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
May 3, 2018 OK SB 1140 Authorizes Child-Placement Agencies to Deny Services Based on Religion Bill Passed - House (57 - 24)
April 27, 2018 National H Res 856 Raising a Question of the Privileges of the House Bill Tabled - House (215 - 171)
May 30, 2017 IL SB 1696 Establishes a Muslim Advisory Council Bill Passed - House
May 10, 2017 TX HB 3859 Authorizes Child-Placement Agencies to Deny Services Based on Religion Bill Passed - House (93 - 49)
March 16, 2017 AL HB 24 Authorizes Child-Placement Agencies to Deny Services Based on Religion Bill Passed - House (60 - 14)
April 20, 2016 TN HB 615 Establishes the Bible as the Official State Book Veto Override Failed - House (43 - 50)
April 13, 2016 OH HB 425 Authorizes Religious Expression in Schools Bill Passed - House (73 - 22)
April 6, 2016 TN SB 1556 Authorizes Therapists to Decline to Provide Services Bill Passed - House (68 - 22)
March 23, 2016 NC HB 2 Requires Individuals to Use Bathroom of Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (82 - 26)
March 21, 2016 ID S 1342 Authorizes Bibles in Schools as Educational References Bill Passed - House (54 - 15)
March 16, 2016 GA HB 757 Authorizes Religious Officials to Decline to Perform Certain Ceremonies Concurrence Vote Passed - House (104 - 65)
March 16, 2016 KS SB 175 Prohibits Discrimination Against Religious Student Associations Bill Passed - House (81 - 41)
March 2, 2016 FL HB 43 Authorizes Churches to Decline to Provide Certain Marriage Services Bill Passed - House (82 - 37)
Feb. 19, 2016 MS HB 1523 Establishes Protections for Religious Beliefs or Moral Convictions Bill Passed - House (80 - 39)
Feb. 16, 2016 VA HB 773 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Certain Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - House (56 - 41)
Feb. 11, 2016 WV HB 4012 Prohibits State Action from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - House (72 - 26)
Feb. 8, 2016 SD HB 1107 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - House (46 - 10)
Jan. 28, 2016 SC H 3521 Prohibits Courts From Enforcing Foreign Law Bill Passed - House (68 - 42)
June 11, 2015 NC SB 2 Authorizes Officials to Not Perform Certain Marriage Duties Veto Override Passed - House (69 - 41)
June 10, 2015 MI HB 4188 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Deny Services for Religious Reasons Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 44)
May 28, 2015 NC SB 2 Authorizes Officials to Not Perform Certain Marriage Duties Bill Passed - House (67 - 43)
April 15, 2015 TN HB 615 Establishes the Bible as the Official State Book Bill Passed - House (55 - 38)
April 9, 2015 FL HB 7111 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Deny Services Based on Religion Bill Passed - House (75 - 38)
March 23, 2015 IN SB 101 Prohibits the Government from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - House (63 - 31)
March 19, 2015 MO HB 104 Prohibits Universities From Denying Benefits to a Religious Student Association Bill Passed - House (117 - 38)
March 18, 2015 MI HB 4190 Prohibits the Department of Human Services from Taking Certain Actions Against Religion-Based Adoption Agencies Bill Passed - House (65 - 44)
March 18, 2015 MI HB 4189 Authorizes Child Placing Agencies to Deny Adoptions Based on Religion Bill Passed - House (65 - 44)
March 18, 2015 MI HB 4188 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Deny Services for Religious Reasons Bill Passed - House (65 - 44)
March 11, 2015 UT SB 297 Authorizes Certain Government Employees to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - House (66 - 9)
March 11, 2015 UT SB 296 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - House (65 - 10)
Feb. 13, 2015 AR HB 1228 Prohibits the State from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - House (72 - 20)
Feb. 5, 2015 AZ HB 2128 Exempts Religious Organizations from Certain Property Taxes Bill Passed - House (33 - 25)
Dec. 4, 2014 MI HB 5958 Prohibits Government from Burdening an Individual's Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - House (59 - 50)
March 3, 2014 GA HB 702 Requires Ten Commandments Monument at the Capitol Building Bill Passed - House (138 - 37)
Feb. 26, 2014 VA SB 236 Authorizes Religious Expression in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (64 - 34)
Feb. 20, 2014 AZ SB 1062 Authorizes Individuals to use Potential Infringements of Religious Freedom as a Claim or Defense Bill Passed - House (33 - 27)
Feb. 20, 2014 AL HB 45 Authorizes Display of the Ten Commandments on State Property Amendment Adopted - House (77 - 19)
Feb. 18, 2014 GA HB 875 Authorizes Individuals to Carry Weapons in Previously Prohibited Locations Bill Passed - House (119 - 56)
