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
Jan. 17, 2008 GA HB 89 Concealed Weapons in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 15)
May 6, 2008 KS HB 2019 Voter Identification Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 3)
April 10, 2008 ME LD 701 Slot Machine Authorization Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
Aug. 31, 2008 CA SB 60 Expanding Driver's License Eligibility Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
June 4, 2008 PA SB 246 Smoking Ban Conference Report Rejected - Senate (19 - 31)
June 10, 2008 PA SB 246 Smoking Ban Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 9)
May 8, 2008 MI HB 4163 Workplace Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
Feb. 28, 2008 WI AB 377 Emergency Contraception for Sexual Assault Victims Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
Feb. 28, 2008 WI AB 377 Emergency Contraception for Sexual Assault Victims Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
Feb. 28, 2008 WI AB 377 Emergency Contraception for Sexual Assault Victims Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
Jan. 7, 2008 NJ A 4314 Traffic Control Signal Monitoring Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
Jan. 7, 2008 NJ A 4314 Traffic Control Signal Monitoring Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
Jan. 7, 2008 NJ S 176 Expanding Damages for Wrongful Death Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
Jan. 15, 2008 NE LB 253 Repealing Motorcycle Helmet Law Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 25)
Jan. 22, 2008 SD SB 26 State Regulation of Preschools Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
Jan. 16, 2008 TN SB 23 Allowing Guns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
Jan. 24, 2008 IN SB 3 Authorizing Physicians to Refuse Prescriptions Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 24)
Jan. 29, 2008 IN SB 3 Authorizing Physicians to Refuse Prescriptions Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
Jan. 29, 2008 IN SB 3 Authorizing Physicians to Refuse Prescriptions Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
Jan. 24, 2008 IN SB 3 Authorizing Physicians to Refuse Prescriptions Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 24)
Jan. 30, 2008 KY SB 112 Restricting Public Employee Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
Jan. 30, 2008 KY SB 112 Restricting Public Employee Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
Jan. 29, 2008 SD SB 88 Offering Sonograms to Women Considering Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
Jan. 30, 2008 TN SJR 127 Abortion Not Protected by State Constitution Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
Jan. 29, 2008 IN SJR 7 Definition of Marriage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
Jan. 29, 2008 IN SJR 7 Definition of Marriage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
Jan. 30, 2008 TN SA 839 Allowing Medically Necessary Abortions Bill Tabled - Senate (18 - 14)
Jan. 30, 2008 TN SA 841 Allowing Abortion for Rape Victims who are Minors Bill Tabled - Senate (20 - 12)
Jan. 29, 2008 IN SB 335 Immigration Bill Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
Jan. 29, 2008 IN SB 335 Immigration Bill Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
Jan. 29, 2008 NM SB 23 Authorizing Stem Cell Research Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Jan. 28, 2008 CO SB 3 Medicaid Funded Family Planning Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
Jan. 28, 2008 CO SB 3 Medicaid Funded Family Planning Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
Jan. 30, 2008 TN SA 837 Allowing Abortion in Certain Circumstances Bill Tabled - Senate (20 - 11)
Jan. 25, 2008 CO SA Mitchell Prohibiting State Funding of Abortion Providers Amendment Rejected - Senate (13 - 20)
Feb. 27, 2008 IN HB 1153 Low-Stakes Gambling Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
Feb. 7, 2008 NH SB 436 Reducing the Voting Age for Primary Elections Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 6)
Feb. 4, 2008 NM SB 34 New Mexico School for the Arts Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
Feb. 2, 2008 NM SB 68 Increasing Domestic Violence Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
Feb. 2, 2008 NM SB 68 Increasing Domestic Violence Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
Feb. 5, 2008 VA SB 202 Local Regulation of Smoking in Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
Feb. 6, 2008 SD SB 164 Right to Obtain Contraception Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 22)
Feb. 6, 2008 SD SB 164 Right to Obtain Contraception Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 22)
Feb. 5, 2008 VA SB 298 Banning Smoking Public Places Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Feb. 5, 2008 VA SB 501 Restaurant and Bar Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Feb. 6, 2008 UT SB 75 Prohibiting Gang Activity Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 10)
Feb. 6, 2008 UT SB 75 Prohibiting Gang Activity Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 10)
