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 21, 2010 NH SB 489 Gambling Expansion "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (212 - 158)
April 28, 2010 MO HB 2003 Higher Education Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - House (115 - 34)
June 2, 2010 NH HB 1459 Campaign Finance Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
May 27, 2010 IL SB 3658 Temporary Sales Tax Holiday Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (42 - 8)
March 21, 2010 National HR 3590 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (219 - 212)
March 1, 2010 UT SB 43 Retirement System Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
May 5, 2010 IL SB 3695 Streetgang-Related Crime Fund Changes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 20)
Nov. 18, 2010 National HR 1722 Telework Policies and Regulations for Federal Agencies Concurrence Vote Passed - House (254 - 152)
June 18, 2010 LA SB 584 Louisiana Statewide Education Facilities Authority Bill Passed - House (75 - 23)
Jan. 25, 2010 VA SB 83 Authorizing No-Excuse, In-Person Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
March 3, 2010 SD SB 89 Exempts Certain Firearms From Federal Regulation Bill Passed - House (49 - 19)
May 11, 2010 CO HB 1408 Criteria for Judicial Determinations of Congressional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
Feb. 18, 2010 WY SF 64 Increasing Seat Belt Violation Fine Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
Feb. 18, 2010 SD SB 89 Exempts Certain Firearms From Federal Regulation Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
Jan. 27, 2010 OH SJR 8 Casino Location Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (71 - 26)
May 11, 2010 CO HB 1408 Criteria for Judicial Determinations of Congressional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
March 26, 2010 GA HB 1405 Study of Tax Laws and Potential Modifications Bill Passed - House (111 - 55)
April 27, 2010 National HR 5146 Prohibiting 2010- 2011 Congressional Cost-of-Living Pay Increase Bill Passed - House (402 - 15)
June 21, 2010 NY A 9705 2010-2011 Transportation, Economic Development, and Environmental Conservation Budget Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
Feb. 17, 2010 TN SB 3498 Requiring Legal Challenge to Federal Health Insurance Mandates Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
March 23, 2010 MD SB 279 Prohibits False Claims Against State Health Plans and Programs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
Dec. 2, 2010 National H Res 1737 Censure for Representative Charles Rangel Resolution Passed - House (333 - 79)
April 9, 2010 MD SB 279 Prohibits False Claims Against State Health Plans and Programs Bill Passed - House (105 - 33)
Jan. 13, 2010 OH HJR 12 "Third Frontier" Program Extension Joint Resolution Passed - House (85 - 13)
April 20, 2010 GA HB 1405 Study of Tax Laws and Potential Modifications Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
May 13, 2010 SC H 3584 Cigarette Tax Increase Veto Override Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
May 18, 2010 OK HJR 1054 Prohibiting Federal Health Care Mandates Veto Override Passed - House (72 - 24)
July 19, 2010 WV HB 201 Filling Senate Seat Vacancy Motion Agreed - House (85 - 5)
July 19, 2010 WV HB 201 Filling Senate Seat Vacancy Motion Agreed - House (85 - 5)
June 3, 2010 SC H 4657 2010-2011 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 16)
Nov. 17, 2010 PA HB 101 Education Law Amendments Veto Override Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
May 12, 2010 SC H 3584 Cigarette Tax Increase Veto Override Passed - House (90 - 29)
June 3, 2010 SC H 4657 2010-2011 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (64 - 54)
March 14, 2010 VA HB 30 2010-2012 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (73 - 23)
Jan. 6, 2010 PA SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Conference Report Adopted - House (103 - 89)
Feb. 25, 2010 MN SF 2168 General Assistance Medical Care Program Modifications Veto Override Passed - Senate (45 - 21)
Nov. 15, 2010 PA HB 101 Education Law Amendments Veto Override Passed - House (171 - 24)
April 26, 2010 CA Maldonado Nomination Abel Maldonado, Lieutenant Governor Nomination Confirmed - Senate (25 - 7)
Jan. 5, 2010 PA SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 22)
March 14, 2010 VA HB 30 2010-2012 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 6)
April 28, 2010 MO HB 2002 2010-2010 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 6)
March 11, 2010 MN HF 2700 Omnibus Bonding and Budget Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (89 - 44)
April 14, 2010 HI HB 2421 Petroleum Tax ("Barrel Tax") Increase Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 7)
April 28, 2010 MO HB 2010 2010-2011 Department of Mental Health and Department of Health and Senior Serices Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (85 - 70)
June 30, 2010 NC SB 897 2010-2011Operations and Capital Improvement Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 15)
June 21, 2010 LA SB 65 Coastal Zone Expansion Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 17)
March 29, 2010 MN HF 1671 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (44 - 23)