Feb. 13, 2014 MO HB 1430 Authorizes Health Care Providers to Opt Out of Certain Medical Procedures Bill Passed - House (112 - 38)
Feb. 12, 2014 KS HB 2453 Authorizes an Individual to Refuse Services Based on Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - House (72 - 49)
Jan. 21, 2014 AL HB 31 Authorizes Health Care Providers to Abstain from Certain Medical Procedures Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
July 24, 2013 NC HB 522 Prohibits the Application of Foreign Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 37)
July 23, 2013 National H Amdt 375 Prohibits the Use of Funds to Appoint Chaplains Without an Endorsing Agency Amendment Adopted - House (253 - 173)
June 13, 2013 WI AB 216 Prohibits State Health Insurance Plan from Covering Abortions Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
May 15, 2013 AZ SB 1178 Authorizes Individuals to use Potential Infringements of Religious Freedom as a Claim or Defense Bill Passed - House (32 - 24)
April 4, 2013 MT HB 217 Exempts Religious Organizations from Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (58 - 41)
March 18, 2013 TN HB 534 Authorizes University Student Organizations to Limit Membership Based on Religion Bill Passed - House (75 - 21)
March 14, 2013 OK HB 1940 Authorizes Students to Express Religious Viewpoints in Schools Bill Passed - House (79 - 13)
Feb. 22, 2013 WA HB 1044 Requires Health Insurance Plans to Cover Abortions Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
Jan. 31, 2013 VA HB 1617 Authorizes Student Organizations to Limit Membership Bill Passed - House (80 - 19)
Jan. 31, 2013 WY HB 130 Authorizes Public Schools to Offer Elective Bible Study Classes Bill Passed - House (44 - 15)
April 30, 2012 TN SB 3597 Prohibits Discrimination Against Religious Student Groups at Public Universities Bill Passed - House (61 - 22)
April 19, 2012 AZ HB 2625 Authorizes Employers to Refuse to Provide Coverage for Contraception Conference Report Adopted - House (36 - 21)
March 14, 2012 NH HB 1264 Authorizes Individuals to Refuse to Provide Services for Marriages "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (246 - 85)
March 14, 2012 MS HB 638 Authorizes Prayer in Schools Bill Passed - House (93 - 24)
March 7, 2012 NH HB 1546 Authorizes Employers to Not Provide Contraception Coverage in Health Insurance Plans Bill Passed - House (196 - 150)
March 1, 2012 FL HB 1209 Prohibits Courts from Basing Decisions on Foreign Laws Bill Passed - House (92 - 24)
March 1, 2012 FL SB 98 Authorizes Student-Led Prayer in School Bill Passed - House (88 - 27)
March 1, 2012 AZ HB 2625 Authorizes Employers to Refuse to Provide Coverage for Contraception Bill Passed - House (39 - 18)
Feb. 23, 2012 ID HJM 10 Urges Congress to Pass Rights of Conscience Act Joint Resolution Passed - House (53 - 15)
Feb. 21, 2012 AZ HB 2563 Authorizing High School Elective Courses about the Bible Bill Passed - House (42 - 15)
Feb. 17, 2012 MD HB 438 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (72 - 67)
Feb. 14, 2012 SD HB 1253 Prohibits State Enforcement of Religious Codes Bill Passed - House (47 - 22)
Feb. 13, 2012 WA HB 2330 Requires Health Insurers to Cover Abortion Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
Jan. 25, 2012 SD HCR 1004 Urging Academic Study of the Bible in Public Schools Resolution Passed - House (55 - 13)
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)
March 25, 2011 AR HB 1032 Curriculum Standards for Bible Instruction in School Districts Bill Passed - House (71 - 16)
March 25, 2011 AR HB 1958 Authorizes Concealed Handguns In Places of Worship Bill Passed - House (65 - 23)
March 15, 2011 DE HA 1 Reduced Punishment for Drug Possession Amendment Adopted - House (21 - 17)
March 7, 2011 UT HB 353 Authorizing Doctors to Refuse to Perform Abortions Bill Passed - House (54 - 13)
Feb. 1, 2011 VA HJ 593 Free Exercise of Religion Amendment Adopted - House (61 - 33)
July 16, 2008 National H Amdt 1114 Allowing the Use of Certain Terms in Within the Intelligence Community Amendment Adopted - House (249 - 180)
Dec. 11, 2007 National H Res 847 Recognition of the Importance of Christmas and Christianity Resolution Passed - House (372 - 9)
Sept. 26, 2006 National HR 2679 Public Expression of Religion Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (244 - 173)
July 19, 2001 National H Amdt 200 Community Solutions Act Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (168 - 261)
July 19, 2001 National HR 7 Community Solutions Act of 2001 Bill Passed - House (233 - 198)
July 15, 1999 National HR 1691 Religious Liberty Protection Act of 1999 Bill Passed - House (306 - 118)
June 29, 1999 National H Con Res 94 National Day of Prayer Resolution Resolution Failed - House (275 - 140)
June 17, 1999 National H Amdt 200 Ten Commandments Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (248 - 180)
