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 17, 2008 SD HB 1233 Government Spending Database Veto Override Passed - House (61 - 8)
March 17, 2008 SD HB 1233 Government Spending Database Veto Override Failed - Senate (22 - 12)
March 12, 2009 SD HB 1197 Tax Changes Relating to Single Family Dwellings Under Construction Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
March 11, 2009 SD HB 1197 Tax Changes Relating to Single Family Dwellings Under Construction Veto Override Passed - House (60 - 10)
Feb. 21, 2008 SD HB 1250 Legislative Pay Raise Bill Tabled - Senate (29 - 4)
Feb. 9, 2006 SD H Amdt 1215rb Exceptions to Abortion Ban in Cases of Rape or Incest Amendment Amendment Tabled - House (42 - 25)
Feb. 7, 2006 SD H Amdt 1194rf Penalties for School Employees for Dispensing Contraceptives Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (37 - 33)
Feb. 22, 2006 SD S Amdt 1215re Abortion Ban to Public Vote Amendment Rejected - Senate (15 - 20)
Feb. 9, 2006 SD H Amdt 1215fa Exception to Abortion Ban in Cases Where the Health of the Woman is Seriously Threatened Amendment Rejected - House (27 - 41)
Feb. 22, 2006 SD S Amdt 1215ca Exceptions to Abortion Ban in Cases of Rape or Incest Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (14 - 21)
Feb. 22, 2006 SD S Amdt 1215rf Abortion Ban Litigation Fund Amendment Rejected - Senate (13 - 22)
Feb. 22, 2006 SD S Amdt 1215cb Exception to Abortion Ban in Cases Where the Health of the Woman is Seriously Threatened Amendment Rejected - Senate (13 - 22)
March 3, 2007 SD HB 1048 Campaign Contribution Reform Conference Report Adopted - House (45 - 22)
March 3, 2007 SD HB 1048 Campaign Contribution Reform Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 16)
March 9, 2009 SD HB 1240 Smoking Ban Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 23)
March 1, 2010 SD HCR 1009 Urges Changes to the Public School Environmental Curriculum Concurrence Vote Passed - House (37 - 33)
Feb. 26, 2007 SD HB 1139 Tobacco Tax Funds Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 5, 2009 SD SJR 3 Extending Senate Terms and Legislative Term-Limits Bill Failed - House (17 - 49)
March 4, 2009 SD HB 1240 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Feb. 24, 2010 SD HCR 1009 Urges Changes to the Public School Environmental Curriculum Resolution Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
Feb. 26, 2008 SD SB 126 Repealing Liquor License Cap Bill Passed - House (45 - 25)
Feb. 22, 2007 SD HB 1048 Campaign Contribution Reform Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
March 2, 2007 SD SB 207 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - House (62 - 8)
Feb. 6, 2008 SD SB 126 Repealing Liquor License Cap Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
March 1, 2007 SD HB 1082 School District Consolidation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
Feb. 21, 2008 SD HB 1151 Adult-Oriented Business Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
Feb. 14, 2008 SD HB 1151 Adult-Oriented Business Restrictions Bill Passed - House (47 - 21)
Feb. 26, 2008 SD SB 174 Railroad Eminent Domain Bill Passed - House (54 - 16)
Feb. 13, 2008 SD SB 174 Railroad Eminent Domain Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
Feb. 9, 2009 SD SJR 3 Extending Senate Terms and Legislative Term-Limits Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Feb. 14, 2008 SD HB 1124 Teacher Compensation and Performance Bill Passed - House (39 - 29)
Feb. 18, 2009 SD HB 1171 Exemptions from School District Minimum Size Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
Feb. 5, 2008 SD HB 1250 Legislative Pay Raise Bill Passed - House (54 - 14)
Feb. 7, 2007 SD HB 1139 Tobacco Tax Funds Bill Passed - House (60 - 10)
Feb. 4, 2009 SD HB 1171 Exemptions from School District Minimum Size Requirements Bill Passed - House (36 - 34)
Jan. 24, 2008 SD SB 126 Repealing Liquor License Cap Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 19)
Feb. 17, 2009 SD SB 106 School Funding Formula Revision Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Feb. 17, 2010 SD HCR 1009 Urges Changes to the Public School Environmental Curriculum Resolution Passed - House (36 - 30)
Feb. 26, 2008 SD HB 1233 Government Spending Database Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
Feb. 13, 2008 SD HB 1233 Government Spending Database Bill Passed - House (47 - 22)
Jan. 29, 2008 SD HB 1193 Offering Sonograms to Women Considering Abortion Bill Passed - House (38 - 31)
Feb. 4, 2008 SD HB 1261 Firearm Possession on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (63 - 3)
March 13, 2009 SD HB 1300 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
March 13, 2009 SD HB 1300 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - House (42 - 28)
Feb. 21, 2006 SD HB 1235 Compulsory High School Education Age to 18 Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 23)
