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
Dec. 15, 2011 National HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (86 - 13)
Dec. 14, 2011 National HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - House (283 - 136)
Dec. 13, 2011 PA SB 732 Amends the Health Care Facilities Act of 179 Bill Passed - House (151 - 44)
Dec. 12, 2011 PA HB 1977 Amending Insurance Coverage of Abortions Bill Passed - House (146 - 45)
Nov. 29, 2011 National HR 3012 Repeals Certain Green Cards Limitations Bill Passed - House (389 - 15)
Nov. 15, 2011 PA HB 439 Hiring Undocumented Workers Bill Passed - House (122 - 74)
Nov. 10, 2011 National S Amdt 928 American Jobs and Economic Growth Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 56)
Nov. 10, 2011 ND HB 1474 Establishing a Health Benefit Exchange Bill Failed - House (30 - 64)
Nov. 10, 2011 MI SB 693 Establishes MIHealth Marketplace Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
Nov. 1, 2011 WI AB 69 Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (71 - 24)
Nov. 1, 2011 WI AB 69 Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (71 - 24)
Nov. 1, 2011 WI SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - House (63 - 32)
Nov. 1, 2011 WI AB 147 Inadmissibility of Apology Statements by Health Care Providers Bill Passed - House (62 - 33)
Nov. 1, 2011 National H Con Res 13 Encourages Display of "In God We Trust" in Public Buildings and Schools Joint Resolution Passed - House (396 - 9)
Oct. 26, 2011 National HR 1904 Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011 Bill Passed - House (235 - 186)
Oct. 25, 2011 WI SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Oct. 20, 2011 National S Amdt 769 Authorizes Individuals to Import FDA-Approved Drugs from Canada Amendment Rejected - Senate (45 - 55)
Oct. 11, 2011 National S 1660 American Jobs Act of 2011 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (50 - 49)
Oct. 11, 2011 National S 1619 Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Act of 2011 Bill Passed - Senate (63 - 35)
Sept. 26, 2011 NJ A 2806 Conversion of Certain Private Schools to Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
Sept. 14, 2011 NH SB 88 Civil Immunity from Acts of Self Defense Veto Override Passed - House (251 - 111)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA SB 51 Compliance with Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 16)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA SB 51 Compliance with Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (53 - 26)
Sept. 9, 2011 MO HB 1 Authority Over the Saint Louis Police Department Bill Passed - House (123 - 27)
Sept. 7, 2011 NH SB 88 Civil Immunity from Acts of Self Defense Veto Override Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
Sept. 6, 2011 CA AB 1236 Prohibits Requirement of Electronic Employment Verification Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
Sept. 2, 2011 CA SB 746 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Beds by Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
Sept. 1, 2011 CA SB 746 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Beds by Minors Bill Passed - House (49 - 27)
Aug. 31, 2011 CA AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
Aug. 30, 2011 CA SB 161 Administration of Epilepsy Medication in Schools Bill Passed - House (46 - 21)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 25 2011-2013 Health and Human Services Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 27)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 25 2011-2013 Health and Human Services Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (71 - 57)
July 14, 2011 CA AB 130 Authorizes Student Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
July 1, 2011 DE SB 65 Expansion of Criminal Nuisance Definition Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
July 1, 2011 DE SB 65 Expansion of Criminal Nuisance Definition Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
June 30, 2011 PA SB 330 Amending The Taxpayer Relief Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
June 30, 2011 PA SB 330 Amending The Taxpayer Relief Act Bill Passed - House (109 - 86)
June 29, 2011 OR HB 2726 Certification for Smoke Shops Concurrence Vote Passed - House (31 - 29)
June 29, 2011 NJ A 2806 Conversion of Certain Private Schools to Charter Schools Bill Passed - House (59 - 14)
June 23, 2011 OR HB 2726 Certification for Smoke Shops Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
June 23, 2011 NJ S 2937 Pension and Health Care Benefits for Public Employees Bill Passed - House (46 - 32)
June 23, 2011 NJ S 2937 Pension and Health Care Benefits for Public Employees Bill Passed - House (46 - 32)
June 23, 2011 NY A 8514 Health Benefit Exchange Act Bill Passed - House (95 - 43)
June 22, 2011 SC H 3700 2011-2012 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 54)
June 22, 2011 OH SJR 1 Constitutional Amendment Concerning Health Care Joint Resolution Passed - House (59 - 39)