Feb. 1, 2008 MS SB 2037 Requirements for Public Works Laborers Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 5)
Feb. 7, 2008 GA SB 340 Prohibiting Sanctuary Policies Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 8)
Feb. 7, 2008 KY SB 40 Abortion Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
Feb. 7, 2008 KY SB 40 Abortion Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
Feb. 7, 2008 GA SB 350 Increasing Penalties for Driving Without a License Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 13)
Feb. 7, 2008 GA SB 350 Increasing Penalties for Driving Without a License Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 13)
Feb. 4, 2008 MS SB 2199 Gaming Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
Feb. 12, 2008 National S 2248 FISA Amendments Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (68 - 29)
Feb. 12, 2008 National S Amdt 3907 Striking Telecommunications Companies' Civil Immunity for Surveillance Amendment Rejected - Senate (31 - 67)
Feb. 12, 2008 National S Amdt 3910 FISA as Exclusive Means for Conducting Electronic Surveillance Amendment Rejected - Senate (57 - 41)
Feb. 6, 2008 MI SB 962 Prohibiting Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
Feb. 6, 2008 MI SB 962 Prohibiting Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
Feb. 21, 2008 SD HB 1151 Adult-Oriented Business Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
Feb. 11, 2008 OR SB 1080 Driver's License Residency Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
Feb. 11, 2008 OR SB 1080 Driver's License Residency Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
Feb. 13, 2008 NY A 9998 New York Racing Association Funding Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 17)
Feb. 14, 2008 MN HF 2285 Funding for Natural Resources and Cultural Heritage Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 17)
Feb. 14, 2008 NE AM 1736 Eliminating Opt-Out Provision of Smoking Ban Amendment Adopted - Senate (33 - 13)
Feb. 14, 2008 UT SB 117 Increasing Penalties for Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 14)
Feb. 22, 2008 NE LB 395 Statewide Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
March 7, 2008 WA HB 2476 Tribal Police Jurisdiction Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
Feb. 11, 2008 VA SB 436 Concealed Weapons in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Feb. 12, 2008 VA SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
March 4, 2008 WA HB 3104 Domestic Partnership Rights Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
March 4, 2008 WA HB 3104 Domestic Partnership Rights Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Feb. 18, 2008 WA SB 6305 Use of Federal Sex Education Grants Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
Feb. 18, 2008 WA SB 6305 Use of Federal Sex Education Grants Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
Feb. 19, 2008 CA GN Borucki Confirmation of Joan Borucki as State Lottery Director Nomination Confirmed - Senate (32 - 3)
April 8, 2008 IA HF 2212 Smoking Ban Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 22)
March 13, 2008 IA HF 2212 Smoking Ban Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (23 - 27)
Feb. 27, 2008 IA HF 2212 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
March 4, 2008 UT SB 81 Expanding Immigration Enforcement Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
Feb. 21, 2008 UT SB 81 Expanding Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
Feb. 26, 2008 GA SB 454 Permitting Public Venue Alcohol Sales on Sundays Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
Feb. 25, 2008 VA HB 933 "Triggerman Rule" in Capital Murder Cases Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Feb. 25, 2008 National S Amdt 4070 Prohibiting Funds in the Bill S 1200 from Being Used to Decrease Gun Ownership Amendment Adopted - Senate (78 - 11)
Feb. 21, 2008 MD SB 111 Expanding Hate Crimes Classification to Homeless Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 4)
March 19, 2008 MS HB 1089 Legalizing Deer Baiting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 24)
March 19, 2008 MS HB 1089 Legalizing Deer Baiting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 24)
Feb. 21, 2008 MS SB 2468 Voter Identification Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 18)
Feb. 13, 2008 SD SB 174 Railroad Eminent Domain Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
Feb. 22, 2008 MD SB 243 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 10)
Feb. 22, 2008 MD SB 243 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 10)
Jan. 29, 2008 IN SB 146 Pre-Abortion Notification Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
Feb. 27, 2008 WV SB 248 Non-Participation in the Real ID Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
Feb. 27, 2008 MS SB 2206 Radar Speed Detection Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
Feb. 26, 2008 MS SB 2550 Covenant Marriage Act Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 13)
Feb. 26, 2008 MS SB 2550 Covenant Marriage Act Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 13)
