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 7, 2012 MN HF 1752 Authorizes Bonds for Construction Works Bill Passed - House (99 - 32)
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)
May 2, 2012 LA HB 695 Prohibits the Use of Phones While Driving Bill Passed - House (68 - 29)
April 30, 2012 CA AB 1960 Requires the Department of Transportation to Include Sexual Orientation Reported by Business Owners Bill Passed - House (48 - 25)
April 26, 2012 CA AB 2405 Authorizes Low-Emission Vehicles to Use HOV Lanes Bill Passed - House (49 - 25)
April 25, 2012 National S 1789 United States Postal Service Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 37)
April 18, 2012 AZ HB 2154 Requires Car Seats for Certain Children Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
April 18, 2012 National HR 4348 Extension of Surface Transportation Funding and Approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline Bill Passed - House (293 - 127)
April 16, 2012 OK HB 2296 Limits Certain Civil Liability for Mobile Home Park Operators Bill Tabled - House (43 - 36)
April 10, 2012 AK HB 255 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - House (34 - 5)
April 9, 2012 MD SB 236 Septic System Installation Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
April 6, 2012 MD SB 236 Septic System Installation Requirements Bill Passed - House (93 - 45)
April 3, 2012 AZ HB 2348 Prohibits Cell Phone Use by Teens While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
April 3, 2012 IA HF 2450 Prohibits the Use of Traffic Cameras Bill Passed - House (58 - 42)
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 20, 2012 ID S 1274 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - House (53 - 17)
March 20, 2012 KY SB 89 Requires Seat Belts in Passenger Vans Bill Passed - House (61 - 33)
March 15, 2012 ID H 542 Prohibits the State from Limiting the Use of Motorized Vehicles on Public Land Bill Passed - House (48 - 21)
March 15, 2012 ID H 619 Prohibits Speed Limit Regulation by Local Authorities Bill Passed - House (56 - 10)
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 12, 2012 ME LD 1603 Authorizes State Employees to Keep Concealed Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (84 - 55)
March 5, 2012 WA SB 6455 Increases Transportation Fees Bill Passed - House (55 - 41)
March 5, 2012 AZ HB 2125 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - House (45 - 15)
March 2, 2012 UT HB 298 Amends Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Regulations Bill Passed - House (52 - 18)
March 1, 2012 AZ HB 2154 Requires Car Seats for Certain Children Bill Passed - House (38 - 17)
Feb. 29, 2012 AZ HB 2757 Authorizes Electronic Billboards Bill Passed - House (34 - 20)
Feb. 24, 2012 UT HB 104 Prohibits Local Ordinances Against Idling Vehicles Bill Passed - House (42 - 28)
Feb. 23, 2012 UT HB 140 Prohibits Traffic Checkpoints Bill Passed - House (41 - 33)
Feb. 21, 2012 ID S 1274 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
Feb. 20, 2012 OR HB 4090 Reducing Restrictions on Urban Development Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
Feb. 15, 2012 FL HB 7087 Increases Certain Business Tax Credits and Sales Tax Exemptions Bill Passed - House (92 - 22)
Feb. 13, 2012 NM SB 235 Restricting Driver's Licenses for Foreign Nationals Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 15)
Feb. 8, 2012 NM HB 103 Increasing Regulation of Driver's Licenses Issued to Foreign Nationals Bill Passed - House (45 - 25)
Feb. 7, 2012 UT SB 128 Prohibits Minors from Using Cell Phones while Driving Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
Feb. 6, 2012 National HR 658 Federal Aviation Administration Act of 2012 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (75 - 20)
Feb. 3, 2012 National HR 658 Federal Aviation Administration Act of 2012 Conference Report Adopted - House (248 - 169)
Feb. 2, 2012 CA SB 81 Funding For School Transportation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2012 MN Anderson Nomination Confirmation of Ellen Anderson as Public Utilities Commissioner Motion Rejected - Senate (29 - 37)
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)
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 - Senate (70 - 30)
Nov. 17, 2011 National HR 2112 Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration Conference Report Adopted - House (298 - 121)
Nov. 9, 2011 IL SB 965 Authorizing Speed Cameras in Certain Cities Bill Passed - House (64 - 50)
Nov. 3, 2011 National S 1769 Transportation Infrastructure Appropriations and Tax on Income Over $1 Million Motion Rejected - Senate (51 - 49)
Nov. 3, 2011 National S 1786 Long-Term Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011 Motion Rejected - Senate (47 - 53)