July 16, 1998 National H Amdt 728 Federal Health Plan Contraceptive Coverage Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (224 - 198)
June 4, 1998 National H J Res 78 Religious Freedom Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Failed - House (224 - 203)
May 14, 1998 National HR 2431 Religious Freedom Bill Passed - House (375 - 41)
March 5, 1997 National H Con Res 31 Display of the Ten Commandments Resolution Passed - House (295 - 125)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/03 SB 1140 Authorizes Child-Placement Agencies to Deny Services Based on Religion Bill Passed - House (57 - 24)
4/27 H Res 856 Raising a Question of the Privileges of the House Bill Tabled - House (215 - 171)
5/30 SB 1696 Establishes a Muslim Advisory Council Bill Passed - House
5/10 HB 3859 Authorizes Child-Placement Agencies to Deny Services Based on Religion Bill Passed - House (93 - 49)
3/16 HB 24 Authorizes Child-Placement Agencies to Deny Services Based on Religion Bill Passed - House (60 - 14)
4/20 HB 615 Establishes the Bible as the Official State Book Veto Override Failed - House (43 - 50)
4/13 HB 425 Authorizes Religious Expression in Schools Bill Passed - House (73 - 22)
4/06 SB 1556 Authorizes Therapists to Decline to Provide Services Bill Passed - House (68 - 22)
3/23 HB 2 Requires Individuals to Use Bathroom of Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (82 - 26)
3/21 S 1342 Authorizes Bibles in Schools as Educational References Bill Passed - House (54 - 15)
3/16 HB 757 Authorizes Religious Officials to Decline to Perform Certain Ceremonies Concurrence Vote Passed - House (104 - 65)
3/16 SB 175 Prohibits Discrimination Against Religious Student Associations Bill Passed - House (81 - 41)
3/02 HB 43 Authorizes Churches to Decline to Provide Certain Marriage Services Bill Passed - House (82 - 37)
2/19 HB 1523 Establishes Protections for Religious Beliefs or Moral Convictions Bill Passed - House (80 - 39)
2/16 HB 773 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Certain Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - House (56 - 41)
2/11 HB 4012 Prohibits State Action from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - House (72 - 26)
2/08 HB 1107 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - House (46 - 10)
1/28 H 3521 Prohibits Courts From Enforcing Foreign Law Bill Passed - House (68 - 42)
6/11 SB 2 Authorizes Officials to Not Perform Certain Marriage Duties Veto Override Passed - House (69 - 41)
6/10 HB 4188 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Deny Services for Religious Reasons Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 44)
5/28 SB 2 Authorizes Officials to Not Perform Certain Marriage Duties Bill Passed - House (67 - 43)
4/15 HB 615 Establishes the Bible as the Official State Book Bill Passed - House (55 - 38)
4/09 HB 7111 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Deny Services Based on Religion Bill Passed - House (75 - 38)
3/23 SB 101 Prohibits the Government from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - House (63 - 31)
3/19 HB 104 Prohibits Universities From Denying Benefits to a Religious Student Association Bill Passed - House (117 - 38)
3/18 HB 4190 Prohibits the Department of Human Services from Taking Certain Actions Against Religion-Based Adoption Agencies Bill Passed - House (65 - 44)
3/18 HB 4189 Authorizes Child Placing Agencies to Deny Adoptions Based on Religion Bill Passed - House (65 - 44)
3/18 HB 4188 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Deny Services for Religious Reasons Bill Passed - House (65 - 44)
3/11 SB 297 Authorizes Certain Government Employees to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - House (66 - 9)
3/11 SB 296 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - House (65 - 10)
2/13 HB 1228 Prohibits the State from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - House (72 - 20)
2/05 HB 2128 Exempts Religious Organizations from Certain Property Taxes Bill Passed - House (33 - 25)
12/04 HB 5958 Prohibits Government from Burdening an Individual's Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - House (59 - 50)
3/03 HB 702 Requires Ten Commandments Monument at the Capitol Building Bill Passed - House (138 - 37)
2/26 SB 236 Authorizes Religious Expression in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (64 - 34)
2/20 SB 1062 Authorizes Individuals to use Potential Infringements of Religious Freedom as a Claim or Defense Bill Passed - House (33 - 27)
2/20 HB 45 Authorizes Display of the Ten Commandments on State Property Amendment Adopted - House (77 - 19)
2/18 HB 875 Authorizes Individuals to Carry Weapons in Previously Prohibited Locations Bill Passed - House (119 - 56)
