Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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
Oct. 17, 2012 PA HB 815 Reduces the Offense of "Sexting" for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
Aug. 2, 2012 National S 3414 Cybersecurity Act of 2012 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (52 - 46)
June 29, 2012 PA HB 254 Expands Use of Red-Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
June 27, 2012 DE HB 333 Authorizes Online Gambling Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
June 25, 2012 NJ A 763 Increases Fees to Fund the E-Court Information System Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
June 21, 2012 National S Amdt 2372 Prohibits the EPA from Conducting Aerial Surveillance of Agricultural Operations Amendment Rejected - Senate (56 - 43)
June 6, 2012 NH HB 145 Authorizes Individuals to Record Law Enforcement Officers Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 6)
May 31, 2012 IL HB 5440 Establishes a 5 Percent Fee on Satellite TV Companies Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 27)
May 8, 2012 IA SF 2344 Reduces Certain Business Property Taxes Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 23)
May 3, 2012 OH HB 99 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
May 2, 2012 MI SB 619 Cyber Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
April 3, 2012 AZ HB 2348 Prohibits Cell Phone Use by Teens While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
March 23, 2012 ID S 1274 Prohibits Texting While Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
March 21, 2012 AZ HB 2757 Authorizes Electronic Billboards Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
March 19, 2012 SD SB 157 Prohibits Cities From Limiting Outdoor Digital Billboards Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
March 15, 2012 ID S 1358 Amends Bullying Laws Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
March 15, 2012 MI SB 756 Prohibits Teens from Using Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
March 14, 2012 NY S 6733 Expands DNA Database to Include Misdemeanors Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
March 13, 2012 IA SF 2275 Authorizes Internet Gambling Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
March 8, 2012 AZ SB 1338 Requires Online Retailers to Pay Sales Taxes Bill Failed - Senate (8 - 20)
March 7, 2012 UT HB 187 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
Feb. 21, 2012 ID S 1274 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
Feb. 15, 2012 AK HB 311 Amends Requirements for Electronic Campaign Finance Disclosure Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 2)
Feb. 15, 2012 UT SB 112 Cable TV Tax Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
Feb. 7, 2012 UT SB 112 Cable TV Tax Amendments Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 16)
Jan. 31, 2012 NY S 5560-A Requires DNA Testing of All Persons Convicted of Certain Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 10)
Nov. 10, 2011 National S J Res 6 Disapproval of FCC Regulation of Internet and Broadband Industry Motion Rejected - Senate (46 - 52)
Oct. 27, 2011 MI SB 619 Cyber Schools Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Oct. 26, 2011 IL SB 965 Authorizing Speed Cameras in Certain Cities Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 24)
Sept. 6, 2011 CA AB 1236 Prohibits Requirement of Electronic Employment Verification Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
June 21, 2011 OR HB 2301 Online Charter School Enrollment Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
June 8, 2011 WI SB 116 Relating to Overseas Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
June 2, 2011 CA SB 242 Privacy Control Requirements for Social Networks Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 17)
June 1, 2011 CA SB 914 Requires a Warrant to Search Cell Phones Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
May 25, 2011 TX S Amdt 3 Prohibits Texting While Driving Amendment Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
May 11, 2011 WI SB 13 Repealing Regulations for Telecommunications Services Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
May 3, 2011 NC HB 129 Regulates Competition Between Local Government and Private Business Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
April 25, 2011 CA SB 28 Penalties for Using Mobile Device When Driving Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
April 20, 2011 IA SF 526 Requires a Study to Weigh Outcomes of Authorizing Online Poker in Iowa Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
April 13, 2011 AZ HB 2415 Punishment Guidelines for Bullying in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
March 28, 2011 ND HB 1195 Bans Texting While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
March 24, 2011 ID S 1184 Technology in the Classroom Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 15, 2011 AZ SB 1538 Cell Phone Usage While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
March 7, 2011 UT HB 477 Government Records Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
March 2, 2011 UT SB 65 Statewide Online Education Program Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
March 1, 2011 UT SB 65 Statewide Online Education Program Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 10)
Feb. 28, 2011 UT SB 270 Modifications to Sales and Use Tax Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
Feb. 23, 2011 GA SB 36 Prescription Drug Database Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 6)
Feb. 16, 2011 AR HB 1049 Prohibit Cell Phone Use in School Zones Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 9)
Feb. 8, 2011 VA SB 1351 Wireless Telecommunication Devices Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
Feb. 2, 2011 AR SB 154 Cell Phones in School Zones Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
June 3, 2010 CA SB 1475 Penalties for Using a Cell Phone While Driving or Riding a Bicycle Amendment Adopted - Senate (21 - 16)
June 3, 2010 CA SB 920 Opt-out for Telephone Directories Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
April 21, 2010 LA SB 9 Classifying Text Messaging While Driving as a Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
March 29, 2010 ID H 729 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
March 26, 2010 KY HB 368 Telephone and Online Gambling Tax Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
March 26, 2010 ME LD 1706 Requiring Cell Phone Radiation Warning Label Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 20)
March 25, 2010 MI HB 4394 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
March 24, 2010 MD SB 321 Prohibiting Hand-Held Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 23)
March 23, 2010 IA HF 2456 Texting While Driving Ban Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 12)
