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
Feb. 28, 2014 AK HB 1 Requires Certain Drivers Licenses to Expire Pursuant to their Visa Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 4)
Feb. 11, 2014 NE LB 393 Repeals Motorcycle Helmet Law Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (25 - 22)
Feb. 4, 2014 NE LB 399 Authorizes Crime Prevention Vehicles to Use Amber Lights Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (32 - 12)
Feb. 4, 2014 IN SB 176 Authorizes Funding for a Mass Transit System Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
Sept. 12, 2013 CA SB 359 Appropriates Funds for Hybrid and Zero Emission Vehicle Use Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
Sept. 12, 2013 CA AB 60 Authorizes Driver's License for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
July 23, 2013 NC HB 937 Amends Firearm Laws Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 14)
July 18, 2013 NC SB 81 Establishes the Charlotte International Airport Authority Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
July 7, 2013 OR HB 3521 Requires Voter Registration Agencies to Provide Records for Automatic Registration Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 16)
July 7, 2013 OR SB 9 Increases Fines for Texting or Talking While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
May 29, 2013 CT HB 6495 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
May 23, 2013 IL HB 1247 Prohibits Using a Hand-Held Cell Phone While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 20)
May 14, 2013 MO HB 533 Authorizes State Employees to Keep Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
May 7, 2013 CO SB 251 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
May 6, 2013 OK SB 652 Increases Driver's License Fees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 15)
April 30, 2013 TX SB 1907 Authorizes Firearms in Vehicles on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
April 24, 2013 ME LD 405 Increases the Maximum Vehicle Registration Fee Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
April 24, 2013 IL SB 923 Authorizes the Use of Traffic Cameras on School Buses Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
April 23, 2013 OR SB 833 Authorizes Drivers Licenses for Individuals Without Legal Proof of US Residence Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
April 17, 2013 LA SB 147 Prohibits the Use of Social Media While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
April 10, 2013 WV HB 2108 Classifies The Failure To Wear A Seatbelt As A Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
April 5, 2013 KS HB 2234 Requires the Secretary of Transportation to Direct the Kansas Turnpike Authority Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 13)
April 3, 2013 KS SB 181 Reduces Property Taxes for Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
April 3, 2013 NV SB 191 Increases the Speed Limit on Certain Roads Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
April 2, 2013 AZ HB 2477 Requires Photo Radar Systems To Be Necessary for Public Safety Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
March 29, 2013 MD HB 1515 Increases the Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
March 27, 2013 KS HB 2234 Requires the Secretary of Transportation to Direct the Kansas Turnpike Authority Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
March 25, 2013 OR SB 602 Prohibits Motorized Boats and Seaplanes on Waldo Lake Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
March 25, 2013 MD SB 715 Amends Driver's License Requirements for Undocumented Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
March 25, 2013 MD SB 339 Classifies Using a Cell Phone While Driving As a Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
March 21, 2013 MT HB 247 Authorizes Salvage of Game Killed By Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
March 20, 2013 OH HB 51 Establishes Transportation Appropriations and Highway Speed Limit Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 6)
March 20, 2013 MD SB 30 Prohibits Smoking in Vehicles Containing Children Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
March 13, 2013 OH HB 51 Establishes Transportation Appropriations and Highway Speed Limit Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
March 13, 2013 UT HB 103 Prohibits Minors From Using Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
March 13, 2013 NC SB 81 Establishes the Charlotte Regional Airport Authority Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
March 13, 2013 OR SB 444 Prohibits Smoking in a Car with Minors Present Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
March 6, 2013 SD SB 106 Prohibits Minors from Using a Cell Phone While Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
March 6, 2013 ID S 1117 Authorizes Permits for Heavy Trucks on Certain Routes Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
March 1, 2013 UT HB 13 Prohibits Smoking in a Vehicle with Minors Present Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
Feb. 23, 2013 VA HB 2313 Repeals the Retail Gas Tax and Establishes a Wholesale Gas Tax Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 15)
Feb. 19, 2013 VA HB 1907 Increases Fines for Texting While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
Feb. 19, 2013 SD SB 142 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
Feb. 19, 2013 IN SB 91 Establishes Motorsports Investment District Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
Feb. 13, 2013 VA HB 2313 Repeals the Retail Gas Tax and Establishes a Wholesale Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
Feb. 11, 2013 TN SB 142 Authorizes Handguns in Parking Areas Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
Feb. 8, 2013 MD SB 74 Prohibits Operating a Vessel Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