April 28, 2010 HI HB 2377 Board of Education Selection Advisory Council Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 2)
April 16, 2010 CO HB 1376 2010-2011 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (38 - 25)
July 10, 2010 NC HB 1973 Keep North Carolina Competitive Act Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 31)
July 12, 2010 NJ S 29 Reducing the property tax levy cap Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 4)
April 12, 2010 WA SB 6444 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 21)
April 12, 2010 ME LD 1826 Bond Authorization Concurrence Vote Passed - House (102 - 44)
June 21, 2010 CT HB 5455 Changes to State Transportation Plan Veto Override Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
Feb. 8, 2010 NM SB 531 Legislative Finance Committee Review of Confidential Information Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 8)
March 29, 2010 SD HB 1060 Wind Energy Facility Tax Refunds Veto Override Passed - House (49 - 19)
Feb. 8, 2010 NM SB 531 Legislative Finance Committee Review of Confidential Information Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 8)
April 22, 2010 CA Maldonado Nomination Abel Maldonado, Lieutenant Governor (53 - 21)
July 27, 2010 MA H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Motion Agreed - Senate (28 - 9)
April 29, 2010 MO HB 2011 2010-2011 Department of Social Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (93 - 63)
June 30, 2010 NC SB 897 2010-2011Operations and Capital Improvement Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (66 - 50)
March 30, 2010 KS HB 2115 Late-Term/Partial Birth Abortion Reporting Requirements Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 36)
April 28, 2010 HI HB 2377 Board of Education Selection Advisory Council Conference Report Adopted - House (40 - 11)
April 28, 2010 MO HB 2002 2010-2010 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (87 - 64)
April 12, 2010 WA SB 6143 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 21)
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 27, 2010 HI HB 2376 Requiring Board of Education Members be Appointed Conference Report Adopted - House (44 - 7)
March 29, 2010 MN HF 1671 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (76 - 55)
May 24, 2010 OK HJR 1056 Prohibits Use of International and Sharia Law in State Courts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 2)
April 14, 2010 HI HB 2421 Petroleum Tax ("Barrel Tax") Increase Conference Report Adopted - House (37 - 11)
July 9, 2010 NC HB 1973 Keep North Carolina Competitive Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 17)
March 11, 2010 MN HF 2700 Omnibus Bonding and Budget Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (49 - 17)
Jan. 14, 2010 MA S 2247 Education Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (98 - 47)
April 16, 2010 CO HB 1376 2010-2011 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 12)
April 18, 2010 AK SJR 21 State Legislature Expansion Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
March 22, 2010 WA HB 2782 Limiting Disability Benefits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 40)
Sept. 22, 2010 MI SB 884 Tax Amnesty Period Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 48)
Sept. 23, 2010 MI SB 1226 State Retirement Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
May 12, 2010 VT H 485 Property Tax and Land Use Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
Feb. 18, 2010 MS SB 2688 Restoring 2009-2010 Budget Cuts Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 22)
June 20, 2010 LA HB 671 Evacuee Requirements for Running for Office Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 24)
July 8, 2010 NJ S 29 Reducing the property tax levy cap Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
April 18, 2010 AK SJR 21 State Legislature Expansion Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
March 30, 2010 IA HF 2531 Appropriations and Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 16)
April 28, 2010 AZ SCR 1013 Replacing Secretary of State with Lieutenant Governor Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
April 14, 2010 GA HB 1055 Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (107 - 63)
April 12, 2010 ME LD 1826 Bond Authorization Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
April 12, 2010 WA SB 6444 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (54 - 43)
Feb. 11, 2010 CA Maldonado Nomination Abel Maldonado, Lieutenant Governor Nomination Confirmed - Senate (26 - 7)
July 20, 2010 MA H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Motion Agreed - House (116 - 34)
Jan. 14, 2010 MA S 2247 Education Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 12)
May 18, 2010 OK HJR 1056 Prohibits Use of International and Sharia Law in State Courts Conference Report Adopted - House (82 - 10)
April 10, 2010 WA SB 6143 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (52 - 44)
March 30, 2010 KS HB 2115 Late-Term/Partial Birth Abortion Reporting Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 15)
Sept. 15, 2010 MI SB 1151 Community College Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 5)
