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. 31, 2006 IN SB 145 Vehicle Seizure and Driving While Intoxicated Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
March 22, 2006 KS SB 418 Concealed Weapons Permits Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
March 22, 2006 KS SB 418 Concealed Weapons Permits Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
March 22, 2006 KS SB 418 Concealed Weapons Permits Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
Feb. 9, 2006 KS SB 418 Concealed Weapons Permits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
Feb. 9, 2006 KS SB 418 Concealed Weapons Permits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
Feb. 9, 2006 KS SB 418 Concealed Weapons Permits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
Feb. 22, 2006 SD HB 1215 Abortion Ban Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
Feb. 22, 2006 SD S Amdt 1215cb Exception to Abortion Ban in Cases Where the Health of the Woman is Seriously Threatened Amendment Rejected - Senate (13 - 22)
April 17, 2006 AZ HB 2696 Adoption Preference for Married Couples Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 13)
Feb. 22, 2006 WY SF 36 Open Containers of Alcohol in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
Jan. 27, 2006 MS HB 409 Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 4)
Jan. 27, 2006 MS HB 409 Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 4)
March 2, 2006 IN HB 1099 Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
March 2, 2006 IN HB 1099 Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
April 27, 2006 CT Sub SB 4 Birth Information for Adult Adoptees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
March 30, 2006 NE LB 454 Concealed Handgun Permit Act Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12)
Jan. 31, 2006 VA SB 362 Death Penalty Age Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
Jan. 26, 2006 WI SB 403 Concealed Weapons Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
Jan. 17, 2006 WI SB 403 Concealed Weapons Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
Jan. 27, 2006 WA Sub HB 2661 Expanding the Jurisdiction of the Human Rights Commission Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 23)
Feb. 14, 2006 NM HB 211 Pseudoephedrine as a Controlled Substance Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
April 27, 2006 CA SCR 113 The Great American Boycott 2006 Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
Jan. 25, 2006 VA SB 526 Defining Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
Feb. 7, 2006 MS SB 2511 Parole Eligibility for First-Time Nonviolent Offenders Under Twenty-Five Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
Feb. 7, 2006 MS SB 2511 Parole Eligibility for First-Time Nonviolent Offenders Under Twenty-Five Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
May 2, 2006 HI SB 3262 Smoking Ban Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 3)
March 6, 2006 AZ SB 1273 Border Radar Lease Appropriation Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
April 26, 2006 AZ SB 1425 Prohibition of Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency Veto Override Failed - Senate (19 - 10)
April 26, 2006 AZ SB 1425 Prohibition of Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency Veto Override Failed - Senate (19 - 10)
Feb. 22, 2006 SD S Amdt 1215ca Exceptions to Abortion Ban in Cases of Rape or Incest Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (14 - 21)
April 20, 2006 MN SF 1070 Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 20)
March 10, 2006 CO HB 1125 Seat Belt Enforcement Bill Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
Feb. 14, 2006 ID S 1327 Background Checks for Adults Who Work With Children Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
March 28, 2006 ID H 630 School Grounds - Violence Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
March 28, 2006 ID H 630 School Grounds - Violence Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
April 26, 2006 LA SB 33 Prohibits Abortion Except When Necessary to Save the Life of the Woman Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
April 26, 2006 LA Amdt 1923 Exceptions to Abortion Ban in Cases of Rape or Incest Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (17 - 20)
Feb. 15, 2006 ID HJR 2 Marriage Amendment Ballot Question Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
May 10, 2006 KS HB 2118 Conceal and Carry Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 9)
May 10, 2006 KS HB 2118 Conceal and Carry Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 9)
March 14, 2006 AZ SB 1477 Psychotropic drugs; Testing; Informed Consent Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
May 16, 2006 WI SJR 5 Advisory Referendum on the Death Penalty Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
March 7, 2006 WI SJR 5 Advisory Referendum on the Death Penalty Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
Feb. 28, 2006 IN HB 1028 Firearms and Self-Defense Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
May 3, 2006 CO HB 1315 Juvenile Criminal Parole Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
April 4, 2006 AZ HB 2074 Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
April 11, 2006 AZ HB 2142 Human Eggs; Sale; Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
May 25, 2006 AZ HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 9)
May 16, 2006 AZ HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
April 11, 2006 AZ HB 2649 Firearms; Possession; Storage Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
May 3, 2006 CO HB 1090 Sexual Abuse Prosecution Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 17)
March 6, 2006 AZ SB 1425 Prohibition of Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency. Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 3)
March 6, 2006 AZ SB 1425 Prohibition of Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency. Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 3)
March 16, 2006 CO HB 1175 Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
Feb. 28, 2006 CO HB 1175 Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
May 4, 2006 CO HB 1344 Same-Sex Partnership Benefits Act Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
Feb. 2, 2006 VA SB 253 Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 24, 2006 IN SB 88 Seat Belt Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
March 14, 2006 IN HB 1099 Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 16)
March 14, 2006 IN HB 1099 Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 16)
Jan. 23, 2006 SD SB 1 Mandatory Bodily Substance Samples in Drunk Driving Arrests Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
Jan. 23, 2006 SD SB 1 Mandatory Bodily Substance Samples in Drunk Driving Arrests Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
March 28, 2006 MD SB 539 Hate Crimes Against Homeless Persons Bill Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 25)
March 28, 2006 MD SB 539 Hate Crimes Against Homeless Persons Bill Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 25)
March 27, 2006 MD SB 539 Hate Crimes Against Homeless Persons Bill Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 22)
March 27, 2006 MD SB 539 Hate Crimes Against Homeless Persons Bill Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 22)
May 24, 2006 MI Sub for HB 5192 Hunting License Program and Firearms Age Restriction Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
Feb. 28, 2006 ID S 1337 Controlled Substances Relating to Pregnant Women & Children Bill Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
Feb. 28, 2006 ID S 1337 Controlled Substances Relating to Pregnant Women & Children Bill Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
