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
April 20, 2006 CT Sub SB 373 Healthy Food and Beverages In Schools Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
Feb. 7, 2006 SD HB 1217 Abstinence-Only Sex Education Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
March 22, 2006 ID H 777 Serving Alcohol in Movie Theaters Bill Failed - House (30 - 38)
April 17, 2006 AZ HB 2696 Adoption Preference for Married Couples Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 13)
June 21, 2006 AZ SB 1430 Children, Child Protective Services Bill Failed - House (29 - 27)
March 16, 2006 AZ SB 1430 Children, Child Protective Services Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
April 27, 2006 CT Sub SB 4 Birth Information for Adult Adoptees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
April 20, 2006 OR SB 5644 Social Services and Education Funding Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
April 20, 2006 OR SB 5644 Social Services and Education Funding Bill Passed - House (57 - 3)
Feb. 28, 2006 WI SJR 53 Constitutional amendment defining marriage between one man and one woman Amendment Adopted - House (62 - 31)
Jan. 25, 2006 VA SB 526 Defining Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
March 7, 2006 VA SB 526 Defining Marriage Bill Passed - House (85 - 12)
April 7, 2006 AR SB 24 Additional Education Funding Act Bill Passed - House (83 - 8)
Jan. 9, 2006 NJ S 2083 Domestic Partner Surviving Rights Bill Passed - House (67 - 8)
Feb. 7, 2006 MS HB 300 Revised Marriage License Requirements Bill Passed - House (66 - 55)
Feb. 28, 2006 CO HB 1212 Allows Pharmacists to Prescribe Emergency Contraception Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
March 31, 2006 CO HB 1212 Allows Pharmacists to Prescribe Emergency Contraception Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
March 29, 2006 CO HB 1249 Authorizing Minors to Approve Perinatal Care for Their Own Pregnancy Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
March 29, 2006 SC Amendment 63 Cigarette Tax Amendment Tabled - House (58 - 53)
March 27, 2006 CO HB 1344 Same-Sex Partnership Benefits Act Bill Passed - House (38 - 27)
April 6, 2006 MO HJR 39 Prayer in Public Schools Joint Resolution Passed - House (134 - 19)
May 4, 2006 DE HB 368 Hunting License Restrictions for Felons Bill Passed - House (21 - 14)
Feb. 28, 2006 IN SB 111 Student Nutrition and Physical Activity Bill Passed - House (72 - 24)
Jan. 19, 2006 IN SB 111 Student Nutrition and Physical Activity Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
Feb. 14, 2006 ID S 1327 Background Checks for Adults Who Work With Children Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
May 15, 2006 LA HB 1379 Procedures for the Granting of a Divorce When There are Minor Children Bill Passed - House (58 - 35)
May 4, 2006 LA HB 1010 Smoking in Motor Vehicles Ban Bill Passed - House (67 - 31)
Feb. 6, 2006 ID HJR 2 Marriage Amendment Ballot Question Bill Passed - House (53 - 17)
Feb. 15, 2006 ID HJR 2 Marriage Amendment Ballot Question Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
March 24, 2006 CO HB 1056 Vending Machines Requirements for Schools Bill Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
Feb. 1, 2006 CO HB 1056 Vending Machines Requirements for Schools Bill Bill Passed - House (36 - 28)
May 11, 2006 CA SB 1437 Sexual Diversity Content in Public School Curriculums Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
Feb. 23, 2006 KS HB 2732 Unattended and Unsupervised Children in Motor Vehicle Safety Act Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
March 7, 2006 HI SB 3102 Student to Teacher Ratio Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 2)
March 9, 2006 AZ HB 2696 Adoption Preference for Married Couples Bill Passed - House (32 - 25)
April 30, 2006 CT LCO # 5227 Estate/Death and Gift Taxes Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (49 - 98)
April 12, 2006 AZ HB 2666 Notarized Parental Consent for Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 20)
April 11, 2006 AZ HB 2666 Notarized Parental Consent for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
May 3, 2006 CO HB 1090 Sexual Abuse Prosecution Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 17)
