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:
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.
| Date | State | Bill No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 14, 2012 | NY | A 9556 | Authorizes Casino Gambling | Amendment Adopted - House (96 - 45) |
| March 12, 2012 | ID | HCR 45 | Encourages the Establishment of Private Healthcare Exchanges | Resolution Passed - House (49 - 13) |
| March 12, 2012 | ME | LD 1603 | Authorizes State Employees to Keep Concealed Firearms in Vehicles | Bill Passed - House (84 - 55) |
| March 12, 2012 | KS | HB 2353 | Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Handguns in Public Buildings | Bill Passed - House (70 - 54) |
| March 9, 2012 | FL | HB 5001 | 2012-2013 Budget | Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 37) |
| March 9, 2012 | FL | HB 1263 | Health Inspection Amendments | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (86 - 29) |
| March 8, 2012 | UT | SB 208 | Interstate Health Care Compact | Conference Report Adopted - House (45 - 27) |
| March 8, 2012 | NH | HB 1654 | Reduces Sentences of Prisoners Pursuing Degrees | Bill Failed - House (152 - 171) |
| March 7, 2012 | UT | HB 148 | Authorizes the Transfer of Federal Lands to the State | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 14) |
| March 7, 2012 | UT | HB 187 | Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 13) |
| March 7, 2012 | GA | HB 1114 | Prohibits Assisted Suicide | Bill Passed - House (124 - 45) |
| March 6, 2012 | AZ | HB 2729 | Authorizes Guns in Certain Public Buildings | Bill Passed - House (37 - 21) |
| March 5, 2012 | WA | SB 6455 | Increases Transportation Fees | Bill Passed - House (55 - 41) |
| March 5, 2012 | OR | SB 1552 | Requirements for Lenders Seeking Foreclosure | Bill Passed - House (59 - 1) |
| March 5, 2012 | AZ | HB 2125 | Prohibits Texting While Driving | Bill Passed - House (45 - 15) |
| March 5, 2012 | GA | HB 972 | Regulation of Pain Management Clinics | Bill Passed - House (124 - 38) |
| March 2, 2012 | OR | HB 4164 | Implementing the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange | Bill Passed - House (55 - 5) |
| March 2, 2012 | UT | HB 298 | Amends Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Regulations | Bill Passed - House (52 - 18) |
| March 1, 2012 | SD | HB 1228 | Tax Credits for Alternative Energy Projects | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 16) |
| March 1, 2012 | AZ | HB 2154 | Requires Car Seats for Certain Children | Bill Passed - House (38 - 17) |
| Feb. 29, 2012 | MN | HF 1467 | Expands the Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (85 - 47) |
| Feb. 29, 2012 | FL | HB 213 | Amends Mortgage Foreclosure Process | Bill Passed - House (94 - 17) |
| Feb. 29, 2012 | FL | HB 213 | Amends Mortgage Foreclosure Process | Bill Passed - House (94 - 17) |
| Feb. 29, 2012 | AZ | HB 2757 | Authorizes Electronic Billboards | Bill Passed - House (34 - 20) |
| Feb. 28, 2012 | IA | HF 589 | Prohibits Obtaining Employment at Agriculture Facilities Under False Pretenses | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 28) |
| Feb. 27, 2012 | UT | HB 511 | Authorizing Eminent Domain over Federal Land | Bill Passed - House (57 - 14) |
| Feb. 24, 2012 | UT | HB 104 | Prohibits Local Ordinances Against Idling Vehicles | Bill Passed - House (42 - 28) |
| Feb. 24, 2012 | VT | H 559 | Establishes a Health Benefit Exchange | Bill Passed - House (88 - 38) |
| Feb. 23, 2012 | UT | HB 140 | Prohibits Traffic Checkpoints | Bill Passed - House (41 - 33) |
| Feb. 21, 2012 | UT | HB 245 | Prohibiting the Use of E-Cigarettes and Hookah Pipes in Public Places | Bill Passed - House (42 - 31) |
| Feb. 21, 2012 | MI | HB 5033 | Requires Asset Tests to Determine Eligibility for State Assistance Programs | Bill Passed - House (67 - 39) |
| Feb. 20, 2012 | OR | HB 4090 | Reducing Restrictions on Urban Development | Bill Passed - House (31 - 29) |
| Feb. 17, 2012 | ID | H 404 | Prohibits Camping on Capitol Mall Property | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 14) |
| Feb. 15, 2012 | FL | HB 7087 | Increases Certain Business Tax Credits and Sales Tax Exemptions | Bill Passed - House (92 - 22) |
| Feb. 15, 2012 | OH | HB 386 | Expands Gambling | Bill Passed - House (69 - 24) |
