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, 2009 MN Permitting Slot Machines at Race Tracks Amendment Rejected - Senate (25 - 41)
March 23, 2009 VT Same-Sex Marriage Ballot Question Amendment Rejected - Senate (11 - 19)
April 27, 2009 MN Ban on State Funds for Abortions Amendment Rejected - Senate (26 - 39)
April 2, 2009 NY A 156-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 30)
March 31, 2009 NY A 156-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (91 - 56)
March 31, 2009 NY A 157-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (85 - 61)
April 3, 2009 NY A 157-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 30)
April 3, 2009 NY A 158-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 30)
March 31, 2009 NY A 158-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (88 - 59)
March 31, 2009 NY A 159-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (86 - 59)
April 3, 2009 NY A 159-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 30)
Feb. 3, 2009 NY A 163-A 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (102 - 44)
Feb. 3, 2009 NY A 163-A 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
May 21, 2009 NJ A 1645 Requiring Qualified Purchasing Agents Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 26)
Feb. 2, 2009 NY A 1688 Expanding Local Control Over Rent Laws Bill Passed - House (94 - 49)
May 21, 2009 NJ A 2451 Vote by Mail Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 29)
May 21, 2009 NJ A 2451 Vote by Mail Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
June 25, 2009 NJ A 3101 Creating Homelessness Trust Funds Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 27)
June 18, 2009 NJ A 3101 Creating Homelessness Trust Funds Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
June 25, 2009 NJ A 3901 Issuing Bonds for Conservation and Preservation Purposes Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
May 21, 2009 NJ A 3902 Election Requirements for Lieutenant Governor Bill Passed - House (45 - 29)
May 21, 2009 NJ A 3902 Election Requirements for Lieutenant Governor Bill Passed - House (45 - 29)
Dec. 2, 2009 NY A 40022 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 3)
Dec. 2, 2009 NY A 40022 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (106 - 32)
June 25, 2009 NJ A 4048 2009 Economic Package Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
June 25, 2009 NJ A 4048 2009 Economic Package Bill Passed - House (50 - 27)
June 25, 2009 NJ A 4100 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - House (45 - 34)
June 25, 2009 NJ A 4100 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
June 25, 2009 NJ A 4111 State Employee Wage Increases Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
June 25, 2009 NJ A 4111 State Employee Wage Increases Bill Passed - House (47 - 29)
June 25, 2009 NJ A4141 Eliminating Non-Operating School Districts Bill Passed - House (63 - 14)
June 25, 2009 NJ A4141 Eliminating Non-Operating School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
June 3, 2009 NY A 8501 Government Consolidation Bill Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 16)
June 1, 2009 NY A 8501 Government Consolidation Bill Bill Passed - House (118 - 26)
June 1, 2009 NY A 8501 Government Consolidation Bill Bill Passed - House (118 - 26)
June 3, 2009 NY A 8501 Government Consolidation Bill Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 16)
June 17, 2009 NY A 8903-A Extending City Board Jurisdiction Over New York City Schools Bill Passed - House (129 - 18)
Aug. 6, 2009 NY A 8903-A Extending City Board Jurisdiction Over New York City Schools Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 8)
Jan. 27, 2009 WI AB 1 Wisconsin-Based Products and Services Purchasing Goals Bill Passed - House (77 - 22)
Sept. 22, 2009 WI AB 138 Board Appointment of the Secretary of Natural Resources Bill Passed - House (61 - 32)
Sept. 2, 2009 CA AB 1422 Medi-Cal and Healthy Families Program Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
June 3, 2009 CA AB 155 Local Government Bankruptcy Restrictions Bill Passed - House (47 - 25)
Jan. 27, 2009 WI AB 2 Mandatory State Contracting with Domestic Companies Bill Passed - House (69 - 30)
Sept. 10, 2009 CA AB 2 Health Care Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 26)
Sept. 8, 2009 CA AB 2 Health Care Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
April 21, 2009 NV AB 413 Presidential Election By National Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
June 1, 2009 NV AB 458 Establishing the K-12 Public Education Stabilization Account Veto Override Failed - Senate (12 - 9)
May 30, 2009 NV AB 458 Establishing the K-12 Public Education Stabilization Account Veto Override Passed - House (36 - 5)
April 20, 2009 NV AB 495 Removing Medical Malpractice Award Cap Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
May 31, 2009 NV AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
May 31, 2009 NV AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
May 29, 2009 NV AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - House (33 - 9)
May 29, 2009 NV AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - House (33 - 9)
June 26, 2009 WI AB 75 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (51 - 46)
June 25, 2009 WI AB 75 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 15)
June 17, 2009 WI AB 75 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
June 11, 2009 WI AB 75 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (50 - 48)
Sept. 4, 2009 CA AB 793 Clarifying Statute of Limitations for Wage Discrimination Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Aug. 20, 2009 CA ABx3 14 Correctional Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 19, 2009 CA ABx3 3 Tax Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
June 28, 2009 CA ABx3 39 Tax Law Amendments (2009-2010 Budget Financing) Bill Passed - House (44 - 31)
July 23, 2009 CA ABX4 1 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 23)