June 22, 2011 DE SB 97 Approval of Rental Prices on Certain Housing Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 9)
June 21, 2011 National S 782 Economic Development Revitalization Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (49 - 51)
June 20, 2011 NJ S 2937 Pension and Health Care Benefits for Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
June 20, 2011 NJ S 2937 Pension and Health Care Benefits for Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
June 19, 2011 LA HB 342 Requires Certain Employers to Use E-Verify Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
June 16, 2011 LA HB 591 Permanent Cigarette Tax Veto Override Failed - House (58 - 44)
June 15, 2011 NY A 8446 Extension of Rent Control Laws Bill Failed - Senate (32 - 30)
June 15, 2011 NY A 8446 Extension of Rent Control Laws Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 43)
June 15, 2011 OH SJR 1 Constitutional Amendment Concerning Health Care Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
June 15, 2011 TX SB 9 Enforcement of Federal and State Immigration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
June 13, 2011 OR HB 2541 Amends Inheritance Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
June 9, 2011 AL HB 60 Prohibiting Mandatory Participation in any Health Care System Amendment Adopted - Senate (24 - 9)
June 9, 2011 NJ S 805 Senior Tenants' Rent Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
June 7, 2011 ME LD 1463 Penalties for Violent Offenses Against Fetuses "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Not Adopted - House (66 - 81)
June 7, 2011 OR SB 99 Establishes the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - House (48 - 12)
June 7, 2011 CT SB 1014 Penalties For Certain Nonviolent Drug Offenses Bill Passed - House (90 - 57)
June 7, 2011 LA HB 138 Parole Eligibility for Elderly Inmates Bill Passed - House (65 - 25)
June 6, 2011 NV AB 571 Amending Smoking Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
June 6, 2011 CT HB 6308 Establishes the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
June 6, 2011 ME LD 1463 Penalties for Violent Offenses Against Fetuses "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Not Adopted - Senate (15 - 18)
June 5, 2011 NV AB 571 Amending Smoking Regulations Bill Passed - House (23 - 19)
June 4, 2011 CT SB 1014 Penalties For Certain Nonviolent Drug Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 18)
June 2, 2011 AL HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 7)
June 2, 2011 AL HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 29)
June 2, 2011 LA HB 591 Permanent Cigarette Tax Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
June 1, 2011 LA SB 133 Amends the Smoke-free Air Act Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 22)
June 1, 2011 CA AB 131 In-State College Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (50 - 27)
June 1, 2011 CA AB 131 In-State College Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (50 - 27)
May 31, 2011 IL SB 145 Nursing Home Infection Control Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 24)
May 31, 2011 IL SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 24)
May 30, 2011 NV AB 301 Voting Privileges for Felons Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
May 30, 2011 IL SB 145 Nursing Home Infection Control Bill Passed - House (69 - 45)
May 30, 2011 NV AB 136 Governing Credits for Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 30, 2011 NV AB 136 Governing Credits for Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 30, 2011 IL SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Bill Passed - House (67 - 47)
May 30, 2011 IL SB 2185 Establishes the DREAM Fund Commission Bill Passed - House (61 - 53)
May 27, 2011 NV AB 552 DNA Samples for Felony Charges Bill Passed - House (31 - 11)
May 27, 2011 CT HB 6308 Establishes the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership Bill Passed - House (88 - 48)
May 26, 2011 IL HB 1600 Limits Artificial Trans Fats Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 40)
May 25, 2011 SC S 20 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (65 - 39)
May 24, 2011 CT HB 6390 Access to Postsecondary Education Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
May 24, 2011 LA HB 591 Permanent Cigarette Tax Bill Passed - House (70 - 30)
May 23, 2011 NV SB 368 Prohibits Discrimination in Housing Bill Passed - House (29 - 13)
May 23, 2011 NJ S 2899 Medicaid Coverage for Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
May 20, 2011 TX H Amdt 53 Prohibits Smoking in Public Places Amendment Adopted - House (73 - 66)
May 19, 2011 MN SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 63)
May 19, 2011 NC HB 578 State Health Plan Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 24)
May 19, 2011 CA AB 1236 Prohibits Requirement of Electronic Employment Verification Bill Passed - House (55 - 22)
