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.


results per page:
Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
Feb. 19, 2009 GA SB 42 Transfer of Authority Over State's Public Defender System Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 21)
March 12, 2009 GA HB 23 Age-Specific Ban on Wireless Communication While Driving Bill Passed - House (138 - 34)
March 12, 2009 GA HB 23 Age-Specific Ban on Wireless Communication While Driving Bill Passed - House (138 - 34)
Feb. 25, 2009 GA SB 23 Admissibility of Seat Belt Evidence in Court Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 12)
April 14, 2009 HI SB 777 Requiring Comprehensive Sex Education When Using State Funds Bill Passed - House (44 - 3)
Feb. 23, 2009 HI SB 777 Requiring Comprehensive Sex Education When Using State Funds Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
Feb. 12, 2009 HI HB 444 Legalizing Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (33 - 17)
Feb. 12, 2009 HI HB 444 Legalizing Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (33 - 17)
March 19, 2009 IA SF 389 Health Insurance Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
Feb. 16, 2009 IA SF 137 Wage Discrimination Policy and Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
March 18, 2009 IA HF 243 Gender Requirements for Certain Local Government Positions Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
April 7, 2009 ID H 138 Allowing Lawsuits for Nonnative Species Attacks Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
March 20, 2009 ID H 214 Voluntary Death Certificates for Miscarriages Bill Failed - House (31 - 32)
March 16, 2009 ID S 1089 Eliminating Child Safety Seat Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
May 22, 2009 IL HB 255 Video Gambling in Various Establishments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (86 - 30)
May 20, 2009 IL HB 255 Video Gambling in Various Establishments Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 12)
March 18, 2009 IL HB 442 Expanding Red-Light Traffic Camera Enforcement Bill Passed - House (68 - 47)
March 18, 2009 IL HB 442 Expanding Red-Light Traffic Camera Enforcement Bill Passed - House (68 - 47)
May 30, 2009 IL SB 744 New Casino Authorization Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 28)
April 1, 2009 IL HB 71 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - House (89 - 27)
Feb. 25, 2009 IN HB 1729 Gaming Facility Tax Amendments Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
April 15, 2009 IN HB 1604 Authorizing Local Tax Increases to Fund Sports and Convention Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
Feb. 17, 2009 IN HB 1213 Statewide Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (70 - 26)
Feb. 24, 2009 IN HB 1215 Increasing Traffic Fines to Fund Trauma Centers Bill Passed - House (53 - 42)
March 25, 2009 KS HB 2275 Drug Testing for Cash Assistance Recipients Bill Passed - House (99 - 26)
March 25, 2009 KS HB 2275 Drug Testing for Cash Assistance Recipients Bill Passed - House (99 - 26)
Feb. 19, 2009 KS SB 59 Enforcing Seat Belt Violations as a Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
Feb. 17, 2009 KS SB 25 Statewide Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
March 2, 2009 KY SB 79 Pre-Abortion Ultrasound Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
May 27, 2009 LA Amendment # 1874 Video Draw Poker Device Location Restriction Amendment Adopted - Senate (18 - 16)
May 27, 2009 LA Amdt B-200 Cell Phone Secondary Offense Amendment Adopted - House (56 - 40)
June 18, 2009 LA HB 340 Religious Freedom Constitutional Amendment Concurrence Vote Failed - House (53 - 26)
June 17, 2009 LA HB 499 Seat Belt Law Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 12)
May 27, 2009 LA HB 146 Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)
June 2, 2009 LA HB 639 Motorcycle Helmets Bill Passed - House (64 - 33)
May 12, 2009 LA HB 60 Birth Certificates for Adoption Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
May 12, 2009 LA HB 60 Birth Certificates for Adoption Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
May 12, 2009 LA HB 60 Birth Certificates for Adoption Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
June 16, 2009 LA HB 11 Designating Driver's Licenses for Drug Dealers Bill Failed - House (68 - 23)
June 16, 2009 LA HB 11 Designating Driver's Licenses for Drug Dealers Bill Failed - House (68 - 23)
May 28, 2009 LA HB 834 Education Requirements for Marriage and Family Therapists Bill Passed - House (53 - 40)
June 16, 2009 LA HB 11 Designating Driver's Licenses for Drug Dealers Bill Failed - House (68 - 23)
May 28, 2009 LA HB 834 Education Requirements for Marriage and Family Therapists Bill Passed - House (53 - 40)
May 28, 2009 LA SB 186 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
May 19, 2009 LA HB 517 Health Care Protection Bill Passed - House (82 - 13)
June 3, 2009 MA H Amendment 2 Eliminate Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day Amendment Rejected - House (78 - 78)
