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
Nov. 30, 2010 National S Amdt 4697 Prohibiting Earmarks Motion Rejected - Senate (39 - 56)
Nov. 17, 2010 PA HB 101 Education Law Amendments Veto Override Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
Sept. 23, 2010 MI SB 1226 State Retirement Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
Sept. 22, 2010 MI SB 884 Tax Amnesty Period Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
Sept. 21, 2010 MI SB 1152 2010-2011 Department of Community Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 10)
Sept. 20, 2010 NJ S 2139 2010-2011 Supplemental Health Services Budget Veto Override Failed - Senate (23 - 17)
Sept. 15, 2010 MI SB 1151 Community College Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 5)
Sept. 8, 2010 MI HB 6086 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Aug. 25, 2010 CA SB 970 College Vote-by-Mail Drop-Off Locations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
Aug. 5, 2010 National PN 1768 Elena Kagan, Associate Justice Nomination Confirmed - Senate (63 - 37)
Aug. 3, 2010 NY A 9710D 2010-2011 Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 28)
July 27, 2010 MA H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Motion Agreed - Senate (28 - 9)
July 15, 2010 MA H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
July 13, 2010 MO HB 2 Manufacturing Jobs Act Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
July 9, 2010 NC HB 1973 Keep North Carolina Competitive Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 17)
July 9, 2010 NC HB 748 Campaign Financing Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 18)
July 8, 2010 NJ S 29 Reducing the property tax levy cap Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
July 8, 2010 NC HB 1035 Performance and Payment Bond Modification Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
July 3, 2010 PA SB 1042 2010-2011 Budget Implementation and Fiscal Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
June 30, 2010 NC SB 897 2010-2011Operations and Capital Improvement Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 15)
June 30, 2010 PA HB 2279 2010-2011 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
June 29, 2010 PA SR 348 Audit of Methadone Treatment Programs & Medical Assistance Transportation Program Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
June 28, 2010 NY A 9703 2010-2011 Education, Labor, and Family Assistance Budget Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
June 28, 2010 NJ A 3009 Professional Sports Team Specialty License Plates Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
June 28, 2010 NJ S 29 Reducing the property tax levy cap Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
June 28, 2010 NJ S 3000 2010-2011 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
June 28, 2010 NJ S 2139 2010-2011 Supplemental Health Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
June 21, 2010 NY A 9705 2010-2011 Transportation, Economic Development, and Environmental Conservation Budget Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
June 21, 2010 CT HB 5455 Changes to State Transportation Plan Veto Override Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
June 21, 2010 NY A 9709 Omnibus Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
June 21, 2010 NJ SCR 108 Appeal to Governor Against Joining Federal Health Care Lawsuit Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
June 18, 2010 LA HB 1171 Performance Agreements for Colleges and Universities Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
June 16, 2010 MI SR 158 Oil Spill Prevention Plans for Dairy Farmers Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
June 16, 2010 NY S 2165B Allows Mixed Martial Arts Performances and Ultimate Fighting Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
June 14, 2010 NY S 8167 Emergency Appropriation Extension Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 27)
June 10, 2010 RI H 8094 Education Funding Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
June 9, 2010 NH SSHB 1 Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
June 8, 2010 LA SB 432 Oil and Gas Processing Tax Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (6 - 31)
June 7, 2010 LA SB 731 Authorizing Attorney General Contingency Fee Contracts. Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
June 7, 2010 LA SB 731 Authorizing Attorney General Contingency Fee Contracts. Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
June 7, 2010 NY S 8089 Emergency Appropriation Extension Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 26)
June 3, 2010 LA SB 593 Governor's Office Records Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 24)
June 3, 2010 SC H 4657 2010-2011 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 16)
June 2, 2010 NH HB 1459 Campaign Finance Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
June 2, 2010 LA SB 1 Deposits and Transfers Regarding the Budget Stabilization Fund Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
May 28, 2010 NY A 11308 Emergency State Parks Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 27)
May 27, 2010 IL SB 3658 Temporary Sales Tax Holiday Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (42 - 8)
May 27, 2010 IL SB 3660 Emergency Budget Act of Fiscal Year 2011 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 23)
May 27, 2010 NC SB 704 School Change Models Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