Feb. 23, 2009 SD SB 195 Stem Cell Research Amendments Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 20)
Feb. 17, 2009 SD HB 1278 Ban on Local Firearm Restrictions Bill Passed - House (46 - 20)
Feb. 14, 2007 SD HB 1175 Lethal Injection Reform Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Feb. 5, 2007 SD HB 1296 Pre-Abortion Sonograms Bill Passed - House (43 - 24)
Feb. 18, 2010 SD SB 89 Exempts Certain Firearms From Federal Regulation Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
Feb. 6, 2007 SD HB 1175 Lethal Injection Reform Bill Passed - House (51 - 19)
Feb. 3, 2009 SD SB 79 Primary Seat Belt Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
Jan. 24, 2007 SD SB 74 Allowing Friends to Make Medical Decisions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
March 3, 2010 SD SB 89 Exempts Certain Firearms From Federal Regulation Bill Passed - House (49 - 19)
Feb. 13, 2007 SD HB 1048 Campaign Contribution Reform Bill Passed - House (47 - 23)
Feb. 20, 2007 SD HB 1082 School District Consolidation Bill Passed - House (37 - 33)
Feb. 6, 2007 SD SJR 7 Extension of Term Limits Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (17 - 18)
Feb. 3, 2009 SD SB 83 Statewide Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 18)
Feb. 20, 2007 SD SB 208 Tanning Restrictions Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 24)
Feb. 12, 2007 SD SB 199 Mandatory School Attendance Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
Feb. 9, 2006 SD HB 1234 Mandatory Kindergarten Bill Passed - House (52 - 15)
Feb. 8, 2007 SD SB 190 Liquor License Development Districts Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 20)
Jan. 17, 2006 SD SB 27 State Fair Appropriation Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
Feb. 28, 2007 SD SB 199 Mandatory School Attendance Bill Passed - House (46 - 23)
Jan. 24, 2006 SD SB 27 State Fair Appropriation Bill Passed - House (61 - 7)
Feb. 12, 2007 SD SB 207 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
March 21, 2006 SD SB 210 2006-2007 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (63 - 3)
March 21, 2006 SD SB 210 2006-2007 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
Feb. 14, 2007 SD HB 1293 Abortion Limitations Bill Passed - House (45 - 25)
Feb. 15, 2007 SD SB 157 Teacher Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
Feb. 2, 2009 SD HB 1004 Legalizing the Killing of Threatening Mountain Lions Bill Passed - House (37 - 32)
Feb. 14, 2007 SD SB 196 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
Feb. 14, 2007 SD HB 1160 Physician Presence at Executions Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
Feb. 7, 2007 SD HB 1160 Physician Presence at Executions Bill Passed - House (56 - 14)
Feb. 9, 2006 SD HB 1215 Abortion Ban Bill Passed - House (47 - 22)
Feb. 22, 2006 SD HB 1215 Abortion Ban Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
Feb. 23, 2006 SD SB 1 Mandatory Bodily Substance Samples in Drunk Driving Arrests Bill Passed - House (52 - 17)
Feb. 6, 2006 SD HB 1184 Medical Treatments that Violate Medical Workers Principles Bill Failed - House (34 - 35)
Jan. 23, 2006 SD SB 1 Mandatory Bodily Substance Samples in Drunk Driving Arrests Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
Feb. 23, 2009 SD HB 1240 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (43 - 27)
Feb. 10, 2006 SD HB 1235 Compulsory High School Education Age to 18 Bill Passed - House (51 - 14)
Feb. 13, 2008 SD HB 1085 Constructing Science Facilities at Universities Bill Passed - House (61 - 6)
Feb. 27, 2008 SD HB 1085 Constructing Science Facilities at Universities Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
Feb. 20, 2008 SD SB 88 Offering Sonograms to Women Considering Abortion Bill Passed - House (38 - 32)
Feb. 7, 2006 SD HB 1217 Abstinence-Only Sex Education Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
Feb. 9, 2009 SD SJR 1 Authorization of Legal Gaming due to Gaming in Bordering States Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
Jan. 29, 2008 SD SB 88 Offering Sonograms to Women Considering Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
Feb. 25, 2008 SD SB 173 Eliminating Restrictions on Corporate Dairy Farms Bill Passed - House (63 - 6)
Jan. 31, 2008 SD SB 173 Eliminating Restrictions on Corporate Dairy Farms Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Feb. 9, 2006 SD HB 1194 Contraceptive Distribution at Public Schools Bill Passed - House (51 - 17)
Feb. 28, 2007 SD SB 95 Control of Technical Institutes Bill Passed - House (50 - 19)
Feb. 11, 2008 SD HB 1171 Hunting Mountain Lions Bill Failed - House (26 - 42)
Jan. 31, 2006 SD SB 175 Emergency Contraceptives for Rape Victims Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 26)
Jan. 22, 2008 SD SB 26 State Regulation of Preschools Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
