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
March 7, 2011 UT 1SHB 89 Protection of Children from Second Hand Smoke in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (39 - 35)
March 3, 2011 NJ A 2215 Loans for Development of Green Buildings Veto Override Failed - House (44 - 32)
June 23, 2011 NY A 8514 Health Benefit Exchange Act Bill Passed - House (95 - 43)
June 23, 2011 NY A 8514 Health Benefit Exchange Act Bill Passed - House (95 - 43)
Nov. 1, 2011 WI AB 147 Inadmissibility of Apology Statements by Health Care Providers Bill Passed - House (62 - 33)
Aug. 31, 2011 CA AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
May 12, 2011 CA AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - House (50 - 25)
June 2, 2011 CA AB 52 Regulating Health Care Coverage Bill Passed - House (45 - 28)
June 6, 2011 NV AB 571 Amending Smoking Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
June 5, 2011 NV AB 571 Amending Smoking Regulations Bill Passed - House (23 - 19)
April 26, 2011 MA Amdt 749.1 Collective Bargaining Restrictions Amendment Adopted - House (113 - 42)
Feb. 16, 2011 ID H 117 Prohibits Enforcement of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (49 - 20)
March 29, 2011 ID H 187 Freedom of Conscience for Health Care Professionals Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
March 7, 2011 ID H 187 Freedom of Conscience for Health Care Professionals Bill Passed - House (51 - 17)
May 5, 2011 VT H 202 Single-Payer and Unified Health System Conference Report Adopted - House (94 - 49)
May 3, 2011 VT H 202 Single-Payer and Unified Health System Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 9)
March 24, 2011 VT H 202 Single-Payer and Unified Health System Bill Passed - House (92 - 49)
March 28, 2011 ID H 260 Medicaid Funding Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
March 17, 2011 ID H 260 Medicaid Funding Bill Passed - House (56 - 14)
April 5, 2011 ID H 298 Response to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
April 5, 2011 ID H 298 Response to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
March 30, 2011 ID H 298 Response to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (50 - 17)
March 30, 2011 ID H 298 Response to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (50 - 17)
March 29, 2011 SC H 3408 Freedom of Conscience Act Bill Passed - House (69 - 41)
May 6, 2011 VT H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (94 - 48)
May 5, 2011 VT H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 10)
March 15, 2011 DE HA 1 Reduced Punishment for Drug Possession Amendment Adopted - House (21 - 17)
Sept. 23, 2011 MO HA 1 to SB 7 Prohibits Public Funding for Certain Life Science Research Projects Amendment Rejected - House (68 - 74)
May 25, 2011 TX H Amdt 1 Interstate Health Care Compact Amendment Adopted - House (99 - 43)
May 20, 2011 TX H Amdt 53 Prohibits Smoking in Public Places Amendment Adopted - House (73 - 66)
April 1, 2011 TX H Amdt 6 Appropriations for the Department of Aging and Disability Services Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 61)
July 27, 2011 National H Amdt 735 Repeals Laws that Limited Funding for the Endangered Species Act Amendment Adopted - House (224 - 202)
Sept. 23, 2011 National H Amdt 799 Suspends Cross State Air Pollution Rule Amendment Adopted - House (234 - 188)
Sept. 23, 2011 National H Amdt 800 Requires the EPA to Consider Costs and Feasibility of Air Quality Standards Amendment Adopted - House (227 - 192)
Feb. 18, 2011 National H Amdt 95 Prohibiting Use of Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood Amendment Adopted - House (240 - 185)
Feb. 18, 2011 National H Amdt 95 Prohibiting Use of Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood Amendment Adopted - House (240 - 185)
April 11, 2011 AK HB 1 Authorizes Individuals to Decline Health Care Coverage Bill Passed - House (23 - 16)
April 11, 2011 AK HB 1 Authorizes Individuals to Decline Health Care Coverage Bill Passed - House (23 - 16)
Jan. 31, 2011 IN HB 1018 Ban on Smoking in Public Places Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
Feb. 9, 2011 SD HB 1061 Regulation of Registered Midwives Bill Passed - House (37 - 32)
Feb. 9, 2011 SD HB 1061 Regulation of Registered Midwives Bill Passed - House (37 - 32)
Feb. 8, 2011 SD HB 1061 Regulation of Registered Midwives Bill Failed - House (36 - 31)
Feb. 8, 2011 SD HB 1061 Regulation of Registered Midwives Bill Failed - House (36 - 31)
Jan. 24, 2011 WA HB 1086 2011-2012 Supplemental Budget Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
Feb. 7, 2011 SD HB 1152 Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Failed - House (32 - 36)
March 7, 2011 WA HB 1166 Preventing Alcohol Poisoning Deaths Bill Passed - House (57 - 39)
March 31, 2011 AR HB 1226 2011-2012 State Insurance Department Budget Bill Passed - House (83 - 7)
