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)
Nov. 10, 2011 National S Amdt 928 American Jobs and Economic Growth Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 56)
Nov. 10, 2011 MI SB 693 Establishes MIHealth Marketplace Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
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. 9, 2011 CA SB 51 Compliance with Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 16)
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)
Aug. 31, 2011 CA AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 25 2011-2013 Health and Human Services Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 27)
July 14, 2011 CA AB 130 Authorizes Student Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
June 30, 2011 PA SB 330 Amending The Taxpayer Relief Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
June 23, 2011 OR HB 2726 Certification for Smoke Shops Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
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 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 6, 2011 CT HB 6308 Establishes the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
June 6, 2011 NV AB 571 Amending Smoking Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
June 6, 2011 ME LD 1463 Penalties for Violent Offenses Against Fetuses "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Not Adopted - Senate (15 - 18)
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 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)
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 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 26, 2011 IL HB 1600 Limits Artificial Trans Fats Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 40)
May 24, 2011 CT HB 6390 Access to Postsecondary Education Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
May 23, 2011 NJ S 2899 Medicaid Coverage for Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
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 7, 2011 UT HB 328 State Government Work Week Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
May 6, 2011 FL HB 7107 Medicaid Managed Care Program Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
May 5, 2011 VT H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 10)
May 5, 2011 CO SB 200 Establishing a Health Benefit Exchange Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
May 4, 2011 FL HJR 381 Homestead and Property Assessment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
May 4, 2011 IL SB 2185 Establishes the DREAM Fund Commission Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 11)
May 3, 2011 NC HB 129 Regulates Competition Between Local Government and Private Business Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
April 25, 2011 NV SB 368 Prohibits Discrimination in Housing Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
April 25, 2011 NV SB 180 Criminal and Civil Liability for Gender Identity Crimes Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 11)
April 25, 2011 OR SB 99 Establishes the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
April 21, 2011 AL SB 256 Undocumented Immigrant Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate
April 20, 2011 MT HB 198 Eminent Domain Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
April 20, 2011 WA SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
April 20, 2011 IA SF 525 Revises the Iowa Mental Health System Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
April 19, 2011 AZ SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
April 18, 2011 CO SB 126 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
April 14, 2011 NC SB 265 Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
April 14, 2011 GA HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
April 14, 2011 GA HB 461 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
April 11, 2011 MD SB 167 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 19)
April 7, 2011 OR SB 695 Standards for Infant Formula Containers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
April 6, 2011 AZ HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
April 5, 2011 MT SB 125 Prohibits State from Requiring Individuals to Purchase Health Insurance Nonconcurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
April 5, 2011 National HR 4 Repeals the Form 1099 Provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - Senate (87 - 12)
April 5, 2011 ID H 298 Response to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
April 5, 2011 RI S 87 Establishing the Rhode Island Health Benefit Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
April 1, 2011 AZ SB 1619 Provisions to Health and Health Care for 2011-2012 Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
April 1, 2011 AZ SB 1617 K-12 Education Budget for 2011-2012 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
March 30, 2011 NY S 2808 Implementing the Education, Labor, and Family Assistance Budget Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 13)
March 29, 2011 ID H 187 Freedom of Conscience for Health Care Professionals Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
March 29, 2011 OR SB 742 Resident Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
March 28, 2011 ID H 260 Medicaid Funding Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
March 28, 2011 NC SB 265 Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 16)
March 27, 2011 MS SB 3100 Issuance of State Bonds for Improvements in Higher Learning Institutions Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 10)
March 25, 2011 UT HB 1001 Repeal HB 477 Motion Agreed - Senate (19 - 5)
March 17, 2011 CA SB 70 Education Budget Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
March 17, 2011 CA AB 109 Criminal Justice Realignment Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1611 Requires Verification of Citizenship for Certain Benefits Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1309 Defines Arizona Citizenship Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
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 1405 Hospital Admissions and Restrictions Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
March 16, 2011 WA SB 5407 Prohibits Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Motion Rejected - Senate (23 - 25)
March 16, 2011 AZ SB 1613 Budget Proposal Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
March 15, 2011 AZ SCR 1035 English as the Official Language Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
March 14, 2011 OK SB 91 Proof of Presidential Candidates' Citizenship Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 10)
March 14, 2011 GA SB 40 Immigration Status Verification of Private Business Workers Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 21)
March 10, 2011 UT HB 317 Specifies that Gold and Silver Coins are Legal Tender in Utah Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
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)
March 10, 2011 SC S 20 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9)
March 9, 2011 NM HB 78 Driver License and ID Card Restrictions for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 16)
