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 1, 2012 OR SB 1594 Prohibits weapons on school grounds Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 15)
Feb. 29, 2012 SD HB 1234 Eliminates Teacher Tenure Concurrence Vote Passed - House (36 - 33)
Feb. 29, 2012 WA SB 5895 Authorizes the Use of Student Test Scores in Teacher Evaluations Bill Passed - House (82 - 16)
Feb. 28, 2012 AZ SB 1202 Prohibits Partisan Instruction in Classrooms Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 16)
Feb. 28, 2012 AZ SB 1205 Requires Public School Teachers to Adhere to FCC Regulations Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 16)
Feb. 27, 2012 SD HB 1234 Eliminates Teacher Tenure Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
Feb. 27, 2012 MN HF 1870 Authorizes School Districts to Dismiss Teachers Based on Performance Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 26)
Feb. 27, 2012 AZ SB 1204 Authorizes Parents to Vote to Close Schools Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Feb. 27, 2012 ID H 481 Repeals Limit on Charter Schools Bill Passed - House (49 - 19)
Feb. 27, 2012 WY SF 57 Amending Wyoming Accountability in Education Act Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
Feb. 23, 2012 FL HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6)
Feb. 22, 2012 GA HR 1162 Authorizes the State to Approve Charter Schools Amendment Adopted - House (123 - 48)
Feb. 22, 2012 UT HB 363 Requires Abstinence-Only Sexual Education in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (45 - 28)
Feb. 22, 2012 MS SB 2401 Establishes Public Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 17)
Feb. 21, 2012 WI SB 386 Removes Voter Registration at High Schools Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
Feb. 21, 2012 AZ HB 2563 Authorizing High School Elective Courses about the Bible Bill Passed - House (42 - 15)
Feb. 16, 2012 MN HF 1870 Authorizes School Districts to Dismiss Teachers Based on Performance Bill Passed - House (68 - 61)
Feb. 14, 2012 VA SB 438 Amends Teacher Contracts Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 20)
Feb. 13, 2012 VA HB 576 Amends Teacher Contract and Evaluation Policies Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
Feb. 13, 2012 SD HB 1234 Eliminates Teacher Tenure Bill Passed - House (41 - 28)
Feb. 9, 2012 AZ SB 1061 Authorizes Schools to Opt-Out of the National School Lunch Program Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
Feb. 9, 2012 FL HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (79 - 38)
Feb. 8, 2012 UT SB 31 Reduces Classroom Sizes Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
Feb. 8, 2012 GA HR 1162 Authorizes the State to Approve Charter Schools Amendment Rejected - House (110 - 62)
Feb. 8, 2012 VA HB 947 Authorizes Home-Schooled Students to Participate in Interscholastic Programs Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
Feb. 6, 2012 NY S 6087-A Authorizes the Use of School Property for Religious Meetings and Worship Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 7)
Feb. 2, 2012 CA SB 81 Funding For School Transportation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Feb. 1, 2012 FL SB 98 Authorizes Student-Led Prayer in School Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
Jan. 31, 2012 IN SB 89 Authorizes the Instruction of Origin of Life Theories from Multiple Religions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
Jan. 30, 2012 SD HCR 1004 Urging Academic Study of the Bible in Public Schools Resolution Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
Jan. 27, 2012 VA HB 1112 Repeals HPV Vaccine Requirement Bill Passed - House (62 - 34)
Jan. 25, 2012 SD HCR 1004 Urging Academic Study of the Bible in Public Schools Resolution Passed - House (55 - 13)
Jan. 9, 2012 GA SB 184 Guidelines for Teacher Dismissal Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 15)
Jan. 9, 2012 NJ S 3173 Authorizes Nonprofit Organizations to Construct and Manage Public Schools Bill Passed - House (54 - 17)
Jan. 9, 2012 NJ S 3173 Authorizes Nonprofit Organizations to Construct and Manage Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
Dec. 14, 2011 MI SB618 Repeals Limit on Number of Charter Schools Bill Passed - House (58 - 49)
Dec. 14, 2011 PA H Amdt 7732 Tuition Vouchers for Charter Schools Amendment Rejected - House (90 - 105)
Nov. 30, 2011 NH CACR 14 Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Legislature to Set Standards for Public Education Amendment Rejected - House (114 - 264)
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. 10, 2011 IL SB 2147 Paying Regional Superintendents Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 16)
Nov. 9, 2011 MI HB 4005 School Board Election Dates Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 39)
Nov. 9, 2011 IL SB 2147 Paying Regional Superintendents Bill Failed - House (70 - 43)
Nov. 9, 2011 IL SB 2147 Paying Regional Superintendents Bill Passed - House (74 - 36)
Nov. 3, 2011 MI HB 4005 School Board Election Dates Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