Feb. 6, 2013 SD SB 106 Prohibits Minors from Using a Cell Phone While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
Feb. 6, 2013 SD SB 107 Limits Drivers With Restricted Permits To 1 Passenger Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
Jan. 31, 2013 VA SB 975 Prohibits Smoking in a Vehicle with Minors Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
Jan. 22, 2013 VA SB 736 Prohibits Opening a Vehicle Door Adjacent to a Lane of Traffic Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
Dec. 13, 2012 OH HB 495 Amends Definition of Loaded Gun Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Dec. 4, 2012 IL SB 957 Authorizes Temporary Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 14)
Oct. 4, 2012 NJ S 1761 Requires more Transparancy and Accountability from Port Authority Veto Override Failed - Senate (22 - 15)
Aug. 29, 2012 CA AB 2189 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Certain Individuals Ineligible for a Social Security Number Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
July 6, 2012 CA SB 1029 Authorizes the Sale of State Bonds for a High-Speed Rail Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
June 29, 2012 PA HB 254 Expands Use of Red-Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
June 27, 2012 MA H 4174 Authorizes Funds for State Transportation Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
June 13, 2012 RI H 7782 Regulates Auto Insurance Company Claims and Practices Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
May 31, 2012 IL SB 1566 Increases License Plate Fees Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (33 - 21)
May 31, 2012 CA SB 956 Regulates Buy-Here-Pay-Here Car Loans and Lenders Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
May 7, 2012 MN HF 1752 Authorizes Bonds for Construction Works Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 22)
May 3, 2012 OH HB 99 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
May 2, 2012 CO SB 117 Establishes Limits for Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
April 18, 2012 AZ HB 2154 Requires Car Seats for Certain Children Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
April 3, 2012 AZ HB 2348 Prohibits Cell Phone Use by Teens While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
March 28, 2012 MI SB 291 Repeals Motorcycle Helmet Law Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
March 26, 2012 ID H 542 Prohibits the State from Limiting the Use of Motorized Vehicles on Public Land Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 20)
March 23, 2012 ID S 1274 Prohibits Texting While Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
March 23, 2012 ID H 619 Prohibits Speed Limit Regulation by Local Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
March 21, 2012 AZ HB 2757 Authorizes Electronic Billboards Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
March 15, 2012 MI SB 756 Prohibits Teens from Using Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
March 14, 2012 MD SB 559 Prohibits Smoking in a Vehicle with Children Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 19)
Feb. 21, 2012 ID S 1274 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
Feb. 13, 2012 NM SB 235 Restricting Driver's Licenses for Foreign Nationals Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 15)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/28 HB 1 Requires Certain Drivers Licenses to Expire Pursuant to their Visa Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 4)
2/11 LB 393 Repeals Motorcycle Helmet Law Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (25 - 22)
2/04 LB 399 Authorizes Crime Prevention Vehicles to Use Amber Lights Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (32 - 12)
2/04 SB 176 Authorizes Funding for a Mass Transit System Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
9/12 SB 359 Appropriates Funds for Hybrid and Zero Emission Vehicle Use Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
9/12 AB 60 Authorizes Driver's License for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
7/23 HB 937 Amends Firearm Laws Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 14)
7/18 SB 81 Establishes the Charlotte International Airport Authority Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
7/07 HB 3521 Requires Voter Registration Agencies to Provide Records for Automatic Registration Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 16)
7/07 SB 9 Increases Fines for Texting or Talking While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
5/29 HB 6495 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
5/23 HB 1247 Prohibits Using a Hand-Held Cell Phone While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 20)
5/14 HB 533 Authorizes State Employees to Keep Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
5/07 SB 251 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
5/06 SB 652 Increases Driver's License Fees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 15)
4/30 SB 1907 Authorizes Firearms in Vehicles on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
4/24 LD 405 Increases the Maximum Vehicle Registration Fee Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
4/24 SB 923 Authorizes the Use of Traffic Cameras on School Buses Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
4/23 SB 833 Authorizes Drivers Licenses for Individuals Without Legal Proof of US Residence Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
4/17 SB 147 Prohibits the Use of Social Media While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
4/10 HB 2108 Classifies The Failure To Wear A Seatbelt As A Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
4/05 HB 2234 Requires the Secretary of Transportation to Direct the Kansas Turnpike Authority Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 13)