May 27, 2010 NC SB 704 School Change Models Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
May 27, 2010 IL SB 3660 Emergency Budget Act of Fiscal Year 2011 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 23)
May 26, 2010 LA Amdt 4002 Requires Department of Education Employees Evaluation Amendment Adopted - Senate (20 - 19)
May 25, 2010 OH Collins-Taylor Nomination of Cathy Collin-Taylor as Director of the Department of Public Safety Nomination Rejected - Senate (15 - 18)
May 25, 2010 LA SB 293 Establishes and Implements an Agency Attrition Analysis Process Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
May 24, 2010 OK HJR 1056 Prohibits Use of International and Sharia Law in State Courts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 2)
May 21, 2010 OK HJR 1054 Prohibiting Federal Health Care Mandates Veto Override Failed - Senate (29 - 16)
May 20, 2010 NJ A 10 Increasing Income Tax Rate on Income Exceeding $1 Million Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
May 20, 2010 NC SB 897 2010-2011Operations and Capital Improvement Budget Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
May 18, 2010 National S Amdt 4072 Inspector General Appointment Modification Amendment Adopted - Senate (75 - 21)
May 18, 2010 National S Amdt 4071 Amending State Authority to Enforce Consumer Financial Regulations Amendment Adopted - Senate (80 - 18)
May 18, 2010 National S Amdt 4034 Federal Preemption Over State Consumer Financial Laws Amendment Rejected - Senate (43 - 55)
May 18, 2010 National S Amdt 4051 Prohibiting Funding of State and Local Governments to Prevent Defaulting on Debt Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 50)
May 18, 2010 MI HB 5880 2010-2011 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
May 18, 2010 LA Amdt 3107 Advancing Effective Date of Open Primaries for US Congress Elections Amendment Adopted - Senate (23 - 14)
May 17, 2010 MN HF 1 2010-2011 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 14)
May 17, 2010 NY S 7846 Emergency Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
May 13, 2010 SC H 3584 Cigarette Tax Increase Veto Override Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
May 12, 2010 VT H 485 Property Tax and Land Use Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
May 12, 2010 MN SF 341 Domestic Partner Death Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
May 12, 2010 CO HB 1360 Parole Violation Punishment Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
May 12, 2010 CO HB 1409 State Employee Compensation Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
May 11, 2010 CO HB 1408 Criteria for Judicial Determinations of Congressional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
May 11, 2010 CO HB 1408 Criteria for Judicial Determinations of Congressional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
May 11, 2010 CO SB 203 Independent expenditures in Colorado elections Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
May 11, 2010 LA SB 407 Removing Record Check Fee for Class D and E Drivers Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 7)
May 10, 2010 MN HF 2037 2010-2011 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 33)
May 10, 2010 TN HB 270 Citizenship Status for Voting and Registration Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
May 10, 2010 NY S 7777 Emergency Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
May 10, 2010 NY S 7777 Emergency Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
May 7, 2010 IL HB 859 2010-2011 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 26)
May 7, 2010 KS HB 2650 Transportation Works For Kansas Program Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
May 6, 2010 IL SB 642 Public University Borrowing Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 11)
May 6, 2010 KS HB 2360 Kansas Tax Payer Transparency Act Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
May 5, 2010 IL SB 3695 Streetgang-Related Crime Fund Changes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 20)
May 5, 2010 OK SB 1685 Oklahoma Firearms Freedom Act Veto Override Failed - Senate (28 - 16)
May 5, 2010 MN HF 2614 Health and Human Services Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 19)
May 5, 2010 CT HJ 106 Nomination of Laura Flynn Baldini to Judge of the Superior Court Nomination Confirmed - Senate (25 - 9)
May 5, 2010 CT SB 494 Adjustments to State Expenditures Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
May 4, 2010 MO HB 1764 Prohibits Mandatory Participation in a Health Care System Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
May 4, 2010 IL HB 2360 Homeowner's Emergency Assistance Plan Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
April 30, 2010 CT SB 1 Tax Code Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
April 28, 2010 HI HB 2377 Board of Education Selection Advisory Council Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 2)
April 28, 2010 MO HB 2002 2010-2010 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 6)
April 28, 2010 MO HB 2010 2010-2011 Department of Mental Health and Department of Health and Senior Serices Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 10)
April 28, 2010 AZ SCR 1013 Replacing Secretary of State with Lieutenant Governor Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
April 27, 2010 VT SR 17 Requesting Congressional Waiver From Federal Drinking Age Requirement Resolution Passed - Senate (14 - 13)
