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. 18, 2008 CA ABx1 5 Modifying Transportation Project Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
Dec. 18, 2008 CA ABx1 2 Tax Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Dec. 10, 2008 National HR 7321 Automotive Industry Financing Bill Passed - House (237 - 170)
Dec. 4, 2008 MI HB 5117 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - House (68 - 32)
Oct. 1, 2008 National HR 2095 Amtrak Reauthorization Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (74 - 24)
Sept. 26, 2008 National HR 7060 Renewable Energy Credits and Other Business and Individual Credits Bill Passed - House (257 - 166)
Sept. 16, 2008 National HR 6899 Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling and Extending Certain Renewable Energy Tax Credits Bill Passed - House (236 - 189)
Aug. 31, 2008 CA SB 60 Expanding Driver's License Eligibility Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Aug. 31, 2008 CA AB 2321 Metro Sales Tax Increase Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 25)
Aug. 30, 2008 CA SB 375 Global Warming and Land Use Policy Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
Aug. 29, 2008 CA AB 2321 Metro Sales Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
Aug. 29, 2008 CA SB 60 Expanding Driver's License Eligibility Bill Passed - House (41 - 31)
Aug. 25, 2008 CA SB 375 Global Warming and Land Use Policy Bill Passed - House (49 - 22)
Aug. 21, 2008 CA SB 28 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
Aug. 20, 2008 CA AB 2233 Ban on Holding Pets While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
Aug. 13, 2008 CA AB 3034 High-Speed Rail Bond Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (58 - 15)
Aug. 13, 2008 CA SB 28 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - House (52 - 24)
Aug. 7, 2008 CA AB 3034 High-Speed Rail Bond Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
July 24, 2008 National HR 3999 National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act Bill Passed - House (367 - 55)
July 23, 2008 National HR 6532 Restoring the Highway Trust Fund Balance Bill Passed - House (387 - 37)
July 17, 2008 NC HB 2340 Prohibiting Children from Riding in Pickup Truck Beds Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
July 16, 2008 NC SB 1695 Tractor Trailer Length Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 1)
July 15, 2008 NC SB 1695 Tractor Trailer Length Bill Passed - House (101 - 10)
July 9, 2008 VA SB 6009 Transportation Taxes Bill Failed - House (39 - 59)
June 26, 2008 National HR 6052 Public Transportation and Alternative Fuel Grants Bill Passed - House (322 - 98)
June 25, 2008 AZ HB 2156 Reviews for Potential Railroad Sites Concurrence Vote Passed - House (40 - 12)
June 25, 2008 VA SB 6009 Transportation Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
June 25, 2008 PA A 7738 Real ID Biometric Data Bill Failed - House (92 - 108)
June 23, 2008 AZ SB 1167 Off-Highway Vehicle Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 7)
June 23, 2008 AZ HB 2156 Reviews for Potential Railroad Sites Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
June 20, 2008 RI S 2706 Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - House (44 - 12)
June 19, 2008 LA SB 137 Young Drivers Using Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - House (70 - 19)
June 17, 2008 LA HB 852 Banning Cell Phones While Driving Bill Failed - Senate (6 - 27)
June 17, 2008 RI S 2706 Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
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 National HR 6003 Amtrak Reauthorization Bill Passed - House (311 - 104)
May 29, 2008 CA AB 3034 High-Speed Rail Bond Amendments Bill Passed - House (60 - 3)
May 28, 2008 CA AB 2368 CalWORKs Eligibility Bill Passed - House (46 - 33)
May 28, 2008 WI AB 1 Education Line Item Veto Override Veto Override Failed - House (60 - 36)
May 28, 2008 WI AB 1 Education Line Item Veto Override Veto Override Failed - House (57 - 39)
May 27, 2008 IL HB 5288 Expand Use of Red Light Cameras Bill Failed - Senate (26 - 24)
May 19, 2008 LA HB 1312 Drivers Insurance Increase Bill Passed - House (57 - 35)
May 14, 2008 WI AB 1 Budget Repair Plan Conference Report Adopted - House (51 - 46)
May 13, 2008 MN HF 3807 Real ID Prohibition Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 30)
May 13, 2008 MN HF 3807 Real ID Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 16)
May 13, 2008 LA HB 1358 Transporting Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (70 - 17)