May 4, 2006 CO HB 1344 Same-Sex Partnership Benefits Act Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
April 17, 2006 CO HB 1375 Public School Finance Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 4)
April 5, 2006 CO HB 1375 Public School Finance Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
Feb. 20, 2006 CO SB 66 Employee Leave for Academic Activities Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
Feb. 2, 2006 VA SB 253 Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 25, 2006 GA SB 382 Child Support Regulation Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 17)
April 27, 2006 CT Sub SB 373 Healthy Food and Beverages In Schools Bill Passed - House (76 - 71)
April 12, 2006 DE SB 251 Full-Day Kindergarten Act Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 2)
Feb. 28, 2006 ID S 1337 Controlled Substances Relating to Pregnant Women & Children Bill Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
Feb. 13, 2006 UT 1SHB 10 Dating Violence Protective Orders Bill Bill Failed - House (36 - 39)
May 18, 2006 MI Amend Probation and Parole Violator Welfare Restriction Amendment Adopted - House (83 - 16)
May 18, 2006 MI Amend Welfare Ineligibility Extension Amendment Adopted - House (56 - 47)
May 18, 2006 MI Amend Welfare Restrictions for Drug Felonys Amendment Adopted - House (86 - 16)
March 1, 2006 UT HB 328 Eliminating The Age Requirement For Hunting Small Game Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
Jan. 27, 2006 UT 1SHB 85 Parental Consent for Minor’s Abortion Bill Bill Passed - House (65 - 8)
Feb. 7, 2006 MS HB 300 - Amendment 1 Marriage Counseling Requirement Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 74)
April 24, 2006 CT Sub SB 4 Birth Information for Adult Adoptees Bill Passed - House (79 - 64)
Feb. 9, 2006 SD HB 1194 Contraceptive Distribution at Public Schools Bill Passed - House (51 - 17)
Feb. 7, 2006 SD H Amdt 1194rf Penalties for School Employees for Dispensing Contraceptives Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (37 - 33)
March 14, 2006 OK HB 2475 Unattended Children in Motor Vehicle Safety Act Bill Failed - House (30 - 67)
Feb. 23, 2006 OK HCS HB 2369 Parental Written Consent Requirement for Minor’s Abortion Bill Passed - House (81 - 12)
April 6, 2006 FL A 990255 Florida KidCare Funding Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (34 - 75)
Feb. 28, 2006 CO HB 1289 Colorado Student Assessment Program Penalty Removal Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
Feb. 9, 2006 MS HB 199 Juvenile Delinquent Program Changes Bill Passed - House (74 - 47)
March 29, 2006 OH Am Sub SB 17 Child Abuse Reporting Requirements and Statute of Limitations Regarding Religious Figures Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
March 29, 2006 OH Am Sub SB 17 Child Abuse Reporting Requirements and Statute of Limitations Regarding Religious Figures Bill Passed - House (77 - 18)
March 8, 2006 KY HB 334 Helmet Requirement for ATV Drivers Under 16 Bill Passed - House (56 - 34)
March 28, 2006 SC Amdt 2B Amendment Outlining Sentencing Guidelines for Those Convicted of Sexual Battery of Children Amendment Adopted - Senate (34 - 4)
June 8, 2006 NC SB 1289 Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Prohibited Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
July 12, 2006 NC SB 1289 Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Prohibited Bill Passed - House (89 - 22)
Aug. 24, 2006 CA AB 2108 Child Booster and Seat Belt Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 28)
May 25, 2006 CA AB 2108 Child Booster and Seat Belt Requirements Bill Passed - House (44 - 30)
Aug. 22, 2006 CA AB 2108 Child Booster and Seat Belt Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
June 14, 2006 LA HB 1379 Procedures for the Granting of a Divorce When There are Minor Children Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 20)
May 31, 2006 CA AB 2205 Food Stamp Eligibility for Medi-Cal Recipients Bill Passed - House (48 - 32)
Aug. 24, 2006 CA AB 2205 Food Stamp Eligibility for Medi-Cal Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
July 20, 2006 NC HB 2699 Early Childhood Vision Care Program Concurrence Vote Passed - House (88 - 15)