4/03 SB 181 Reduces Property Taxes for Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
4/03 SB 191 Increases the Speed Limit on Certain Roads Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
4/02 HB 2477 Requires Photo Radar Systems To Be Necessary for Public Safety Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
3/29 HB 1515 Increases the Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
3/27 HB 2234 Requires the Secretary of Transportation to Direct the Kansas Turnpike Authority Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
3/25 SB 602 Prohibits Motorized Boats and Seaplanes on Waldo Lake Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
3/25 SB 715 Amends Driver's License Requirements for Undocumented Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
3/25 SB 339 Classifies Using a Cell Phone While Driving As a Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
3/21 HB 247 Authorizes Salvage of Game Killed By Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
3/20 HB 51 Establishes Transportation Appropriations and Highway Speed Limit Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 6)
3/20 SB 30 Prohibits Smoking in Vehicles Containing Children Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
3/13 HB 51 Establishes Transportation Appropriations and Highway Speed Limit Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
3/13 HB 103 Prohibits Minors From Using Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
3/13 SB 81 Establishes the Charlotte Regional Airport Authority Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
3/13 SB 444 Prohibits Smoking in a Car with Minors Present Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
3/06 SB 106 Prohibits Minors from Using a Cell Phone While Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
3/06 S 1117 Authorizes Permits for Heavy Trucks on Certain Routes Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
3/01 HB 13 Prohibits Smoking in a Vehicle with Minors Present Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
2/23 HB 2313 Repeals the Retail Gas Tax and Establishes a Wholesale Gas Tax Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 15)
2/19 HB 1907 Increases Fines for Texting While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
2/19 SB 142 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
2/19 SB 91 Establishes Motorsports Investment District Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
2/13 HB 2313 Repeals the Retail Gas Tax and Establishes a Wholesale Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
2/11 SB 142 Authorizes Handguns in Parking Areas Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
2/08 SB 74 Prohibits Operating a Vessel Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
2/06 SB 106 Prohibits Minors from Using a Cell Phone While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
2/06 SB 107 Limits Drivers With Restricted Permits To 1 Passenger Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
1/31 SB 975 Prohibits Smoking in a Vehicle with Minors Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
1/22 SB 736 Prohibits Opening a Vehicle Door Adjacent to a Lane of Traffic Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
12/13 HB 495 Amends Definition of Loaded Gun Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
12/04 SB 957 Authorizes Temporary Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 14)
10/04 S 1761 Requires more Transparancy and Accountability from Port Authority Veto Override Failed - Senate (22 - 15)
8/29 AB 2189 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Certain Individuals Ineligible for a Social Security Number Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
7/06 SB 1029 Authorizes the Sale of State Bonds for a High-Speed Rail Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
6/29 HB 254 Expands Use of Red-Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
6/27 H 4174 Authorizes Funds for State Transportation Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
6/13 H 7782 Regulates Auto Insurance Company Claims and Practices Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
5/31 SB 1566 Increases License Plate Fees Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (33 - 21)
5/31 SB 956 Regulates Buy-Here-Pay-Here Car Loans and Lenders Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
5/07 HF 1752 Authorizes Bonds for Construction Works Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 22)
5/03 HB 99 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
5/02 SB 117 Establishes Limits for Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
4/18 HB 2154 Requires Car Seats for Certain Children Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
4/03 HB 2348 Prohibits Cell Phone Use by Teens While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
3/28 SB 291 Repeals Motorcycle Helmet Law Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
3/26 H 542 Prohibits the State from Limiting the Use of Motorized Vehicles on Public Land Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 20)
3/23 S 1274 Prohibits Texting While Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
3/23 H 619 Prohibits Speed Limit Regulation by Local Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
3/21 HB 2757 Authorizes Electronic Billboards Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
3/15 SB 756 Prohibits Teens from Using Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
3/14 SB 559 Prohibits Smoking in a Vehicle with Children Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 19)
2/21 S 1274 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
2/13 SB 235 Restricting Driver's Licenses for Foreign Nationals Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 15)

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