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
May 26, 2015 TX HB 3994 Amends Requirements for Minors Seeking Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
May 14, 2015 CA SB 277 Amends School Immunization Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
May 7, 2015 OR HB 2307 Prohibits Conversion Therapy on Minors Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
April 16, 2015 ND SB 2151 Appropriates Funds for Early Childhood Education Grants Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
April 7, 2015 IN HB 1432 Establishes E-Liquid Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
March 24, 2015 IA SF 232 Prohibits Minors from Using Tanning Beds Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
March 17, 2015 IA SF 334 Prohibits Sexual-Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
Feb. 25, 2015 ND SB 2254 Amends School District Funding Calculations to Include Early Childhood Education Programs Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 31)
Feb. 25, 2015 ND SB 2151 Appropriates Funds for Early Childhood Education Grants Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
Feb. 12, 2015 CO SB 77 Extends Parental Rights in Education and Health Care Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
Sept. 15, 2014 NH SB 391 Increases Oversight of Juvenile Justice Programs Veto Override Failed - Senate (12 - 9)
Sept. 10, 2014 MO SB 841 Establishes Regulations for Alternative Nicotine and Vapor Products Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
Aug. 26, 2014 CA SB 1174 Repeals Prohibition on Bilingual Education Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
Aug. 19, 2014 CA AB 420 Prohibits Student Suspensions for Certain Actions and Misconduct Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
July 16, 2014 MA H 4184 Requires Parole Eligibility for Certain Juveniles Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
May 29, 2014 CA SB 837 Establishes the California Prekindergarten Program Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
May 27, 2014 CA SB 1174 Repeals Prohibition on Bilingual Education Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
May 5, 2014 CA SB 1038 Amends Juvenile Court Records Laws Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
May 2, 2014 MN SF 2047 Authorizes State to Store Infant Blood Samples Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 20)
April 23, 2014 MN SF 2047 Authorizes State to Store Infant Blood Samples Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 22)
April 17, 2014 MO SB 841 Establishes Regulations for Alternative Nicotine and Vapor Products Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
March 24, 2014 CO SB 18 Expands List of Tobacco Products Prohibited to Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
March 13, 2014 IN HB 1036 Expands Voucher Eligibility Requirements for Child Care Providers Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 6)
March 12, 2014 UT HB 96 Establishes a School Readiness Board Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 10)
March 5, 2014 OK SB 1219 Prohibits Minors from Purchasing Certain Emergency Contraceptives Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 11)
March 4, 2014 IN HB 1036 Expands Voucher Eligibility Requirements for Child Care Providers Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
Feb. 12, 2014 MI SB 319 Amends the Sentencing Procedure for Certain Juvenile Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Jan. 31, 2014 WA SB 6523 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Non-Citizen Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 10)
July 25, 2013 NC HB 589 Amends Voter Registration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
July 3, 2013 PA HB 1075 Amends Public Welfare Code Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
June 27, 2013 NJ A 3371 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
June 20, 2013 NJ S 2842 Authorizes Medical Marijuana for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
May 15, 2013 IL HB 226 Authorizes 17 Year Olds to Vote in Primary Elections Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 9)
May 9, 2013 OR HB 2896 Prohibits The Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 13)
April 24, 2013 IL SB 923 Authorizes the Use of Traffic Cameras on School Buses Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
April 4, 2013 FL SB 718 Amends Alimony Provisions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
April 3, 2013 ME LD 272 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Facilities by Minors Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
March 20, 2013 MD SB 30 Prohibits Smoking in Vehicles Containing Children Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
March 18, 2013 WV SB 464 Prohibits The Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
March 13, 2013 UT HB 103 Prohibits Minors From Using Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
March 6, 2013 SD SB 106 Prohibits Minors from Using a Cell Phone While Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
March 6, 2013 OK SB 802 Prohibits the Sale of Electric Cigarettes to Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 15)
March 1, 2013 UT HB 13 Prohibits Smoking in a Vehicle with Minors Present Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
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)
Oct. 17, 2012 PA SB 850 Repeals Mandatory Life Sentences for Certain Juvenile Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
Oct. 17, 2012 PA HB 815 Reduces the Offense of "Sexting" for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
Aug. 30, 2012 CA SB 1172 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
Aug. 22, 2012 CA AB 1640 Expands Cash Assistance Programs for Pregnant Teenagers Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
Aug. 20, 2012 CA SB 9 Sentence Reconsideration for Juvenile Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
May 30, 2012 CA SB 1172 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
April 26, 2012 TN HB 2566 Increases Kindergarten Age Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
April 18, 2012 AZ HB 2154 Requires Car Seats for Certain Children Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
April 11, 2012 NE LB 599 Prenatal Care for Children of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
April 5, 2012 CO HB 1271 Repeals Direct Filing of Juveniles by Prosecutors Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
April 3, 2012 AZ HB 2348 Prohibits Cell Phone Use by Teens While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
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)
March 13, 2012 RI S 2322 Prohibits The Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Feb. 22, 2012 UT SB 41 Authorizes Regulations of Tanning Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 9)
Sept. 2, 2011 CA SB 746 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Beds by Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
Aug. 31, 2011 CA AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
Aug. 30, 2011 CA AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
April 26, 2011 MT HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
April 7, 2011 OR SB 695 Standards for Infant Formula Containers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
March 23, 2011 KS HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
Feb. 10, 2011 UT SB 124 Leaving a Child Unattended in a Motor Vehicle Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
Aug. 31, 2010 CA SB 1317 Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
June 2, 2010 CA SB 1088 Young Adults Health insurance Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
June 1, 2010 CA SB 880 Requiring Snow Sport Helmets for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