Feb. 11, 2008 SD SB 189 Accessibility of Public Records Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Feb. 12, 2009 SD SB 156 Expansion of Hate Crime Law Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 21)
Feb. 13, 2008 SD SJR 1 Eliminating Term Limits Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
Feb. 6, 2008 SD SB 164 Right to Obtain Contraception Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 22)
March 19, 2012 SD SB 157 Prohibits Cities From Limiting Outdoor Digital Billboards Veto Override Failed - House (43 - 24)
March 19, 2012 SD SB 157 Prohibits Cities From Limiting Outdoor Digital Billboards Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/17 HB 1233 Government Spending Database Veto Override Passed - House (61 - 8)
3/17 HB 1233 Government Spending Database Veto Override Failed - Senate (22 - 12)
3/12 HB 1197 Tax Changes Relating to Single Family Dwellings Under Construction Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
3/11 HB 1197 Tax Changes Relating to Single Family Dwellings Under Construction Veto Override Passed - House (60 - 10)
2/21 HB 1250 Legislative Pay Raise Bill Tabled - Senate (29 - 4)
2/09 H Amdt 1215rb Exceptions to Abortion Ban in Cases of Rape or Incest Amendment Amendment Tabled - House (42 - 25)
2/07 H Amdt 1194rf Penalties for School Employees for Dispensing Contraceptives Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (37 - 33)
2/22 S Amdt 1215re Abortion Ban to Public Vote Amendment Rejected - Senate (15 - 20)
2/09 H Amdt 1215fa Exception to Abortion Ban in Cases Where the Health of the Woman is Seriously Threatened Amendment Rejected - House (27 - 41)
2/22 S Amdt 1215ca Exceptions to Abortion Ban in Cases of Rape or Incest Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (14 - 21)
2/22 S Amdt 1215rf Abortion Ban Litigation Fund Amendment Rejected - Senate (13 - 22)
2/22 S Amdt 1215cb Exception to Abortion Ban in Cases Where the Health of the Woman is Seriously Threatened Amendment Rejected - Senate (13 - 22)
3/03 HB 1048 Campaign Contribution Reform Conference Report Adopted - House (45 - 22)
3/03 HB 1048 Campaign Contribution Reform Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 16)
3/09 HB 1240 Smoking Ban Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 23)
3/01 HCR 1009 Urges Changes to the Public School Environmental Curriculum Concurrence Vote Passed - House (37 - 33)
2/26 HB 1139 Tobacco Tax Funds Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/05 SJR 3 Extending Senate Terms and Legislative Term-Limits Bill Failed - House (17 - 49)
3/04 HB 1240 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
2/24 HCR 1009 Urges Changes to the Public School Environmental Curriculum Resolution Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
2/26 SB 126 Repealing Liquor License Cap Bill Passed - House (45 - 25)
2/22 HB 1048 Campaign Contribution Reform Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
3/02 SB 207 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - House (62 - 8)
2/06 SB 126 Repealing Liquor License Cap Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
3/01 HB 1082 School District Consolidation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
2/21 HB 1151 Adult-Oriented Business Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
2/14 HB 1151 Adult-Oriented Business Restrictions Bill Passed - House (47 - 21)
2/26 SB 174 Railroad Eminent Domain Bill Passed - House (54 - 16)
2/13 SB 174 Railroad Eminent Domain Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
2/09 SJR 3 Extending Senate Terms and Legislative Term-Limits Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
2/14 HB 1124 Teacher Compensation and Performance Bill Passed - House (39 - 29)
2/18 HB 1171 Exemptions from School District Minimum Size Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
2/05 HB 1250 Legislative Pay Raise Bill Passed - House (54 - 14)
2/07 HB 1139 Tobacco Tax Funds Bill Passed - House (60 - 10)
2/04 HB 1171 Exemptions from School District Minimum Size Requirements Bill Passed - House (36 - 34)
1/24 SB 126 Repealing Liquor License Cap Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 19)
2/17 SB 106 School Funding Formula Revision Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
2/17 HCR 1009 Urges Changes to the Public School Environmental Curriculum Resolution Passed - House (36 - 30)
2/26 HB 1233 Government Spending Database Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
2/13 HB 1233 Government Spending Database Bill Passed - House (47 - 22)
1/29 HB 1193 Offering Sonograms to Women Considering Abortion Bill Passed - House (38 - 31)
2/04 HB 1261 Firearm Possession on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (63 - 3)
3/13 HB 1300 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
3/13 HB 1300 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - House (42 - 28)
2/21 HB 1235 Compulsory High School Education Age to 18 Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 23)