July 19, 2006 NC HB 2699 Early Childhood Vision Care Program Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
Aug. 16, 2006 CA AB 1873 Safe Child Surrender Time Limit Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
May 30, 2006 CA SB 1576 Transitional Housing Services for Foster Youth Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
Aug. 28, 2006 CA AB 3029 CalWorks and Food Stamp Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
May 31, 2006 CA AB 3029 CalWorks and Food Stamp Program Bill Passed - House (49 - 31)
Aug. 21, 2006 CA SB 1437 Prohibiting Discriminatory Content in Public School Curriculum Bill Passed - House (47 - 31)
March 15, 2006 MD Amendment 503528 to SB 110 Funding to Family Planning Programs Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (18 - 29)
March 21, 2006 NH HB 1682 Emergency Contraceptives Requirement "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (189 - 118)
March 16, 2006 NH SB 343 Emergency Contraceptives Bill "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
May 24, 2006 NH HB 1331 TANF Revisions Conference Report Adopted - House (182 - 121)
May 4, 2006 NH HB 1331 TANF Revisions Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 8)
May 10, 2006 SC H 4932 South Carolina Child Development Education Two-Year Pilot Program Bill Passed - House (85 - 18)
March 21, 2006 NH CACR 34 Marriage Definition "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (207 - 125)
June 14, 2006 SC H 3726 ATV Use Regulations Veto Override Passed - House (74 - 31)
June 14, 2006 SC H 3726 ATV Use Regulations Veto Override Failed - Senate (19 - 22)
March 9, 2006 NH HB 1492 Emergency Contraceptives and Pharmacists "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (215 - 106)
May 31, 2006 SC S 1267 Death Penalty for Repeat Sex Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - House (84 - 27)
March 28, 2006 MD SB 297 Pharmacists Dispensing Emergency Contraception Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 24)
March 27, 2006 MD Amendment 3929 to SB 297 Prohibiting Requirement of Pharmacist to Dispense Emergency Contraception Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (17 - 28)
June 15, 2006 MD HB 2 Mandatory Sentences and Other Penalties for Sex Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 5)
June 29, 2006 MI Sub for HB 5699 Marital Counseling Bill Passed - House (73 - 32)
Feb. 9, 2006 SD HB 1234 Mandatory Kindergarten Bill Passed - House (52 - 15)
June 6, 2006 PA HB 2381 Marriage Definition Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (136 - 61)
June 21, 2006 PA HB 2381 Marriage Definition Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/20 Sub SB 373 Healthy Food and Beverages In Schools Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
2/07 HB 1217 Abstinence-Only Sex Education Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
3/22 H 777 Serving Alcohol in Movie Theaters Bill Failed - House (30 - 38)
4/17 HB 2696 Adoption Preference for Married Couples Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 13)
6/21 SB 1430 Children, Child Protective Services Bill Failed - House (29 - 27)
3/16 SB 1430 Children, Child Protective Services Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
4/27 Sub SB 4 Birth Information for Adult Adoptees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
4/20 SB 5644 Social Services and Education Funding Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
4/20 SB 5644 Social Services and Education Funding Bill Passed - House (57 - 3)
2/28 SJR 53 Constitutional amendment defining marriage between one man and one woman Amendment Adopted - House (62 - 31)
1/25 SB 526 Defining Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
3/07 SB 526 Defining Marriage Bill Passed - House (85 - 12)
4/07 SB 24 Additional Education Funding Act Bill Passed - House (83 - 8)
1/09 S 2083 Domestic Partner Surviving Rights Bill Passed - House (67 - 8)
2/07 HB 300 Revised Marriage License Requirements Bill Passed - House (66 - 55)
2/28 HB 1212 Allows Pharmacists to Prescribe Emergency Contraception Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
