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
June 5, 2013 NC SB 306 Repeals the Racial Justice Act Bill Passed - House (77 - 39)
June 4, 2013 National H Amdt 84 Authorizes Funds for the Construction of United States Prison for Prisoners from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Amendment Rejected - House (170 - 254)
June 3, 2013 NV SB 221 Requires Background Checks Prior to the Purchase of Firearms Bill Passed - House (23 - 19)
June 2, 2013 LA SB 162 Authorizes Surrogacy Contracts Conference Report Adopted - House (85 - 12)
May 30, 2013 WA HB 2064 Amends Estate Tax Laws Bill Passed - House (51 - 40)
May 29, 2013 CA AB 375 Amends Teacher Dismissal Requirements Bill Passed - House (64 - 11)
May 29, 2013 CA AB 48 Prohibits Large Capacity Magazines Bill Passed - House (46 - 26)
May 29, 2013 CA AB 48 Prohibits Large Capacity Magazines Bill Passed - House (46 - 26)
May 29, 2013 CA AB 60 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (55 - 20)
May 28, 2013 IL HB 1247 Prohibits Using a Hand-Held Cell Phone While Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 48)
May 27, 2013 IL SB 1639 Requires Reimbursement for the Sale of Unhealthy Pets Bill Passed - House (67 - 49)
May 27, 2013 NV SB 303 Authorizes Driver Authorization Cards for Non-Citizens Bill Passed - House (30 - 9)
May 23, 2013 NV SJR 13 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Joint Resolution Passed - House (27 - 14)
May 23, 2013 CA AB 817 Amends Poll Worker Eligibility Requirements Bill Passed - House (49 - 23)
May 22, 2013 TX SB 21 Requires Drug Testing for Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (104 - 42)
May 22, 2013 CT HB 6495 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (74 - 55)
May 21, 2013 KS HB 2162 Prohibits State Funds from Being Used to Lobby for Firearm Regulations Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 28)
May 20, 2013 NJ A 3797 Requires Certain Firearm Information to be Collected and Reported Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27)
May 20, 2013 NJ A 3797 Requires Certain Firearm Information to be Collected and Reported Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27)
May 20, 2013 NJ A 3796 Requires an Individual to Dispose of Unauthorized Firearms Within a Certain Time Period Concurrence Vote Passed - House (48 - 24)
May 20, 2013 NV SB 243 Requires DNA Samples for Felonies Bill Passed - House (29 - 9)
May 20, 2013 NV SB 243 Requires DNA Samples for Felonies Bill Passed - House (29 - 9)
May 17, 2013 MO HB 533 Authorizes State Employees to Keep Firearms in Vehicles Concurrence Vote Passed - House (125 - 27)
May 16, 2013 CA AB 4 Prohibits Law Enforcement From Detaining Individuals Based Solely on Immigration Status Bill Passed - House (44 - 22)
May 16, 2013 NC HB 730 Amends Abortion Laws Bill Passed - House (73 - 39)
May 16, 2013 CA AB 4 Prohibits Law Enforcement From Detaining Individuals Based Solely on Immigration Status Bill Passed - House (44 - 22)
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)
May 14, 2013 NV SB 139 Classifies Crimes Based on Gender Identity or Expression as Felonies Bill Passed - House (30 - 11)
May 14, 2013 NV SB 139 Classifies Crimes Based on Gender Identity or Expression as Felonies Bill Passed - House (30 - 11)
May 13, 2013 VT S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 65)
May 13, 2013 VT S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 65)
May 9, 2013 MN HF 1054 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (75 - 59)
May 9, 2013 CA AB 1266 Amends Sex-Segregated School Programs and Activities Bill Passed - House (46 - 25)
May 8, 2013 MO HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (116 - 38)
May 8, 2013 MO HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (116 - 38)
May 7, 2013 CO SB 251 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
May 7, 2013 NC HB 610 Expands the Sale of Alcohol in Seating Areas of Certain Stadiums and Ballparks Bill Passed - House (73 - 45)
May 7, 2013 TX HB 928 Prohibits State Funds from Being Used for the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (101 - 31)
May 7, 2013 NC HB 937 Amends Firearm Laws Bill Passed - House (78 - 42)
May 7, 2013 CT HB 5277 Authorizes Mixed Martial Arts Events Bill Passed - House (117 - 26)
May 6, 2013 TX SB 864 Reduces Required Hours for Concealed Handgun License Training Bill Passed - House (116 - 30)
May 6, 2013 TX HB 1009 Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools Bill Passed - House (123 - 22)
May 6, 2013 TX HB 972 Authorizes Concealed Handguns on Higher Education Campuses Bill Passed - House (102 - 41)
May 6, 2013 TX HB 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
May 6, 2013 LA HB 45 Establishes Licenses for the In-State Sale and Manufacture of Firearms Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
May 6, 2013 TX HB 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
May 4, 2013 TX HB 852 Prohibits the Sale of Shark Fins Bill Passed - House (87 - 42)
May 2, 2013 RI H 5015 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 15)
May 2, 2013 AL SB 286 Amends Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (74 - 27)
May 2, 2013 CA AB 277 Authorizes Gaming on Traditional Tribal Territory Bill Passed - House (41 - 12)