Nov. 2, 2011 MI SB 137 Bullying Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
Nov. 2, 2011 WI SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
Nov. 1, 2011 WI SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - House (63 - 32)
Oct. 27, 2011 MI SB 619 Cyber Schools Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Oct. 26, 2011 PA SB 1 Charter School Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
Oct. 25, 2011 WI SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Oct. 20, 2011 WI SB 95 Evaluating Teacher Performance Using Standardized Test Scores Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
Oct. 11, 2011 National S 1660 American Jobs Act of 2011 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (50 - 49)
Sept. 6, 2011 CA AB 165 Prohibits Public Schools from Charging Fees for Educational Activities Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 24)
Sept. 1, 2011 CA AB 165 Prohibits Public Schools from Charging Fees for Educational Activities Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Aug. 30, 2011 CA SB 161 Administration of Epilepsy Medication in Schools Bill Passed - House (46 - 21)
Aug. 24, 2011 MI HB 4005 School Board Election Dates Bill Passed - House (72 - 36)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 26 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
July 19, 2011 MN HF 26 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - House (71 - 56)
July 5, 2011 CA SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - House (50 - 26)
June 30, 2011 PA SB 330 Amending The Taxpayer Relief Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
June 30, 2011 MI HB 4628 Amends Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Teachers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (58 - 50)
June 30, 2011 MI HB 4628 Amends Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
June 30, 2011 MI HB 4625 Teacher Tenure Standards Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
June 30, 2011 PA SB 330 Amending The Taxpayer Relief Act Bill Passed - House (109 - 86)
June 30, 2011 MI HB 4625 Teacher Tenure Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 42)
June 23, 2011 DE HB 100 Background Checks for Contractors on School Premises Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 5)
June 21, 2011 OR HB 2301 Online Charter School Enrollment Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
June 21, 2011 OR SB 552 Establishes the Governor as the Superintendent of Public Instruction Bill Passed - House (38 - 22)
June 21, 2011 OR HB 2301 Online Charter School Enrollment Bill Passed - House (33 - 27)
June 20, 2011 OR SB 250 Authorizing School Districts To Withdraw From Education Service Districts Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
June 16, 2011 TX SB 8 Management and Operation of Public Schools Bill Passed - House (81 - 55)
June 10, 2011 TX SB 1 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - House (83 - 62)
June 9, 2011 AL HB 123 Education Appropriations for 2011-2012 Veto Override Passed - House (78 - 21)
June 6, 2011 TX SB 8 Management and Operation of Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
June 3, 2011 TX SB 1 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 29, 2011 TX SB 1811 Reduces Funding for State Agencies Conference Report Adopted - House (84 - 63)
May 28, 2011 TX HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 53)
May 28, 2011 TX HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 11)
May 26, 2011 MI HB 4325 Education Appropriations for 2011-2013 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
May 26, 2011 MI HB 4325 Education Appropriations for 2011-2013 Conference Report Adopted - House (59 - 50)
May 25, 2011 TX HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 64)
May 25, 2011 SC H 3407 Establishing a School Voucher Program Bill Tabled - House (60 - 59)
May 25, 2011 LA SB 6 Teacher Retirement Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 19)
May 23, 2011 TX HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
May 20, 2011 TN SB 113 Teachers' Unions Negotiations Conference Report Adopted - House (55 - 40)
May 20, 2011 TN SB 113 Teachers' Unions Negotiations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
May 20, 2011 TN SB 49 Prohibits Instruction of Non-Heterosexual Human Sexuality in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
May 19, 2011 LA HB 112 Bullying in Public Schools Bill Failed - House (43 - 54)
May 18, 2011 NH SB 196 Guidelines for Teacher Dismissal Bill Passed - House (253 - 105)
May 13, 2011 TX HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (84 - 55)
May 12, 2011 MI HB 4481 Public School Employees' Pension and Tax Exemption Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
May 11, 2011 PA SB 612 Guidelines for Teacher Suspension Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
May 10, 2011 NV AB 568 2011-2013 Education Appropriations Bill Passed - House (26 - 16)