May 18, 2011 MN SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 28)
May 18, 2011 NC HB 578 State Health Plan Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
May 17, 2011 TX SB 420 Eligibility for Indigent Health Care Bill Passed - House (102 - 40)
May 12, 2011 CT HB 6390 Access to Postsecondary Education Bill Passed - House (77 - 63)
May 12, 2011 CA AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - House (50 - 25)
May 11, 2011 PA HB 574 Amending the Health Care Facilities Act of 1979 Bill Passed - House (148 - 43)
May 10, 2011 IA SF 522 Establishing a Property Tax Credit Bill Passed - House (58 - 40)
Date No. Title Outcome
12/15 HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (86 - 13)
12/14 HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - House (283 - 136)
12/13 SB 732 Amends the Health Care Facilities Act of 179 Bill Passed - House (151 - 44)
12/12 HB 1977 Amending Insurance Coverage of Abortions Bill Passed - House (146 - 45)
11/29 HR 3012 Repeals Certain Green Cards Limitations Bill Passed - House (389 - 15)
11/15 HB 439 Hiring Undocumented Workers Bill Passed - House (122 - 74)
11/10 S Amdt 928 American Jobs and Economic Growth Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 56)
11/10 HB 1474 Establishing a Health Benefit Exchange Bill Failed - House (30 - 64)
11/10 SB 693 Establishes MIHealth Marketplace Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
11/01 AB 69 Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (71 - 24)
11/01 AB 69 Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (71 - 24)
11/01 SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - House (63 - 32)
11/01 AB 147 Inadmissibility of Apology Statements by Health Care Providers Bill Passed - House (62 - 33)
11/01 H Con Res 13 Encourages Display of "In God We Trust" in Public Buildings and Schools Joint Resolution Passed - House (396 - 9)
10/26 HR 1904 Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011 Bill Passed - House (235 - 186)
10/25 SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
10/20 S Amdt 769 Authorizes Individuals to Import FDA-Approved Drugs from Canada Amendment Rejected - Senate (45 - 55)
10/11 S 1660 American Jobs Act of 2011 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (50 - 49)
10/11 S 1619 Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Act of 2011 Bill Passed - Senate (63 - 35)
9/26 A 2806 Conversion of Certain Private Schools to Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
9/14 SB 88 Civil Immunity from Acts of Self Defense Veto Override Passed - House (251 - 111)
9/09 SB 51 Compliance with Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 16)
9/09 SB 51 Compliance with Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - House (53 - 26)
9/09 HB 1 Authority Over the Saint Louis Police Department Bill Passed - House (123 - 27)
9/07 SB 88 Civil Immunity from Acts of Self Defense Veto Override Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
9/06 AB 1236 Prohibits Requirement of Electronic Employment Verification Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
9/02 SB 746 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Beds by Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
9/01 SB 746 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Beds by Minors Bill Passed - House (49 - 27)
8/31 AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
8/30 SB 161 Administration of Epilepsy Medication in Schools Bill Passed - House (46 - 21)
7/19 HF 25 2011-2013 Health and Human Services Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 27)
7/19 HF 25 2011-2013 Health and Human Services Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (71 - 57)
7/14 AB 130 Authorizes Student Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
7/01 SB 65 Expansion of Criminal Nuisance Definition Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
7/01 SB 65 Expansion of Criminal Nuisance Definition Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
6/30 SB 330 Amending The Taxpayer Relief Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
6/30 SB 330 Amending The Taxpayer Relief Act Bill Passed - House (109 - 86)
6/29 HB 2726 Certification for Smoke Shops Concurrence Vote Passed - House (31 - 29)
6/29 A 2806 Conversion of Certain Private Schools to Charter Schools Bill Passed - House (59 - 14)
6/23 HB 2726 Certification for Smoke Shops Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
6/23 S 2937 Pension and Health Care Benefits for Public Employees Bill Passed - House (46 - 32)
6/23 S 2937 Pension and Health Care Benefits for Public Employees Bill Passed - House (46 - 32)
6/23 A 8514 Health Benefit Exchange Act Bill Passed - House (95 - 43)
6/22 H 3700 2011-2012 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 54)
6/22 SJR 1 Constitutional Amendment Concerning Health Care Joint Resolution Passed - House (59 - 39)