May 1, 2013 VT S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - House (81 - 64)
May 1, 2013 VT S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - House (81 - 64)
May 1, 2013 MI HB 4118 Requires Drug Testing For Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (77 - 33)
May 1, 2013 MI HB 4388 Establishes School Attendence Requirements for Family Independence Assistance Bill Passed - House (78 - 32)
May 1, 2013 MI HB 4118 Requires Drug Testing For Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (77 - 33)
May 1, 2013 TX HB 489 Expands Access to Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Bill Passed - House (120 - 21)
May 1, 2013 TX HB 489 Expands Access to Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Bill Passed - House (120 - 21)
April 30, 2013 OR SB 833 Authorizes Drivers Licenses for Individuals Without Legal Proof of US Residence Bill Passed - House (38 - 20)
April 30, 2013 ME SP 550 Alleges Support For Comprehensive Immigration Reform Joint Resolution Passed - House (88 - 55)
April 30, 2013 AL HB 8 Requires Courts to Apply "Strict Scrutiny" to Certain Firearm Regulation Laws Bill Passed - House (76 - 22)
April 29, 2013 OR HB 2613 Authorizes Electronic Gambling Machines for Horse Races Bill Passed - House (39 - 16)
April 26, 2013 TX HB 148 Prohibits Multiple Ballots from Being Turned in by 1 Individual Bill Passed - House (93 - 48)
April 25, 2013 CA AB 1401 Authorizes Non-United States Citizens to Serve on Juries Bill Passed - House (45 - 26)
April 24, 2013 LA HB 265 Establishes Lifetime Concealed Handgun Permits Bill Passed - House (65 - 19)
April 23, 2013 NV AB 230 Amends State Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
April 23, 2013 LA HB 5 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (67 - 25)
April 23, 2013 LA HB 5 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (67 - 25)
April 23, 2013 LA HB 8 Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information Bill Passed - House (76 - 18)
April 23, 2013 CO HB 1251 Requires DNA Samples for Misdemeanors Bill Passed - House (43 - 21)
April 23, 2013 CO HB 1251 Requires DNA Samples for Misdemeanors Bill Passed - House (43 - 21)
April 23, 2013 DE HB 75 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (23 - 18)
April 23, 2013 OR HB 2624 Exempts Counties from Hunting Dog Prohibitions if Approved by County Voters Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
April 23, 2013 OR HB 2624 Exempts Counties from Hunting Dog Prohibitions if Approved by County Voters Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
April 23, 2013 OR HB 2624 Exempts Counties from Hunting Dog Prohibitions if Approved by County Voters Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
April 22, 2013 MT SB 256 Requires the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Organization to be Liable for Damage Caused by Wild Buffalo Conference Report Adopted - House (61 - 39)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/05 SB 306 Repeals the Racial Justice Act Bill Passed - House (77 - 39)
6/04 H Amdt 84 Authorizes Funds for the Construction of United States Prison for Prisoners from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Amendment Rejected - House (170 - 254)
6/03 SB 221 Requires Background Checks Prior to the Purchase of Firearms Bill Passed - House (23 - 19)
6/02 SB 162 Authorizes Surrogacy Contracts Conference Report Adopted - House (85 - 12)
5/30 HB 2064 Amends Estate Tax Laws Bill Passed - House (51 - 40)
5/29 AB 375 Amends Teacher Dismissal Requirements Bill Passed - House (64 - 11)
5/29 AB 48 Prohibits Large Capacity Magazines Bill Passed - House (46 - 26)
5/29 AB 48 Prohibits Large Capacity Magazines Bill Passed - House (46 - 26)
5/29 AB 60 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (55 - 20)
5/28 HB 1247 Prohibits Using a Hand-Held Cell Phone While Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 48)
5/27 SB 1639 Requires Reimbursement for the Sale of Unhealthy Pets Bill Passed - House (67 - 49)
5/27 SB 303 Authorizes Driver Authorization Cards for Non-Citizens Bill Passed - House (30 - 9)
5/23 SJR 13 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Joint Resolution Passed - House (27 - 14)
5/23 AB 817 Amends Poll Worker Eligibility Requirements Bill Passed - House (49 - 23)
5/22 SB 21 Requires Drug Testing for Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (104 - 42)
5/22 HB 6495 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (74 - 55)
5/21 HB 2162 Prohibits State Funds from Being Used to Lobby for Firearm Regulations Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 28)
5/20 A 3797 Requires Certain Firearm Information to be Collected and Reported Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27)
5/20 A 3797 Requires Certain Firearm Information to be Collected and Reported Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27)
5/20 A 3796 Requires an Individual to Dispose of Unauthorized Firearms Within a Certain Time Period Concurrence Vote Passed - House (48 - 24)
5/20 SB 243 Requires DNA Samples for Felonies Bill Passed - House (29 - 9)
5/20 SB 243 Requires DNA Samples for Felonies Bill Passed - House (29 - 9)