| Feb. 15, 2012 | FL | HB 7087 | Increases Certain Business Tax Credits and Sales Tax Exemptions | Bill Passed - House (92 - 22) |
| Feb. 15, 2012 | FL | HB 7087 | Increases Certain Business Tax Credits and Sales Tax Exemptions | Bill Passed - House (92 - 22) |
| Feb. 14, 2012 | IA | HF 2274 | Commercial and Industrial Property Tax Exemption | Bill Passed - House (59 - 40) |
| Feb. 9, 2012 | National | S 2038 | Prohibits Insider Trading by Government Officials | Bill Passed - House (417 - 2) |
| Feb. 9, 2012 | FL | HB 5001 | 2012-2013 Budget | Bill Passed - House (79 - 38) |
| Feb. 8, 2012 | NM | HB 103 | Increasing Regulation of Driver's Licenses Issued to Foreign Nationals | Bill Passed - House (45 - 25) |
| Feb. 8, 2012 | VA | HB 947 | Authorizes Home-Schooled Students to Participate in Interscholastic Programs | Bill Passed - House (59 - 39) |
| Feb. 6, 2012 | UT | SB 32 | Breast Cancer Screening | Bill Passed - House (66 - 6) |
| Feb. 3, 2012 | National | HR 658 | Federal Aviation Administration Act of 2012 | Conference Report Adopted - House (248 - 169) |
| Feb. 1, 2012 | NH | HB 574 | Authorizes Government Acquisition of Private Property in State of Emergency | Bill Passed - House (257 - 87) |
| Feb. 1, 2012 | National | HR 1173 | Repeals the CLASS Act | Bill Passed - House (267 - 159) |
| Jan. 31, 2012 | IN | HB 1269 | Authorizes Indiana to Join the Interstate Health Care Compact | Bill Passed - House (62 - 35) |
| Jan. 31, 2012 | IN | HB 1149 | Prohibits Smoking in Public Places | Bill Passed - House (62 - 34) |
| Jan. 27, 2012 | VA | HB 1112 | Repeals HPV Vaccine Requirement | Bill Passed - House (62 - 34) |
| Jan. 26, 2012 | ID | H 404 | Prohibits Camping on Capitol Mall Property | Bill Passed - House (54 - 16) |
| Jan. 19, 2012 | CO | HR 1003 | Repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act | Resolution Passed - House (33 - 31) |
| Jan. 18, 2012 | KY | HB 30 | Authorizes Advertising on School Buses | Bill Passed - House (67 - 29) |
| Jan. 5, 2012 | NH | HB 194 | Authorizes Loaded Rifles and Shotguns in Vehicles | Bill Passed - House (204 - 110) |
| Jan. 5, 2012 | NH | HB 194 | Authorizes Loaded Rifles and Shotguns in Vehicles | Bill Passed - House (204 - 110) |
| Jan. 5, 2012 | NH | HB 628 | Recording and Tracking Complaints of Abuse by Transportation Security Agents | Bill Passed - House (188 - 136) |
| Jan. 4, 2012 | NH | HB 334 | Authorizes Weapons on Public Property | Bill Passed - House (180 - 144) |
| Dec. 16, 2011 | National | HR 2055 | Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012 | Conference Report Adopted - House (296 - 121) |
| Dec. 14, 2011 | National | HR 1540 | National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 | Conference Report Adopted - House (283 - 136) |
| Dec. 13, 2011 | PA | SB 732 | Amends the Health Care Facilities Act of 179 | Bill Passed - House (151 - 44) |
| Dec. 12, 2011 | PA | HB 1977 | Amending Insurance Coverage of Abortions | Bill Passed - House (146 - 45) |
| Dec. 8, 2011 | National | HR 1633 | Limits Regulation of Farm Dust | Bill Passed - House (268 - 150) |
| Nov. 29, 2011 | NC | HB 645 | Temporary Fuel Tax Cap | Bill Passed - House (94 - 23) |
| Nov. 17, 2011 | National | HR 2112 | Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration | Conference Report Adopted - House (298 - 121) |
| Nov. 10, 2011 | ND | HB 1474 | Establishing a Health Benefit Exchange | Bill Failed - House (30 - 64) |
| Nov. 9, 2011 | IL | SB 965 | Authorizing Speed Cameras in Certain Cities | Bill Passed - House (64 - 50) |
| Nov. 3, 2011 | National | H Amdt 849 | Requires Public Disclosure of Bonuses and Golden Parachute Arrangements | Amendment Rejected - House (190 - 234) |
| Nov. 2, 2011 | MI | SB 291 | Repeals Motorcycle Helmet Law | Bill Passed - House (69 - 39) |
| Nov. 1, 2011 | WI | AB 69 | Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense | Bill Passed - House (71 - 24) |
| Nov. 1, 2011 | WI | SB 45 | Administration of Medications to Students | Bill Passed - House (63 - 32) |
| Nov. 1, 2011 | WI | AB 147 | Inadmissibility of Apology Statements by Health Care Providers | Bill Passed - House (62 - 33) |
