 AB 2654 Expanding Anti-Discrimination Laws Bill Passed - House (48 - 30)
5/27 SB 776 Late-Term/Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Bill Passed - House (74 - 32)
5/21 HB 2629 Legalizing the Defensive Display of a Firearm Concurrence Vote Passed - House (34 - 26)
5/20 HR 6074 Prohibiting Foreign States or Associations from Forming a Group to Control Oil Bill Passed - House (324 - 84)
5/19 SB 1476 Reducing Probation for Good Behavior Bill Passed - House (35 - 18)
5/19 SB 1476 Reducing Probation for Good Behavior Bill Passed - House (35 - 18)
5/15 HR 2642 Iraq Related Provisions such as a Troop Withdrawal, a Permanent Base Ban, and Limiting Interrogation Techniques Concurrence Vote Failed - House (141 - 149)
5/15 HR 2642 Iraq Related Provisions such as a Troop Withdrawal, a Permanent Base Ban, and Limiting Interrogation Techniques Concurrence Vote Passed - House (227 - 196)
5/13 HB 2807 Local Enforcement of Immigration Laws Veto Override Failed - House (30 - 25)
5/13 HF 3807 Real ID Prohibition Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 30)
5/13 HB 1357 Harboring of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (77 - 18)
5/13 HB 25 Verification of Citizenship or Immigration Status Bill Passed - House (83 - 11)
5/13 HB 1358 Transporting Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (70 - 17)
5/12 HB 2633 Religious Expression at Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 28)
5/12 SCR 1042 Parameters of Marriage Resolution Passed - House (33 - 25)
5/07 Amendment No. 8A Requiring Employers to Verify Immigration the Status of Their Employees Amendment Adopted - House (80 - 33)
5/07 HB 4139 Peace Officer Firearms Bill Passed - House (91 - 18)
5/06 HB 2019 Voter Identification Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 56)
5/06 HB 829 Hate Crime Legislation Regarding Victim's Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - House (46 - 44)
5/05 HB 1082 Sealing Criminal Records Concurrence Vote Passed - House (36 - 28)
5/05 HB 1082 Sealing Criminal Records Concurrence Vote Passed - House (36 - 28)
5/05 HB 1208 Limitations on Direct File Juvenile Cases Concurrence Vote Passed - House (34 - 30)
5/05 SB 226 Zebra Mussels Ban Bill Passed - House (54 - 11)
5/05 AB 2233 Ban on Holding Pets While Driving Bill Passed - House (44 - 20)
5/01 SF 2369 Background Checks for Coaches Conference Report Adopted - House (112 - 15)
4/30 HB 5191 Parental Responsibility for Gun Accessibility Bill Passed - House (74 - 36)
4/25 H 7204 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (60 - 12)
4/25 SF 2432 Prison and Infrastructure Funding Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
4/25 H 8672 DUI Appeals Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 50)
4/25 H 8672 DUI Appeals Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 50)
4/24 HB 2395 Driving and Boating Under the Influence Concurrence Vote Passed - House (35 - 15)
4/22 HB 1082 Sealing Criminal Records Bill Passed - House (36 - 28)
4/22 HB 1082 Sealing Criminal Records Bill Passed - House (36 - 28)
4/21 HB 852 Banning Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
4/15 HB 683 DNA Collection, Parole Board, and Felony Review Conference Report Adopted - House (51 - 42)
4/14 HF 1351 Transportation Policy Reform Conference Report Adopted - House (88 - 44)
4/08 HF 2212 Smoking Ban Conference Report Adopted - House (54 - 45)
4/07 Emmer Amnd. Voter Identification Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (59 - 70)
4/04 HB 978 Vehicle Seizures for Unlicensed Drivers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (115 - 44)
4/02 SB 120 Booster Seat Requirement Bill Passed - House (88 - 8)
4/02 SB 1878 Abortion Regulations Bill Passed - House (80 - 12)
4/02 SB 174 Physical Fitness Standards for State Employees Bill Failed - House (55 - 107)
4/01 A 6178 to HB 1845 Reporting Missing Firearms Amendment Rejected - House (75 - 128)
4/01 SF 2369 Background Checks for Coaches Bill Passed - House (118 - 11)
4/01 HB 70 Restoring Voting Rights to Former Felons Bill Passed - House (80 - 14)
4/01 HB 70 Restoring Voting Rights to Former Felons Bill Passed - House (80 - 14)
3/31 HB 1089 Legalizing Deer Baiting Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 51)
3/31 SB 269 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - House (89 - 47)
3/31 SB 269 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - House (89 - 47)
3/27 HB 520 Reporting Sexual Activity of Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 41)
3/27 HB 2788 Relaxing Concealed Weapon Restrictions Bill Passed - House (51 - 5)
3/26 HB 503 Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (72 - 42)
3/25 LD 2012 Prohibiting Smoking in Vehicles with Children Bill Passed - House (92 - 46)
3/24 HB 2713 Student's Religious Liberties Act Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
3/20 SB 350 Increasing Penalties for Driving Without a License Bill Passed - House (99 - 68)

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