March 22, 2010 AZ SB 1334 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
March 10, 2010 ID S 1352 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
March 2, 2010 AZ SB 1334 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 11)
Feb. 18, 2010 CA ABx8 8 Internet Sales Tax Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Feb. 16, 2010 VA SB 660 Internet Sales Tax Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
Feb. 4, 2010 GA SB 235 Ban on Required Human Microchip Implantation Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
June 27, 2009 OR SB 767 Virtual Charter Schools Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 14)
June 23, 2009 OR HB 2377 Prohibiting Handheld Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
June 22, 2009 AZ SB 1443 Driving While Texting Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 15)
June 21, 2009 LA HB 866 Publishing Legal Records Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
June 16, 2009 LA HB 782 Wireless Phone Card Fees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
June 9, 2009 WI SB 107 Electronics Sale and Disposal Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
May 19, 2009 IL HB 72 Cell Phone Ban in School Speed Zones and Construction Zones Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
May 8, 2009 ID H 374 Allowing Diversion of Funds to Virtual Education Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
April 13, 2009 TN SB 1954 Basic Phone Service Deregulation Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
April 9, 2009 AL SB 373 Deregulation of Landline Phone Service Rates Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 8)
March 12, 2009 UT SB 208 Posting Public Notices Online Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 10)
March 4, 2009 GA SB 235 Ban on Required Human Microchip Implantation
Jan. 28, 2009 WY SF 65 Ban on Texting While Driving Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 17)
Aug. 21, 2008 CA SB 28 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
Aug. 18, 2008 NM HB 5 Electronic Medical Records Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
Aug. 11, 2008 CA AB 86 Cyber-Bullying Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
July 9, 2008 National S Amdt 5064 Striking Telecom Immunity from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Bill Amendment Rejected - Senate (32 - 66)
July 9, 2008 National HR 6304 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (69 - 28)
June 24, 2008 NY S 8638 Internet Sales Tax Repeal Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 18)
June 17, 2008 LA HB 852 Banning Cell Phones While Driving Bill Failed - Senate (6 - 27)
June 17, 2008 RI S 2706 Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
June 4, 2008 AZ HB 2475 Bonds for School Computers Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 13)
May 6, 2008 LA SB 137 Young Drivers Using Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
May 2, 2008 CO HB 1385 Health Insurance Website Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
April 15, 2008 KY HB 683 DNA Collection, Parole Board, and Felony Review Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 1)
April 3, 2008 MD SB 46 Computer Services Sales Tax Repeal and Other Tax Adjustments Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
April 2, 2008 KY HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 3)
March 28, 2008 MD HB 362 Department of Information Technology Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
March 26, 2008 KS Huelskamp Amnd. 1 Employment Verification Amendment Rejected - Senate (11 - 27)
March 24, 2008 KY HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
March 20, 2008 MD SB 2 Banning Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
March 18, 2008 MD SB 269 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
March 17, 2008 SD HB 1233 Government Spending Database Veto Override Failed - Senate (22 - 12)
March 14, 2008 MD SB 461 Prohibiting Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Bill Failed - Senate (22 - 21)
Date No. Title Outcome
10/17 HB 815 Reduces the Offense of "Sexting" for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
8/02 S 3414 Cybersecurity Act of 2012 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (52 - 46)
6/29 HB 254 Expands Use of Red-Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
6/27 HB 333 Authorizes Online Gambling Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
6/25 A 763 Increases Fees to Fund the E-Court Information System Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
6/21 S Amdt 2372 Prohibits the EPA from Conducting Aerial Surveillance of Agricultural Operations Amendment Rejected - Senate (56 - 43)
6/06 HB 145 Authorizes Individuals to Record Law Enforcement Officers Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 6)
5/31 HB 5440 Establishes a 5 Percent Fee on Satellite TV Companies Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 27)
5/08 SF 2344 Reduces Certain Business Property Taxes Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 23)
5/03 HB 99 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
5/02 SB 619 Cyber Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
4/03 HB 2348 Prohibits Cell Phone Use by Teens While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
3/23 S 1274 Prohibits Texting While Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
3/21 HB 2757 Authorizes Electronic Billboards Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
3/19 SB 157 Prohibits Cities From Limiting Outdoor Digital Billboards Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
3/15 S 1358 Amends Bullying Laws Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
3/15 SB 756 Prohibits Teens from Using Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
3/14 S 6733 Expands DNA Database to Include Misdemeanors Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
3/13 SF 2275 Authorizes Internet Gambling Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
3/08 SB 1338 Requires Online Retailers to Pay Sales Taxes Bill Failed - Senate (8 - 20)
3/07 HB 187 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
2/21 S 1274 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
2/15 HB 311 Amends Requirements for Electronic Campaign Finance Disclosure Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 2)
2/15 SB 112 Cable TV Tax Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
2/07 SB 112 Cable TV Tax Amendments Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 16)
1/31 S 5560-A Requires DNA Testing of All Persons Convicted of Certain Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 10)
11/10 S J Res 6 Disapproval of FCC Regulation of Internet and Broadband Industry Motion Rejected - Senate (46 - 52)
10/27 SB 619 Cyber Schools Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
