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 2, 2015 NM SB 503 Authorizes Beer and Wine Delivery Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 10)
Feb. 26, 2015 PA HB 466 Authorizes Private Alcohol Sales Bill Passed - House (114 - 87)
Feb. 24, 2015 WY SF 106 Prohibits Powdered Alcohol Bill Failed - House (30 - 29)
Feb. 24, 2015 IN SJR 12 Authorizes the Use of Diverse Farming and Ranching Practices Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (22 - 28)
Feb. 20, 2015 WV SB 30 Authorizes the Consumption of Raw Milk Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
Feb. 17, 2015 ND HB 1238 Increases Fee on Cattle Sales Bill Passed - House (69 - 22)
Feb. 13, 2015 KY HB 145 Prohibits Smoking in Public Places Bill Passed - House (51 - 46)
Feb. 12, 2015 AZ HB 2359 Increases Number of Parties Required to Protest New Liquor Licenses Bill Passed - House (33 - 25)
Feb. 4, 2015 MO HB 259 Amends Dairy Industry Laws Bill Passed - House (110 - 49)
Feb. 2, 2015 CO HB 1031 Prohibits the Sale of Powdered Alcohol Bill Passed - House (46 - 17)
Jan. 28, 2015 WY SF 106 Prohibits Powdered Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
Dec. 4, 2014 MI SB 247 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol until 4 a.m. Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
Nov. 19, 2014 OH HB 490 Limits Use of Manure and Fertilizers Bill Passed - House (73 - 20)
Nov. 13, 2014 NJ A 2811 Prohibits Higher Education Institutions from Requiring Meal Plans for Students Bill Passed - House (54 - 16)
Oct. 16, 2014 NJ S 998 Prohibits Confinement of Pregnant Pigs in Certain Enclosures Bill Passed - House (53 - 13)
Oct. 15, 2014 PA HB 1750 Prohibits Pigeon Shoots Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
Sept. 10, 2014 MO SB 506 Expands and Establishes Certain Agricultural Programs Veto Override Failed - House (108 - 52)
Sept. 10, 2014 MO SB 506 Expands and Establishes Certain Agricultural Programs Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
May 29, 2014 CA SB 1000 Requires Health Warning Labels on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
May 7, 2014 NH SB 329 Repeals the Prohibition on Alcoholic Beverages Billboard Advertisements "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (193 - 164)
April 29, 2014 FL SB 1714 Amends Brewery Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
April 23, 2014 VT H 112 Requires Labeling of Genetically Engineered Food Concurrence Vote Passed - House (114 - 30)
April 11, 2014 AK HB 309 Authorizes Distilleries to Sell Alcohol Directly to Individuals Bill Passed - House (29 - 5)
April 10, 2014 CT SB 443 Prohibits the Sale of Genetically Modified Seed Bill Failed - House (37 - 103)
April 9, 2014 LA HB 72 Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Weapons in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (79 - 19)
April 9, 2014 CT SB 443 Prohibits the Sale of Genetically Modified Seed Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
March 28, 2014 KY HB 222 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
March 27, 2014 NH SB 329 Repeals the Prohibition on Alcoholic Beverage Billboard Advertisements "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (13 - 11)
March 4, 2014 SD HB 1123 Extends the Alcoholic Beverage Service Hours of Certain Hotels Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 20)
March 3, 2014 TN SB 837 Authorizes the Sale of Wine in Grocery Stores Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 4)
Feb. 26, 2014 ID S 1337 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Bill Passed - House (56 - 14)
Feb. 25, 2014 IN SB 339 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol at the Indiana State Fair Bill Passed - House (75 - 20)
Feb. 21, 2014 ID HB 470 Establishes the Idaho Wolf Depredation Control Board Bill Passed - House (49 - 16)
Feb. 20, 2014 TN SB 837 Authorizes the Sale of Wine in Grocery Stores Bill Passed - House (71 - 15)
Feb. 19, 2014 SD HB 1097 Amends Criteria for Classifying Property as Agricultural Land Bill Passed - House (37 - 33)
Feb. 18, 2014 NM SB 347 Appropriates Funds to the Lottery Tuition Fund Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 11)
