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
March 28, 2011 ND HB 1190 Prohibits Distracted Driving Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
March 28, 2011 ND HB 1195 Bans Texting While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
March 27, 2011 MS SB 3100 Issuance of State Bonds for Improvements in Higher Learning Institutions Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 10)
March 27, 2011 MS SB 3100 Issuance of State Bonds for Improvements in Higher Learning Institutions Conference Report Adopted - House (91 - 27)
March 24, 2011 AR HB 1902 Highway Financing Act 0f 2011 Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
March 23, 2011 AR HB 2007 Requires Driver's License Exams to be in English Only Bill Failed - House (49 - 37)
March 17, 2011 NH HB 218 Repealing the New Hampshire Rail Transit Authority Bill Passed - House (190 - 119)
March 16, 2011 WA SB 5407 Prohibits Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Motion Rejected - Senate (23 - 25)
March 15, 2011 AZ SB 1538 Cell Phone Usage While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
March 14, 2011 NJ A 3648 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Bill Passed - House (47 - 28)
March 14, 2011 NJ A 3648 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Bill Passed - House (47 - 28)
March 10, 2011 GA SB 162 DUIs a Felony for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
March 10, 2011 GA SB 162 DUIs a Felony for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Not Tabled - Senate (20 - 34)
March 10, 2011 MO HB 167 Driver License Examinations Administered in English Only Bill Passed - House (102 - 56)
March 9, 2011 NM HB 78 Driver License and ID Card Restrictions for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 16)
March 8, 2011 AZ SB 1402 Special License Plates Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
March 7, 2011 UT 1SHB 89 Protection of Children from Second Hand Smoke in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (39 - 35)
March 5, 2011 WA HB 1382 Express Toll Lanes in the Eastside Corridor Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
March 4, 2011 NM HB 78 Driver License and ID Card Restrictions for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (42 - 28)
March 3, 2011 NJ A 2215 Loans for Development of Green Buildings Veto Override Failed - House (44 - 32)
March 3, 2011 UT SB 124 Leaving a Child Unattended in a Motor Vehicle Bill Passed - House (47 - 26)
March 3, 2011 UT HB 155 Cycling Law Amendments Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 11)
March 1, 2011 GA HB 279 Increased Age Requirement for Child Restraints Bill Passed - House (129 - 43)
Feb. 28, 2011 WY HB 29 Mandatory Testing for Suspected DUI Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
Feb. 25, 2011 UT HB 155 Cycling Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (39 - 33)
Feb. 21, 2011 VA HB 2527 Virginia Transportation Infrastructure Fund and Bank Concurrence Vote Failed - House (31 - 68)
Feb. 21, 2011 VA SB 1446 Transportation Budget Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (1 - 38)
Feb. 21, 2011 VA SB 1367 Motor Vehicle Title Loans for Non-Residents Bill Passed - House (51 - 47)
Feb. 17, 2011 VA HB 2527 Virginia Transportation Infrastructure Fund and Bank Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
Feb. 17, 2011 NJ S2636 Reduction of Toll Road Prices Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
Feb. 17, 2011 VA SB 1446 Transportation Budget Bill Passed - House (66 - 32)
Feb. 16, 2011 AR HB 1049 Prohibit Cell Phone Use in School Zones Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 9)
Feb. 15, 2011 AR SB 154 Cell Phones in School Zones Bill Passed - House (52 - 41)
Feb. 15, 2011 National S Amdt 21 Reducing Federal Aviation Administration Appropriations Amendment Tabled - Senate (51 - 47)
Feb. 15, 2011 National S Amdt 14 Prohibiting Transportation Security Administration Employees from Collective Bargaining Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 51)
Feb. 10, 2011 NM SB 124 Safeguarding Bicyclists Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
Feb. 10, 2011 UT SB 124 Leaving a Child Unattended in a Motor Vehicle Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
Feb. 10, 2011 ND HB 1278 Fees for Traffic Violations Bill Passed - House (51 - 42)