Nov. 2, 2011 MI SB 291 Repeals Motorcycle Helmet Law Bill Passed - House (69 - 39)
Oct. 26, 2011 IL SB 965 Authorizing Speed Cameras in Certain Cities Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 24)
Oct. 25, 2011 PA SB 595 Authorizes the Use of Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
Oct. 11, 2011 National S 1660 American Jobs Act of 2011 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (50 - 49)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA AB 1424 Suspending the Licenses of Delinquent Taxpayers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 27)
Sept. 7, 2011 CA AB 1424 Suspending the Licenses of Delinquent Taxpayers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
Sept. 2, 2011 CA AB 353 DUI Inspection Checkpoints and Unlicensed Drivers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 12)
Aug. 30, 2011 CA AB 353 DUI Inspection Checkpoints and Unlicensed Drivers Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
July 20, 2011 National HR 2553 Airport and Airway Extension Act Bill Passed - House (243 - 177)
June 30, 2011 DE HB 95 Motorcycle Helmet Requirement Concurrence Vote Passed - House (28 - 11)
June 29, 2011 TX SB 29 Restricts Certain Types of Touching During Searches by Government Officials Motion Rejected - House (96 - 26)
June 27, 2011 TX SB 29 Restricts Certain Types of Touching During Searches by Government Officials Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
June 24, 2011 NY A 8496 Increases The Number Of Taxicabs Serving New York Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 21)
June 23, 2011 DE HB 95 Motorcycle Helmet Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
June 21, 2011 National S 782 Economic Development Revitalization Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (49 - 51)
June 15, 2011 NY S 5596 Revising The Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Mobility Tax Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 22)
June 9, 2011 LA HB 338 Prohibits Handheld Cellular Devices While Driving Bill Failed - House (33 - 55)
June 2, 2011 National H Amdt 406 Transportation Security Administration Appropriations Amendment Adopted - House (219 - 204)
June 2, 2011 National H Amdt 398 Prohibiting the Use of Funds for Transportation Security Administration Collective Bargaining Amendment Adopted - House (218 - 205)
May 31, 2011 IL SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 24)
May 30, 2011 IL SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Bill Passed - House (67 - 47)
May 30, 2011 NV SB 140 Prohibiting the Use of Cellular Devices While Driving Bill Passed - House (24 - 17)
May 29, 2011 TX HB 242 Prohibits Texting While Driving Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 61)
May 28, 2011 IL HB 1091 Public-Private Transportation Partnership Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 40)
May 25, 2011 TX S Amdt 3 Prohibits Texting While Driving Amendment Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
May 20, 2011 IL HB 1091 Public-Private Transportation Partnership Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12)
May 17, 2011 NE LB 421 Park Entry Permit Fees Veto Override Passed - Senate (42 - 5)
May 16, 2011 CA AB 144 Concealed Weapons Bill Bill Passed - House (46 - 29)
May 6, 2011 UT SB 229 Transportation Funding Revisions Veto Override Passed - House (50 - 18)
May 6, 2011 UT SB 229 Transportation Funding Revisions Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
May 5, 2011 NC HB 129 Regulates Competition Between Local Government and Private Business Concurrence Vote Passed - House (84 - 32)
May 4, 2011 LA HB 52 Increasing New Orleans Traffic Court Costs Bill Failed - House (49 - 22)
May 3, 2011 NC HB 129 Regulates Competition Between Local Government and Private Business Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
April 27, 2011 NH SB 78 Gas Tax Reduction Bill Passed - House (208 - 98)
April 25, 2011 LA HB 338 Prohibits Handheld Cellular Devices While Driving
April 25, 2011 CA SB 28 Penalties for Using Mobile Device When Driving Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
April 20, 2011 WA SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
April 19, 2011 AZ SB 1402 Special License Plates Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
April 18, 2011 AZ SB 1402 Special License Plates Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
April 15, 2011 IN SB 473 Toll Way Projects Bill Passed - House (73 - 19)
April 15, 2011 WA HB 1382 Express Toll Lanes in the Eastside Corridor Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 44)
April 9, 2011 WA HB 1382 Express Toll Lanes in the Eastside Corridor Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
April 5, 2011 IN SB 47 Gambling Expansion Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)