May 6, 2010 IL SB 642 Public University Borrowing Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 11)
May 10, 2010 MN HF 2037 2010-2011 Budget Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (71 - 63)
Feb. 4, 2010 MI HB 5626 "Fiscal Stabilization" Bond Authorization Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 30)
Jan. 13, 2010 IL HB 1188 Increasing Cemetery Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (85 - 30)
Feb. 16, 2010 CO HB 1189 Repealing Sales Tax Exemption Concurrence Vote Passed - House (37 - 28)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/21 SB 489 Gambling Expansion "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (212 - 158)
4/28 HB 2003 Higher Education Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - House (115 - 34)
6/02 HB 1459 Campaign Finance Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
5/27 SB 3658 Temporary Sales Tax Holiday Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (42 - 8)
3/21 HR 3590 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (219 - 212)
3/01 SB 43 Retirement System Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
5/05 SB 3695 Streetgang-Related Crime Fund Changes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 20)
11/18 HR 1722 Telework Policies and Regulations for Federal Agencies Concurrence Vote Passed - House (254 - 152)
6/18 SB 584 Louisiana Statewide Education Facilities Authority Bill Passed - House (75 - 23)
1/25 SB 83 Authorizing No-Excuse, In-Person Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
3/03 SB 89 Exempts Certain Firearms From Federal Regulation Bill Passed - House (49 - 19)
5/11 HB 1408 Criteria for Judicial Determinations of Congressional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
2/18 SF 64 Increasing Seat Belt Violation Fine Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
2/18 SB 89 Exempts Certain Firearms From Federal Regulation Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
1/27 SJR 8 Casino Location Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (71 - 26)
5/11 HB 1408 Criteria for Judicial Determinations of Congressional Districts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
3/26 HB 1405 Study of Tax Laws and Potential Modifications Bill Passed - House (111 - 55)
4/27 HR 5146 Prohibiting 2010- 2011 Congressional Cost-of-Living Pay Increase Bill Passed - House (402 - 15)
6/21 A 9705 2010-2011 Transportation, Economic Development, and Environmental Conservation Budget Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
2/17 SB 3498 Requiring Legal Challenge to Federal Health Insurance Mandates Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
3/23 SB 279 Prohibits False Claims Against State Health Plans and Programs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
12/02 H Res 1737 Censure for Representative Charles Rangel Resolution Passed - House (333 - 79)
4/09 SB 279 Prohibits False Claims Against State Health Plans and Programs Bill Passed - House (105 - 33)
1/13 HJR 12 "Third Frontier" Program Extension Joint Resolution Passed - House (85 - 13)
4/20 HB 1405 Study of Tax Laws and Potential Modifications Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
5/13 H 3584 Cigarette Tax Increase Veto Override Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
5/18 HJR 1054 Prohibiting Federal Health Care Mandates Veto Override Passed - House (72 - 24)
7/19 HB 201 Filling Senate Seat Vacancy Motion Agreed - House (85 - 5)
7/19 HB 201 Filling Senate Seat Vacancy Motion Agreed - House (85 - 5)
6/03 H 4657 2010-2011 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 16)
11/17 HB 101 Education Law Amendments Veto Override Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
5/12 H 3584 Cigarette Tax Increase Veto Override Passed - House (90 - 29)
6/03 H 4657 2010-2011 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (64 - 54)
3/14 HB 30 2010-2012 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (73 - 23)
1/06 SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Conference Report Adopted - House (103 - 89)
2/25 SF 2168 General Assistance Medical Care Program Modifications Veto Override Passed - Senate (45 - 21)
11/15 HB 101 Education Law Amendments Veto Override Passed - House (171 - 24)
4/26 Maldonado Nomination Abel Maldonado, Lieutenant Governor Nomination Confirmed - Senate (25 - 7)
1/05 SB 711 Legalizing Table Games Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 22)
3/14 HB 30 2010-2012 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 6)
4/28 HB 2002 2010-2010 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 6)
3/11 HF 2700 Omnibus Bonding and Budget Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (89 - 44)
4/14 HB 2421 Petroleum Tax ("Barrel Tax") Increase Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 7)
4/28 HB 2010 2010-2011 Department of Mental Health and Department of Health and Senior Serices Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (85 - 70)
6/30 SB 897 2010-2011Operations and Capital Improvement Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 15)
6/21 SB 65 Coastal Zone Expansion Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 17)
3/29 HF 1671 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (44 - 23)