| Oct. 14, 2011 | National | HR 2273 | Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act | Bill Passed - House (267 - 144) |
| Oct. 13, 2011 | MI | HB 4815 | Exempts Incandescent Light Bulbs Made in Michigan from Congressional Authority | Bill Passed - House (62 - 46) |
| Sept. 23, 2011 | National | HR 2608 | Stopgap Spending and Disaster Relief | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (219 - 203) |
| Sept. 14, 2011 | MA | H 3711 | Authorizes Gambling Casinos | Bill Passed - House (123 - 32) |
| Sept. 9, 2011 | CA | AB 1424 | Suspending the Licenses of Delinquent Taxpayers | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 27) |
| Date | No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/14 | A 9556 | Authorizes Casino Gambling | Amendment Adopted - House (96 - 45) |
| 3/12 | HCR 45 | Encourages the Establishment of Private Healthcare Exchanges | Resolution Passed - House (49 - 13) |
| 3/12 | LD 1603 | Authorizes State Employees to Keep Concealed Firearms in Vehicles | Bill Passed - House (84 - 55) |
| 3/12 | HB 2353 | Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Handguns in Public Buildings | Bill Passed - House (70 - 54) |
| 3/09 | HB 5001 | 2012-2013 Budget | Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 37) |
| 3/09 | HB 1263 | Health Inspection Amendments | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (86 - 29) |
| 3/08 | SB 208 | Interstate Health Care Compact | Conference Report Adopted - House (45 - 27) |
| 3/08 | HB 1654 | Reduces Sentences of Prisoners Pursuing Degrees | Bill Failed - House (152 - 171) |
| 3/07 | HB 148 | Authorizes the Transfer of Federal Lands to the State | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 14) |
| 3/07 | HB 187 | Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 13) |
| 3/07 | HB 1114 | Prohibits Assisted Suicide | Bill Passed - House (124 - 45) |
| 3/06 | HB 2729 | Authorizes Guns in Certain Public Buildings | Bill Passed - House (37 - 21) |
| 3/05 | SB 6455 | Increases Transportation Fees | Bill Passed - House (55 - 41) |
| 3/05 | SB 1552 | Requirements for Lenders Seeking Foreclosure | Bill Passed - House (59 - 1) |
| 3/05 | HB 2125 | Prohibits Texting While Driving | Bill Passed - House (45 - 15) |
| 3/05 | HB 972 | Regulation of Pain Management Clinics | Bill Passed - House (124 - 38) |
| 3/02 | HB 4164 | Implementing the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange | Bill Passed - House (55 - 5) |
| 3/02 | HB 298 | Amends Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Regulations | Bill Passed - House (52 - 18) |
| 3/01 | HB 1228 | Tax Credits for Alternative Energy Projects | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 16) |
| 3/01 | HB 2154 | Requires Car Seats for Certain Children | Bill Passed - House (38 - 17) |
| 2/29 | HF 1467 | Expands the Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (85 - 47) |
| 2/29 | HB 213 | Amends Mortgage Foreclosure Process | Bill Passed - House (94 - 17) |
| 2/29 | HB 213 | Amends Mortgage Foreclosure Process | Bill Passed - House (94 - 17) |
| 2/29 | HB 2757 | Authorizes Electronic Billboards | Bill Passed - House (34 - 20) |
| 2/28 | HF 589 | Prohibits Obtaining Employment at Agriculture Facilities Under False Pretenses | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 28) |
| 2/27 | HB 511 | Authorizing Eminent Domain over Federal Land | Bill Passed - House (57 - 14) |
| 2/24 | HB 104 | Prohibits Local Ordinances Against Idling Vehicles | Bill Passed - House (42 - 28) |
| 2/24 | H 559 | Establishes a Health Benefit Exchange | Bill Passed - House (88 - 38) |
| 2/23 | HB 140 | Prohibits Traffic Checkpoints | Bill Passed - House (41 - 33) |
| 2/21 | HB 245 | Prohibiting the Use of E-Cigarettes and Hookah Pipes in Public Places | Bill Passed - House (42 - 31) |
| 2/21 | HB 5033 | Requires Asset Tests to Determine Eligibility for State Assistance Programs | Bill Passed - House (67 - 39) |
| 2/20 | HB 4090 | Reducing Restrictions on Urban Development | Bill Passed - House (31 - 29) |
| 2/17 | H 404 | Prohibits Camping on Capitol Mall Property | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 14) |
| 2/15 | HB 7087 | Increases Certain Business Tax Credits and Sales Tax Exemptions | Bill Passed - House (92 - 22) |
| 2/15 | HB 386 | Expands Gambling | Bill Passed - House (69 - 24) |
