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:
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.
Date | State | Bill No. | Title | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aug. 23, 2010 | NJ | A 2740 | Requiring Review of New Drivers' Program | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12) |
June 21, 2010 | NJ | A 2740 | Requiring Review of New Drivers' Program | Bill Passed - House (57 - 21) |
Jan. 7, 2010 | NJ | A 2762 | Authorizing Reduction of Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Offenses in School Zones | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 30) |
March 16, 2010 | NY | A 7575 | Prohibiting Domestic Violence Offenders from Possessing Firearms | Bill Passed - House (89 - 53) |
April 15, 2010 | WI | AB 106 | Authorizing Sale of Alcohol to 18-20 Year-Olds Under Parental or Spousal Supervision | Bill Passed - House (56 - 41) |
Aug. 24, 2010 | CA | AB 2072 | Informational Pamphlet for Parents of Deaf Children | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11) |
June 1, 2010 | CA | AB 2244 | Prohibiting the Denial of Health Care Coverage for Children with Preexisting Conditions | Bill Passed - House (50 - 25) |
Jan. 28, 2010 | WI | AB 458 | Sex Education Curriculum Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15) |
April 21, 2010 | VA | Amdt 28 | Reducing Funding for Comprehensive Services for At Risk Youth and Families | Amendment Rejected - House (25 - 69) |
March 10, 2010 | IA | Amdt 8381 | Free Self Defense Courses for Domestic Violence Victims | Amendment Rejected - House (44 - 53) |
Jan. 28, 2010 | MA | H 4441 | School Nutrition Standards | Bill Passed - House (152 - 4) |
Feb. 17, 2010 | UT | HB 113 | Child Safety Seat Law Amendments | Bill Failed - House (24 - 47) |
March 3, 2010 | CO | HB 1147 | Requiring Bicycle Helmets for Minors | Bill Passed - House (33 - 32) |
April 28, 2010 | LA | HB 1259 | Prohibiting "Cyber-Bullying" | Bill Passed - House (78 - 16) |
June 16, 2010 | LA | HB 1339 | Increasing Driving Restrictions on Class E License Holders | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13) |
May 12, 2010 | LA | HB 1339 | Increasing Driving Restrictions on Class E License Holders | Bill Passed - House (59 - 34) |
July 8, 2010 | NC | HB 1726 | Child Care Nutrition and Activity Standards | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (99 - 8) |
July 7, 2010 | NC | HB 1726 | Child Care Nutrition and Activity Standards | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 13) |
June 28, 2010 | NC | HB 1726 | Child Care Nutrition and Activity Standards | Bill Passed - House (67 - 46) |
June 29, 2010 | PA | HB 2189 | Defining the Offense of Sexting | Bill Passed - House (163 - 36) |
Feb. 10, 2010 | MS | HB 232 | Novelty Lighter Ban | Bill Passed - House (94 - 25) |
April 8, 2010 | AZ | HB 2650 | Authorizing Extension of Divorce Waiting Period | Bill Failed - House (27 - 28) |
Feb. 15, 2010 | WA | HB 2793 | Legalizing Paid Surrogacy | Bill Passed - House (59 - 39) |
June 16, 2010 | LA | HB 303 | Authorizing Home School Student Athletic Participation | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (82 - 13) |
June 14, 2010 | LA | HB 303 | Authorizing Home School Student Athletic Participation | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10) |
May 26, 2010 | OH | HB 473 | Prohibits Inappropriate Pictures of Minors | Bill Passed - House (86 - 12) |
March 22, 2010 | IL | HB 4886 | Authorizing 4-Day School Week | Bill Passed - House (81 - 21) |
April 27, 2010 | CT | HB 5246 | Domestic Violence Law Amendments | Bill Passed - House (125 - 19) |
May 4, 2010 | CT | HB 5423 | Classroom Experiments and Dissections on Animals | Bill Passed - House (81 - 67) |
April 21, 2010 | IL | HB 5428 | Limiting Adoption Records Disclosure Restrictions for Adoptees | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 16) |
March 18, 2010 | IL | HB 5428 | Limiting Adoption Records Disclosure Restrictions for Adoptees | Bill Passed - House (74 - 39) |
May 13, 2010 | LA | HB 554 | Prohibiting Release on Own Recognizance for Domestic Abuse Suspects | Bill Passed - House (63 - 20) |
Jan. 6, 2010 | NH | HB 569 | Expanding Coverage Requirements for Autism Disorders | Bill Passed - House (213 - 147) |
July 1, 2010 | PA | HB 67 | Driving Law Amendments | Concurrence Vote Failed - House (71 - 126) |
March 16, 2010 | AZ | HCR 2001 | Repealing Early Childhood Development and Health Program | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (17 - 13) |