March 31, 2011 AR HB 1226 2011-2012 State Insurance Department Budget Bill Passed - House (83 - 7)
March 29, 2011 AR HB 1226 2011-2012 State Insurance Department Budget Bill Failed - House (53 - 41)
March 29, 2011 AR HB 1226 2011-2012 State Insurance Department Budget Bill Failed - House (53 - 41)
May 4, 2011 CO HB 1273 State Health Care Enactment Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
May 4, 2011 CO HB 1273 State Health Care Enactment Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
Feb. 8, 2011 ND HB 1377 Children's Health Insurance Program Bill Failed - House (25 - 67)
April 7, 2011 ND HB 1450 Definition of Human Being Bill Not Tabled - Senate (26 - 21)
Feb. 11, 2011 ND HB 1450 Definition of Human Being Bill Passed - House (68 - 25)
Nov. 10, 2011 ND HB 1474 Establishing a Health Benefit Exchange Bill Failed - House (30 - 64)
Feb. 28, 2011 WA HB 1489 Anti-Phosphorus Fertilizer Bill Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
May 26, 2011 IL HB 1600 Limits Artificial Trans Fats Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 40)
April 13, 2011 IL HB 1600 Limits Artificial Trans Fats Bill Passed - House (73 - 43)
Feb. 24, 2011 UT HB 165 State Reimbursement for Required Medical Services Act Bill Passed - House (57 - 14)
Feb. 24, 2011 UT HB 165 State Reimbursement for Required Medical Services Act Bill Passed - House (57 - 14)
April 5, 2011 DE HB 19 Reduce Punishment for Drug Possession Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
Dec. 12, 2011 PA HB 1977 Amending Insurance Coverage of Abortions Bill Passed - House (146 - 45)
Dec. 12, 2011 PA HB 1977 Amending Insurance Coverage of Abortions Bill Passed - House (146 - 45)
Feb. 2, 2011 NC HB 2 Prohibits Enforcement of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (66 - 50)
Feb. 2, 2011 NC HB 2 Prohibits Enforcement of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (66 - 50)
Feb. 16, 2011 MT HB 206 Constitutional Amendment on Freedom to Choose Health Insurance Coverage Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 31)
May 13, 2011 KS HB 2075 Prohibiting Insurance Coverage of Abortion Conference Report Adopted - House (86 - 30)
May 12, 2011 KS HB 2075 Prohibiting Insurance Coverage of Abortion Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 10)
Feb. 2, 2011 UT HB 211 Community Service Medicaid Pilot Program Bill Passed - House (56 - 15)
June 28, 2011 OH HB 231 Withdrawal Permit for Water Usage at Lake Erie Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
June 22, 2011 OH HB 231 Withdrawal Permit for Water Usage at Lake Erie Bill Passed - House (60 - 39)
Dec. 7, 2011 PA HB 242 Permitting the On-Site Sale of Alcohol at Distilleries Concurrence Vote Passed - House (164 - 29)
Dec. 7, 2011 PA HB 242 Permitting the On-Site Sale of Alcohol at Distilleries Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
April 6, 2011 VA HB 2434 Health Benefits Exchange Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 20)
April 6, 2011 VA HB 2434 Health Benefits Exchange Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 36)
March 2, 2011 MT HB 248 Income Tax Credit for Long-Term Care Insurance Bill Failed - House (44 - 56)
Feb. 9, 2011 WY HB 251 Requires Ultrasound Prior to Abortion Bill Passed - House (34 - 25)
April 28, 2011 OR HB 2726 Certification for Smoke Shops Bill Passed - House (35 - 23)
June 29, 2011 OR HB 2726 Certification for Smoke Shops Concurrence Vote Passed - House (31 - 29)
June 23, 2011 OR HB 2726 Certification for Smoke Shops Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
March 2, 2011 WV HB 2946 Prescriptions for Methamphetamine Chemical Precursors Bill Passed - House (77 - 23)
Feb. 8, 2011 MT HB 30 Health Care Sharing Ministries Bill Passed - House (68 - 32)
Feb. 8, 2011 MT HB 30 Health Care Sharing Ministries Bill Passed - House (68 - 32)
Feb. 10, 2011 MT HB 309 Prohibits Recreational Access to Ditches Bill Passed - House (57 - 43)
Feb. 1, 2011 WY HB 35 Health Care Choice and Protection Act Bill Passed - House (44 - 14)
May 5, 2011 FL HB 353 Drug Screening for Temporary Assistance Beneficiaries Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
April 26, 2011 FL HB 353 Drug Screening for Temporary Assistance Beneficiaries Bill Passed - House (78 - 38)
March 7, 2011 UT HB 354 Restricting Health Insurance Coverage of Abortion Bill Passed - House (57 - 13)
Feb. 22, 2011 WY HB 39 Funding for Lawsuit Against Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 19)
Feb. 22, 2011 MT HB 456 Sexual Education in K-12 Public Schools Bill Passed - House (67 - 30)
April 14, 2011 GA HB 461 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
April 14, 2011 GA HB 461 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
March 16, 2011 GA HB 461 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - House (108 - 63)