Feb. 9, 2011 ND HB 1190 Prohibits Distracted Driving Bill Passed - House (56 - 37)
Feb. 9, 2011 GA HB 72 Establish an English-Only Driving Test Bill Tabled - House (115 - 50)
Feb. 9, 2011 WY HB 207 Allowing Guns in Cars While Parked at Work Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
Feb. 8, 2011 ND HB 1190 Prohibits Distracted Driving Bill Failed - House (47 - 44)
Feb. 8, 2011 ND HB 1195 Bans Texting While Driving Bill Passed - House (50 - 41)
Feb. 8, 2011 VA SB 1351 Wireless Telecommunication Devices Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
Feb. 2, 2011 AR SB 154 Cell Phones in School Zones Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
Feb. 1, 2011 AR HB 1049 Prohibit Cell Phone Use in School Zones Bill Passed - House (53 - 41)
Jan. 31, 2011 AR HB 1049 Prohibit Cell Phone Use in School Zones Bill Failed - House (46 - 47)
Jan. 28, 2011 MT SB 104 Limitations on Electricity Pricing Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
Jan. 26, 2011 WY HB 29 Mandatory Testing for Suspected DUI Offenders Bill Passed - House (35 - 23)
Jan. 25, 2011 IN SB 47 Gambling Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
Jan. 24, 2011 WY SF 51 Seat Belt Law Violations Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
Jan. 10, 2011 NJ S 2381 Electric Generation Facilities Pilot Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
Jan. 10, 2011 NJ S 2381 Electric Generation Facilities Pilot Program Bill Passed - House (57 - 15)
Dec. 21, 2010 National HR 3082 Continuing Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (193 - 165)
Dec. 21, 2010 National HR 3082 Continuing Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (79 - 16)
Oct. 18, 2010 NJ S 2381 Establishing pilot program to promote construction of electric generation facilities
Aug. 23, 2010 NJ A 2740 Requiring Review of New Drivers' Program Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
Aug. 10, 2010 National HR 1586 Aid To States for Medicaid, Teacher Employment, and Other Purposes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (247 - 161)
Aug. 5, 2010 National HR 1586 Aid To States for Medicaid, Teacher Employment, and Other Purposes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (61 - 39)
July 28, 2010 MI HB 6151 Transportation Law Amendments ("Complete Streets" Policy) Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 21)
July 1, 2010 PA HB 67 Driving Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (71 - 126)
June 28, 2010 NJ S 2090 Car Inspection Waiver Bill Passed - House (41 - 37)
June 28, 2010 NJ S 2090 Car Inspection Waiver Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
June 21, 2010 NY A 9705 2010-2011 Transportation, Economic Development, and Environmental Conservation Budget Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
June 21, 2010 CT HB 5455 Changes to State Transportation Plan Veto Override Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
June 21, 2010 NJ A 2740 Requiring Review of New Drivers' Program Bill Passed - House (57 - 21)
June 18, 2010 NY A 9705 2010-2011 Transportation, Economic Development, and Environmental Conservation Budget Bill Passed - House (82 - 51)
June 16, 2010 LA HB 1410 Establishing the Louisiana Interstate Rail Compact Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 33)
June 16, 2010 LA HB 1339 Increasing Driving Restrictions on Class E License Holders Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
June 7, 2010 LA Amdt 5381 Prohibits the Closing of State Motor Vehicle Offices Amendment Adopted - House (51 - 46)
June 3, 2010 CA SB 1475 Penalties for Using a Cell Phone While Driving or Riding a Bicycle Amendment Adopted - Senate (21 - 16)
June 3, 2010 CA SB 1264 Airline Passenger Rights Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 16)
June 2, 2010 LA SB 9 Classifying Text Messaging While Driving as a Primary Offense Bill Passed - House (69 - 22)
May 12, 2010 LA HB 1339 Increasing Driving Restrictions on Class E License Holders Bill Passed - House (59 - 34)
May 11, 2010 KS HB 2650 Transportation Works For Kansas Program Concurrence Vote Passed - House (86 - 38)
May 11, 2010 CO HB 1238 Increasing Fines for Moving Traffic Violations in Wildlife Crossing Zones Concurrence Vote Passed - House (34 - 29)