Feb. 27, 2008 UT SB 297 Increasing Penalties for Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
Feb. 27, 2008 UT SB 297 Increasing Penalties for Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
March 3, 2008 NJ S 786 Extending Family Leave Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
March 25, 2008 AZ HB 2769 Increasing Partial-Birth/Late-Term Abortion Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
March 25, 2008 AZ HB 2769 Increasing Partial-Birth/Late-Term Abortion Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
Date No. Title Outcome
1/17 HB 89 Concealed Weapons in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 15)
5/06 HB 2019 Voter Identification Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 3)
4/10 LD 701 Slot Machine Authorization Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
8/31 SB 60 Expanding Driver's License Eligibility Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
6/04 SB 246 Smoking Ban Conference Report Rejected - Senate (19 - 31)
6/10 SB 246 Smoking Ban Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 9)
5/08 HB 4163 Workplace Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
2/28 AB 377 Emergency Contraception for Sexual Assault Victims Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
2/28 AB 377 Emergency Contraception for Sexual Assault Victims Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
2/28 AB 377 Emergency Contraception for Sexual Assault Victims Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
1/07 A 4314 Traffic Control Signal Monitoring Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
1/07 A 4314 Traffic Control Signal Monitoring Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
1/07 S 176 Expanding Damages for Wrongful Death Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
1/15 LB 253 Repealing Motorcycle Helmet Law Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 25)
1/22 SB 26 State Regulation of Preschools Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
1/16 SB 23 Allowing Guns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
1/24 SB 3 Authorizing Physicians to Refuse Prescriptions Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 24)
1/29 SB 3 Authorizing Physicians to Refuse Prescriptions Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
1/29 SB 3 Authorizing Physicians to Refuse Prescriptions Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
1/24 SB 3 Authorizing Physicians to Refuse Prescriptions Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 24)
1/30 SB 112 Restricting Public Employee Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
1/30 SB 112 Restricting Public Employee Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
1/29 SB 88 Offering Sonograms to Women Considering Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
1/30 SJR 127 Abortion Not Protected by State Constitution Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
1/29 SJR 7 Definition of Marriage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
1/29 SJR 7 Definition of Marriage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
1/30 SA 839 Allowing Medically Necessary Abortions Bill Tabled - Senate (18 - 14)
1/30 SA 841 Allowing Abortion for Rape Victims who are Minors Bill Tabled - Senate (20 - 12)
1/29 SB 335 Immigration Bill Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
1/29 SB 335 Immigration Bill Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
1/29 SB 23 Authorizing Stem Cell Research Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
1/28 SB 3 Medicaid Funded Family Planning Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
1/28 SB 3 Medicaid Funded Family Planning Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
1/30 SA 837 Allowing Abortion in Certain Circumstances Bill Tabled - Senate (20 - 11)
1/25 SA Mitchell Prohibiting State Funding of Abortion Providers Amendment Rejected - Senate (13 - 20)
2/27 HB 1153 Low-Stakes Gambling Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
2/07 SB 436 Reducing the Voting Age for Primary Elections Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 6)
2/04 SB 34 New Mexico School for the Arts Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
2/02 SB 68 Increasing Domestic Violence Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
2/02 SB 68 Increasing Domestic Violence Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
2/05 SB 202 Local Regulation of Smoking in Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
2/06 SB 164 Right to Obtain Contraception Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 22)
2/06 SB 164 Right to Obtain Contraception Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 22)
2/05 SB 298 Banning Smoking Public Places Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
2/05 SB 501 Restaurant and Bar Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
2/06 SB 75 Prohibiting Gang Activity Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 10)
2/06 SB 75 Prohibiting Gang Activity Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 10)