| 2/15 | HB 7087 | Increases Certain Business Tax Credits and Sales Tax Exemptions | Bill Passed - House (92 - 22) |
| 2/15 | HB 7087 | Increases Certain Business Tax Credits and Sales Tax Exemptions | Bill Passed - House (92 - 22) |
| 2/14 | HF 2274 | Commercial and Industrial Property Tax Exemption | Bill Passed - House (59 - 40) |
| 2/09 | S 2038 | Prohibits Insider Trading by Government Officials | Bill Passed - House (417 - 2) |
| 2/09 | HB 5001 | 2012-2013 Budget | Bill Passed - House (79 - 38) |
| 2/08 | HB 103 | Increasing Regulation of Driver's Licenses Issued to Foreign Nationals | Bill Passed - House (45 - 25) |
| 2/08 | HB 947 | Authorizes Home-Schooled Students to Participate in Interscholastic Programs | Bill Passed - House (59 - 39) |
| 2/06 | SB 32 | Breast Cancer Screening | Bill Passed - House (66 - 6) |
| 2/03 | HR 658 | Federal Aviation Administration Act of 2012 | Conference Report Adopted - House (248 - 169) |
| 2/01 | HB 574 | Authorizes Government Acquisition of Private Property in State of Emergency | Bill Passed - House (257 - 87) |
| 2/01 | HR 1173 | Repeals the CLASS Act | Bill Passed - House (267 - 159) |
| 1/31 | HB 1269 | Authorizes Indiana to Join the Interstate Health Care Compact | Bill Passed - House (62 - 35) |
| 1/31 | HB 1149 | Prohibits Smoking in Public Places | Bill Passed - House (62 - 34) |
| 1/27 | HB 1112 | Repeals HPV Vaccine Requirement | Bill Passed - House (62 - 34) |
| 1/26 | H 404 | Prohibits Camping on Capitol Mall Property | Bill Passed - House (54 - 16) |
| 1/19 | HR 1003 | Repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act | Resolution Passed - House (33 - 31) |
| 1/18 | HB 30 | Authorizes Advertising on School Buses | Bill Passed - House (67 - 29) |
| 1/05 | HB 194 | Authorizes Loaded Rifles and Shotguns in Vehicles | Bill Passed - House (204 - 110) |
| 1/05 | HB 194 | Authorizes Loaded Rifles and Shotguns in Vehicles | Bill Passed - House (204 - 110) |
| 1/05 | HB 628 | Recording and Tracking Complaints of Abuse by Transportation Security Agents | Bill Passed - House (188 - 136) |
| 1/04 | HB 334 | Authorizes Weapons on Public Property | Bill Passed - House (180 - 144) |
| 12/16 | HR 2055 | Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012 | Conference Report Adopted - House (296 - 121) |
| 12/14 | HR 1540 | National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 | Conference Report Adopted - House (283 - 136) |
| 12/13 | SB 732 | Amends the Health Care Facilities Act of 179 | Bill Passed - House (151 - 44) |
| 12/12 | HB 1977 | Amending Insurance Coverage of Abortions | Bill Passed - House (146 - 45) |
| 12/08 | HR 1633 | Limits Regulation of Farm Dust | Bill Passed - House (268 - 150) |
| 11/29 | HB 645 | Temporary Fuel Tax Cap | Bill Passed - House (94 - 23) |
| 11/17 | HR 2112 | Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration | Conference Report Adopted - House (298 - 121) |
| 11/10 | HB 1474 | Establishing a Health Benefit Exchange | Bill Failed - House (30 - 64) |
| 11/09 | SB 965 | Authorizing Speed Cameras in Certain Cities | Bill Passed - House (64 - 50) |
| 11/03 | H Amdt 849 | Requires Public Disclosure of Bonuses and Golden Parachute Arrangements | Amendment Rejected - House (190 - 234) |
| 11/02 | SB 291 | Repeals Motorcycle Helmet Law | Bill Passed - House (69 - 39) |
| 11/01 | AB 69 | Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense | Bill Passed - House (71 - 24) |
| 11/01 | SB 45 | Administration of Medications to Students | Bill Passed - House (63 - 32) |
| 11/01 | AB 147 | Inadmissibility of Apology Statements by Health Care Providers | Bill Passed - House (62 - 33) |
| 10/14 | HR 2273 | Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act | Bill Passed - House (267 - 144) |
| 10/13 | HB 4815 | Exempts Incandescent Light Bulbs Made in Michigan from Congressional Authority | Bill Passed - House (62 - 46) |
| 9/23 | HR 2608 | Stopgap Spending and Disaster Relief | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (219 - 203) |
| 9/14 | H 3711 | Authorizes Gambling Casinos | Bill Passed - House (123 - 32) |
| 9/09 | AB 1424 | Suspending the Licenses of Delinquent Taxpayers | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 27) |