May 11, 2010 LA SB 407 Removing Record Check Fee for Class D and E Drivers Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 7)
May 10, 2010 TN SB 63 English Only Requirement for Driver's License Examinations Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
May 10, 2010 CO HB 1238 Increasing Fines for Moving Traffic Violations in Wildlife Crossing Zones Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
May 8, 2010 KS HB 2130 Amending Seat Belt Laws Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 8)
May 7, 2010 KS HB 2650 Transportation Works For Kansas Program Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
May 6, 2010 LA HB 863 Prohibits Hand-Held Cell Phones while Driving Bill Failed - House (49 - 41)
May 5, 2010 IL SB 3695 Streetgang-Related Crime Fund Changes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 20)
May 3, 2010 CT SB 407 Requiring Motorcycle Training Course Bill Passed - House (117 - 31)
April 30, 2010 CT HB 5033 Partial Refund of Sales Tax Imposed on the Sale of School Buses with Seat Belts Bill Passed - House (125 - 18)
April 27, 2010 AZ HB 2338 Yellow Light Standardization Concurrence Vote Passed - House (36 - 21)
April 27, 2010 VT SR 17 Requesting Congressional Waiver From Federal Drinking Age Requirement Resolution Passed - Senate (14 - 13)
April 22, 2010 AZ HB 2338 Yellow Light Standardization Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 3)
April 21, 2010 AL SB 121 Highway Construction Appropriations from the Alabama Trust Fund Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 8)
April 21, 2010 AL SB 121 Highway Construction Appropriations from the Alabama Trust Fund Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 8)
April 21, 2010 AL SB 121 Highway Construction Appropriations from the Alabama Trust Fund Conference Report Adopted - House (86 - 13)
April 21, 2010 AL SB 121 Highway Construction Appropriations from the Alabama Trust Fund Conference Report Adopted - House (86 - 13)
April 21, 2010 LA SB 9 Classifying Text Messaging While Driving as a Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
April 20, 2010 MI HB 4394 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - House (74 - 33)
April 12, 2010 ME LD 1826 Bond Authorization Concurrence Vote Passed - House (102 - 44)
April 12, 2010 ME LD 1826 Bond Authorization Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
April 9, 2010 MD SB 321 Prohibiting Hand-Held Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - House (125 - 14)
April 7, 2010 ME LD 1826 Bond Authorization Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 16)
April 7, 2010 MD HB 825 Increase in Motor Vehicle Liability Payment Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
April 7, 2010 ME LD 1826 Bond Authorization Bill Passed - House (100 - 48)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/28 HB 1190 Prohibits Distracted Driving Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
3/28 HB 1195 Bans Texting While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
3/27 SB 3100 Issuance of State Bonds for Improvements in Higher Learning Institutions Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 10)
3/27 SB 3100 Issuance of State Bonds for Improvements in Higher Learning Institutions Conference Report Adopted - House (91 - 27)
3/24 HB 1902 Highway Financing Act 0f 2011 Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
3/23 HB 2007 Requires Driver's License Exams to be in English Only Bill Failed - House (49 - 37)
3/17 HB 218 Repealing the New Hampshire Rail Transit Authority Bill Passed - House (190 - 119)
3/16 SB 5407 Prohibits Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Motion Rejected - Senate (23 - 25)
3/15 SB 1538 Cell Phone Usage While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
3/14 A 3648 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Bill Passed - House (47 - 28)
3/14 A 3648 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Bill Passed - House (47 - 28)
3/10 SB 162 DUIs a Felony for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
3/10 SB 162 DUIs a Felony for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Not Tabled - Senate (20 - 34)
3/10 HB 167 Driver License Examinations Administered in English Only Bill Passed - House (102 - 56)
3/09 HB 78 Driver License and ID Card Restrictions for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 16)