April 4, 2011 NY A 4578 Authorizing an Intercity Bus Permit System Bill Passed - House (92 - 46)
April 1, 2011 National H Amdt 232 Amending FAA Rulemaking Activities Amendment Adopted - House (215 - 209)
April 1, 2011 National HR 658 Federal Aviation Administration Act of 2012 Bill Passed - House (223 - 196)
March 30, 2011 GA SB 122 Public-Private Partnerships to Build Reservoirs Bill Passed - House (92 - 68)
March 29, 2011 WA SB 5251 Electric Vehicle Registration Fees Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/07 HF 1752 Authorizes Bonds for Construction Works Bill Passed - House (99 - 32)
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)
5/02 HB 695 Prohibits the Use of Phones While Driving Bill Passed - House (68 - 29)
4/30 AB 1960 Requires the Department of Transportation to Include Sexual Orientation Reported by Business Owners Bill Passed - House (48 - 25)
4/26 AB 2405 Authorizes Low-Emission Vehicles to Use HOV Lanes Bill Passed - House (49 - 25)
4/25 S 1789 United States Postal Service Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 37)
4/18 HB 2154 Requires Car Seats for Certain Children Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
4/18 HR 4348 Extension of Surface Transportation Funding and Approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline Bill Passed - House (293 - 127)
4/16 HB 2296 Limits Certain Civil Liability for Mobile Home Park Operators Bill Tabled - House (43 - 36)
4/10 HB 255 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - House (34 - 5)
4/09 SB 236 Septic System Installation Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
4/06 SB 236 Septic System Installation Requirements Bill Passed - House (93 - 45)
4/03 HB 2348 Prohibits Cell Phone Use by Teens While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
4/03 HF 2450 Prohibits the Use of Traffic Cameras Bill Passed - House (58 - 42)
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)
3/20 S 1274 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - House (53 - 17)
3/20 SB 89 Requires Seat Belts in Passenger Vans Bill Passed - House (61 - 33)
3/15 H 542 Prohibits the State from Limiting the Use of Motorized Vehicles on Public Land Bill Passed - House (48 - 21)
3/15 H 619 Prohibits Speed Limit Regulation by Local Authorities Bill Passed - House (56 - 10)
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)
3/12 LD 1603 Authorizes State Employees to Keep Concealed Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (84 - 55)
3/05 SB 6455 Increases Transportation Fees Bill Passed - House (55 - 41)
3/05 HB 2125 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - House (45 - 15)
3/02 HB 298 Amends Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Regulations Bill Passed - House (52 - 18)
3/01 HB 2154 Requires Car Seats for Certain Children Bill Passed - House (38 - 17)
2/29 HB 2757 Authorizes Electronic Billboards Bill Passed - House (34 - 20)
2/24 HB 104 Prohibits Local Ordinances Against Idling Vehicles Bill Passed - House (42 - 28)
2/23 HB 140 Prohibits Traffic Checkpoints Bill Passed - House (41 - 33)
2/21 S 1274 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
2/20 HB 4090 Reducing Restrictions on Urban Development Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
2/15 HB 7087 Increases Certain Business Tax Credits and Sales Tax Exemptions Bill Passed - House (92 - 22)
2/13 SB 235 Restricting Driver's Licenses for Foreign Nationals Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 15)
2/08 HB 103 Increasing Regulation of Driver's Licenses Issued to Foreign Nationals Bill Passed - House (45 - 25)
2/07 SB 128 Prohibits Minors from Using Cell Phones while Driving Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
2/06 HR 658 Federal Aviation Administration Act of 2012 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (75 - 20)
2/03 HR 658 Federal Aviation Administration Act of 2012 Conference Report Adopted - House (248 - 169)
2/02 SB 81 Funding For School Transportation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
1/30 Anderson Nomination Confirmation of Ellen Anderson as Public Utilities Commissioner Motion Rejected - Senate (29 - 37)
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)
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 - Senate (70 - 30)
11/17 HR 2112 Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration Conference Report Adopted - House (298 - 121)
11/09 SB 965 Authorizing Speed Cameras in Certain Cities Bill Passed - House (64 - 50)
11/03 S 1769 Transportation Infrastructure Appropriations and Tax on Income Over $1 Million Motion Rejected - Senate (51 - 49)
11/03 S 1786 Long-Term Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011 Motion Rejected - Senate (47 - 53)