May 13, 2008 WI AB 1 Budget Repair Plan Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 16)
May 7, 2008 NY S 7594 Gasoline Tax Holiday Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 15)
May 6, 2008 LA SB 137 Young Drivers Using Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
May 5, 2008 MN Howes Amendment: Gas Tax Holiday Amendment Rejected - House (28 - 102)
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 CA AB 1943 Passenger Rights on Commercial Airlines Bill Passed - House (57 - 17)
April 29, 2008 TN SB 3042 Open Container Law Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
April 24, 2008 FL Amdt 28283 Commuter Trains in Orlando Amendment Rejected - House (54 - 64)
April 24, 2008 AZ HB 2395 Driving and Boating Under the Influence Concurrence Vote Passed - House (35 - 15)
April 21, 2008 MN HF 1351 Transportation Policy Reform Conference Report Adopted - Senate (51 - 11)
April 21, 2008 LA HB 852 Banning Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
April 21, 2008 AZ HB 2395 Driving and Boating Under the Influence Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
April 17, 2008 IL SB 2063 South Suburban Airport Authority Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 7)
April 16, 2008 IA SF 2420 Increasing Vehicle Registration Fees Bill Passed - House (53 - 47)
April 15, 2008 IA S 5355 to SF 2420 State Funding of Road Projects Amendment Rejected - Senate (17 - 32)
April 15, 2008 IA SF 2420 Increasing Vehicle Registration Fees Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
April 14, 2008 MN HF 1351 Transportation Policy Reform Conference Report Adopted - House (88 - 44)
April 14, 2008 ME LD 2304 Driver's License Residency Requirement Bill Passed - House (108 - 29)
April 9, 2008 SC H 4549 Funding Road Repair and Maintenance Bill Passed - House (91 - 9)
April 7, 2008 NE LB 959 Gas Tax Veto Override Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
April 4, 2008 GA SR 845 Regional Transportation Sales Tax Conference Report Adopted - House (134 - 34)
April 4, 2008 GA SR 845 Regional Transportation Sales Tax Conference Report Rejected - Senate (35 - 18)
April 4, 2008 GA HB 978 Vehicle Seizures for Unlicensed Drivers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (115 - 44)
April 4, 2008 GA HB 978 Vehicle Seizures for Unlicensed Drivers Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
April 3, 2008 AZ SB 1167 Off-Highway Vehicle Regulations Bill Passed - House (42 - 13)
April 2, 2008 KY HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 21)
April 2, 2008 KY HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 3)
April 2, 2008 GA HB 257 Limiting Concealed Weapon Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
April 2, 2008 AR SB 1 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - House (82 - 17)
April 2, 2008 KY SB 120 Booster Seat Requirement Bill Passed - House (88 - 8)
April 2, 2008 AR HB 1004 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
April 1, 2008 AR HB 1004 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - House (81 - 16)
April 1, 2008 AR SB 1 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
March 31, 2008 MD SB 269 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - House (89 - 47)
March 31, 2008 GA HB 1158 Motor Vehicle Trauma Care Fee Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
March 28, 2008 ID H 655 Tax Rebate for Road Projects Bill Passed - House (40 - 25)
March 28, 2008 NE LB 959 2007-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
March 27, 2008 ME LD 2012 Prohibiting Smoking in Vehicles with Children Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
March 27, 2008 GA SR 845 Regional Transportation Sales Tax Resolution Passed - House (136 - 35)
March 27, 2008 ID H 680 Community Infrastructure Districts Bill Passed - House (50 - 18)
March 25, 2008 ME LD 2012 Prohibiting Smoking in Vehicles with Children Bill Passed - House (92 - 46)
March 25, 2008 WI AB 1 Budget Repair Plan Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
March 24, 2008 KY HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
March 20, 2008 GA SB 350 Increasing Penalties for Driving Without a License Bill Passed - House (99 - 68)
March 20, 2008 MD SB 2 Banning Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
March 20, 2008 AZ SB 1465 Public-Private Transportation Projects Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 15)
March 20, 2008 KS HB 2936 Capital Improvements Funding Bill Passed - House (87 - 35)
