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.


results per page:
Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
March 6, 2012 UT SB 223 Requires Public School Students to Recite Pledge of Allegiance Bill Passed - House (48 - 25)
March 6, 2012 UT HB 363 Requires Abstinence-Only Sexual Education in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
March 5, 2012 GA SB 458 Repeals Certain Public Benefits for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 19)
March 5, 2012 GA SB 410 Requires Numerical School Ratings Based on Student Performance Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 13)
March 1, 2012 FL SB 98 Authorizes Student-Led Prayer in School Bill Passed - House (88 - 27)
March 1, 2012 VT S 199 Repeals Philosophical Exemption to Immunization Motion Agreed - Senate (25 - 4)
March 1, 2012 OR SB 1594 Prohibits weapons on school grounds Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 15)
Feb. 29, 2012 SD HB 1234 Eliminates Teacher Tenure Concurrence Vote Passed - House (36 - 33)
Feb. 29, 2012 SD HB 1234 Eliminates Teacher Tenure Concurrence Vote Passed - House (36 - 33)
Feb. 29, 2012 WA SB 5895 Authorizes the Use of Student Test Scores in Teacher Evaluations Bill Passed - House (82 - 16)
Feb. 28, 2012 AZ SB 1202 Prohibits Partisan Instruction in Classrooms Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 16)
Feb. 28, 2012 AZ SB 1205 Requires Public School Teachers to Adhere to FCC Regulations Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 16)
Feb. 28, 2012 National HR 2117 Repeals Department of Education Regulations Bill Passed - House (303 - 114)
Feb. 27, 2012 SD HB 1234 Eliminates Teacher Tenure Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
Feb. 27, 2012 SD HB 1234 Eliminates Teacher Tenure Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
Feb. 27, 2012 MN HF 1870 Authorizes School Districts to Dismiss Teachers Based on Performance Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 26)
Feb. 27, 2012 ID H 481 Repeals Limit on Charter Schools Bill Passed - House (49 - 19)
Feb. 27, 2012 WY SF 57 Amending Wyoming Accountability in Education Act Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
Feb. 27, 2012 AZ SB 1204 Authorizes Parents to Vote to Close Schools Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Feb. 24, 2012 UT SB 44 Providing Tuition Assistance for Military Veterans Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 14)
Feb. 23, 2012 FL HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6)
Feb. 23, 2012 FL HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6)
Feb. 22, 2012 GA HR 1162 Authorizes the State to Approve Charter Schools Amendment Adopted - House (123 - 48)
Feb. 22, 2012 MS SB 2401 Establishes Public Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 17)
Feb. 22, 2012 UT HB 363 Requires Abstinence-Only Sexual Education in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (45 - 28)
Feb. 22, 2012 MI SB 971 Repeals Collective Bargaining Rights for Graduate Research Assistants Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
Feb. 21, 2012 AZ HB 2563 Authorizing High School Elective Courses about the Bible Bill Passed - House (42 - 15)
Feb. 21, 2012 WI SB 386 Removes Voter Registration at High Schools Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
Feb. 17, 2012 VA SB 131 Establishes Tax Deductions for Corporations Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
Feb. 16, 2012 MN HF 1870 Authorizes School Districts to Dismiss Teachers Based on Performance Bill Passed - House (68 - 61)
Feb. 14, 2012 VA SB 438 Amends Teacher Contracts Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 20)
Feb. 13, 2012 SD HB 1234 Eliminates Teacher Tenure Bill Passed - House (41 - 28)
Feb. 13, 2012 SD HB 1234 Eliminates Teacher Tenure Bill Passed - House (41 - 28)
Feb. 13, 2012 VA HB 576 Amends Teacher Contract and Evaluation Policies Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
Feb. 9, 2012 AZ SB 1061 Authorizes Schools to Opt-Out of the National School Lunch Program Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
Feb. 9, 2012 FL HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (79 - 38)
Feb. 9, 2012 FL HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (79 - 38)
Feb. 8, 2012 UT SB 31 Reduces Classroom Sizes Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
Feb. 8, 2012 GA HR 1162 Authorizes the State to Approve Charter Schools Amendment Rejected - House (110 - 62)
Feb. 8, 2012 VA HB 947 Authorizes Home-Schooled Students to Participate in Interscholastic Programs Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
Feb. 6, 2012 NY S 6087-A Authorizes the Use of School Property for Religious Meetings and Worship Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 7)
Feb. 2, 2012 CA SB 81 Funding For School Transportation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Feb. 1, 2012 NH HB 1383 Prohibits In-State Tuition for Non-US Residents Bill Passed - House (250 - 88)
Feb. 1, 2012 FL SB 98 Authorizes Student-Led Prayer in School Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
Jan. 31, 2012 IN SB 89 Authorizes the Instruction of Origin of Life Theories from Multiple Religions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