May 10, 2011 NV AB 568 2011-2013 Education Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 6, 2011 VT H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (94 - 48)
May 5, 2011 VT H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 10)
May 5, 2011 MI HB 4325 Education Appropriations for 2011-2013 Bill Passed - House (57 - 53)
May 4, 2011 TX HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 4, 2011 National HR 1214 Repealing Funding for School-Based Health Center Construction Bill Passed - House (235 - 191)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/01 SB 1594 Prohibits weapons on school grounds Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 15)
2/29 HB 1234 Eliminates Teacher Tenure Concurrence Vote Passed - House (36 - 33)
2/29 SB 5895 Authorizes the Use of Student Test Scores in Teacher Evaluations Bill Passed - House (82 - 16)
2/28 SB 1202 Prohibits Partisan Instruction in Classrooms Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 16)
2/28 SB 1205 Requires Public School Teachers to Adhere to FCC Regulations Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 16)
2/27 HB 1234 Eliminates Teacher Tenure Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
2/27 HF 1870 Authorizes School Districts to Dismiss Teachers Based on Performance Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 26)
2/27 SB 1204 Authorizes Parents to Vote to Close Schools Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
2/27 H 481 Repeals Limit on Charter Schools Bill Passed - House (49 - 19)
2/27 SF 57 Amending Wyoming Accountability in Education Act Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
2/23 HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6)
2/22 HR 1162 Authorizes the State to Approve Charter Schools Amendment Adopted - House (123 - 48)
2/22 HB 363 Requires Abstinence-Only Sexual Education in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (45 - 28)
2/22 SB 2401 Establishes Public Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 17)
2/21 SB 386 Removes Voter Registration at High Schools Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
2/21 HB 2563 Authorizing High School Elective Courses about the Bible Bill Passed - House (42 - 15)
2/16 HF 1870 Authorizes School Districts to Dismiss Teachers Based on Performance Bill Passed - House (68 - 61)
2/14 SB 438 Amends Teacher Contracts Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 20)
2/13 HB 576 Amends Teacher Contract and Evaluation Policies Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
2/13 HB 1234 Eliminates Teacher Tenure Bill Passed - House (41 - 28)
2/09 SB 1061 Authorizes Schools to Opt-Out of the National School Lunch Program Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
2/09 HB 5001 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (79 - 38)
2/08 SB 31 Reduces Classroom Sizes Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
2/08 HR 1162 Authorizes the State to Approve Charter Schools Amendment Rejected - House (110 - 62)
2/08 HB 947 Authorizes Home-Schooled Students to Participate in Interscholastic Programs Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
2/06 S 6087-A Authorizes the Use of School Property for Religious Meetings and Worship Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 7)
2/02 SB 81 Funding For School Transportation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
2/01 SB 98 Authorizes Student-Led Prayer in School Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
1/31 SB 89 Authorizes the Instruction of Origin of Life Theories from Multiple Religions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
1/30 HCR 1004 Urging Academic Study of the Bible in Public Schools Resolution Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
1/27 HB 1112 Repeals HPV Vaccine Requirement Bill Passed - House (62 - 34)
1/25 HCR 1004 Urging Academic Study of the Bible in Public Schools Resolution Passed - House (55 - 13)
1/09 SB 184 Guidelines for Teacher Dismissal Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 15)
1/09 S 3173 Authorizes Nonprofit Organizations to Construct and Manage Public Schools Bill Passed - House (54 - 17)
1/09 S 3173 Authorizes Nonprofit Organizations to Construct and Manage Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
12/14 SB618 Repeals Limit on Number of Charter Schools Bill Passed - House (58 - 49)
12/14 H Amdt 7732 Tuition Vouchers for Charter Schools Amendment Rejected - House (90 - 105)
11/30 CACR 14 Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Legislature to Set Standards for Public Education Amendment Rejected - House (114 - 264)
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)
11/10 SB 2147 Paying Regional Superintendents Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 16)
11/09 HB 4005 School Board Election Dates Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 39)
11/09 SB 2147 Paying Regional Superintendents Bill Failed - House (70 - 43)
11/09 SB 2147 Paying Regional Superintendents Bill Passed - House (74 - 36)