March 11, 2010 | AZ | HCR 2001 | Repealing Early Childhood Development and Health Program | Joint Resolution Passed - House (31 - 28) |
Jan. 26, 2010 | IA | HF 2110 | Military Spouse Relocation Unemployment Benefits | Bill Passed - House (56 - 44) |
Dec. 18, 2010 | National | HR 2965 | Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (65 - 31) |
Dec. 15, 2010 | National | HR 2965 | Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (250 - 175) |
Sept. 22, 2010 | National | HR 3470 | Infant Mortality Pilot Programs | Bill Passed - House (324 - 64) |
July 1, 2010 | NY | S 1523 | Allowing Unmarried Partners to Adopt a Child | Bill Passed - House (95 - 44) |
June 24, 2010 | NY | S 1523 | Allowing Unmarried Partners to Adopt a Child | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 21) |
July 1, 2010 | NY | S 3890 | Divorce Law Amendments | Bill Passed - House (120 - 20) |
June 15, 2010 | NY | S 3890 | Divorce Law Amendments | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29) |
March 22, 2010 | NJ | S 799 | Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10) |
March 22, 2010 | NJ | S 799 | Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10) |
Feb. 13, 2010 | NM | SB 10 | Limiting Food Tax Deduction to Staple Foods | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 19) |
June 2, 2010 | CA | SB 1088 | Young Adults Health insurance Coverage | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13) |
May 27, 2010 | CA | SB 1255 | Restrictions on Beverages Sold In Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11) |
March 22, 2010 | AZ | SB 1309 | Expanding Parental Consent Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13) |
March 22, 2010 | AZ | SB 1309 | Expanding Parental Consent Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13) |
Aug. 31, 2010 | CA | SB 1317 | Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 13) |
Aug. 31, 2010 | CA | SB 1317 | Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 13) |
Aug. 30, 2010 | CA | SB 1317 | Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy | Bill Passed - House (58 - 17) |
Aug. 30, 2010 | CA | SB 1317 | Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy | Bill Passed - House (58 - 17) |
June 2, 2010 | OH | SB 210 | Establishing Health and Nutrition Standards in Schools | Bill Passed - House (77 - 21) |
May 18, 2010 | OH | SB 210 | Establishing Health and Nutrition Standards in Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7) |
March 27, 2010 | MS | SB 2293 | Allowing "Under-Performing" Schools to Become Charter Schools | Conference Report Adopted - House (85 - 31) |
March 27, 2010 | MS | SB 2293 | Allowing "Under-Performing" Schools to Become Charter Schools | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 11) |
March 25, 2010 | IL | SB 2494 | Funding for School Vouchers | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20) |
Feb. 17, 2010 | NM | SB 26 | Establishing the Domestic Violence Commission | Bill Passed - House (33 - 22) |
Feb. 4, 2010 | NM | SB 26 | Establishing the Domestic Violence Commission | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8) |
May 27, 2010 | IL | SB 3658 | Temporary Sales Tax Holiday | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (42 - 8) |
May 6, 2010 | IL | SB 3658 | Temporary Sales Tax Holiday | Bill Passed - House (65 - 51) |
March 8, 2010 | UT | SB 44 | Extending CHIP and Medicaid Coverage to Children of Documented Immigrants | Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 14) |
March 17, 2010 | KS | SB 447 | Home Child Care Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13) |
Feb. 16, 2010 | VA | SB 464 | Requiring Insurance Coverage of Autism Disorder | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13) |
Feb. 24, 2010 | UT | SB 55 | Authorizing Higher Education Institutions to Authorize Charter Schools | Bill Passed - House (43 - 27) |
April 27, 2010 | IL | SB 615 | Local Food, Farms and Jobs Act | Bill Passed - House (73 - 41) |
March 18, 2010 | IL | SB 615 | Local Food, Farms and Jobs Act | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 16) |
Jan. 12, 2010 | CA | SB 880 | Requiring Snow Sport Helmets for Minors | |
June 1, 2010 | CA | SB 880 | Requiring Snow Sport Helmets for Minors | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13) |
Jan. 6, 2010 | CA | SBx5 1 | Education Law Amendments | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 7) |