11/02 SB 291 Repeals Motorcycle Helmet Law Bill Passed - House (69 - 39)
10/26 SB 965 Authorizing Speed Cameras in Certain Cities Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 24)
10/25 SB 595 Authorizes the Use of Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
10/11 S 1660 American Jobs Act of 2011 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (50 - 49)
9/09 AB 1424 Suspending the Licenses of Delinquent Taxpayers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 27)
9/07 AB 1424 Suspending the Licenses of Delinquent Taxpayers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
9/02 AB 353 DUI Inspection Checkpoints and Unlicensed Drivers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 12)
8/30 AB 353 DUI Inspection Checkpoints and Unlicensed Drivers Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
7/20 HR 2553 Airport and Airway Extension Act Bill Passed - House (243 - 177)
6/30 HB 95 Motorcycle Helmet Requirement Concurrence Vote Passed - House (28 - 11)
6/29 SB 29 Restricts Certain Types of Touching During Searches by Government Officials Motion Rejected - House (96 - 26)
6/27 SB 29 Restricts Certain Types of Touching During Searches by Government Officials Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
6/24 A 8496 Increases The Number Of Taxicabs Serving New York Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 21)
6/23 HB 95 Motorcycle Helmet Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
6/21 S 782 Economic Development Revitalization Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (49 - 51)
6/15 S 5596 Revising The Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Mobility Tax Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 22)
6/09 HB 338 Prohibits Handheld Cellular Devices While Driving Bill Failed - House (33 - 55)
6/02 H Amdt 406 Transportation Security Administration Appropriations Amendment Adopted - House (219 - 204)
6/02 H Amdt 398 Prohibiting the Use of Funds for Transportation Security Administration Collective Bargaining Amendment Adopted - House (218 - 205)
5/31 SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 24)
5/30 SB 1652 Smart Grid Technology Bill Passed - House (67 - 47)
5/30 SB 140 Prohibiting the Use of Cellular Devices While Driving Bill Passed - House (24 - 17)
5/29 HB 242 Prohibits Texting While Driving Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 61)
5/28 HB 1091 Public-Private Transportation Partnership Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 40)
5/25 S Amdt 3 Prohibits Texting While Driving Amendment Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
5/20 HB 1091 Public-Private Transportation Partnership Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12)
5/17 LB 421 Park Entry Permit Fees Veto Override Passed - Senate (42 - 5)
5/16 AB 144 Concealed Weapons Bill Bill Passed - House (46 - 29)
5/06 SB 229 Transportation Funding Revisions Veto Override Passed - House (50 - 18)
5/06 SB 229 Transportation Funding Revisions Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
5/05 HB 129 Regulates Competition Between Local Government and Private Business Concurrence Vote Passed - House (84 - 32)
5/04 HB 52 Increasing New Orleans Traffic Court Costs Bill Failed - House (49 - 22)
5/03 HB 129 Regulates Competition Between Local Government and Private Business Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
4/27 SB 78 Gas Tax Reduction Bill Passed - House (208 - 98)
4/25 HB 338 Prohibits Handheld Cellular Devices While Driving
4/25 SB 28 Penalties for Using Mobile Device When Driving Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
4/20 SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
4/19 SB 1402 Special License Plates Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
4/18 SB 1402 Special License Plates Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
4/15 SB 473 Toll Way Projects Bill Passed - House (73 - 19)
4/15 HB 1382 Express Toll Lanes in the Eastside Corridor Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 44)
4/09 HB 1382 Express Toll Lanes in the Eastside Corridor Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
4/05 SB 47 Gambling Expansion Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)
4/04 A 4578 Authorizing an Intercity Bus Permit System Bill Passed - House (92 - 46)
4/01 H Amdt 232 Amending FAA Rulemaking Activities Amendment Adopted - House (215 - 209)
4/01 HR 658 Federal Aviation Administration Act of 2012 Bill Passed - House (223 - 196)
3/30 SB 122 Public-Private Partnerships to Build Reservoirs Bill Passed - House (92 - 68)
3/29 SB 5251 Electric Vehicle Registration Fees Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 16)

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