11/03 HB 4005 School Board Election Dates Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
11/02 SB 137 Bullying Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
11/02 SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
11/01 SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - House (63 - 32)
10/27 SB 619 Cyber Schools Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
10/26 SB 1 Charter School Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
10/25 SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
10/20 SB 95 Evaluating Teacher Performance Using Standardized Test Scores Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
10/11 S 1660 American Jobs Act of 2011 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (50 - 49)
9/06 AB 165 Prohibits Public Schools from Charging Fees for Educational Activities Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 24)
9/01 AB 165 Prohibits Public Schools from Charging Fees for Educational Activities Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
8/30 SB 161 Administration of Epilepsy Medication in Schools Bill Passed - House (46 - 21)
8/24 HB 4005 School Board Election Dates Bill Passed - House (72 - 36)
7/19 HF 26 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
7/19 HF 26 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - House (71 - 56)
7/05 SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - House (50 - 26)
6/30 SB 330 Amending The Taxpayer Relief Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
6/30 HB 4628 Amends Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Teachers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (58 - 50)
6/30 HB 4628 Amends Collective Bargaining Rights for Public Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
6/30 HB 4625 Teacher Tenure Standards Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
6/30 SB 330 Amending The Taxpayer Relief Act Bill Passed - House (109 - 86)
6/30 HB 4625 Teacher Tenure Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 42)
6/23 HB 100 Background Checks for Contractors on School Premises Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 5)
6/21 HB 2301 Online Charter School Enrollment Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
6/21 SB 552 Establishes the Governor as the Superintendent of Public Instruction Bill Passed - House (38 - 22)
6/21 HB 2301 Online Charter School Enrollment Bill Passed - House (33 - 27)
6/20 SB 250 Authorizing School Districts To Withdraw From Education Service Districts Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
6/16 SB 8 Management and Operation of Public Schools Bill Passed - House (81 - 55)
6/10 SB 1 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - House (83 - 62)
6/09 HB 123 Education Appropriations for 2011-2012 Veto Override Passed - House (78 - 21)
6/06 SB 8 Management and Operation of Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
6/03 SB 1 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/29 SB 1811 Reduces Funding for State Agencies Conference Report Adopted - House (84 - 63)
5/28 HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 53)
5/28 HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 11)
5/26 HB 4325 Education Appropriations for 2011-2013 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
5/26 HB 4325 Education Appropriations for 2011-2013 Conference Report Adopted - House (59 - 50)
5/25 HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 64)
5/25 H 3407 Establishing a School Voucher Program Bill Tabled - House (60 - 59)
5/25 SB 6 Teacher Retirement Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 19)
5/23 HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
5/20 SB 113 Teachers' Unions Negotiations Conference Report Adopted - House (55 - 40)
5/20 SB 113 Teachers' Unions Negotiations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
5/20 SB 49 Prohibits Instruction of Non-Heterosexual Human Sexuality in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
5/19 HB 112 Bullying in Public Schools Bill Failed - House (43 - 54)
5/18 SB 196 Guidelines for Teacher Dismissal Bill Passed - House (253 - 105)
5/13 HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (84 - 55)
5/12 HB 4481 Public School Employees' Pension and Tax Exemption Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
5/11 SB 612 Guidelines for Teacher Suspension Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
5/10 AB 568 2011-2013 Education Appropriations Bill Passed - House (26 - 16)
5/10 AB 568 2011-2013 Education Appropriations Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/06 H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (94 - 48)
5/05 H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 10)
5/05 HB 4325 Education Appropriations for 2011-2013 Bill Passed - House (57 - 53)
5/04 HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/04 HR 1214 Repealing Funding for School-Based Health Center Construction Bill Passed - House (235 - 191)

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