2/23 SB 195 Stem Cell Research Amendments Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 20)
2/17 HB 1278 Ban on Local Firearm Restrictions Bill Passed - House (46 - 20)
2/14 HB 1175 Lethal Injection Reform Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
2/05 HB 1296 Pre-Abortion Sonograms Bill Passed - House (43 - 24)
2/18 SB 89 Exempts Certain Firearms From Federal Regulation Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
2/06 HB 1175 Lethal Injection Reform Bill Passed - House (51 - 19)
2/03 SB 79 Primary Seat Belt Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
1/24 SB 74 Allowing Friends to Make Medical Decisions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
3/03 SB 89 Exempts Certain Firearms From Federal Regulation Bill Passed - House (49 - 19)
2/13 HB 1048 Campaign Contribution Reform Bill Passed - House (47 - 23)
2/20 HB 1082 School District Consolidation Bill Passed - House (37 - 33)
2/06 SJR 7 Extension of Term Limits Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (17 - 18)
2/03 SB 83 Statewide Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 18)
2/20 SB 208 Tanning Restrictions Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 24)
2/12 SB 199 Mandatory School Attendance Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
2/09 HB 1234 Mandatory Kindergarten Bill Passed - House (52 - 15)
2/08 SB 190 Liquor License Development Districts Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 20)
1/17 SB 27 State Fair Appropriation Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
2/28 SB 199 Mandatory School Attendance Bill Passed - House (46 - 23)
1/24 SB 27 State Fair Appropriation Bill Passed - House (61 - 7)
2/12 SB 207 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
3/21 SB 210 2006-2007 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (63 - 3)
3/21 SB 210 2006-2007 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
2/14 HB 1293 Abortion Limitations Bill Passed - House (45 - 25)
2/15 SB 157 Teacher Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
2/02 HB 1004 Legalizing the Killing of Threatening Mountain Lions Bill Passed - House (37 - 32)
2/14 SB 196 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
2/14 HB 1160 Physician Presence at Executions Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
2/07 HB 1160 Physician Presence at Executions Bill Passed - House (56 - 14)
2/09 HB 1215 Abortion Ban Bill Passed - House (47 - 22)
2/22 HB 1215 Abortion Ban Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
2/23 SB 1 Mandatory Bodily Substance Samples in Drunk Driving Arrests Bill Passed - House (52 - 17)
2/06 HB 1184 Medical Treatments that Violate Medical Workers Principles Bill Failed - House (34 - 35)
1/23 SB 1 Mandatory Bodily Substance Samples in Drunk Driving Arrests Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
2/23 HB 1240 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (43 - 27)
2/10 HB 1235 Compulsory High School Education Age to 18 Bill Passed - House (51 - 14)
2/13 HB 1085 Constructing Science Facilities at Universities Bill Passed - House (61 - 6)
2/27 HB 1085 Constructing Science Facilities at Universities Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
2/20 SB 88 Offering Sonograms to Women Considering Abortion Bill Passed - House (38 - 32)
2/07 HB 1217 Abstinence-Only Sex Education Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
2/09 SJR 1 Authorization of Legal Gaming due to Gaming in Bordering States Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
1/29 SB 88 Offering Sonograms to Women Considering Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
2/25 SB 173 Eliminating Restrictions on Corporate Dairy Farms Bill Passed - House (63 - 6)
1/31 SB 173 Eliminating Restrictions on Corporate Dairy Farms Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
2/09 HB 1194 Contraceptive Distribution at Public Schools Bill Passed - House (51 - 17)
2/28 SB 95 Control of Technical Institutes Bill Passed - House (50 - 19)
2/11 HB 1171 Hunting Mountain Lions Bill Failed - House (26 - 42)
1/31 SB 175 Emergency Contraceptives for Rape Victims Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 26)
1/22 SB 26 State Regulation of Preschools Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
2/11 SB 189 Accessibility of Public Records Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
2/12 SB 156 Expansion of Hate Crime Law Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 21)
2/13 SJR 1 Eliminating Term Limits Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
2/06 SB 164 Right to Obtain Contraception Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 22)
3/19 SB 157 Prohibits Cities From Limiting Outdoor Digital Billboards Veto Override Failed - House (43 - 24)
3/19 SB 157 Prohibits Cities From Limiting Outdoor Digital Billboards Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 7)

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