Jan. 30, 2012 SD HCR 1004 Urging Academic Study of the Bible in Public Schools Resolution Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
Jan. 27, 2012 VA HB 1112 Repeals HPV Vaccine Requirement Bill Passed - House (62 - 34)
Jan. 25, 2012 SD HCR 1004 Urging Academic Study of the Bible in Public Schools Resolution Passed - House (55 - 13)
Jan. 18, 2012 KY HB 30 Authorizes Advertising on School Buses Bill Passed - House (67 - 29)
Jan. 9, 2012 GA SB 184 Guidelines for Teacher Dismissal Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 15)
Jan. 9, 2012 NJ S 3173 Authorizes Nonprofit Organizations to Construct and Manage Public Schools Bill Passed - House (54 - 17)
Jan. 9, 2012 NJ S 3173 Authorizes Nonprofit Organizations to Construct and Manage Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
Dec. 14, 2011 MI SB618 Repeals Limit on Number of Charter Schools Bill Passed - House (58 - 49)
Dec. 14, 2011 PA H Amdt 7732 Tuition Vouchers for Charter Schools Amendment Rejected - House (90 - 105)
Nov. 30, 2011 NH CACR 14 Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Legislature to Set Standards for Public Education Amendment Rejected - House (114 - 264)
Nov. 17, 2011 National HR 2112 Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration Conference Report Adopted - Senate (70 - 30)
Nov. 17, 2011 National HR 2112 Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration Conference Report Adopted - House (298 - 121)
Nov. 10, 2011 IL SB 2147 Paying Regional Superintendents Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 16)
Nov. 9, 2011 MI HB 4005 School Board Election Dates Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 39)
Nov. 9, 2011 IL SB 2147 Paying Regional Superintendents Bill Failed - House (70 - 43)
Nov. 9, 2011 ND SB 2370 Authorizes Changing the Nickname and Logo of the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - House (63 - 31)
Nov. 9, 2011 IL SB 2147 Paying Regional Superintendents Bill Passed - House (74 - 36)
Nov. 8, 2011 ND SB 2370 Authorizes Changing the Nickname and Logo of the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 7)
Nov. 3, 2011 MI HB 4005 School Board Election Dates Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
Nov. 2, 2011 WI SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
Nov. 2, 2011 MI SB 137 Bullying Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
Nov. 1, 2011 WI SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - House (63 - 32)
Oct. 27, 2011 MI SB 619 Cyber Schools Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Oct. 26, 2011 PA SB 1 Charter School Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
Oct. 25, 2011 WI SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Oct. 20, 2011 WI SB 95 Evaluating Teacher Performance Using Standardized Test Scores Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
Oct. 11, 2011 National S 1660 American Jobs Act of 2011 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (50 - 49)
Sept. 26, 2011 NJ A 2806 Conversion of Certain Private Schools to Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
Sept. 6, 2011 CA AB 165 Prohibits Public Schools from Charging Fees for Educational Activities Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 24)
Sept. 1, 2011 CA SB 185 Considering Race, Ethnicity and Gender in College Admissions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Sept. 1, 2011 CA AB 165 Prohibits Public Schools from Charging Fees for Educational Activities Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Aug. 30, 2011 CA SB 161 Administration of Epilepsy Medication in Schools Bill Passed - House (46 - 21)
Aug. 29, 2011 CA SB 185 Considering Race, Ethnicity and Gender in College Admissions Bill Passed - House (49 - 28)
Aug. 24, 2011 MI HB 4005 School Board Election Dates Bill Passed - House (72 - 36)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 26 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 4 Higher Education Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 30)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 4 Higher Education Appropriations Bill Passed - House (71 - 57)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 26 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - House (71 - 56)
July 14, 2011 CA AB 130 Authorizes Student Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
July 5, 2011 CA SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - House (50 - 26)
June 30, 2011 MI HB 4628 Amends Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Teachers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (58 - 50)
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 30, 2011 MI HB 4625 Teacher Tenure Standards Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
June 30, 2011 MI HB 4628 Amends Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
June 30, 2011 MI HB 4625 Teacher Tenure Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 42)
June 29, 2011 NJ A 2806 Conversion of Certain Private Schools to Charter Schools Bill Passed - House (59 - 14)
June 23, 2011 DE HB 100 Background Checks for Contractors on School Premises Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 5)
June 21, 2011 OR HB 2301 Online Charter School Enrollment Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