10/26 SB 965 Authorizing Speed Cameras in Certain Cities Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 24)
9/06 AB 1236 Prohibits Requirement of Electronic Employment Verification Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
6/21 HB 2301 Online Charter School Enrollment Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
6/08 SB 116 Relating to Overseas Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
6/02 SB 242 Privacy Control Requirements for Social Networks Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 17)
6/01 SB 914 Requires a Warrant to Search Cell Phones Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
5/25 S Amdt 3 Prohibits Texting While Driving Amendment Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
5/11 SB 13 Repealing Regulations for Telecommunications Services Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
5/03 HB 129 Regulates Competition Between Local Government and Private Business Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
4/25 SB 28 Penalties for Using Mobile Device When Driving Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
4/20 SF 526 Requires a Study to Weigh Outcomes of Authorizing Online Poker in Iowa Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
4/13 HB 2415 Punishment Guidelines for Bullying in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
3/28 HB 1195 Bans Texting While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
3/24 S 1184 Technology in the Classroom Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/15 SB 1538 Cell Phone Usage While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
3/07 HB 477 Government Records Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
3/02 SB 65 Statewide Online Education Program Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
3/01 SB 65 Statewide Online Education Program Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 10)
2/28 SB 270 Modifications to Sales and Use Tax Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
2/23 SB 36 Prescription Drug Database Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 6)
2/16 HB 1049 Prohibit Cell Phone Use in School Zones Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 9)
2/08 SB 1351 Wireless Telecommunication Devices Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
2/02 SB 154 Cell Phones in School Zones Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
6/03 SB 1475 Penalties for Using a Cell Phone While Driving or Riding a Bicycle Amendment Adopted - Senate (21 - 16)
6/03 SB 920 Opt-out for Telephone Directories Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
4/21 SB 9 Classifying Text Messaging While Driving as a Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
3/29 H 729 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
3/26 HB 368 Telephone and Online Gambling Tax Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
3/26 LD 1706 Requiring Cell Phone Radiation Warning Label Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 20)
3/25 HB 4394 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
3/24 SB 321 Prohibiting Hand-Held Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 23)
3/23 HF 2456 Texting While Driving Ban Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 12)
3/22 SB 1334 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
3/10 S 1352 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
3/02 SB 1334 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 11)
2/18 ABx8 8 Internet Sales Tax Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
2/16 SB 660 Internet Sales Tax Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
2/04 SB 235 Ban on Required Human Microchip Implantation Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
6/27 SB 767 Virtual Charter Schools Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 14)
6/23 HB 2377 Prohibiting Handheld Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
6/22 SB 1443 Driving While Texting Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 15)
6/21 HB 866 Publishing Legal Records Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
6/16 HB 782 Wireless Phone Card Fees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
6/09 SB 107 Electronics Sale and Disposal Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
5/19 HB 72 Cell Phone Ban in School Speed Zones and Construction Zones Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
5/08 H 374 Allowing Diversion of Funds to Virtual Education Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
4/13 SB 1954 Basic Phone Service Deregulation Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
4/09 SB 373 Deregulation of Landline Phone Service Rates Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 8)
3/12 SB 208 Posting Public Notices Online Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 10)
3/04 SB 235 Ban on Required Human Microchip Implantation
1/28 SF 65 Ban on Texting While Driving Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 17)
8/21 SB 28 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
8/18 HB 5 Electronic Medical Records Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
8/11 AB 86 Cyber-Bullying Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
7/09 S Amdt 5064 Striking Telecom Immunity from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Bill Amendment Rejected - Senate (32 - 66)
7/09 HR 6304 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (69 - 28)
6/24 S 8638 Internet Sales Tax Repeal Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 18)
6/17 HB 852 Banning Cell Phones While Driving Bill Failed - Senate (6 - 27)
6/17 S 2706 Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
6/04 HB 2475 Bonds for School Computers Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 13)
5/06 SB 137 Young Drivers Using Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
5/02 HB 1385 Health Insurance Website Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
4/15 HB 683 DNA Collection, Parole Board, and Felony Review Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 1)
4/03 SB 46 Computer Services Sales Tax Repeal and Other Tax Adjustments Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
4/02 HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 3)
3/28 HB 362 Department of Information Technology Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
3/26 Huelskamp Amnd. 1 Employment Verification Amendment Rejected - Senate (11 - 27)
3/24 HB 406 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
3/20 SB 2 Banning Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
3/18 SB 269 Authorizing Speed Monitoring Systems Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
3/17 HB 1233 Government Spending Database Veto Override Failed - Senate (22 - 12)
3/14 SB 461 Prohibiting Cell Phone Use by Drivers Under 18 Bill Failed - Senate (22 - 21)

arrow_upward