April 26, 2010 CA Maldonado Nomination Abel Maldonado, Lieutenant Governor Nomination Confirmed - Senate (25 - 7)
April 26, 2010 CA AB 711 Authorizing Loan for East Los Angeles Incorporation Study Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
April 26, 2010 CA AB 711 Authorizing Loan for East Los Angeles Incorporation Study Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
April 23, 2010 CO SB 190 Suspension of Tax Exemption for Seniors Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
Date No. Title Outcome
11/30 S Amdt 4697 Prohibiting Earmarks Motion Rejected - Senate (39 - 56)
11/17 HB 101 Education Law Amendments Veto Override Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
9/23 SB 1226 State Retirement Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
9/22 SB 884 Tax Amnesty Period Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
9/21 SB 1152 2010-2011 Department of Community Health Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 10)
9/20 S 2139 2010-2011 Supplemental Health Services Budget Veto Override Failed - Senate (23 - 17)
9/15 SB 1151 Community College Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 5)
9/08 HB 6086 2009-2010 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
8/25 SB 970 College Vote-by-Mail Drop-Off Locations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
8/05 PN 1768 Elena Kagan, Associate Justice Nomination Confirmed - Senate (63 - 37)
8/03 A 9710D 2010-2011 Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 28)
7/27 H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Motion Agreed - Senate (28 - 9)
7/15 H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
7/13 HB 2 Manufacturing Jobs Act Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
7/09 HB 1973 Keep North Carolina Competitive Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 17)
7/09 HB 748 Campaign Financing Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 18)
7/08 S 29 Reducing the property tax levy cap Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
7/08 HB 1035 Performance and Payment Bond Modification Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
7/03 SB 1042 2010-2011 Budget Implementation and Fiscal Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
6/30 SB 897 2010-2011Operations and Capital Improvement Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 15)
6/30 HB 2279 2010-2011 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
6/29 SR 348 Audit of Methadone Treatment Programs & Medical Assistance Transportation Program Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
6/28 A 9703 2010-2011 Education, Labor, and Family Assistance Budget Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
6/28 A 3009 Professional Sports Team Specialty License Plates Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
6/28 S 29 Reducing the property tax levy cap Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
6/28 S 3000 2010-2011 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
6/28 S 2139 2010-2011 Supplemental Health Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
6/21 A 9705 2010-2011 Transportation, Economic Development, and Environmental Conservation Budget Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
6/21 HB 5455 Changes to State Transportation Plan Veto Override Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
6/21 A 9709 Omnibus Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
6/21 SCR 108 Appeal to Governor Against Joining Federal Health Care Lawsuit Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
6/18 HB 1171 Performance Agreements for Colleges and Universities Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
6/16 SR 158 Oil Spill Prevention Plans for Dairy Farmers Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
6/16 S 2165B Allows Mixed Martial Arts Performances and Ultimate Fighting Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
6/14 S 8167 Emergency Appropriation Extension Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 27)
6/10 H 8094 Education Funding Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
6/09 SSHB 1 Budget Financing Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
6/08 SB 432 Oil and Gas Processing Tax Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (6 - 31)
6/07 SB 731 Authorizing Attorney General Contingency Fee Contracts. Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
6/07 SB 731 Authorizing Attorney General Contingency Fee Contracts. Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
6/07 S 8089 Emergency Appropriation Extension Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 26)
6/03 SB 593 Governor's Office Records Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 24)
6/03 H 4657 2010-2011 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 16)
6/02 HB 1459 Campaign Finance Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
6/02 SB 1 Deposits and Transfers Regarding the Budget Stabilization Fund Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
5/28 A 11308 Emergency State Parks Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 27)
5/27 SB 3658 Temporary Sales Tax Holiday Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (42 - 8)
5/27 SB 3660 Emergency Budget Act of Fiscal Year 2011 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 23)
5/27 SB 704 School Change Models Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
