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 28, 2011 | ND | HB 1195 | Bans Texting While Driving | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15) |
| March 28, 2011 | ND | HB 1190 | Prohibits Distracted Driving | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6) |
| 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 | ND | HB 1278 | Fees for Traffic Violations | Bill Passed - House (51 - 42) |
| 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. 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 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. 8, 2011 | ND | HB 1190 | Prohibits Distracted Driving | Bill Failed - House (47 - 44) |
| 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 1264 | Airline Passenger Rights | Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 16) |
| June 3, 2010 | CA | SB 1475 | Penalties for Using a Cell Phone While Driving or Riding a Bicycle | Amendment Adopted - Senate (21 - 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 | CO | HB 1238 | Increasing Fines for Moving Traffic Violations in Wildlife Crossing Zones | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (34 - 29) |
| Date | No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/28 | HB 1195 | Bans Texting While Driving | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15) |
| 3/28 | HB 1190 | Prohibits Distracted Driving | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6) |
| 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 | HB 1278 | Fees for Traffic Violations | Bill Passed - House (51 - 42) |
| 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) |
| 2/09 | 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 1195 | Bans Texting While Driving | Bill Passed - House (50 - 41) |
| 2/08 | SB 1351 | Wireless Telecommunication Devices | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13) |
| 2/08 | HB 1190 | Prohibits Distracted Driving | Bill Failed - House (47 - 44) |
| 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 1264 | Airline Passenger Rights | Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 16) |
| 6/03 | SB 1475 | Penalties for Using a Cell Phone While Driving or Riding a Bicycle | Amendment Adopted - Senate (21 - 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 1238 | Increasing Fines for Moving Traffic Violations in Wildlife Crossing Zones | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (34 - 29) |