Oct. 8, 2009 MA SB 2028 Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness Plan Bill Passed - House (114 - 36)
Nov. 18, 2009 MA S 2210 Sentencing Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
April 13, 2009 MD HB 387 "Lawful Status" Requirements for ID Cards, Vehicle Licenses and Permits Conference Report Adopted - House (76 - 60)
April 13, 2009 MD HB 387 "Lawful Status" Requirements for ID Cards, Vehicle Licenses and Permits Conference Report Adopted - House (76 - 60)
April 13, 2009 MD SB 785 Inheritance Tax Exemption for Domestic Partners Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
April 13, 2009 MD SB 785 Inheritance Tax Exemption for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - House (94 - 38)
April 10, 2009 MD SB 277 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - House (94 - 41)
April 6, 2009 MD HB 302 Allowing Judges to Confiscate Firearms from Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
April 6, 2009 MD HB 302 Allowing Judges to Confiscate Firearms from Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
March 17, 2009 MD HB 302 Allowing Judges to Confiscate Firearms from Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - House (92 - 45)
March 17, 2009 MD HB 302 Allowing Judges to Confiscate Firearms from Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - House (92 - 45)
March 17, 2009 MD HB 359 Handgun Permit Eligibility for Domestic Abuse Victims Bill Failed - House (51 - 86)
March 17, 2009 MD HB 359 Handgun Permit Eligibility for Domestic Abuse Victims Bill Failed - House (51 - 86)
April 2, 2009 MD SB 277 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
April 2, 2009 MD SB 277 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
April 10, 2009 MD SB 277 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - House (94 - 41)
May 20, 2009 ME LD 290 Out-of-State Health Insurance "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 16)
June 3, 2009 ME LD 1329 Resort Casino in Oxford County "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 7)
May 13, 2009 ME LD 290 Out-of-State Health Insurance "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - House (82 - 63)
June 3, 2009 ME LD 1329 Resort Casino in Oxford County "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - House (90 - 55)
June 3, 2009 ME LD 1357 Relating to Driver's License and Identification Card Regulations Veto Override Failed - Senate (7 - 28)
June 3, 2009 ME LD 1357 Relating to Driver's License and Identification Card Regulations Veto Override Failed - Senate (7 - 28)
May 6, 2009 ME LD 1020 Same Sex Marriage Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
May 6, 2009 ME LD 1020 Same Sex Marriage Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
May 5, 2009 ME LD 1020 Same Sex Marriage Bill Bill Passed - House (89 - 57)
May 5, 2009 ME LD 1020 Same Sex Marriage Bill Bill Passed - House (89 - 57)
June 3, 2009 ME LD 1357 Relating to Driver's License and Identification Card Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
June 1, 2009 ME LD 1357 Relating to Driver's License and Identification Card Regulations Bill Passed - House (81 - 56)
June 1, 2009 ME LD 1357 Relating to Driver's License and Identification Card Regulations Bill Passed - House (81 - 56)
June 3, 2009 ME LD 1357 Relating to Driver's License and Identification Card Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
April 8, 2009 ME LD 67 Prohibiting Smoking at State Park Beaches Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
May 20, 2009 MI HB 4836 Hate Crimes Bill Passed - House (66 - 43)
June 24, 2009 MI HB 4476 Health Insurance for Autism Bill Passed - House (83 - 25)
June 24, 2009 MI HB 4183 Health Insurance for Autism Bill Passed - House (84 - 25)
May 20, 2009 MI HB 4836 Hate Crimes Bill Passed - House (66 - 43)
May 26, 2009 MI HB 4377 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (73 - 31)
March 4, 2009 MI HB 4132 School Attendance Amendments Bill Passed - House (71 - 37)
Sept. 30, 2009 MI HB 4437 2009-2010 Department of Corrections Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 14)
Sept. 29, 2009 MI HB 4437 2009-2010 Department of Corrections Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (85 - 23)
Sept. 17, 2009 MI SB 253 2009-2010 Department of State Police Budget Bill Passed - House (68 - 39)
April 2, 2009 MI HB 4455 Mortgage Payment Modifications Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
March 11, 2009 MI HB 4455 Mortgage Payment Modifications Bill Passed - House (74 - 34)
April 16, 2009 MN Limmer Amdt Homosexuality in Education Amendment Rejected - Senate (24 - 37)
April 16, 2009 MN Limmer Amdt Homosexuality in Education Amendment Rejected - Senate (24 - 37)
April 20, 2009 MN Permitting Slot Machines at Race Tracks Amendment Rejected - Senate (25 - 41)
May 4, 2009 MN SF 2081 2010-2011 Economic Development Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 28)
May 5, 2009 MN SF 2081 2010-2011 Economic Development Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 57)
May 18, 2009 MN SF 97 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 28)