July 23, 2009 CA ABX4 1 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 14 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 25)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 14 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 25)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 14 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 14 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 15 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Implementing Prop 1A Suspension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 14)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 15 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Implementing Prop 1A Suspension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 14)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 15 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Implementing Prop 1A Suspension Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 15 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Implementing Prop 1A Suspension Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 19 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: In-Home Supportive Services Fraud Concurrence Vote Passed - House (42 - 33)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 19 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: In-Home Supportive Services Fraud Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 2 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Education Revisions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (55 - 18)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 2 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Education Revisions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 23 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Oil Drilling Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 26 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Shifting Redevelopment Funds Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 31)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 26 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Shifting Redevelopment Funds Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 31)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 26 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Shifting Redevelopment Funds Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 26 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Shifting Redevelopment Funds Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 30 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Transfer of Local Government Revenue Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
July 24, 2009 CA ABX4 30 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Transfer of Local Government Revenue Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Dec. 10, 2009 CA ABx5 8 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (48 - 25)
Feb. 20, 2009 VT Ainsworth Amdt Legislative Pay Cut Amendment Rejected - House (50 - 88)
Feb. 20, 2009 VT Ainsworth Amdt Legislative Pay Cut Amendment Rejected - House (50 - 88)
Jan. 30, 2009 WY Amdt 2002 to HB 31 Allowing Counties and Municipalities to Opt Out of Smoking Ban Amendment Adopted - House (41 - 18)
April 29, 2009 FL Amdt 337171 Expanding Unemployment Benefits Eligibility Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 71)
April 30, 2009 FL Amdt 626368 Liability Insurance Related to SunRail Commuter Line Motion Rejected - Senate (17 - 23)
March 26, 2009 FL Amdt 677495 Amendments to Attorney Fee Cap in Workers Compensation Lawsuits Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 69)
June 22, 2009 LA Amendment # B-480 Making Records of the Governor Public Amendment Rejected - House (47 - 50)
June 22, 2009 LA Amendment # B-483 Shortening the Period Before Budget Records are Public Amendment Rejected - House (48 - 54)
June 22, 2009 LA Amendment # B-483 Shortening the Period Before Budget Records are Public Amendment Rejected - House (48 - 54)
April 9, 2009 ID H 135 Fuel Tax for Highway Maintenance Bill Failed - House (32 - 37)
April 7, 2009 ID H 138 Allowing Lawsuits for Nonnative Species Attacks Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
April 3, 2009 ID H 173 Restricting Eligibility for State Retiree Health Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Feb. 24, 2009 ID H 173 Restricting Eligibility for State Retiree Health Benefits Bill Passed - House (59 - 11)
March 20, 2009 ID H 214 Voluntary Death Certificates for Miscarriages Bill Failed - House (31 - 32)
March 19, 2009 ID H 246 Gasoline Tax Increase Bill Failed - House (27 - 43)
April 21, 2009 ID H 262 Teacher Compensation Adjustments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
March 26, 2009 ID H 262 Teacher Compensation Adjustments Bill Passed - House (49 - 20)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/20 Permitting Slot Machines at Race Tracks Amendment Rejected - Senate (25 - 41)
3/23 Same-Sex Marriage Ballot Question Amendment Rejected - Senate (11 - 19)
4/27 Ban on State Funds for Abortions Amendment Rejected - Senate (26 - 39)
4/02 A 156-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 30)
3/31 A 156-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (91 - 56)
3/31 A 157-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (85 - 61)
4/03 A 157-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 30)
4/03 A 158-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 30)
3/31 A 158-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (88 - 59)
3/31 A 159-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - House (86 - 59)
4/03 A 159-B Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 30)
2/03 A 163-A 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (102 - 44)
2/03 A 163-A 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
5/21 A 1645 Requiring Qualified Purchasing Agents Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 26)
2/02 A 1688 Expanding Local Control Over Rent Laws Bill Passed - House (94 - 49)
5/21 A 2451 Vote by Mail Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 29)
5/21 A 2451 Vote by Mail Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
6/25 A 3101 Creating Homelessness Trust Funds Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 27)
6/18 A 3101 Creating Homelessness Trust Funds Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
6/25 A 3901 Issuing Bonds for Conservation and Preservation Purposes Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
5/21 A 3902 Election Requirements for Lieutenant Governor Bill Passed - House (45 - 29)
5/21 A 3902 Election Requirements for Lieutenant Governor Bill Passed - House (45 - 29)
12/02 A 40022 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 3)
12/02 A 40022 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (106 - 32)
6/25 A 4048 2009 Economic Package Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
6/25 A 4048 2009 Economic Package Bill Passed - House (50 - 27)
6/25 A 4100 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - House (45 - 34)
6/25 A 4100 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
6/25 A 4111 State Employee Wage Increases Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
6/25 A 4111 State Employee Wage Increases Bill Passed - House (47 - 29)
6/25 A4141 Eliminating Non-Operating School Districts Bill Passed - House (63 - 14)
6/25 A4141 Eliminating Non-Operating School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
6/03 A 8501 Government Consolidation Bill Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 16)
6/01 A 8501 Government Consolidation Bill Bill Passed - House (118 - 26)