March 20, 2008 KS HB 2947 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (71 - 51)
March 20, 2008 AZ SB 1420 Public Highway Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
March 18, 2008 AZ HB 2427 Pinal County Emissions Testing Bill Failed - House (22 - 37)
March 18, 2008 MD SB 269 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
March 18, 2008 ID H 657 Highway Project Financing Bill Passed - House (47 - 23)
March 14, 2008 MD SB 461 Prohibiting Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Bill Failed - Senate (22 - 21)
Date No. Title Outcome
12/18 ABx1 5 Modifying Transportation Project Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
12/18 ABx1 2 Tax Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
12/10 HR 7321 Automotive Industry Financing Bill Passed - House (237 - 170)
12/04 HB 5117 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - House (68 - 32)
10/01 HR 2095 Amtrak Reauthorization Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (74 - 24)
9/26 HR 7060 Renewable Energy Credits and Other Business and Individual Credits Bill Passed - House (257 - 166)
9/16 HR 6899 Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling and Extending Certain Renewable Energy Tax Credits Bill Passed - House (236 - 189)
8/31 SB 60 Expanding Driver's License Eligibility Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
8/31 AB 2321 Metro Sales Tax Increase Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 25)
8/30 SB 375 Global Warming and Land Use Policy Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
8/29 AB 2321 Metro Sales Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
8/29 SB 60 Expanding Driver's License Eligibility Bill Passed - House (41 - 31)
8/25 SB 375 Global Warming and Land Use Policy Bill Passed - House (49 - 22)
8/21 SB 28 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
8/20 AB 2233 Ban on Holding Pets While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
8/13 AB 3034 High-Speed Rail Bond Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (58 - 15)
8/13 SB 28 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - House (52 - 24)
8/07 AB 3034 High-Speed Rail Bond Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
7/24 HR 3999 National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act Bill Passed - House (367 - 55)
7/23 HR 6532 Restoring the Highway Trust Fund Balance Bill Passed - House (387 - 37)
7/17 HB 2340 Prohibiting Children from Riding in Pickup Truck Beds Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
7/16 SB 1695 Tractor Trailer Length Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 1)
7/15 SB 1695 Tractor Trailer Length Bill Passed - House (101 - 10)
7/09 SB 6009 Transportation Taxes Bill Failed - House (39 - 59)
6/26 HR 6052 Public Transportation and Alternative Fuel Grants Bill Passed - House (322 - 98)
6/25 HB 2156 Reviews for Potential Railroad Sites Concurrence Vote Passed - House (40 - 12)
6/25 SB 6009 Transportation Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
6/25 A 7738 Real ID Biometric Data Bill Failed - House (92 - 108)
6/23 SB 1167 Off-Highway Vehicle Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 7)
6/23 HB 2156 Reviews for Potential Railroad Sites Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
6/20 S 2706 Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - House (44 - 12)
6/19 SB 137 Young Drivers Using Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - House (70 - 19)
6/17 HB 852 Banning Cell Phones While Driving Bill Failed - Senate (6 - 27)
6/17 S 2706 Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
6/12 H 7222 page 5, re: Sec. 3-8-9: Transportation of Alcohol by Minors Bill Passed - House (52 - 14)
6/11 HR 6003 Amtrak Reauthorization Bill Passed - House (311 - 104)
5/29 AB 3034 High-Speed Rail Bond Amendments Bill Passed - House (60 - 3)
5/28 AB 2368 CalWORKs Eligibility Bill Passed - House (46 - 33)
5/28 AB 1 Education Line Item Veto Override Veto Override Failed - House (60 - 36)
5/28 AB 1 Education Line Item Veto Override Veto Override Failed - House (57 - 39)
5/27 HB 5288 Expand Use of Red Light Cameras Bill Failed - Senate (26 - 24)
5/19 HB 1312 Drivers Insurance Increase Bill Passed - House (57 - 35)
5/14 AB 1 Budget Repair Plan Conference Report Adopted - House (51 - 46)
5/13 HF 3807 Real ID Prohibition Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 30)
5/13 HF 3807 Real ID Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 16)