3/31 HB 1212 Allows Pharmacists to Prescribe Emergency Contraception Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
3/29 HB 1249 Authorizing Minors to Approve Perinatal Care for Their Own Pregnancy Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
3/29 Amendment 63 Cigarette Tax Amendment Tabled - House (58 - 53)
3/27 HB 1344 Same-Sex Partnership Benefits Act Bill Passed - House (38 - 27)
4/06 HJR 39 Prayer in Public Schools Joint Resolution Passed - House (134 - 19)
5/04 HB 368 Hunting License Restrictions for Felons Bill Passed - House (21 - 14)
2/28 SB 111 Student Nutrition and Physical Activity Bill Passed - House (72 - 24)
1/19 SB 111 Student Nutrition and Physical Activity Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
2/14 S 1327 Background Checks for Adults Who Work With Children Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
5/15 HB 1379 Procedures for the Granting of a Divorce When There are Minor Children Bill Passed - House (58 - 35)
5/04 HB 1010 Smoking in Motor Vehicles Ban Bill Passed - House (67 - 31)
2/06 HJR 2 Marriage Amendment Ballot Question Bill Passed - House (53 - 17)
2/15 HJR 2 Marriage Amendment Ballot Question Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
3/24 HB 1056 Vending Machines Requirements for Schools Bill Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
2/01 HB 1056 Vending Machines Requirements for Schools Bill Bill Passed - House (36 - 28)
5/11 SB 1437 Sexual Diversity Content in Public School Curriculums Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
2/23 HB 2732 Unattended and Unsupervised Children in Motor Vehicle Safety Act Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
3/07 SB 3102 Student to Teacher Ratio Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 2)
3/09 HB 2696 Adoption Preference for Married Couples Bill Passed - House (32 - 25)
4/30 LCO # 5227 Estate/Death and Gift Taxes Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (49 - 98)
4/12 HB 2666 Notarized Parental Consent for Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 20)
4/11 HB 2666 Notarized Parental Consent for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
5/03 HB 1090 Sexual Abuse Prosecution Bill Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 17)
5/04 HB 1344 Same-Sex Partnership Benefits Act Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
4/17 HB 1375 Public School Finance Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 4)
4/05 HB 1375 Public School Finance Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
2/20 SB 66 Employee Leave for Academic Activities Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
2/02 SB 253 Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/25 SB 382 Child Support Regulation Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 17)
4/27 Sub SB 373 Healthy Food and Beverages In Schools Bill Passed - House (76 - 71)
4/12 SB 251 Full-Day Kindergarten Act Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 2)
2/28 S 1337 Controlled Substances Relating to Pregnant Women & Children Bill Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
2/13 1SHB 10 Dating Violence Protective Orders Bill Bill Failed - House (36 - 39)
5/18 Amend Probation and Parole Violator Welfare Restriction Amendment Adopted - House (83 - 16)
5/18 Amend Welfare Ineligibility Extension Amendment Adopted - House (56 - 47)
5/18 Amend Welfare Restrictions for Drug Felonys Amendment Adopted - House (86 - 16)
3/01 HB 328 Eliminating The Age Requirement For Hunting Small Game Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
1/27 1SHB 85 Parental Consent for Minor’s Abortion Bill Bill Passed - House (65 - 8)
2/07 HB 300 - Amendment 1 Marriage Counseling Requirement Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 74)
4/24 Sub SB 4 Birth Information for Adult Adoptees Bill Passed - House (79 - 64)
2/09 HB 1194 Contraceptive Distribution at Public Schools Bill Passed - House (51 - 17)
2/07 H Amdt 1194rf Penalties for School Employees for Dispensing Contraceptives Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (37 - 33)
3/14 HB 2475 Unattended Children in Motor Vehicle Safety Act Bill Failed - House (30 - 67)
2/23 HCS HB 2369 Parental Written Consent Requirement for Minor’s Abortion Bill Passed - House (81 - 12)