2/13 HB 1430 Authorizes Health Care Providers to Opt Out of Certain Medical Procedures Bill Passed - House (112 - 38)
2/12 HB 2453 Authorizes an Individual to Refuse Services Based on Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - House (72 - 49)
1/21 HB 31 Authorizes Health Care Providers to Abstain from Certain Medical Procedures Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
7/24 HB 522 Prohibits the Application of Foreign Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 37)
7/23 H Amdt 375 Prohibits the Use of Funds to Appoint Chaplains Without an Endorsing Agency Amendment Adopted - House (253 - 173)
6/13 AB 216 Prohibits State Health Insurance Plan from Covering Abortions Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
5/15 SB 1178 Authorizes Individuals to use Potential Infringements of Religious Freedom as a Claim or Defense Bill Passed - House (32 - 24)
4/04 HB 217 Exempts Religious Organizations from Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (58 - 41)
3/18 HB 534 Authorizes University Student Organizations to Limit Membership Based on Religion Bill Passed - House (75 - 21)
3/14 HB 1940 Authorizes Students to Express Religious Viewpoints in Schools Bill Passed - House (79 - 13)
2/22 HB 1044 Requires Health Insurance Plans to Cover Abortions Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
1/31 HB 1617 Authorizes Student Organizations to Limit Membership Bill Passed - House (80 - 19)
1/31 HB 130 Authorizes Public Schools to Offer Elective Bible Study Classes Bill Passed - House (44 - 15)
4/30 SB 3597 Prohibits Discrimination Against Religious Student Groups at Public Universities Bill Passed - House (61 - 22)
4/19 HB 2625 Authorizes Employers to Refuse to Provide Coverage for Contraception Conference Report Adopted - House (36 - 21)
3/14 HB 1264 Authorizes Individuals to Refuse to Provide Services for Marriages "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (246 - 85)
3/14 HB 638 Authorizes Prayer in Schools Bill Passed - House (93 - 24)
3/07 HB 1546 Authorizes Employers to Not Provide Contraception Coverage in Health Insurance Plans Bill Passed - House (196 - 150)
3/01 HB 1209 Prohibits Courts from Basing Decisions on Foreign Laws Bill Passed - House (92 - 24)
3/01 SB 98 Authorizes Student-Led Prayer in School Bill Passed - House (88 - 27)
3/01 HB 2625 Authorizes Employers to Refuse to Provide Coverage for Contraception Bill Passed - House (39 - 18)
2/23 HJM 10 Urges Congress to Pass Rights of Conscience Act Joint Resolution Passed - House (53 - 15)
2/21 HB 2563 Authorizing High School Elective Courses about the Bible Bill Passed - House (42 - 15)
2/17 HB 438 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (72 - 67)
2/14 HB 1253 Prohibits State Enforcement of Religious Codes Bill Passed - House (47 - 22)
2/13 HB 2330 Requires Health Insurers to Cover Abortion Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
1/25 HCR 1004 Urging Academic Study of the Bible in Public Schools Resolution Passed - House (55 - 13)
11/01 H Con Res 13 Encourages Display of "In God We Trust" in Public Buildings and Schools Joint Resolution Passed - House (396 - 9)
3/25 HB 1032 Curriculum Standards for Bible Instruction in School Districts Bill Passed - House (71 - 16)
3/25 HB 1958 Authorizes Concealed Handguns In Places of Worship Bill Passed - House (65 - 23)
3/15 HA 1 Reduced Punishment for Drug Possession Amendment Adopted - House (21 - 17)
3/07 HB 353 Authorizing Doctors to Refuse to Perform Abortions Bill Passed - House (54 - 13)
2/01 HJ 593 Free Exercise of Religion Amendment Adopted - House (61 - 33)
7/16 H Amdt 1114 Allowing the Use of Certain Terms in Within the Intelligence Community Amendment Adopted - House (249 - 180)
12/11 H Res 847 Recognition of the Importance of Christmas and Christianity Resolution Passed - House (372 - 9)
9/26 HR 2679 Public Expression of Religion Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (244 - 173)
7/19 H Amdt 200 Community Solutions Act Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (168 - 261)
7/19 HR 7 Community Solutions Act of 2001 Bill Passed - House (233 - 198)
7/15 HR 1691 Religious Liberty Protection Act of 1999 Bill Passed - House (306 - 118)
6/29 H Con Res 94 National Day of Prayer Resolution Resolution Failed - House (275 - 140)
6/17 H Amdt 200 Ten Commandments Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (248 - 180)
7/16 H Amdt 728 Federal Health Plan Contraceptive Coverage Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (224 - 198)
6/04 H J Res 78 Religious Freedom Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Failed - House (224 - 203)
5/14 HR 2431 Religious Freedom Bill Passed - House (375 - 41)
3/05 H Con Res 31 Display of the Ten Commandments Resolution Passed - House (295 - 125)

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