5/17 HB 533 Authorizes State Employees to Keep Firearms in Vehicles Concurrence Vote Passed - House (125 - 27)
5/16 AB 4 Prohibits Law Enforcement From Detaining Individuals Based Solely on Immigration Status Bill Passed - House (44 - 22)
5/16 HB 730 Amends Abortion Laws Bill Passed - House (73 - 39)
5/16 AB 4 Prohibits Law Enforcement From Detaining Individuals Based Solely on Immigration Status Bill Passed - House (44 - 22)
5/15 SB 1178 Authorizes Individuals to use Potential Infringements of Religious Freedom as a Claim or Defense Bill Passed - House (32 - 24)
5/14 SB 139 Classifies Crimes Based on Gender Identity or Expression as Felonies Bill Passed - House (30 - 11)
5/14 SB 139 Classifies Crimes Based on Gender Identity or Expression as Felonies Bill Passed - House (30 - 11)
5/13 S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 65)
5/13 S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 65)
5/09 HF 1054 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (75 - 59)
5/09 AB 1266 Amends Sex-Segregated School Programs and Activities Bill Passed - House (46 - 25)
5/08 HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (116 - 38)
5/08 HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (116 - 38)
5/07 SB 251 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
5/07 HB 610 Expands the Sale of Alcohol in Seating Areas of Certain Stadiums and Ballparks Bill Passed - House (73 - 45)
5/07 HB 928 Prohibits State Funds from Being Used for the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (101 - 31)
5/07 HB 937 Amends Firearm Laws Bill Passed - House (78 - 42)
5/07 HB 5277 Authorizes Mixed Martial Arts Events Bill Passed - House (117 - 26)
5/06 SB 864 Reduces Required Hours for Concealed Handgun License Training Bill Passed - House (116 - 30)
5/06 HB 1009 Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools Bill Passed - House (123 - 22)
5/06 HB 972 Authorizes Concealed Handguns on Higher Education Campuses Bill Passed - House (102 - 41)
5/06 HB 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
5/06 HB 45 Establishes Licenses for the In-State Sale and Manufacture of Firearms Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
5/06 HB 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
5/04 HB 852 Prohibits the Sale of Shark Fins Bill Passed - House (87 - 42)
5/02 H 5015 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 15)
5/02 SB 286 Amends Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (74 - 27)
5/02 AB 277 Authorizes Gaming on Traditional Tribal Territory Bill Passed - House (41 - 12)
5/01 S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - House (81 - 64)
5/01 S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - House (81 - 64)
5/01 HB 4118 Requires Drug Testing For Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (77 - 33)
5/01 HB 4388 Establishes School Attendence Requirements for Family Independence Assistance Bill Passed - House (78 - 32)
5/01 HB 4118 Requires Drug Testing For Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (77 - 33)
5/01 HB 489 Expands Access to Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Bill Passed - House (120 - 21)
5/01 HB 489 Expands Access to Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Bill Passed - House (120 - 21)
4/30 SB 833 Authorizes Drivers Licenses for Individuals Without Legal Proof of US Residence Bill Passed - House (38 - 20)
4/30 SP 550 Alleges Support For Comprehensive Immigration Reform Joint Resolution Passed - House (88 - 55)
4/30 HB 8 Requires Courts to Apply "Strict Scrutiny" to Certain Firearm Regulation Laws Bill Passed - House (76 - 22)
4/29 HB 2613 Authorizes Electronic Gambling Machines for Horse Races Bill Passed - House (39 - 16)
4/26 HB 148 Prohibits Multiple Ballots from Being Turned in by 1 Individual Bill Passed - House (93 - 48)
4/25 AB 1401 Authorizes Non-United States Citizens to Serve on Juries Bill Passed - House (45 - 26)
4/24 HB 265 Establishes Lifetime Concealed Handgun Permits Bill Passed - House (65 - 19)
4/23 AB 230 Amends State Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
4/23 HB 5 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (67 - 25)
4/23 HB 5 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (67 - 25)
4/23 HB 8 Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information Bill Passed - House (76 - 18)
4/23 HB 1251 Requires DNA Samples for Misdemeanors Bill Passed - House (43 - 21)
4/23 HB 1251 Requires DNA Samples for Misdemeanors Bill Passed - House (43 - 21)
4/23 HB 75 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (23 - 18)
4/23 HB 2624 Exempts Counties from Hunting Dog Prohibitions if Approved by County Voters Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
4/23 HB 2624 Exempts Counties from Hunting Dog Prohibitions if Approved by County Voters Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
4/23 HB 2624 Exempts Counties from Hunting Dog Prohibitions if Approved by County Voters Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
4/22 SB 256 Requires the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Organization to be Liable for Damage Caused by Wild Buffalo Conference Report Adopted - House (61 - 39)

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