June 21, 2011 OR HB 2301 Online Charter School Enrollment Bill Passed - House (33 - 27)
June 21, 2011 OR SB 552 Establishes the Governor as the Superintendent of Public Instruction Bill Passed - House (38 - 22)
June 20, 2011 OR SB 909 Appropriates Education Funds Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
June 20, 2011 OR SB 250 Authorizing School Districts To Withdraw From Education Service Districts Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
June 16, 2011 TX SB 8 Management and Operation of Public Schools Bill Passed - House (81 - 55)
June 10, 2011 TX SB 1 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - House (83 - 62)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/06 SB 223 Requires Public School Students to Recite Pledge of Allegiance Bill Passed - House (48 - 25)
3/06 HB 363 Requires Abstinence-Only Sexual Education in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
3/05 SB 458 Repeals Certain Public Benefits for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 19)
3/05 SB 410 Requires Numerical School Ratings Based on Student Performance Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 13)
3/01 SB 98 Authorizes Student-Led Prayer in School Bill Passed - House (88 - 27)
3/01 S 199 Repeals Philosophical Exemption to Immunization Motion Agreed - Senate (25 - 4)
3/01 SB 1594 Prohibits weapons on school grounds Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 15)
2/29 HB 1234 Eliminates Teacher Tenure Concurrence Vote Passed - House (36 - 33)
2/29 HB 1234 Eliminates Teacher Tenure Concurrence Vote Passed - House (36 - 33)
2/29 SB 5895 Authorizes the Use of Student Test Scores in Teacher Evaluations Bill Passed - House (82 - 16)
2/28 SB 1202 Prohibits Partisan Instruction in Classrooms Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 16)
2/28 SB 1205 Requires Public School Teachers to Adhere to FCC Regulations Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 16)
2/28 HR 2117 Repeals Department of Education Regulations Bill Passed - House (303 - 114)
2/27 HB 1234 Eliminates Teacher Tenure Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
2/27 HB 1234 Eliminates Teacher Tenure Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
2/27 HF 1870 Authorizes School Districts to Dismiss Teachers Based on Performance Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 26)
2/27 H 481 Repeals Limit on Charter Schools Bill Passed - House (49 - 19)
2/27 SF 57 Amending Wyoming Accountability in Education Act Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
2/27 SB 1204 Authorizes Parents to Vote to Close Schools Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
2/24 SB 44 Providing Tuition Assistance for Military Veterans Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 14)
2/23 HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6)
2/23 HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6)
2/22 HR 1162 Authorizes the State to Approve Charter Schools Amendment Adopted - House (123 - 48)
2/22 SB 2401 Establishes Public Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 17)
2/22 HB 363 Requires Abstinence-Only Sexual Education in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (45 - 28)
2/22 SB 971 Repeals Collective Bargaining Rights for Graduate Research Assistants Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
2/21 HB 2563 Authorizing High School Elective Courses about the Bible Bill Passed - House (42 - 15)
2/21 SB 386 Removes Voter Registration at High Schools Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
2/17 SB 131 Establishes Tax Deductions for Corporations Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
2/16 HF 1870 Authorizes School Districts to Dismiss Teachers Based on Performance Bill Passed - House (68 - 61)
2/14 SB 438 Amends Teacher Contracts Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 20)
2/13 HB 1234 Eliminates Teacher Tenure Bill Passed - House (41 - 28)
2/13 HB 1234 Eliminates Teacher Tenure Bill Passed - House (41 - 28)
2/13 HB 576 Amends Teacher Contract and Evaluation Policies Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
2/09 SB 1061 Authorizes Schools to Opt-Out of the National School Lunch Program Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
2/09 HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (79 - 38)
2/09 HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (79 - 38)
2/08 SB 31 Reduces Classroom Sizes Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
2/08 HR 1162 Authorizes the State to Approve Charter Schools Amendment Rejected - House (110 - 62)
2/08 HB 947 Authorizes Home-Schooled Students to Participate in Interscholastic Programs Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
2/06 S 6087-A Authorizes the Use of School Property for Religious Meetings and Worship Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 7)
2/02 SB 81 Funding For School Transportation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
2/01 HB 1383 Prohibits In-State Tuition for Non-US Residents Bill Passed - House (250 - 88)
2/01 SB 98 Authorizes Student-Led Prayer in School Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
1/31 SB 89 Authorizes the Instruction of Origin of Life Theories from Multiple Religions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
