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
June 2, 2011 AL HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 7)
June 2, 2011 AL SB 484 2011 Congressional Redistricting Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 45)
June 9, 2011 AL HB 414 Increasing Retirement Contributions for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
June 2, 2011 AL HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 29)
June 2, 2011 AL HB 414 Increasing Retirement Contributions for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - House (51 - 48)
June 2, 2011 AL SB 484 2011 Congressional Redistricting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 15)
April 12, 2011 AL HB 414 Increasing Retirement Contributions for Public Employees Bill Passed - House (54 - 41)
April 21, 2011 AL SB 256 Undocumented Immigrant Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate
April 5, 2011 AL HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (73 - 28)
Feb. 7, 2011 AR HB 1013 Hiring of Unauthorized Workers Bill Passed - House (54 - 39)
Feb. 7, 2011 AR HB 1013 Hiring of Unauthorized Workers Bill Passed - House (54 - 39)
April 12, 2011 AR SB 972 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
April 12, 2011 AR SB 972 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (61 - 20)
April 6, 2011 AR SB 871 Congressional Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
March 17, 2011 AR HB 1936 Dress Codes for Public Schools Bill Passed - House (73 - 19)
March 15, 2011 AZ SCR 1035 English as the Official Language Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
April 11, 2011 AZ HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 17)
April 18, 2011 AZ SB 1609 Public Workers' Pensions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
April 19, 2011 AZ SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
April 11, 2011 AZ HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 17)
April 5, 2011 AZ HB 2619 Unemployment Security Special Assessment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
April 18, 2011 AZ SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
April 14, 2011 AZ SB 1609 Public Workers' Pensions Bill Passed - House (36 - 20)
Jan. 20, 2011 AZ SB 1001 Request for Medicaid Waiver Bill Passed - House (40 - 20)
April 6, 2011 AZ HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
April 6, 2011 AZ HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
April 13, 2011 AZ HB 2177 Requiring Proof of Citizenship for Presidential Candidates Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1308 Separate Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1308 Separate Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1405 Hospital Admissions and Restrictions Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1611 Requires Verification of Citizenship for Certain Benefits Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
March 8, 2011 AZ SB 1188 Preference for Married Couples in Adoption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
Feb. 28, 2011 AZ SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
March 8, 2011 AZ SB 1188 Preference for Married Couples in Adoption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
March 8, 2011 AZ SB 1363 Labor Organization Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1309 Defines Arizona Citizenship Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
Feb. 10, 2011 AZ SB 1086 Tobacco Prohibitions Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 16)
Feb. 17, 2011 AZ SB 1187 Extends Waiting Period for Divorce Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
March 31, 2011 CA SB 104 Labor Representatives Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
Sept. 8, 2011 CA SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA SB 292 Authorizes Governor to Expedite Environmental Review Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
Sept. 8, 2011 CA SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
Sept. 2, 2011 CA AB 887 Prohibits Discrimination Against Transgendered Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 25)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA SB 922 Project Labor Agreements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
Sept. 2, 2011 CA AB 6 Repeals Fingerprinting Requirement for CalFresh Benefits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (50 - 26)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27)
Aug. 22, 2011 CA AB 433 Birth Certificates for Transgendered Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 26)
Sept. 8, 2011 CA SB 222 Relating to Individual Health Care Coverage for Maternity Services Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
July 14, 2011 CA AB 433 Birth Certificates for Transgendered Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
Sept. 6, 2011 CA SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Bill Passed - House (52 - 26)
Aug. 31, 2011 CA AB 6 Repeals Fingerprinting Requirement for CalFresh Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
Aug. 30, 2011 CA AB 887 Prohibits Discrimination Against Transgendered Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
Sept. 7, 2011 CA SB 292 Authorizes Governor to Expedite Environmental Review Bill Passed - House (63 - 13)
Sept. 7, 2011 CA SB 222 Relating to Individual Health Care Coverage for Maternity Services Bill Passed - House (52 - 26)
Sept. 6, 2011 CA SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Bill Passed - House (52 - 26)
Sept. 8, 2011 CA AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Sept. 8, 2011 CA AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA SB 922 Project Labor Agreements Bill Passed - House (52 - 27)
July 14, 2011 CA AB 130 Authorizes Student Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
July 5, 2011 CA SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - House (50 - 26)
Sept. 6, 2011 CA AB 1236 Prohibits Requirement of Electronic Employment Verification Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
May 19, 2011 CA AB 1236 Prohibits Requirement of Electronic Employment Verification Bill Passed - House (55 - 22)