5/27 SB 704 School Change Models Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
5/27 SB 3660 Emergency Budget Act of Fiscal Year 2011 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 23)
5/26 Amdt 4002 Requires Department of Education Employees Evaluation Amendment Adopted - Senate (20 - 19)
5/25 Collins-Taylor Nomination of Cathy Collin-Taylor as Director of the Department of Public Safety Nomination Rejected - Senate (15 - 18)
5/25 SB 293 Establishes and Implements an Agency Attrition Analysis Process Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
5/24 HJR 1056 Prohibits Use of International and Sharia Law in State Courts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 2)
5/21 HJR 1054 Prohibiting Federal Health Care Mandates Veto Override Failed - Senate (29 - 16)
5/20 A 10 Increasing Income Tax Rate on Income Exceeding $1 Million Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
5/20 SB 897 2010-2011Operations and Capital Improvement Budget Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
5/18 S Amdt 4072 Inspector General Appointment Modification Amendment Adopted - Senate (75 - 21)
5/18 S Amdt 4071 Amending State Authority to Enforce Consumer Financial Regulations Amendment Adopted - Senate (80 - 18)
5/18 S Amdt 4034 Federal Preemption Over State Consumer Financial Laws Amendment Rejected - Senate (43 - 55)
5/18 S Amdt 4051 Prohibiting Funding of State and Local Governments to Prevent Defaulting on Debt Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 50)
5/18 HB 5880 2010-2011 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
5/18 Amdt 3107 Advancing Effective Date of Open Primaries for US Congress Elections Amendment Adopted - Senate (23 - 14)
5/17 HF 1 2010-2011 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 14)
5/17 S 7846 Emergency Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
5/13 H 3584 Cigarette Tax Increase Veto Override Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
5/12 H 485 Property Tax and Land Use Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
5/12 SF 341 Domestic Partner Death Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (41 - 24)
5/12 HB 1360 Parole Violation Punishment Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
5/12 HB 1409 State Employee Compensation Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
5/11 HB 1408 Criteria for Judicial Determinations of Congressional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
5/11 HB 1408 Criteria for Judicial Determinations of Congressional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
5/11 SB 203 Independent expenditures in Colorado elections Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
5/11 SB 407 Removing Record Check Fee for Class D and E Drivers Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 7)
5/10 HF 2037 2010-2011 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 33)
5/10 HB 270 Citizenship Status for Voting and Registration Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
5/10 S 7777 Emergency Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
5/10 S 7777 Emergency Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
5/07 HB 859 2010-2011 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 26)
5/07 HB 2650 Transportation Works For Kansas Program Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
5/06 SB 642 Public University Borrowing Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 11)
5/06 HB 2360 Kansas Tax Payer Transparency Act Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
5/05 SB 3695 Streetgang-Related Crime Fund Changes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 20)
5/05 SB 1685 Oklahoma Firearms Freedom Act Veto Override Failed - Senate (28 - 16)
5/05 HF 2614 Health and Human Services Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 19)
5/05 HJ 106 Nomination of Laura Flynn Baldini to Judge of the Superior Court Nomination Confirmed - Senate (25 - 9)
5/05 SB 494 Adjustments to State Expenditures Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
5/04 HB 1764 Prohibits Mandatory Participation in a Health Care System Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
5/04 HB 2360 Homeowner's Emergency Assistance Plan Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
4/30 SB 1 Tax Code Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
4/28 HB 2377 Board of Education Selection Advisory Council Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 2)
4/28 HB 2002 2010-2010 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 6)
4/28 HB 2010 2010-2011 Department of Mental Health and Department of Health and Senior Serices Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 10)
4/28 SCR 1013 Replacing Secretary of State with Lieutenant Governor Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
4/27 SR 17 Requesting Congressional Waiver From Federal Drinking Age Requirement Resolution Passed - Senate (14 - 13)
4/26 Maldonado Nomination Abel Maldonado, Lieutenant Governor Nomination Confirmed - Senate (25 - 7)
4/26 AB 711 Authorizing Loan for East Los Angeles Incorporation Study Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
4/26 AB 711 Authorizing Loan for East Los Angeles Incorporation Study Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
4/23 SB 190 Suspension of Tax Exemption for Seniors Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)

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