Feb. 18, 2014 GA HB 875 Authorizes Individuals to Carry Weapons in Previously Prohibited Locations Bill Passed - House (119 - 56)
Feb. 17, 2014 GA SB 318 Authorizes Bars to Sell Alcohol on Certain Holiday Weekends Bill Failed - Senate (28 - 20)
Feb. 16, 2014 NM SB 263 Increases the Liquor Excise Tax Rate Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 14)
Feb. 14, 2014 ID S 1337 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
Feb. 6, 2014 SD HB 1123 Extends the Alcoholic Beverage Service Hours of Certain Hotels Bill Passed - House (36 - 33)
Feb. 5, 2014 MD SB 75 Prohibits the Sale of Alcoholic Products with Alcohol Content Above 95 Percent Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 10)
Feb. 4, 2014 National HR 2642 Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (68 - 32)
Jan. 30, 2014 IN SB 339 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol at the Indiana State Fair Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
Jan. 30, 2014 TN SB 837 Authorizes the Sale of Wine in Grocery Stores Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
Jan. 29, 2014 National HR 2642 Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 Conference Report Adopted - House (251 - 166)
Jan. 28, 2014 ME LD 1254 Requires State Institutions to Purchase Foods Produced in Maine Veto Override Failed - Senate (20 - 13)
Jan. 23, 2014 SC SB 308 Authorizes Carrying Concealed Weapons into Businesses that Serve Alcohol Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 18)
Jan. 14, 2014 ME LD 1254 Requires State Institutions to Purchase Foods Produced in Maine Veto Override Passed - House (94 - 46)
Oct. 7, 2013 National H J Res 77 Food and Drug Administration Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 Joint Resolution Passed - House (235 - 162)
Sept. 11, 2013 MO SB 9 Amends Animal Abuse and Neglect Laws Veto Override Passed - House (111 - 50)
Sept. 11, 2013 MO SB 9 Amends Animal Abuse and Neglect Laws Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
July 11, 2013 National HR 2642 Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 Bill Passed - House (216 - 208)
June 20, 2013 National H Amdt 227 Amends the Federal Sugar Program Amendment Rejected - House (206 - 221)
June 20, 2013 National HR 1947 Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 Bill Failed - House (195 - 234)
June 20, 2013 National HR 1947 Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 Bill Failed - House (195 - 234)
June 10, 2013 National S 954 Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 Bill Passed - Senate (66 - 27)
June 10, 2013 National S 954 Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 Bill Passed - Senate (66 - 27)
May 30, 2013 KS SB 84 Reduces State Income Tax Rates Conference Report Rejected - House (18 - 94)
May 23, 2013 ME LD 1546 Expands Medicaid and Authorizes Liquor Operation Bonds Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
May 23, 2013 National S Amdt 923 Prohibits the Payment of the Premium for an Insurance Policy For Tobacco Amendment Rejected - Senate (44 - 52)
May 23, 2013 National S Amdt 953 Limits Subsidy Payments for Individuals with Incomes More Than $750,000 Amendment Adopted - Senate (59 - 33)
May 22, 2013 ME LD 1546 Expands Medicaid and Authorizes Liquor Operation Bonds Bill Passed - House (87 - 56)
May 20, 2013 MN HF 677 Amends State Taxes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 30)
May 19, 2013 MN HF 677 Amends State Taxes Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 65)
May 13, 2013 NY A 1792 Extends Worker's Benefits to Farm Laborers Bill Passed - House (83 - 53)
May 9, 2013 TX SB 376 Establishes a Free Breakfast Program for Students Bill Passed - House (73 - 58)
May 8, 2013 MO SB 114 Amends Homebrewed Beer and Liquor Distributor Regulations Bill Passed - House (110 - 48)
May 7, 2013 AL HB 9 Authorizes Home Brewing Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
May 7, 2013 NC HB 610 Expands the Sale of Alcohol in Seating Areas of Certain Stadiums and Ballparks Bill Passed - House (73 - 45)
April 30, 2013 MI SB 197 Requires the State Prison Food Service To Seek Competitive Bids From Private Entities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