March 22, 2010 AZ SB 1309 Expanding Parental Consent Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
March 22, 2010 NJ S 799 Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
Jan. 12, 2010 CA SB 880 Requiring Snow Sport Helmets for Minors
March 26, 2009 National HR 1388 National Volunteer Program Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (79 - 19)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/26 HB 3994 Amends Requirements for Minors Seeking Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
5/14 SB 277 Amends School Immunization Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
5/07 HB 2307 Prohibits Conversion Therapy on Minors Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
4/16 SB 2151 Appropriates Funds for Early Childhood Education Grants Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
4/07 HB 1432 Establishes E-Liquid Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
3/24 SF 232 Prohibits Minors from Using Tanning Beds Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
3/17 SF 334 Prohibits Sexual-Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
2/25 SB 2254 Amends School District Funding Calculations to Include Early Childhood Education Programs Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 31)
2/25 SB 2151 Appropriates Funds for Early Childhood Education Grants Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
2/12 SB 77 Extends Parental Rights in Education and Health Care Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
9/15 SB 391 Increases Oversight of Juvenile Justice Programs Veto Override Failed - Senate (12 - 9)
9/10 SB 841 Establishes Regulations for Alternative Nicotine and Vapor Products Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
8/26 SB 1174 Repeals Prohibition on Bilingual Education Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
8/19 AB 420 Prohibits Student Suspensions for Certain Actions and Misconduct Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
7/16 H 4184 Requires Parole Eligibility for Certain Juveniles Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
5/29 SB 837 Establishes the California Prekindergarten Program Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
5/27 SB 1174 Repeals Prohibition on Bilingual Education Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
5/05 SB 1038 Amends Juvenile Court Records Laws Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
5/02 SF 2047 Authorizes State to Store Infant Blood Samples Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 20)
4/23 SF 2047 Authorizes State to Store Infant Blood Samples Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 22)
4/17 SB 841 Establishes Regulations for Alternative Nicotine and Vapor Products Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
3/24 SB 18 Expands List of Tobacco Products Prohibited to Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
3/13 HB 1036 Expands Voucher Eligibility Requirements for Child Care Providers Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 6)
3/12 HB 96 Establishes a School Readiness Board Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 10)
3/05 SB 1219 Prohibits Minors from Purchasing Certain Emergency Contraceptives Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 11)
3/04 HB 1036 Expands Voucher Eligibility Requirements for Child Care Providers Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
2/12 SB 319 Amends the Sentencing Procedure for Certain Juvenile Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
1/31 SB 6523 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Non-Citizen Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 10)
7/25 HB 589 Amends Voter Registration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
7/03 HB 1075 Amends Public Welfare Code Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
6/27 A 3371 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
6/20 S 2842 Authorizes Medical Marijuana for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
5/15 HB 226 Authorizes 17 Year Olds to Vote in Primary Elections Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 9)
5/09 HB 2896 Prohibits The Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 13)
4/24 SB 923 Authorizes the Use of Traffic Cameras on School Buses Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
4/04 SB 718 Amends Alimony Provisions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
4/03 LD 272 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Facilities by Minors Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
3/20 SB 30 Prohibits Smoking in Vehicles Containing Children Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
3/18 SB 464 Prohibits The Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
3/13 HB 103 Prohibits Minors From Using Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
3/06 SB 106 Prohibits Minors from Using a Cell Phone While Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
3/06 SB 802 Prohibits the Sale of Electric Cigarettes to Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 15)
3/01 HB 13 Prohibits Smoking in a Vehicle with Minors Present Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
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)
10/17 SB 850 Repeals Mandatory Life Sentences for Certain Juvenile Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
10/17 HB 815 Reduces the Offense of "Sexting" for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
8/30 SB 1172 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
8/22 AB 1640 Expands Cash Assistance Programs for Pregnant Teenagers Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
8/20 SB 9 Sentence Reconsideration for Juvenile Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
5/30 SB 1172 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
4/26 HB 2566 Increases Kindergarten Age Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
4/18 HB 2154 Requires Car Seats for Certain Children Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
4/11 LB 599 Prenatal Care for Children of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
4/05 HB 1271 Repeals Direct Filing of Juveniles by Prosecutors Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
4/03 HB 2348 Prohibits Cell Phone Use by Teens While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
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)
3/13 S 2322 Prohibits The Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
2/22 SB 41 Authorizes Regulations of Tanning Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 9)
9/02 SB 746 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Beds by Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
8/31 AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
8/30 AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
4/26 HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
4/07 SB 695 Standards for Infant Formula Containers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
3/23 HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
2/10 SB 124 Leaving a Child Unattended in a Motor Vehicle Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
8/31 SB 1317 Parental Crime for Chronic Truancy Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
6/02 SB 1088 Young Adults Health insurance Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
6/01 SB 880 Requiring Snow Sport Helmets for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
3/22 SB 1309 Expanding Parental Consent Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
3/22 S 799 Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
1/12 SB 880 Requiring Snow Sport Helmets for Minors
3/26 HR 1388 National Volunteer Program Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (79 - 19)

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