Jan. 5, 2010 | CA | SBx5 1 | Education Law Amendments | Bill Passed - House (45 - 17) |
Jan. 6, 2010 | CA | SBx5 4 | Education Law Amendments | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11) |
Jan. 5, 2010 | CA | SBx5 4 | Education Law Amendments | Bill Passed - House (41 - 27) |
March 11, 2010 | IA | SF 2357 | Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 12) |
March 10, 2010 | IA | SF 2357 | Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators | Bill Passed - House (73 - 25) |
March 3, 2010 | WY | SF 61 | Establishing Health Care Demonstration Project | Bill Passed - House (42 - 16) |
Date | No. | Title | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|
8/23 | A 2740 | Requiring Review of New Drivers' Program | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12) |
6/21 | A 2740 | Requiring Review of New Drivers' Program | Bill Passed - House (57 - 21) |
1/07 | A 2762 | Authorizing Reduction of Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Offenses in School Zones | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 30) |
3/16 | A 7575 | Prohibiting Domestic Violence Offenders from Possessing Firearms | Bill Passed - House (89 - 53) |
4/15 | AB 106 | Authorizing Sale of Alcohol to 18-20 Year-Olds Under Parental or Spousal Supervision | Bill Passed - House (56 - 41) |
8/24 | AB 2072 | Informational Pamphlet for Parents of Deaf Children | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11) |
6/01 | AB 2244 | Prohibiting the Denial of Health Care Coverage for Children with Preexisting Conditions | Bill Passed - House (50 - 25) |
1/28 | AB 458 | Sex Education Curriculum Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15) |
4/21 | Amdt 28 | Reducing Funding for Comprehensive Services for At Risk Youth and Families | Amendment Rejected - House (25 - 69) |
3/10 | Amdt 8381 | Free Self Defense Courses for Domestic Violence Victims | Amendment Rejected - House (44 - 53) |
1/28 | H 4441 | School Nutrition Standards | Bill Passed - House (152 - 4) |
2/17 | HB 113 | Child Safety Seat Law Amendments | Bill Failed - House (24 - 47) |
3/03 | HB 1147 | Requiring Bicycle Helmets for Minors | Bill Passed - House (33 - 32) |
4/28 | HB 1259 | Prohibiting "Cyber-Bullying" | Bill Passed - House (78 - 16) |
6/16 | HB 1339 | Increasing Driving Restrictions on Class E License Holders | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13) |
5/12 | HB 1339 | Increasing Driving Restrictions on Class E License Holders | Bill Passed - House (59 - 34) |
7/08 | HB 1726 | Child Care Nutrition and Activity Standards | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (99 - 8) |
7/07 | HB 1726 | Child Care Nutrition and Activity Standards | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 13) |
6/28 | HB 1726 | Child Care Nutrition and Activity Standards | Bill Passed - House (67 - 46) |
6/29 | HB 2189 | Defining the Offense of Sexting | Bill Passed - House (163 - 36) |
2/10 | HB 232 | Novelty Lighter Ban | Bill Passed - House (94 - 25) |
4/08 | HB 2650 | Authorizing Extension of Divorce Waiting Period | Bill Failed - House (27 - 28) |
2/15 | HB 2793 | Legalizing Paid Surrogacy | Bill Passed - House (59 - 39) |
6/16 | HB 303 | Authorizing Home School Student Athletic Participation | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (82 - 13) |
6/14 | HB 303 | Authorizing Home School Student Athletic Participation | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10) |
5/26 | HB 473 | Prohibits Inappropriate Pictures of Minors | Bill Passed - House (86 - 12) |
3/22 | HB 4886 | Authorizing 4-Day School Week | Bill Passed - House (81 - 21) |
4/27 | HB 5246 | Domestic Violence Law Amendments | Bill Passed - House (125 - 19) |
5/04 | HB 5423 | Classroom Experiments and Dissections on Animals | Bill Passed - House (81 - 67) |
4/21 | HB 5428 | Limiting Adoption Records Disclosure Restrictions for Adoptees | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 16) |
3/18 | HB 5428 | Limiting Adoption Records Disclosure Restrictions for Adoptees | Bill Passed - House (74 - 39) |
5/13 | HB 554 | Prohibiting Release on Own Recognizance for Domestic Abuse Suspects | Bill Passed - House (63 - 20) |
1/06 | HB 569 | Expanding Coverage Requirements for Autism Disorders | Bill Passed - House (213 - 147) |
7/01 | HB 67 | Driving Law Amendments | Concurrence Vote Failed - House (71 - 126) |
3/16 | HCR 2001 | Repealing Early Childhood Development and Health Program | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (17 - 13) |