6/22 SB 97 Approval of Rental Prices on Certain Housing Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 9)
6/21 S 782 Economic Development Revitalization Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (49 - 51)
6/20 S 2937 Pension and Health Care Benefits for Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
6/20 S 2937 Pension and Health Care Benefits for Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
6/19 HB 342 Requires Certain Employers to Use E-Verify Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
6/16 HB 591 Permanent Cigarette Tax Veto Override Failed - House (58 - 44)
6/15 A 8446 Extension of Rent Control Laws Bill Failed - Senate (32 - 30)
6/15 A 8446 Extension of Rent Control Laws Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 43)
6/15 SJR 1 Constitutional Amendment Concerning Health Care Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
6/15 SB 9 Enforcement of Federal and State Immigration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
6/13 HB 2541 Amends Inheritance Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
6/09 HB 60 Prohibiting Mandatory Participation in any Health Care System Amendment Adopted - Senate (24 - 9)
6/09 S 805 Senior Tenants' Rent Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
6/07 LD 1463 Penalties for Violent Offenses Against Fetuses "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Not Adopted - House (66 - 81)
6/07 SB 99 Establishes the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - House (48 - 12)
6/07 SB 1014 Penalties For Certain Nonviolent Drug Offenses Bill Passed - House (90 - 57)
6/07 HB 138 Parole Eligibility for Elderly Inmates Bill Passed - House (65 - 25)
6/06 AB 571 Amending Smoking Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
6/06 HB 6308 Establishes the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
6/06 LD 1463 Penalties for Violent Offenses Against Fetuses "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Not Adopted - Senate (15 - 18)
6/05 AB 571 Amending Smoking Regulations Bill Passed - House (23 - 19)
6/04 SB 1014 Penalties For Certain Nonviolent Drug Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 18)
6/02 HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 7)
6/02 HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 29)
6/02 HB 591 Permanent Cigarette Tax Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
6/01 SB 133 Amends the Smoke-free Air Act Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 22)
6/01 AB 131 In-State College Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (50 - 27)
6/01 AB 131 In-State College Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (50 - 27)
5/31 SB 145 Nursing Home Infection Control Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 24)
5/31 SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 24)
5/30 AB 301 Voting Privileges for Felons Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
5/30 SB 145 Nursing Home Infection Control Bill Passed - House (69 - 45)
5/30 AB 136 Governing Credits for Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/30 AB 136 Governing Credits for Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/30 SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Bill Passed - House (67 - 47)
5/30 SB 2185 Establishes the DREAM Fund Commission Bill Passed - House (61 - 53)
5/27 AB 552 DNA Samples for Felony Charges Bill Passed - House (31 - 11)
5/27 HB 6308 Establishes the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership Bill Passed - House (88 - 48)
5/26 HB 1600 Limits Artificial Trans Fats Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 40)
5/25 S 20 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (65 - 39)
5/24 HB 6390 Access to Postsecondary Education Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
5/24 HB 591 Permanent Cigarette Tax Bill Passed - House (70 - 30)
5/23 SB 368 Prohibits Discrimination in Housing Bill Passed - House (29 - 13)
5/23 S 2899 Medicaid Coverage for Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
5/20 H Amdt 53 Prohibits Smoking in Public Places Amendment Adopted - House (73 - 66)
5/19 SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 63)
5/19 HB 578 State Health Plan Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 24)
5/19 AB 1236 Prohibits Requirement of Electronic Employment Verification Bill Passed - House (55 - 22)
5/18 SF 760 2011-2012 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 28)
5/18 HB 578 State Health Plan Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
5/17 SB 420 Eligibility for Indigent Health Care Bill Passed - House (102 - 40)
5/12 HB 6390 Access to Postsecondary Education Bill Passed - House (77 - 63)
5/12 AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - House (50 - 25)
5/11 HB 574 Amending the Health Care Facilities Act of 1979 Bill Passed - House (148 - 43)
5/10 SF 522 Establishing a Property Tax Credit Bill Passed - House (58 - 40)

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