3/08 SB 1402 Special License Plates Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
3/07 1SHB 89 Protection of Children from Second Hand Smoke in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (39 - 35)
3/05 HB 1382 Express Toll Lanes in the Eastside Corridor Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
3/04 HB 78 Driver License and ID Card Restrictions for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (42 - 28)
3/03 A 2215 Loans for Development of Green Buildings Veto Override Failed - House (44 - 32)
3/03 SB 124 Leaving a Child Unattended in a Motor Vehicle Bill Passed - House (47 - 26)
3/03 HB 155 Cycling Law Amendments Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 11)
3/01 HB 279 Increased Age Requirement for Child Restraints Bill Passed - House (129 - 43)
2/28 HB 29 Mandatory Testing for Suspected DUI Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
2/25 HB 155 Cycling Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (39 - 33)
2/21 HB 2527 Virginia Transportation Infrastructure Fund and Bank Concurrence Vote Failed - House (31 - 68)
2/21 SB 1446 Transportation Budget Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (1 - 38)
2/21 SB 1367 Motor Vehicle Title Loans for Non-Residents Bill Passed - House (51 - 47)
2/17 HB 2527 Virginia Transportation Infrastructure Fund and Bank Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
2/17 S2636 Reduction of Toll Road Prices Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
2/17 SB 1446 Transportation Budget Bill Passed - House (66 - 32)
2/16 HB 1049 Prohibit Cell Phone Use in School Zones Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 9)
2/15 SB 154 Cell Phones in School Zones Bill Passed - House (52 - 41)
2/15 S Amdt 21 Reducing Federal Aviation Administration Appropriations Amendment Tabled - Senate (51 - 47)
2/15 S Amdt 14 Prohibiting Transportation Security Administration Employees from Collective Bargaining Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 51)
2/10 SB 124 Safeguarding Bicyclists Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
2/10 SB 124 Leaving a Child Unattended in a Motor Vehicle Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
2/10 HB 1278 Fees for Traffic Violations Bill Passed - House (51 - 42)
2/09 HB 1190 Prohibits Distracted Driving Bill Passed - House (56 - 37)
2/09 HB 72 Establish an English-Only Driving Test Bill Tabled - House (115 - 50)
2/09 HB 207 Allowing Guns in Cars While Parked at Work Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
2/08 HB 1190 Prohibits Distracted Driving Bill Failed - House (47 - 44)
2/08 HB 1195 Bans Texting While Driving Bill Passed - House (50 - 41)
2/08 SB 1351 Wireless Telecommunication Devices Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
2/02 SB 154 Cell Phones in School Zones Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
2/01 HB 1049 Prohibit Cell Phone Use in School Zones Bill Passed - House (53 - 41)
1/31 HB 1049 Prohibit Cell Phone Use in School Zones Bill Failed - House (46 - 47)
1/28 SB 104 Limitations on Electricity Pricing Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
1/26 HB 29 Mandatory Testing for Suspected DUI Offenders Bill Passed - House (35 - 23)
1/25 SB 47 Gambling Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
1/24 SF 51 Seat Belt Law Violations Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
1/10 S 2381 Electric Generation Facilities Pilot Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
1/10 S 2381 Electric Generation Facilities Pilot Program Bill Passed - House (57 - 15)
12/21 HR 3082 Continuing Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (193 - 165)
12/21 HR 3082 Continuing Appropriations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (79 - 16)
10/18 S 2381 Establishing pilot program to promote construction of electric generation facilities
8/23 A 2740 Requiring Review of New Drivers' Program Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
8/10 HR 1586 Aid To States for Medicaid, Teacher Employment, and Other Purposes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (247 - 161)
8/05 HR 1586 Aid To States for Medicaid, Teacher Employment, and Other Purposes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (61 - 39)