May 18, 2009 MN SF 97 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - House (70 - 64)
April 17, 2009 MN SF 971 School Anti-Bullying Policy Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 22)
May 4, 2009 MN SF 97 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 29)
May 8, 2009 MN HF 1231 2010-2011 Cultural and Outdoor Resources Budget Bill Passed - House (78 - 51)
April 17, 2009 MN SF 971 School Anti-Bullying Policy Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 22)
May 18, 2009 MN HF 108 Primary Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - House (73 - 60)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/19 SB 42 Transfer of Authority Over State's Public Defender System Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 21)
3/12 HB 23 Age-Specific Ban on Wireless Communication While Driving Bill Passed - House (138 - 34)
3/12 HB 23 Age-Specific Ban on Wireless Communication While Driving Bill Passed - House (138 - 34)
2/25 SB 23 Admissibility of Seat Belt Evidence in Court Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 12)
4/14 SB 777 Requiring Comprehensive Sex Education When Using State Funds Bill Passed - House (44 - 3)
2/23 SB 777 Requiring Comprehensive Sex Education When Using State Funds Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
2/12 HB 444 Legalizing Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (33 - 17)
2/12 HB 444 Legalizing Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (33 - 17)
3/19 SF 389 Health Insurance Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
2/16 SF 137 Wage Discrimination Policy and Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
3/18 HF 243 Gender Requirements for Certain Local Government Positions Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
4/07 H 138 Allowing Lawsuits for Nonnative Species Attacks Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
3/20 H 214 Voluntary Death Certificates for Miscarriages Bill Failed - House (31 - 32)
3/16 S 1089 Eliminating Child Safety Seat Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
5/22 HB 255 Video Gambling in Various Establishments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (86 - 30)
5/20 HB 255 Video Gambling in Various Establishments Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 12)
3/18 HB 442 Expanding Red-Light Traffic Camera Enforcement Bill Passed - House (68 - 47)
3/18 HB 442 Expanding Red-Light Traffic Camera Enforcement Bill Passed - House (68 - 47)
5/30 SB 744 New Casino Authorization Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 28)
4/01 HB 71 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - House (89 - 27)
2/25 HB 1729 Gaming Facility Tax Amendments Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
4/15 HB 1604 Authorizing Local Tax Increases to Fund Sports and Convention Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
2/17 HB 1213 Statewide Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (70 - 26)
2/24 HB 1215 Increasing Traffic Fines to Fund Trauma Centers Bill Passed - House (53 - 42)
3/25 HB 2275 Drug Testing for Cash Assistance Recipients Bill Passed - House (99 - 26)
3/25 HB 2275 Drug Testing for Cash Assistance Recipients Bill Passed - House (99 - 26)
2/19 SB 59 Enforcing Seat Belt Violations as a Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
2/17 SB 25 Statewide Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
3/02 SB 79 Pre-Abortion Ultrasound Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
5/27 Amendment # 1874 Video Draw Poker Device Location Restriction Amendment Adopted - Senate (18 - 16)
5/27 Amdt B-200 Cell Phone Secondary Offense Amendment Adopted - House (56 - 40)
6/18 HB 340 Religious Freedom Constitutional Amendment Concurrence Vote Failed - House (53 - 26)
6/17 HB 499 Seat Belt Law Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 12)
5/27 HB 146 Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)
6/02 HB 639 Motorcycle Helmets Bill Passed - House (64 - 33)
5/12 HB 60 Birth Certificates for Adoption Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
5/12 HB 60 Birth Certificates for Adoption Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
5/12 HB 60 Birth Certificates for Adoption Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
6/16 HB 11 Designating Driver's Licenses for Drug Dealers Bill Failed - House (68 - 23)
6/16 HB 11 Designating Driver's Licenses for Drug Dealers Bill Failed - House (68 - 23)
5/28 HB 834 Education Requirements for Marriage and Family Therapists Bill Passed - House (53 - 40)
6/16 HB 11 Designating Driver's Licenses for Drug Dealers Bill Failed - House (68 - 23)
5/28 HB 834 Education Requirements for Marriage and Family Therapists Bill Passed - House (53 - 40)
5/28 SB 186 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
5/19 HB 517 Health Care Protection Bill Passed - House (82 - 13)
6/03 H Amendment 2 Eliminate Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day Amendment Rejected - House (78 - 78)
10/08 SB 2028 Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness Plan Bill Passed - House (114 - 36)