4/06 A 990255 Florida KidCare Funding Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (34 - 75)
2/28 HB 1289 Colorado Student Assessment Program Penalty Removal Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
2/09 HB 199 Juvenile Delinquent Program Changes Bill Passed - House (74 - 47)
3/29 Am Sub SB 17 Child Abuse Reporting Requirements and Statute of Limitations Regarding Religious Figures Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
3/29 Am Sub SB 17 Child Abuse Reporting Requirements and Statute of Limitations Regarding Religious Figures Bill Passed - House (77 - 18)
3/08 HB 334 Helmet Requirement for ATV Drivers Under 16 Bill Passed - House (56 - 34)
3/28 Amdt 2B Amendment Outlining Sentencing Guidelines for Those Convicted of Sexual Battery of Children Amendment Adopted - Senate (34 - 4)
6/08 SB 1289 Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Prohibited Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
7/12 SB 1289 Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Prohibited Bill Passed - House (89 - 22)
8/24 AB 2108 Child Booster and Seat Belt Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 28)
5/25 AB 2108 Child Booster and Seat Belt Requirements Bill Passed - House (44 - 30)
8/22 AB 2108 Child Booster and Seat Belt Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
6/14 HB 1379 Procedures for the Granting of a Divorce When There are Minor Children Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 20)
5/31 AB 2205 Food Stamp Eligibility for Medi-Cal Recipients Bill Passed - House (48 - 32)
8/24 AB 2205 Food Stamp Eligibility for Medi-Cal Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
7/20 HB 2699 Early Childhood Vision Care Program Concurrence Vote Passed - House (88 - 15)
7/19 HB 2699 Early Childhood Vision Care Program Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
8/16 AB 1873 Safe Child Surrender Time Limit Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
5/30 SB 1576 Transitional Housing Services for Foster Youth Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
8/28 AB 3029 CalWorks and Food Stamp Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
5/31 AB 3029 CalWorks and Food Stamp Program Bill Passed - House (49 - 31)
8/21 SB 1437 Prohibiting Discriminatory Content in Public School Curriculum Bill Passed - House (47 - 31)
3/15 Amendment 503528 to SB 110 Funding to Family Planning Programs Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (18 - 29)
3/21 HB 1682 Emergency Contraceptives Requirement "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (189 - 118)
3/16 SB 343 Emergency Contraceptives Bill "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
5/24 HB 1331 TANF Revisions Conference Report Adopted - House (182 - 121)
5/04 HB 1331 TANF Revisions Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 8)
5/10 H 4932 South Carolina Child Development Education Two-Year Pilot Program Bill Passed - House (85 - 18)
3/21 CACR 34 Marriage Definition "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (207 - 125)
6/14 H 3726 ATV Use Regulations Veto Override Passed - House (74 - 31)
6/14 H 3726 ATV Use Regulations Veto Override Failed - Senate (19 - 22)
3/09 HB 1492 Emergency Contraceptives and Pharmacists "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (215 - 106)
5/31 S 1267 Death Penalty for Repeat Sex Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - House (84 - 27)
3/28 SB 297 Pharmacists Dispensing Emergency Contraception Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 24)
3/27 Amendment 3929 to SB 297 Prohibiting Requirement of Pharmacist to Dispense Emergency Contraception Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (17 - 28)
6/15 HB 2 Mandatory Sentences and Other Penalties for Sex Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 5)
6/29 Sub for HB 5699 Marital Counseling Bill Passed - House (73 - 32)
2/09 HB 1234 Mandatory Kindergarten Bill Passed - House (52 - 15)
6/06 HB 2381 Marriage Definition Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (136 - 61)
6/21 HB 2381 Marriage Definition Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 12)

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