March 9, 2011 FL SJR 2 Authorizes Exemptions from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Amendment Adopted - Senate (29 - 10)
March 7, 2011 UT HB 477 Government Records Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
Date No. Title Outcome
12/15 HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (86 - 13)
11/10 S Amdt 928 American Jobs and Economic Growth Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 56)
11/10 SB 693 Establishes MIHealth Marketplace Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
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)
9/09 SB 51 Compliance with Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 16)
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)
8/31 AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
7/19 HF 25 2011-2013 Health and Human Services Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 27)
7/14 AB 130 Authorizes Student Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
6/30 SB 330 Amending The Taxpayer Relief Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
6/23 HB 2726 Certification for Smoke Shops Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
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)
6/15 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)
6/06 HB 6308 Establishes the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
6/06 AB 571 Amending Smoking Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
6/06 LD 1463 Penalties for Violent Offenses Against Fetuses "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Not Adopted - Senate (15 - 18)
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 591 Permanent Cigarette Tax Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
6/01 SB 133 Amends the Smoke-free Air Act Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 22)
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 AB 136 Governing Credits for Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/30 AB 136 Governing Credits for Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/26 HB 1600 Limits Artificial Trans Fats Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 40)
5/24 HB 6390 Access to Postsecondary Education Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
5/23 S 2899 Medicaid Coverage for Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
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)
5/07 HB 328 State Government Work Week Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
5/06 HB 7107 Medicaid Managed Care Program Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
5/05 H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 10)
5/05 SB 200 Establishing a Health Benefit Exchange Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
5/04 HJR 381 Homestead and Property Assessment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
5/04 SB 2185 Establishes the DREAM Fund Commission Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 11)
5/03 HB 129 Regulates Competition Between Local Government and Private Business Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
4/25 SB 368 Prohibits Discrimination in Housing Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
4/25 SB 180 Criminal and Civil Liability for Gender Identity Crimes Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 11)
4/25 SB 99 Establishes the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
4/21 SB 256 Undocumented Immigrant Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate
4/20 HB 198 Eminent Domain Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
4/20 SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
4/20 SF 525 Revises the Iowa Mental Health System Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
4/19 SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
4/18 SB 126 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
4/14 SB 265 Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
4/14 HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
4/14 HB 461 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
4/11 SB 167 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 19)
4/07 SB 695 Standards for Infant Formula Containers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
4/06 HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
4/05 SB 125 Prohibits State from Requiring Individuals to Purchase Health Insurance Nonconcurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
4/05 HR 4 Repeals the Form 1099 Provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - Senate (87 - 12)
4/05 H 298 Response to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
4/05 S 87 Establishing the Rhode Island Health Benefit Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
4/01 SB 1619 Provisions to Health and Health Care for 2011-2012 Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
4/01 SB 1617 K-12 Education Budget for 2011-2012 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
3/30 S 2808 Implementing the Education, Labor, and Family Assistance Budget Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 13)
3/29 H 187 Freedom of Conscience for Health Care Professionals Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
3/29 SB 742 Resident Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
3/28 H 260 Medicaid Funding Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
3/28 SB 265 Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 16)
3/27 SB 3100 Issuance of State Bonds for Improvements in Higher Learning Institutions Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 10)
3/25 HB 1001 Repeal HB 477 Motion Agreed - Senate (19 - 5)
3/17 SB 70 Education Budget Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
3/17 AB 109 Criminal Justice Realignment Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
3/17 SB 1611 Requires Verification of Citizenship for Certain Benefits Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
3/17 SB 1309 Defines Arizona Citizenship Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
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 1405 Hospital Admissions and Restrictions Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
3/16 SB 5407 Prohibits Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Motion Rejected - Senate (23 - 25)
3/16 SB 1613 Budget Proposal Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
3/15 SCR 1035 English as the Official Language Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
3/14 SB 91 Proof of Presidential Candidates' Citizenship Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 10)
3/14 SB 40 Immigration Status Verification of Private Business Workers Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 21)
3/10 HB 317 Specifies that Gold and Silver Coins are Legal Tender in Utah Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
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)
3/10 S 20 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9)
3/09 HB 78 Driver License and ID Card Restrictions for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 16)
3/09 SJR 2 Authorizes Exemptions from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Amendment Adopted - Senate (29 - 10)
3/07 HB 477 Government Records Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)

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