3/11 | HCR 2001 | Repealing Early Childhood Development and Health Program | Joint Resolution Passed - House (31 - 28) |
1/26 | HF 2110 | Military Spouse Relocation Unemployment Benefits | Bill Passed - House (56 - 44) |
12/18 | HR 2965 | Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (65 - 31) |
12/15 | HR 2965 | Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (250 - 175) |
9/22 | HR 3470 | Infant Mortality Pilot Programs | Bill Passed - House (324 - 64) |
7/01 | S 1523 | Allowing Unmarried Partners to Adopt a Child | Bill Passed - House (95 - 44) |
6/24 | S 1523 | Allowing Unmarried Partners to Adopt a Child | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 21) |
7/01 | S 3890 | Divorce Law Amendments | Bill Passed - House (120 - 20) |
6/15 | S 3890 | Divorce Law Amendments | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29) |
3/22 | S 799 | Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10) |
3/22 | S 799 | Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10) |
2/13 | SB 10 | Limiting Food Tax Deduction to Staple Foods | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 19) |
6/02 | SB 1088 | Young Adults Health insurance Coverage | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13) |
5/27 | SB 1255 | Restrictions on Beverages Sold In Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11) |
3/22 | SB 1309 | Expanding Parental Consent Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13) |
3/22 | SB 1309 | Expanding Parental Consent Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13) |
8/31 | SB 1317 | Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 13) |
8/31 | SB 1317 | Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 13) |
8/30 | SB 1317 | Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy | Bill Passed - House (58 - 17) |
8/30 | SB 1317 | Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy | Bill Passed - House (58 - 17) |
6/02 | SB 210 | Establishing Health and Nutrition Standards in Schools | Bill Passed - House (77 - 21) |
5/18 | SB 210 | Establishing Health and Nutrition Standards in Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7) |
3/27 | SB 2293 | Allowing "Under-Performing" Schools to Become Charter Schools | Conference Report Adopted - House (85 - 31) |
3/27 | SB 2293 | Allowing "Under-Performing" Schools to Become Charter Schools | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 11) |
3/25 | SB 2494 | Funding for School Vouchers | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20) |
2/17 | SB 26 | Establishing the Domestic Violence Commission | Bill Passed - House (33 - 22) |
2/04 | SB 26 | Establishing the Domestic Violence Commission | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8) |
5/27 | SB 3658 | Temporary Sales Tax Holiday | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (42 - 8) |
5/06 | SB 3658 | Temporary Sales Tax Holiday | Bill Passed - House (65 - 51) |
3/08 | SB 44 | Extending CHIP and Medicaid Coverage to Children of Documented Immigrants | Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 14) |
3/17 | SB 447 | Home Child Care Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13) |
2/16 | SB 464 | Requiring Insurance Coverage of Autism Disorder | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13) |
2/24 | SB 55 | Authorizing Higher Education Institutions to Authorize Charter Schools | Bill Passed - House (43 - 27) |
4/27 | SB 615 | Local Food, Farms and Jobs Act | Bill Passed - House (73 - 41) |
3/18 | SB 615 | Local Food, Farms and Jobs Act | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 16) |
1/12 | SB 880 | Requiring Snow Sport Helmets for Minors | |
6/01 | SB 880 | Requiring Snow Sport Helmets for Minors | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13) |
1/06 | SBx5 1 | Education Law Amendments | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 7) |
1/05 | SBx5 1 | Education Law Amendments | Bill Passed - House (45 - 17) |
1/06 | SBx5 4 | Education Law Amendments | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11) |
1/05 | SBx5 4 | Education Law Amendments | Bill Passed - House (41 - 27) |
3/11 | SF 2357 | Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 12) |
3/10 | SF 2357 | Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators | Bill Passed - House (73 - 25) |
3/03 | SF 61 | Establishing Health Care Demonstration Project | Bill Passed - House (42 - 16) |