2/01 SB 2037 Requirements for Public Works Laborers Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 5)
2/07 SB 340 Prohibiting Sanctuary Policies Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 8)
2/07 SB 40 Abortion Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
2/07 SB 40 Abortion Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
2/07 SB 350 Increasing Penalties for Driving Without a License Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 13)
2/07 SB 350 Increasing Penalties for Driving Without a License Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 13)
2/04 SB 2199 Gaming Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
2/12 S 2248 FISA Amendments Act of 2007 Bill Passed - Senate (68 - 29)
2/12 S Amdt 3907 Striking Telecommunications Companies' Civil Immunity for Surveillance Amendment Rejected - Senate (31 - 67)
2/12 S Amdt 3910 FISA as Exclusive Means for Conducting Electronic Surveillance Amendment Rejected - Senate (57 - 41)
2/06 SB 962 Prohibiting Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
2/06 SB 962 Prohibiting Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
2/21 HB 1151 Adult-Oriented Business Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
2/11 SB 1080 Driver's License Residency Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
2/11 SB 1080 Driver's License Residency Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
2/13 A 9998 New York Racing Association Funding Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 17)
2/14 HF 2285 Funding for Natural Resources and Cultural Heritage Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 17)
2/14 AM 1736 Eliminating Opt-Out Provision of Smoking Ban Amendment Adopted - Senate (33 - 13)
2/14 SB 117 Increasing Penalties for Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 14)
2/22 LB 395 Statewide Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
3/07 HB 2476 Tribal Police Jurisdiction Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
2/11 SB 436 Concealed Weapons in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
2/12 SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
3/04 HB 3104 Domestic Partnership Rights Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
3/04 HB 3104 Domestic Partnership Rights Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
2/18 SB 6305 Use of Federal Sex Education Grants Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
2/18 SB 6305 Use of Federal Sex Education Grants Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
2/19 GN Borucki Confirmation of Joan Borucki as State Lottery Director Nomination Confirmed - Senate (32 - 3)
4/08 HF 2212 Smoking Ban Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 22)
3/13 HF 2212 Smoking Ban Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (23 - 27)
2/27 HF 2212 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
3/04 SB 81 Expanding Immigration Enforcement Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
2/21 SB 81 Expanding Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
2/26 SB 454 Permitting Public Venue Alcohol Sales on Sundays Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
2/25 HB 933 "Triggerman Rule" in Capital Murder Cases Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
2/25 S Amdt 4070 Prohibiting Funds in the Bill S 1200 from Being Used to Decrease Gun Ownership Amendment Adopted - Senate (78 - 11)
2/21 SB 111 Expanding Hate Crimes Classification to Homeless Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 4)
3/19 HB 1089 Legalizing Deer Baiting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 24)
3/19 HB 1089 Legalizing Deer Baiting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 24)
2/21 SB 2468 Voter Identification Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 18)
2/13 SB 174 Railroad Eminent Domain Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
2/22 SB 243 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 10)
2/22 SB 243 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 10)
1/29 SB 146 Pre-Abortion Notification Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
2/27 SB 248 Non-Participation in the Real ID Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
2/27 SB 2206 Radar Speed Detection Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
2/26 SB 2550 Covenant Marriage Act Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 13)
2/26 SB 2550 Covenant Marriage Act Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 13)
2/27 SB 297 Increasing Penalties for Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
2/27 SB 297 Increasing Penalties for Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
3/03 S 786 Extending Family Leave Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
3/25 HB 2769 Increasing Partial-Birth/Late-Term Abortion Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
3/25 HB 2769 Increasing Partial-Birth/Late-Term Abortion Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)

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