7/28 HB 6151 Transportation Law Amendments ("Complete Streets" Policy) Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 21)
7/01 HB 67 Driving Law Amendments Concurrence Vote Failed - House (71 - 126)
6/28 S 2090 Car Inspection Waiver Bill Passed - House (41 - 37)
6/28 S 2090 Car Inspection Waiver Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
6/21 A 9705 2010-2011 Transportation, Economic Development, and Environmental Conservation Budget Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 29)
6/21 HB 5455 Changes to State Transportation Plan Veto Override Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
6/21 A 2740 Requiring Review of New Drivers' Program Bill Passed - House (57 - 21)
6/18 A 9705 2010-2011 Transportation, Economic Development, and Environmental Conservation Budget Bill Passed - House (82 - 51)
6/16 HB 1410 Establishing the Louisiana Interstate Rail Compact Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 33)
6/16 HB 1339 Increasing Driving Restrictions on Class E License Holders Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
6/07 Amdt 5381 Prohibits the Closing of State Motor Vehicle Offices Amendment Adopted - House (51 - 46)
6/03 SB 1475 Penalties for Using a Cell Phone While Driving or Riding a Bicycle Amendment Adopted - Senate (21 - 16)
6/03 SB 1264 Airline Passenger Rights Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 16)
6/02 SB 9 Classifying Text Messaging While Driving as a Primary Offense Bill Passed - House (69 - 22)
5/12 HB 1339 Increasing Driving Restrictions on Class E License Holders Bill Passed - House (59 - 34)
5/11 HB 2650 Transportation Works For Kansas Program Concurrence Vote Passed - House (86 - 38)
5/11 HB 1238 Increasing Fines for Moving Traffic Violations in Wildlife Crossing Zones Concurrence Vote Passed - House (34 - 29)
5/11 SB 407 Removing Record Check Fee for Class D and E Drivers Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 7)
5/10 SB 63 English Only Requirement for Driver's License Examinations Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
5/10 HB 1238 Increasing Fines for Moving Traffic Violations in Wildlife Crossing Zones Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
5/08 HB 2130 Amending Seat Belt Laws Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 8)
5/07 HB 2650 Transportation Works For Kansas Program Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
5/06 HB 863 Prohibits Hand-Held Cell Phones while Driving Bill Failed - House (49 - 41)
5/05 SB 3695 Streetgang-Related Crime Fund Changes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 20)
5/03 SB 407 Requiring Motorcycle Training Course Bill Passed - House (117 - 31)
4/30 HB 5033 Partial Refund of Sales Tax Imposed on the Sale of School Buses with Seat Belts Bill Passed - House (125 - 18)
4/27 HB 2338 Yellow Light Standardization Concurrence Vote Passed - House (36 - 21)
4/27 SR 17 Requesting Congressional Waiver From Federal Drinking Age Requirement Resolution Passed - Senate (14 - 13)
4/22 HB 2338 Yellow Light Standardization Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 3)
4/21 SB 121 Highway Construction Appropriations from the Alabama Trust Fund Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 8)
4/21 SB 121 Highway Construction Appropriations from the Alabama Trust Fund Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 8)
4/21 SB 121 Highway Construction Appropriations from the Alabama Trust Fund Conference Report Adopted - House (86 - 13)
4/21 SB 121 Highway Construction Appropriations from the Alabama Trust Fund Conference Report Adopted - House (86 - 13)
4/21 SB 9 Classifying Text Messaging While Driving as a Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
4/20 HB 4394 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - House (74 - 33)
4/12 LD 1826 Bond Authorization Concurrence Vote Passed - House (102 - 44)
4/12 LD 1826 Bond Authorization Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
4/09 SB 321 Prohibiting Hand-Held Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - House (125 - 14)
4/07 LD 1826 Bond Authorization Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 16)
4/07 HB 825 Increase in Motor Vehicle Liability Payment Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
4/07 LD 1826 Bond Authorization Bill Passed - House (100 - 48)

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