11/18 S 2210 Sentencing Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
4/13 HB 387 "Lawful Status" Requirements for ID Cards, Vehicle Licenses and Permits Conference Report Adopted - House (76 - 60)
4/13 HB 387 "Lawful Status" Requirements for ID Cards, Vehicle Licenses and Permits Conference Report Adopted - House (76 - 60)
4/13 SB 785 Inheritance Tax Exemption for Domestic Partners Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
4/13 SB 785 Inheritance Tax Exemption for Domestic Partners Bill Passed - House (94 - 38)
4/10 SB 277 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - House (94 - 41)
4/06 HB 302 Allowing Judges to Confiscate Firearms from Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
4/06 HB 302 Allowing Judges to Confiscate Firearms from Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
3/17 HB 302 Allowing Judges to Confiscate Firearms from Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - House (92 - 45)
3/17 HB 302 Allowing Judges to Confiscate Firearms from Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - House (92 - 45)
3/17 HB 359 Handgun Permit Eligibility for Domestic Abuse Victims Bill Failed - House (51 - 86)
3/17 HB 359 Handgun Permit Eligibility for Domestic Abuse Victims Bill Failed - House (51 - 86)
4/02 SB 277 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
4/02 SB 277 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
4/10 SB 277 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - House (94 - 41)
5/20 LD 290 Out-of-State Health Insurance "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 16)
6/03 LD 1329 Resort Casino in Oxford County "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 7)
5/13 LD 290 Out-of-State Health Insurance "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - House (82 - 63)
6/03 LD 1329 Resort Casino in Oxford County "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - House (90 - 55)
6/03 LD 1357 Relating to Driver's License and Identification Card Regulations Veto Override Failed - Senate (7 - 28)
6/03 LD 1357 Relating to Driver's License and Identification Card Regulations Veto Override Failed - Senate (7 - 28)
5/06 LD 1020 Same Sex Marriage Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
5/06 LD 1020 Same Sex Marriage Bill Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
5/05 LD 1020 Same Sex Marriage Bill Bill Passed - House (89 - 57)
5/05 LD 1020 Same Sex Marriage Bill Bill Passed - House (89 - 57)
6/03 LD 1357 Relating to Driver's License and Identification Card Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
6/01 LD 1357 Relating to Driver's License and Identification Card Regulations Bill Passed - House (81 - 56)
6/01 LD 1357 Relating to Driver's License and Identification Card Regulations Bill Passed - House (81 - 56)
6/03 LD 1357 Relating to Driver's License and Identification Card Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
4/08 LD 67 Prohibiting Smoking at State Park Beaches Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
5/20 HB 4836 Hate Crimes Bill Passed - House (66 - 43)
6/24 HB 4476 Health Insurance for Autism Bill Passed - House (83 - 25)
6/24 HB 4183 Health Insurance for Autism Bill Passed - House (84 - 25)
5/20 HB 4836 Hate Crimes Bill Passed - House (66 - 43)
5/26 HB 4377 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (73 - 31)
3/04 HB 4132 School Attendance Amendments Bill Passed - House (71 - 37)
9/30 HB 4437 2009-2010 Department of Corrections Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 14)
9/29 HB 4437 2009-2010 Department of Corrections Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (85 - 23)
9/17 SB 253 2009-2010 Department of State Police Budget Bill Passed - House (68 - 39)
4/02 HB 4455 Mortgage Payment Modifications Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
3/11 HB 4455 Mortgage Payment Modifications Bill Passed - House (74 - 34)
4/16 Limmer Amdt Homosexuality in Education Amendment Rejected - Senate (24 - 37)
4/16 Limmer Amdt Homosexuality in Education Amendment Rejected - Senate (24 - 37)
4/20 Permitting Slot Machines at Race Tracks Amendment Rejected - Senate (25 - 41)
5/04 SF 2081 2010-2011 Economic Development Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 28)
5/05 SF 2081 2010-2011 Economic Development Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 57)
5/18 SF 97 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 28)
5/18 SF 97 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - House (70 - 64)
4/17 SF 971 School Anti-Bullying Policy Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 22)
5/04 SF 97 Legalizing Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 29)
5/08 HF 1231 2010-2011 Cultural and Outdoor Resources Budget Bill Passed - House (78 - 51)
4/17 SF 971 School Anti-Bullying Policy Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 22)
5/18 HF 108 Primary Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - House (73 - 60)

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