April 26, 2013 IN SB 373 Prohibits Unauthorized Entry on Industrial or Agricultural Property Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 21)
April 18, 2013 NV AB 126 Requires Restaurant Chains to Disclose Calorie Counts Bill Passed - House (25 - 14)
April 17, 2013 TN SB 1248 Requires Disclosure of Photographic Evidence of Animal Abuse Bill Passed - House (50 - 43)
April 16, 2013 TN SB 1248 Requires Disclosure of Photographic Evidence of Animal Abuse Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/02 SB 503 Authorizes Beer and Wine Delivery Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 10)
2/26 HB 466 Authorizes Private Alcohol Sales Bill Passed - House (114 - 87)
2/24 SF 106 Prohibits Powdered Alcohol Bill Failed - House (30 - 29)
2/24 SJR 12 Authorizes the Use of Diverse Farming and Ranching Practices Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (22 - 28)
2/20 SB 30 Authorizes the Consumption of Raw Milk Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
2/17 HB 1238 Increases Fee on Cattle Sales Bill Passed - House (69 - 22)
2/13 HB 145 Prohibits Smoking in Public Places Bill Passed - House (51 - 46)
2/12 HB 2359 Increases Number of Parties Required to Protest New Liquor Licenses Bill Passed - House (33 - 25)
2/04 HB 259 Amends Dairy Industry Laws Bill Passed - House (110 - 49)
2/02 HB 1031 Prohibits the Sale of Powdered Alcohol Bill Passed - House (46 - 17)
1/28 SF 106 Prohibits Powdered Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
12/04 SB 247 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol until 4 a.m. Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
11/19 HB 490 Limits Use of Manure and Fertilizers Bill Passed - House (73 - 20)
11/13 A 2811 Prohibits Higher Education Institutions from Requiring Meal Plans for Students Bill Passed - House (54 - 16)
10/16 S 998 Prohibits Confinement of Pregnant Pigs in Certain Enclosures Bill Passed - House (53 - 13)
10/15 HB 1750 Prohibits Pigeon Shoots Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
9/10 SB 506 Expands and Establishes Certain Agricultural Programs Veto Override Failed - House (108 - 52)
9/10 SB 506 Expands and Establishes Certain Agricultural Programs Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
5/29 SB 1000 Requires Health Warning Labels on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
5/07 SB 329 Repeals the Prohibition on Alcoholic Beverages Billboard Advertisements "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (193 - 164)
4/29 SB 1714 Amends Brewery Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
4/23 H 112 Requires Labeling of Genetically Engineered Food Concurrence Vote Passed - House (114 - 30)
4/11 HB 309 Authorizes Distilleries to Sell Alcohol Directly to Individuals Bill Passed - House (29 - 5)
4/10 SB 443 Prohibits the Sale of Genetically Modified Seed Bill Failed - House (37 - 103)
4/09 HB 72 Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Weapons in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (79 - 19)
4/09 SB 443 Prohibits the Sale of Genetically Modified Seed Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
3/28 HB 222 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
3/27 SB 329 Repeals the Prohibition on Alcoholic Beverage Billboard Advertisements "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (13 - 11)
3/04 HB 1123 Extends the Alcoholic Beverage Service Hours of Certain Hotels Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 20)
3/03 SB 837 Authorizes the Sale of Wine in Grocery Stores Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 4)
2/26 S 1337 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Bill Passed - House (56 - 14)
2/25 SB 339 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol at the Indiana State Fair Bill Passed - House (75 - 20)
2/21 HB 470 Establishes the Idaho Wolf Depredation Control Board Bill Passed - House (49 - 16)
2/20 SB 837 Authorizes the Sale of Wine in Grocery Stores Bill Passed - House (71 - 15)
2/19 HB 1097 Amends Criteria for Classifying Property as Agricultural Land Bill Passed - House (37 - 33)
2/18 SB 347 Appropriates Funds to the Lottery Tuition Fund Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 11)