1/30 HCR 1004 Urging Academic Study of the Bible in Public Schools Resolution Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
1/27 HB 1112 Repeals HPV Vaccine Requirement Bill Passed - House (62 - 34)
1/25 HCR 1004 Urging Academic Study of the Bible in Public Schools Resolution Passed - House (55 - 13)
1/18 HB 30 Authorizes Advertising on School Buses Bill Passed - House (67 - 29)
1/09 SB 184 Guidelines for Teacher Dismissal Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 15)
1/09 S 3173 Authorizes Nonprofit Organizations to Construct and Manage Public Schools Bill Passed - House (54 - 17)
1/09 S 3173 Authorizes Nonprofit Organizations to Construct and Manage Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
12/14 SB618 Repeals Limit on Number of Charter Schools Bill Passed - House (58 - 49)
12/14 H Amdt 7732 Tuition Vouchers for Charter Schools Amendment Rejected - House (90 - 105)
11/30 CACR 14 Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Legislature to Set Standards for Public Education Amendment Rejected - House (114 - 264)
11/17 HR 2112 Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration Conference Report Adopted - Senate (70 - 30)
11/17 HR 2112 Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration Conference Report Adopted - House (298 - 121)
11/10 SB 2147 Paying Regional Superintendents Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 16)
11/09 HB 4005 School Board Election Dates Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 39)
11/09 SB 2147 Paying Regional Superintendents Bill Failed - House (70 - 43)
11/09 SB 2370 Authorizes Changing the Nickname and Logo of the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - House (63 - 31)
11/09 SB 2147 Paying Regional Superintendents Bill Passed - House (74 - 36)
11/08 SB 2370 Authorizes Changing the Nickname and Logo of the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 7)
11/03 HB 4005 School Board Election Dates Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
11/02 SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
11/02 SB 137 Bullying Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
11/01 SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - House (63 - 32)
10/27 SB 619 Cyber Schools Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
10/26 SB 1 Charter School Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
10/25 SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
10/20 SB 95 Evaluating Teacher Performance Using Standardized Test Scores Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
10/11 S 1660 American Jobs Act of 2011 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (50 - 49)
9/26 A 2806 Conversion of Certain Private Schools to Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
9/06 AB 165 Prohibits Public Schools from Charging Fees for Educational Activities Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 24)
9/01 SB 185 Considering Race, Ethnicity and Gender in College Admissions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
9/01 AB 165 Prohibits Public Schools from Charging Fees for Educational Activities Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
8/30 SB 161 Administration of Epilepsy Medication in Schools Bill Passed - House (46 - 21)
8/29 SB 185 Considering Race, Ethnicity and Gender in College Admissions Bill Passed - House (49 - 28)
8/24 HB 4005 School Board Election Dates Bill Passed - House (72 - 36)
7/19 HF 26 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
7/19 HF 4 Higher Education Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 30)
7/19 HF 4 Higher Education Appropriations Bill Passed - House (71 - 57)
7/19 HF 26 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - House (71 - 56)
7/14 AB 130 Authorizes Student Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
7/05 SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - House (50 - 26)
6/30 HB 4628 Amends Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Teachers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (58 - 50)
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)
6/30 HB 4625 Teacher Tenure Standards Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
6/30 HB 4628 Amends Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
6/30 HB 4625 Teacher Tenure Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 42)
6/29 A 2806 Conversion of Certain Private Schools to Charter Schools Bill Passed - House (59 - 14)
6/23 HB 100 Background Checks for Contractors on School Premises Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 5)
6/21 HB 2301 Online Charter School Enrollment Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
6/21 HB 2301 Online Charter School Enrollment Bill Passed - House (33 - 27)
6/21 SB 552 Establishes the Governor as the Superintendent of Public Instruction Bill Passed - House (38 - 22)
6/20 SB 909 Appropriates Education Funds Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
6/20 SB 250 Authorizing School Districts To Withdraw From Education Service Districts Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
6/16 SB 8 Management and Operation of Public Schools Bill Passed - House (81 - 55)
6/10 SB 1 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - House (83 - 62)

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