May 16, 2011 CA SB 104 Labor Representatives Bill Passed - House (51 - 26)
June 1, 2011 CA AB 131 In-State College Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (50 - 27)
May 5, 2011 CA AB 130 Authorizes Student Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (51 - 22)
April 14, 2011 CA SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
May 10, 2011 CO HB 1319 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (33 - 32)
March 22, 2011 CO HB 1140 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
April 18, 2011 CO SB 126 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 24, 2011 CO SB 172 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
May 24, 2011 CT HB 6390 Access to Postsecondary Education Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
May 27, 2011 CT HB 6650 Appropriations for Judicial Branch and Other Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
May 12, 2011 CT HB 6390 Access to Postsecondary Education Bill Passed - House (77 - 63)
June 4, 2011 CT HB 6599 Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Expression Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
May 19, 2011 CT HB 6599 Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Expression Bill Passed - House (77 - 62)
April 14, 2011 DE SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
April 7, 2011 DE SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 6)
May 6, 2011 FL HB 7107 Medicaid Managed Care Program Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 39)
May 6, 2011 FL HB 7107 Medicaid Managed Care Program Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
April 15, 2011 FL HJR 7111 Amends the Division of the Florida Supreme Court Amendment Adopted - House (79 - 38)
April 14, 2011 GA HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (112 - 59)
April 14, 2011 GA HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
Aug. 31, 2011 GA HB 20EX Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 21)
Aug. 23, 2011 GA SB 1EX State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - House (104 - 56)
Aug. 23, 2011 GA HB 1EX House Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 16)
March 10, 2011 GA SB 162 DUIs a Felony for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
March 10, 2011 GA SB 162 DUIs a Felony for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Not Tabled - Senate (20 - 34)
Aug. 25, 2011 GA HB 20EX Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (110 - 60)
March 14, 2011 GA SB 40 Immigration Status Verification of Private Business Workers Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 21)
Aug. 18, 2011 GA HB 1EX House Redistricting Bill Passed - House (108 - 64)
March 3, 2011 GA HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Bill Passed - House (113 - 56)
Aug. 18, 2011 GA SB 1EX State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
Feb. 16, 2011 HI SB 232 Civil Unions for All Couples Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
Feb. 11, 2011 HI SB 232 Civil Unions for All Couples Bill Passed - House (31 - 19)
April 12, 2011 HI SB 570 Taxation of Certain Pension Incomes Bill Passed - House (28 - 23)
Jan. 28, 2011 HI SB 232 Civil Unions for All Couples Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 6)
Feb. 1, 2011 IA HJR 6 Banning Same Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (62 - 37)
April 14, 2011 IA HF 682 Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
March 8, 2011 IA HF 535 Repeals Statewide Preschool Program Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/02 HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 7)
6/02 SB 484 2011 Congressional Redistricting Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 45)
6/09 HB 414 Increasing Retirement Contributions for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
6/02 HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 29)
6/02 HB 414 Increasing Retirement Contributions for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - House (51 - 48)
6/02 SB 484 2011 Congressional Redistricting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 15)
4/12 HB 414 Increasing Retirement Contributions for Public Employees Bill Passed - House (54 - 41)
4/21 SB 256 Undocumented Immigrant Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate
4/05 HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (73 - 28)
2/07 HB 1013 Hiring of Unauthorized Workers Bill Passed - House (54 - 39)
2/07 HB 1013 Hiring of Unauthorized Workers Bill Passed - House (54 - 39)
4/12 SB 972 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
4/12 SB 972 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (61 - 20)
4/06 SB 871 Congressional Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
3/17 HB 1936 Dress Codes for Public Schools Bill Passed - House (73 - 19)
3/15 SCR 1035 English as the Official Language Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
4/11 HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 17)
4/18 SB 1609 Public Workers' Pensions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
4/19 SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
4/11 HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 17)
4/05 HB 2619 Unemployment Security Special Assessment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
4/18 SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
4/14 SB 1609 Public Workers' Pensions Bill Passed - House (36 - 20)
1/20 SB 1001 Request for Medicaid Waiver Bill Passed - House (40 - 20)
4/06 HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
4/06 HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
4/13 HB 2177 Requiring Proof of Citizenship for Presidential Candidates Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
3/17 SB 1308 Separate Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
3/17 SB 1308 Separate Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
3/17 SB 1405 Hospital Admissions and Restrictions Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
3/17 SB 1611 Requires Verification of Citizenship for Certain Benefits Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