2/18 HB 875 Authorizes Individuals to Carry Weapons in Previously Prohibited Locations Bill Passed - House (119 - 56)
2/17 SB 318 Authorizes Bars to Sell Alcohol on Certain Holiday Weekends Bill Failed - Senate (28 - 20)
2/16 SB 263 Increases the Liquor Excise Tax Rate Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 14)
2/14 S 1337 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
2/06 HB 1123 Extends the Alcoholic Beverage Service Hours of Certain Hotels Bill Passed - House (36 - 33)
2/05 SB 75 Prohibits the Sale of Alcoholic Products with Alcohol Content Above 95 Percent Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 10)
2/04 HR 2642 Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (68 - 32)
1/30 SB 339 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol at the Indiana State Fair Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
1/30 SB 837 Authorizes the Sale of Wine in Grocery Stores Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
1/29 HR 2642 Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 Conference Report Adopted - House (251 - 166)
1/28 LD 1254 Requires State Institutions to Purchase Foods Produced in Maine Veto Override Failed - Senate (20 - 13)
1/23 SB 308 Authorizes Carrying Concealed Weapons into Businesses that Serve Alcohol Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 18)
1/14 LD 1254 Requires State Institutions to Purchase Foods Produced in Maine Veto Override Passed - House (94 - 46)
10/07 H J Res 77 Food and Drug Administration Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 Joint Resolution Passed - House (235 - 162)
9/11 SB 9 Amends Animal Abuse and Neglect Laws Veto Override Passed - House (111 - 50)
9/11 SB 9 Amends Animal Abuse and Neglect Laws Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
7/11 HR 2642 Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 Bill Passed - House (216 - 208)
6/20 H Amdt 227 Amends the Federal Sugar Program Amendment Rejected - House (206 - 221)
6/20 HR 1947 Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 Bill Failed - House (195 - 234)
6/20 HR 1947 Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 Bill Failed - House (195 - 234)
6/10 S 954 Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 Bill Passed - Senate (66 - 27)
6/10 S 954 Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 Bill Passed - Senate (66 - 27)
5/30 SB 84 Reduces State Income Tax Rates Conference Report Rejected - House (18 - 94)
5/23 LD 1546 Expands Medicaid and Authorizes Liquor Operation Bonds Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
5/23 S Amdt 923 Prohibits the Payment of the Premium for an Insurance Policy For Tobacco Amendment Rejected - Senate (44 - 52)
5/23 S Amdt 953 Limits Subsidy Payments for Individuals with Incomes More Than $750,000 Amendment Adopted - Senate (59 - 33)
5/22 LD 1546 Expands Medicaid and Authorizes Liquor Operation Bonds Bill Passed - House (87 - 56)
5/20 HF 677 Amends State Taxes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 30)
5/19 HF 677 Amends State Taxes Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 65)
5/13 A 1792 Extends Worker's Benefits to Farm Laborers Bill Passed - House (83 - 53)
5/09 SB 376 Establishes a Free Breakfast Program for Students Bill Passed - House (73 - 58)
5/08 SB 114 Amends Homebrewed Beer and Liquor Distributor Regulations Bill Passed - House (110 - 48)
5/07 HB 9 Authorizes Home Brewing Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
5/07 HB 610 Expands the Sale of Alcohol in Seating Areas of Certain Stadiums and Ballparks Bill Passed - House (73 - 45)
4/30 SB 197 Requires the State Prison Food Service To Seek Competitive Bids From Private Entities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
4/26 SB 373 Prohibits Unauthorized Entry on Industrial or Agricultural Property Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 21)
4/18 AB 126 Requires Restaurant Chains to Disclose Calorie Counts Bill Passed - House (25 - 14)
4/17 SB 1248 Requires Disclosure of Photographic Evidence of Animal Abuse Bill Passed - House (50 - 43)
4/16 SB 1248 Requires Disclosure of Photographic Evidence of Animal Abuse Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)

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