5/13 HB 1358 Transporting Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (70 - 17)
5/13 AB 1 Budget Repair Plan Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 16)
5/07 S 7594 Gasoline Tax Holiday Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 15)
5/06 SB 137 Young Drivers Using Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
5/05 Howes Amendment: Gas Tax Holiday Amendment Rejected - House (28 - 102)
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 AB 1943 Passenger Rights on Commercial Airlines Bill Passed - House (57 - 17)
4/29 SB 3042 Open Container Law Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
4/24 Amdt 28283 Commuter Trains in Orlando Amendment Rejected - House (54 - 64)
4/24 HB 2395 Driving and Boating Under the Influence Concurrence Vote Passed - House (35 - 15)
4/21 HF 1351 Transportation Policy Reform Conference Report Adopted - Senate (51 - 11)
4/21 HB 852 Banning Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
4/21 HB 2395 Driving and Boating Under the Influence Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
4/17 SB 2063 South Suburban Airport Authority Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 7)
4/16 SF 2420 Increasing Vehicle Registration Fees Bill Passed - House (53 - 47)
4/15 S 5355 to SF 2420 State Funding of Road Projects Amendment Rejected - Senate (17 - 32)
4/15 SF 2420 Increasing Vehicle Registration Fees Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
4/14 HF 1351 Transportation Policy Reform Conference Report Adopted - House (88 - 44)
4/14 LD 2304 Driver's License Residency Requirement Bill Passed - House (108 - 29)
4/09 H 4549 Funding Road Repair and Maintenance Bill Passed - House (91 - 9)
4/07 LB 959 Gas Tax Veto Override Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
4/04 SR 845 Regional Transportation Sales Tax Conference Report Adopted - House (134 - 34)
4/04 SR 845 Regional Transportation Sales Tax Conference Report Rejected - Senate (35 - 18)
4/04 HB 978 Vehicle Seizures for Unlicensed Drivers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (115 - 44)
4/04 HB 978 Vehicle Seizures for Unlicensed Drivers Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
4/03 SB 1167 Off-Highway Vehicle Regulations Bill Passed - House (42 - 13)
4/02 HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 21)
4/02 HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 3)
4/02 HB 257 Limiting Concealed Weapon Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
4/02 SB 1 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - House (82 - 17)
4/02 SB 120 Booster Seat Requirement Bill Passed - House (88 - 8)
4/02 HB 1004 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
4/01 HB 1004 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - House (81 - 16)
4/01 SB 1 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
3/31 SB 269 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - House (89 - 47)
3/31 HB 1158 Motor Vehicle Trauma Care Fee Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
3/28 H 655 Tax Rebate for Road Projects Bill Passed - House (40 - 25)
3/28 LB 959 2007-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
3/27 LD 2012 Prohibiting Smoking in Vehicles with Children Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
3/27 SR 845 Regional Transportation Sales Tax Resolution Passed - House (136 - 35)
3/27 H 680 Community Infrastructure Districts Bill Passed - House (50 - 18)
3/25 LD 2012 Prohibiting Smoking in Vehicles with Children Bill Passed - House (92 - 46)
3/25 AB 1 Budget Repair Plan Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
3/24 HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
3/20 SB 350 Increasing Penalties for Driving Without a License Bill Passed - House (99 - 68)
3/20 SB 2 Banning Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
3/20 SB 1465 Public-Private Transportation Projects Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 15)
3/20 HB 2936 Capital Improvements Funding Bill Passed - House (87 - 35)
3/20 HB 2947 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (71 - 51)
3/20 SB 1420 Public Highway Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
3/18 HB 2427 Pinal County Emissions Testing Bill Failed - House (22 - 37)
3/18 SB 269 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
3/18 H 657 Highway Project Financing Bill Passed - House (47 - 23)
3/14 SB 461 Prohibiting Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Bill Failed - Senate (22 - 21)

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