3/08 SB 1188 Preference for Married Couples in Adoption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
2/28 SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
3/08 SB 1188 Preference for Married Couples in Adoption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
3/08 SB 1363 Labor Organization Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
3/17 SB 1309 Defines Arizona Citizenship Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
2/10 SB 1086 Tobacco Prohibitions Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 16)
2/17 SB 1187 Extends Waiting Period for Divorce Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
3/31 SB 104 Labor Representatives Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
9/08 SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
9/09 SB 292 Authorizes Governor to Expedite Environmental Review Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
9/08 SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
9/02 AB 887 Prohibits Discrimination Against Transgendered Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 25)
9/09 SB 922 Project Labor Agreements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
9/02 AB 6 Repeals Fingerprinting Requirement for CalFresh Benefits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (50 - 26)
9/09 AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27)
9/09 AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27)
8/22 AB 433 Birth Certificates for Transgendered Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 26)
9/08 SB 222 Relating to Individual Health Care Coverage for Maternity Services Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
7/14 AB 433 Birth Certificates for Transgendered Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
9/06 SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Bill Passed - House (52 - 26)
8/31 AB 6 Repeals Fingerprinting Requirement for CalFresh Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
8/30 AB 887 Prohibits Discrimination Against Transgendered Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
9/07 SB 292 Authorizes Governor to Expedite Environmental Review Bill Passed - House (63 - 13)
9/07 SB 222 Relating to Individual Health Care Coverage for Maternity Services Bill Passed - House (52 - 26)
9/06 SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Bill Passed - House (52 - 26)
9/08 AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
9/08 AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
9/09 SB 922 Project Labor Agreements Bill Passed - House (52 - 27)
7/14 AB 130 Authorizes Student Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
7/05 SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - House (50 - 26)
9/06 AB 1236 Prohibits Requirement of Electronic Employment Verification Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
5/19 AB 1236 Prohibits Requirement of Electronic Employment Verification Bill Passed - House (55 - 22)
5/16 SB 104 Labor Representatives Bill Passed - House (51 - 26)
6/01 AB 131 In-State College Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (50 - 27)
5/05 AB 130 Authorizes Student Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (51 - 22)
4/14 SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
5/10 HB 1319 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (33 - 32)
3/22 HB 1140 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
4/18 SB 126 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/24 SB 172 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
5/24 HB 6390 Access to Postsecondary Education Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
5/27 HB 6650 Appropriations for Judicial Branch and Other Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
5/12 HB 6390 Access to Postsecondary Education Bill Passed - House (77 - 63)
6/04 HB 6599 Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Expression Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
5/19 HB 6599 Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Expression Bill Passed - House (77 - 62)
4/14 SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
4/07 SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 6)
5/06 HB 7107 Medicaid Managed Care Program Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 39)
5/06 HB 7107 Medicaid Managed Care Program Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
4/15 HJR 7111 Amends the Division of the Florida Supreme Court Amendment Adopted - House (79 - 38)
4/14 HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (112 - 59)
4/14 HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
8/31 HB 20EX Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 21)
8/23 SB 1EX State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - House (104 - 56)
8/23 HB 1EX House Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 16)
3/10 SB 162 DUIs a Felony for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
3/10 SB 162 DUIs a Felony for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Not Tabled - Senate (20 - 34)
8/25 HB 20EX Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (110 - 60)
3/14 SB 40 Immigration Status Verification of Private Business Workers Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 21)
8/18 HB 1EX House Redistricting Bill Passed - House (108 - 64)
3/03 HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Bill Passed - House (113 - 56)
8/18 SB 1EX State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
2/16 SB 232 Civil Unions for All Couples Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
2/11 SB 232 Civil Unions for All Couples Bill Passed - House (31 - 19)
4/12 SB 570 Taxation of Certain Pension Incomes Bill Passed - House (28 - 23)
1/28 SB 232 Civil Unions for All Couples Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 6)
2/01 HJR 6 Banning Same Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (62 - 37)
4/14 HF 682 Congressional and Legislative Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
3/08 HF 535 Repeals Statewide Preschool Program Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)

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