4/28 HB 2377 Board of Education Selection Advisory Council Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 2)
4/16 HB 1376 2010-2011 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (38 - 25)
7/10 HB 1973 Keep North Carolina Competitive Act Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 31)
7/12 S 29 Reducing the property tax levy cap Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 4)
4/12 SB 6444 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 21)
4/12 LD 1826 Bond Authorization Concurrence Vote Passed - House (102 - 44)
6/21 HB 5455 Changes to State Transportation Plan Veto Override Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
2/08 SB 531 Legislative Finance Committee Review of Confidential Information Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 8)
3/29 HB 1060 Wind Energy Facility Tax Refunds Veto Override Passed - House (49 - 19)
2/08 SB 531 Legislative Finance Committee Review of Confidential Information Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 8)
4/22 Maldonado Nomination Abel Maldonado, Lieutenant Governor (53 - 21)
7/27 H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Motion Agreed - Senate (28 - 9)
4/29 HB 2011 2010-2011 Department of Social Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (93 - 63)
6/30 SB 897 2010-2011Operations and Capital Improvement Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (66 - 50)
3/30 HB 2115 Late-Term/Partial Birth Abortion Reporting Requirements Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 36)
4/28 HB 2377 Board of Education Selection Advisory Council Conference Report Adopted - House (40 - 11)
4/28 HB 2002 2010-2010 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (87 - 64)
4/12 SB 6143 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 21)
4/28 HB 2010 2010-2011 Department of Mental Health and Department of Health and Senior Serices Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 10)
4/27 HB 2376 Requiring Board of Education Members be Appointed Conference Report Adopted - House (44 - 7)
3/29 HF 1671 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (76 - 55)
5/24 HJR 1056 Prohibits Use of International and Sharia Law in State Courts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 2)
4/14 HB 2421 Petroleum Tax ("Barrel Tax") Increase Conference Report Adopted - House (37 - 11)
7/09 HB 1973 Keep North Carolina Competitive Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 17)
3/11 HF 2700 Omnibus Bonding and Budget Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (49 - 17)
1/14 S 2247 Education Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (98 - 47)
4/16 HB 1376 2010-2011 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 12)
4/18 SJR 21 State Legislature Expansion Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
3/22 HB 2782 Limiting Disability Benefits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 40)
9/22 SB 884 Tax Amnesty Period Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 48)
9/23 SB 1226 State Retirement Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
5/12 H 485 Property Tax and Land Use Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
2/18 SB 2688 Restoring 2009-2010 Budget Cuts Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 22)
6/20 HB 671 Evacuee Requirements for Running for Office Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 24)
7/08 S 29 Reducing the property tax levy cap Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
4/18 SJR 21 State Legislature Expansion Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
3/30 HF 2531 Appropriations and Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 16)
4/28 SCR 1013 Replacing Secretary of State with Lieutenant Governor Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
4/14 HB 1055 Tax Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (107 - 63)
4/12 LD 1826 Bond Authorization Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
4/12 SB 6444 2009-2011 Biennium Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (54 - 43)
2/11 Maldonado Nomination Abel Maldonado, Lieutenant Governor Nomination Confirmed - Senate (26 - 7)
7/20 H 4156 National Popular Vote Act Motion Agreed - House (116 - 34)
1/14 S 2247 Education Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 12)
5/18 HJR 1056 Prohibits Use of International and Sharia Law in State Courts Conference Report Adopted - House (82 - 10)
4/10 SB 6143 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (52 - 44)
3/30 HB 2115 Late-Term/Partial Birth Abortion Reporting Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 15)
9/15 SB 1151 Community College Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 5)
5/06 SB 642 Public University Borrowing Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 11)
5/10 HF 2037 2010-2011 Budget Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (71 - 63)
2/04 HB 5626 "Fiscal Stabilization" Bond Authorization Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 30)
1/13 HB 1188 Increasing Cemetery Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (85 - 30)
2/16 HB 1189 Repealing Sales Tax Exemption Concurrence Vote Passed - House (37 - 28)

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