May 23, 2006 LA SB 347 Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 24)
April 6, 2006 NH HB 1177 Smoking Ban "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (12 - 11)
March 2, 2006 GA SCS SB 396 Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 13)
March 2, 2006 GA SCS SB 396 Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 13)
March 2, 2006 GA SCS SB 396 Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 13)
Date No. Title Outcome
1/31 SB 145 Vehicle Seizure and Driving While Intoxicated Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
3/22 SB 418 Concealed Weapons Permits Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
3/22 SB 418 Concealed Weapons Permits Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
3/22 SB 418 Concealed Weapons Permits Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
2/09 SB 418 Concealed Weapons Permits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
2/09 SB 418 Concealed Weapons Permits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
2/09 SB 418 Concealed Weapons Permits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
2/22 HB 1215 Abortion Ban Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
2/22 S Amdt 1215cb Exception to Abortion Ban in Cases Where the Health of the Woman is Seriously Threatened Amendment Rejected - Senate (13 - 22)
4/17 HB 2696 Adoption Preference for Married Couples Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 13)
2/22 SF 36 Open Containers of Alcohol in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
1/27 HB 409 Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 4)
1/27 HB 409 Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 4)
3/02 HB 1099 Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
3/02 HB 1099 Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
4/27 Sub SB 4 Birth Information for Adult Adoptees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
3/30 LB 454 Concealed Handgun Permit Act Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12)
1/31 SB 362 Death Penalty Age Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
1/26 SB 403 Concealed Weapons Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
1/17 SB 403 Concealed Weapons Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
1/27 Sub HB 2661 Expanding the Jurisdiction of the Human Rights Commission Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 23)
2/14 HB 211 Pseudoephedrine as a Controlled Substance Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
4/27 SCR 113 The Great American Boycott 2006 Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
1/25 SB 526 Defining Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
2/07 SB 2511 Parole Eligibility for First-Time Nonviolent Offenders Under Twenty-Five Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
2/07 SB 2511 Parole Eligibility for First-Time Nonviolent Offenders Under Twenty-Five Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
5/02 SB 3262 Smoking Ban Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 3)
3/06 SB 1273 Border Radar Lease Appropriation Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
4/26 SB 1425 Prohibition of Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency Veto Override Failed - Senate (19 - 10)
4/26 SB 1425 Prohibition of Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency Veto Override Failed - Senate (19 - 10)
2/22 S Amdt 1215ca Exceptions to Abortion Ban in Cases of Rape or Incest Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (14 - 21)
4/20 SF 1070 Seat Belt Law Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 20)
3/10 HB 1125 Seat Belt Enforcement Bill Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
2/14 S 1327 Background Checks for Adults Who Work With Children Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
3/28 H 630 School Grounds - Violence Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
3/28 H 630 School Grounds - Violence Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
4/26 SB 33 Prohibits Abortion Except When Necessary to Save the Life of the Woman Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
4/26 Amdt 1923 Exceptions to Abortion Ban in Cases of Rape or Incest Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (17 - 20)
2/15 HJR 2 Marriage Amendment Ballot Question Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
5/10 HB 2118 Conceal and Carry Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 9)
5/10 HB 2118 Conceal and Carry Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 9)
3/14 SB 1477 Psychotropic drugs; Testing; Informed Consent Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
5/16 SJR 5 Advisory Referendum on the Death Penalty Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
3/07 SJR 5 Advisory Referendum on the Death Penalty Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
2/28 HB 1028 Firearms and Self-Defense Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
5/03 HB 1315 Juvenile Criminal Parole Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
4/04 HB 2074 Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
4/11 HB 2142 Human Eggs; Sale; Prohibition Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
5/25 HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 9)
5/16 HB 2577 Immigration Law; Employment; Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
4/11 HB 2649 Firearms; Possession; Storage Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
5/03 HB 1090 Sexual Abuse Prosecution Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 17)
3/06 SB 1425 Prohibition of Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency. Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 3)
3/06 SB 1425 Prohibition of Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency. Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 3)
3/16 HB 1175 Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
2/28 HB 1175 Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
5/04 HB 1344 Same-Sex Partnership Benefits Act Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
2/02 SB 253 Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/24 SB 88 Seat Belt Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
3/14 HB 1099 Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 16)
3/14 HB 1099 Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 16)
1/23 SB 1 Mandatory Bodily Substance Samples in Drunk Driving Arrests Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
1/23 SB 1 Mandatory Bodily Substance Samples in Drunk Driving Arrests Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
3/28 SB 539 Hate Crimes Against Homeless Persons Bill Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 25)
3/28 SB 539 Hate Crimes Against Homeless Persons Bill Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 25)
3/27 SB 539 Hate Crimes Against Homeless Persons Bill Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 22)
3/27 SB 539 Hate Crimes Against Homeless Persons Bill Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 22)
5/24 Sub for HB 5192 Hunting License Program and Firearms Age Restriction Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
2/28 S 1337 Controlled Substances Relating to Pregnant Women & Children Bill Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
2/28 S 1337 Controlled Substances Relating to Pregnant Women & Children Bill Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
5/23 SB 347 Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 24)
4/06 HB 1177 Smoking Ban "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (12 - 11)
3/02 SCS SB 396 Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 13)
3/02 SCS SB 396 Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 13)
3/02 SCS SB 396 Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 13)

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