6/01 A 8501 Government Consolidation Bill Bill Passed - House (118 - 26)
6/03 A 8501 Government Consolidation Bill Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 16)
6/17 A 8903-A Extending City Board Jurisdiction Over New York City Schools Bill Passed - House (129 - 18)
8/06 A 8903-A Extending City Board Jurisdiction Over New York City Schools Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 8)
1/27 AB 1 Wisconsin-Based Products and Services Purchasing Goals Bill Passed - House (77 - 22)
9/22 AB 138 Board Appointment of the Secretary of Natural Resources Bill Passed - House (61 - 32)
9/02 AB 1422 Medi-Cal and Healthy Families Program Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
6/03 AB 155 Local Government Bankruptcy Restrictions Bill Passed - House (47 - 25)
1/27 AB 2 Mandatory State Contracting with Domestic Companies Bill Passed - House (69 - 30)
9/10 AB 2 Health Care Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 26)
9/08 AB 2 Health Care Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
4/21 AB 413 Presidential Election By National Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
6/01 AB 458 Establishing the K-12 Public Education Stabilization Account Veto Override Failed - Senate (12 - 9)
5/30 AB 458 Establishing the K-12 Public Education Stabilization Account Veto Override Passed - House (36 - 5)
4/20 AB 495 Removing Medical Malpractice Award Cap Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
5/31 AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
5/31 AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
5/29 AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - House (33 - 9)
5/29 AB 543 Property Tax Reappropriation Veto Override Passed - House (33 - 9)
6/26 AB 75 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (51 - 46)
6/25 AB 75 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 15)
6/17 AB 75 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
6/11 AB 75 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (50 - 48)
9/04 AB 793 Clarifying Statute of Limitations for Wage Discrimination Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
8/20 ABx3 14 Correctional Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/19 ABx3 3 Tax Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
6/28 ABx3 39 Tax Law Amendments (2009-2010 Budget Financing) Bill Passed - House (44 - 31)
7/23 ABX4 1 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 23)
7/23 ABX4 1 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
7/24 ABX4 14 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 25)
7/24 ABX4 14 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 25)
7/24 ABX4 14 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
7/24 ABX4 14 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
7/24 ABX4 15 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Implementing Prop 1A Suspension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 14)
7/24 ABX4 15 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Implementing Prop 1A Suspension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 14)
7/24 ABX4 15 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Implementing Prop 1A Suspension Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
7/24 ABX4 15 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Implementing Prop 1A Suspension Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
7/24 ABX4 19 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: In-Home Supportive Services Fraud Concurrence Vote Passed - House (42 - 33)
7/24 ABX4 19 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: In-Home Supportive Services Fraud Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
7/24 ABX4 2 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Education Revisions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (55 - 18)
7/24 ABX4 2 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Education Revisions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
7/24 ABX4 23 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Oil Drilling Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
7/24 ABX4 26 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Shifting Redevelopment Funds Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 31)
7/24 ABX4 26 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Shifting Redevelopment Funds Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 31)
7/24 ABX4 26 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Shifting Redevelopment Funds Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
7/24 ABX4 26 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Shifting Redevelopment Funds Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
7/24 ABX4 30 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Transfer of Local Government Revenue Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
7/24 ABX4 30 Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Revisions: Transfer of Local Government Revenue Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
12/10 ABx5 8 Education Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (48 - 25)
2/20 Ainsworth Amdt Legislative Pay Cut Amendment Rejected - House (50 - 88)
2/20 Ainsworth Amdt Legislative Pay Cut Amendment Rejected - House (50 - 88)
1/30 Amdt 2002 to HB 31 Allowing Counties and Municipalities to Opt Out of Smoking Ban Amendment Adopted - House (41 - 18)
4/29 Amdt 337171 Expanding Unemployment Benefits Eligibility Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 71)
4/30 Amdt 626368 Liability Insurance Related to SunRail Commuter Line Motion Rejected - Senate (17 - 23)
3/26 Amdt 677495 Amendments to Attorney Fee Cap in Workers Compensation Lawsuits Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 69)
6/22 Amendment # B-480 Making Records of the Governor Public Amendment Rejected - House (47 - 50)
6/22 Amendment # B-483 Shortening the Period Before Budget Records are Public Amendment Rejected - House (48 - 54)
6/22 Amendment # B-483 Shortening the Period Before Budget Records are Public Amendment Rejected - House (48 - 54)
4/09 H 135 Fuel Tax for Highway Maintenance Bill Failed - House (32 - 37)
4/07 H 138 Allowing Lawsuits for Nonnative Species Attacks Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
4/03 H 173 Restricting Eligibility for State Retiree Health Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
2/24 H 173 Restricting Eligibility for State Retiree Health Benefits Bill Passed - House (59 - 11)
3/20 H 214 Voluntary Death Certificates for Miscarriages Bill Failed - House (31 - 32)
3/19 H 246 Gasoline Tax Increase Bill Failed - House (27 - 43)
4/21 H 262 Teacher Compensation Adjustments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
3/26 H 262 Teacher Compensation Adjustments Bill Passed - House (49 - 20)

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