March 16, 2011 GA HB 461 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - House (108 - 63)
April 14, 2011 GA HB 47 Ability to Purchase Insurance Out of State Concurrence Vote Passed - House (98 - 58)
April 12, 2011 GA HB 47 Ability to Purchase Insurance Out of State Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
March 10, 2011 GA HB 47 Ability to Purchase Insurance Out of State Bill Passed - House (111 - 47)
June 16, 2011 TX HB 5 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - House (92 - 43)
March 30, 2011 NH HB 519 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (251 - 108)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/07 1SHB 89 Protection of Children from Second Hand Smoke in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (39 - 35)
3/03 A 2215 Loans for Development of Green Buildings Veto Override Failed - House (44 - 32)
6/23 A 8514 Health Benefit Exchange Act Bill Passed - House (95 - 43)
6/23 A 8514 Health Benefit Exchange Act Bill Passed - House (95 - 43)
11/01 AB 147 Inadmissibility of Apology Statements by Health Care Providers Bill Passed - House (62 - 33)
8/31 AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
5/12 AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - House (50 - 25)
6/02 AB 52 Regulating Health Care Coverage Bill Passed - House (45 - 28)
6/06 AB 571 Amending Smoking Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
6/05 AB 571 Amending Smoking Regulations Bill Passed - House (23 - 19)
4/26 Amdt 749.1 Collective Bargaining Restrictions Amendment Adopted - House (113 - 42)
2/16 H 117 Prohibits Enforcement of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (49 - 20)
3/29 H 187 Freedom of Conscience for Health Care Professionals Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
3/07 H 187 Freedom of Conscience for Health Care Professionals Bill Passed - House (51 - 17)
5/05 H 202 Single-Payer and Unified Health System Conference Report Adopted - House (94 - 49)
5/03 H 202 Single-Payer and Unified Health System Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 9)
3/24 H 202 Single-Payer and Unified Health System Bill Passed - House (92 - 49)
3/28 H 260 Medicaid Funding Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
3/17 H 260 Medicaid Funding Bill Passed - House (56 - 14)
4/05 H 298 Response to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
4/05 H 298 Response to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
3/30 H 298 Response to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (50 - 17)
3/30 H 298 Response to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (50 - 17)
3/29 H 3408 Freedom of Conscience Act Bill Passed - House (69 - 41)
5/06 H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (94 - 48)
5/05 H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 10)
3/15 HA 1 Reduced Punishment for Drug Possession Amendment Adopted - House (21 - 17)
9/23 HA 1 to SB 7 Prohibits Public Funding for Certain Life Science Research Projects Amendment Rejected - House (68 - 74)
5/25 H Amdt 1 Interstate Health Care Compact Amendment Adopted - House (99 - 43)
5/20 H Amdt 53 Prohibits Smoking in Public Places Amendment Adopted - House (73 - 66)
4/01 H Amdt 6 Appropriations for the Department of Aging and Disability Services Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 61)
7/27 H Amdt 735 Repeals Laws that Limited Funding for the Endangered Species Act Amendment Adopted - House (224 - 202)
9/23 H Amdt 799 Suspends Cross State Air Pollution Rule Amendment Adopted - House (234 - 188)
9/23 H Amdt 800 Requires the EPA to Consider Costs and Feasibility of Air Quality Standards Amendment Adopted - House (227 - 192)
2/18 H Amdt 95 Prohibiting Use of Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood Amendment Adopted - House (240 - 185)
2/18 H Amdt 95 Prohibiting Use of Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood Amendment Adopted - House (240 - 185)
4/11 HB 1 Authorizes Individuals to Decline Health Care Coverage Bill Passed - House (23 - 16)
4/11 HB 1 Authorizes Individuals to Decline Health Care Coverage Bill Passed - House (23 - 16)
1/31 HB 1018 Ban on Smoking in Public Places Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
2/09 HB 1061 Regulation of Registered Midwives Bill Passed - House (37 - 32)
2/09 HB 1061 Regulation of Registered Midwives Bill Passed - House (37 - 32)
2/08 HB 1061 Regulation of Registered Midwives Bill Failed - House (36 - 31)
2/08 HB 1061 Regulation of Registered Midwives Bill Failed - House (36 - 31)
1/24 HB 1086 2011-2012 Supplemental Budget Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
2/07 HB 1152 Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Failed - House (32 - 36)
3/07 HB 1166 Preventing Alcohol Poisoning Deaths Bill Passed - House (57 - 39)
3/31 HB 1226 2011-2012 State Insurance Department Budget Bill Passed - House (83 - 7)
3/31 HB 1226 2011-2012 State Insurance Department Budget Bill Passed - House (83 - 7)
3/29 HB 1226 2011-2012 State Insurance Department Budget Bill Failed - House (53 - 41)
3/29 HB 1226 2011-2012 State Insurance Department Budget Bill Failed - House (53 - 41)
5/04 HB 1273 State Health Care Enactment Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
5/04 HB 1273 State Health Care Enactment Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
2/08 HB 1377 Children's Health Insurance Program Bill Failed - House (25 - 67)
4/07 HB 1450 Definition of Human Being Bill Not Tabled - Senate (26 - 21)
2/11 HB 1450 Definition of Human Being Bill Passed - House (68 - 25)
11/10 HB 1474 Establishing a Health Benefit Exchange Bill Failed - House (30 - 64)
2/28 HB 1489 Anti-Phosphorus Fertilizer Bill Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
5/26 HB 1600 Limits Artificial Trans Fats Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 40)
4/13 HB 1600 Limits Artificial Trans Fats Bill Passed - House (73 - 43)
2/24 HB 165 State Reimbursement for Required Medical Services Act Bill Passed - House (57 - 14)
2/24 HB 165 State Reimbursement for Required Medical Services Act Bill Passed - House (57 - 14)
4/05 HB 19 Reduce Punishment for Drug Possession Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
12/12 HB 1977 Amending Insurance Coverage of Abortions Bill Passed - House (146 - 45)
12/12 HB 1977 Amending Insurance Coverage of Abortions Bill Passed - House (146 - 45)
2/02 HB 2 Prohibits Enforcement of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (66 - 50)
2/02 HB 2 Prohibits Enforcement of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (66 - 50)
2/16 HB 206 Constitutional Amendment on Freedom to Choose Health Insurance Coverage Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 31)
5/13 HB 2075 Prohibiting Insurance Coverage of Abortion Conference Report Adopted - House (86 - 30)
5/12 HB 2075 Prohibiting Insurance Coverage of Abortion Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 10)
2/02 HB 211 Community Service Medicaid Pilot Program Bill Passed - House (56 - 15)
6/28 HB 231 Withdrawal Permit for Water Usage at Lake Erie Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
6/22 HB 231 Withdrawal Permit for Water Usage at Lake Erie Bill Passed - House (60 - 39)
12/07 HB 242 Permitting the On-Site Sale of Alcohol at Distilleries Concurrence Vote Passed - House (164 - 29)
12/07 HB 242 Permitting the On-Site Sale of Alcohol at Distilleries Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
4/06 HB 2434 Health Benefits Exchange Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 20)
4/06 HB 2434 Health Benefits Exchange Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 36)
3/02 HB 248 Income Tax Credit for Long-Term Care Insurance Bill Failed - House (44 - 56)
2/09 HB 251 Requires Ultrasound Prior to Abortion Bill Passed - House (34 - 25)
4/28 HB 2726 Certification for Smoke Shops Bill Passed - House (35 - 23)
6/29 HB 2726 Certification for Smoke Shops Concurrence Vote Passed - House (31 - 29)
6/23 HB 2726 Certification for Smoke Shops Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
3/02 HB 2946 Prescriptions for Methamphetamine Chemical Precursors Bill Passed - House (77 - 23)
2/08 HB 30 Health Care Sharing Ministries Bill Passed - House (68 - 32)
2/08 HB 30 Health Care Sharing Ministries Bill Passed - House (68 - 32)
2/10 HB 309 Prohibits Recreational Access to Ditches Bill Passed - House (57 - 43)
2/01 HB 35 Health Care Choice and Protection Act Bill Passed - House (44 - 14)
5/05 HB 353 Drug Screening for Temporary Assistance Beneficiaries Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
4/26 HB 353 Drug Screening for Temporary Assistance Beneficiaries Bill Passed - House (78 - 38)
3/07 HB 354 Restricting Health Insurance Coverage of Abortion Bill Passed - House (57 - 13)
2/22 HB 39 Funding for Lawsuit Against Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 19)
2/22 HB 456 Sexual Education in K-12 Public Schools Bill Passed - House (67 - 30)
4/14 HB 461 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
4/14 HB 461 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
3/16 HB 461 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - House (108 - 63)
3/16 HB 461 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - House (108 - 63)
4/14 HB 47 Ability to Purchase Insurance Out of State Concurrence Vote Passed - House (98 - 58)
4/12 HB 47 Ability to Purchase Insurance Out of State Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
3/10 HB 47 Ability to Purchase Insurance Out of State Bill Passed - House (111 - 47)
6/16 HB 5 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - House (92 - 43)
3/30 HB 519 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (251 - 108)

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