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 11, 2010 IA SF 2357 Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
March 11, 2010 IA SF 2357 Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
March 11, 2010 VA HB 885 Authorizing Concealed Firearms in Vehicles Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 28)
March 10, 2010 VA HB 505 Authorizing Concealed Firearms in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
March 10, 2010 IA SF 2357 Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators Bill Passed - House (73 - 25)
March 10, 2010 VA HB 885 Authorizing Concealed Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
March 10, 2010 IA SF 2357 Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators Bill Passed - House (73 - 25)
March 10, 2010 IA Amdt 8381 Free Self Defense Courses for Domestic Violence Victims Amendment Rejected - House (44 - 53)
March 10, 2010 IA Amdt 8381 Free Self Defense Courses for Domestic Violence Victims Amendment Rejected - House (44 - 53)
March 10, 2010 ID S 1352 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
March 10, 2010 NH HB 1653 Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Passed - House (214 - 137)
March 10, 2010 NH HB 1653 Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Passed - House (214 - 137)
March 10, 2010 OK SB 1891 Allowing Health Services Employees to Refuse Participation in Abortion and Other Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
March 9, 2010 VA SB 66 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Employment Motion Agreed - House (55 - 42)
March 9, 2010 ID H 589 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - House (52 - 17)
March 8, 2010 IA HF 788 Prohibiting Liquor Licensees from Permitting Criminal Activity Adjacent to Their Premises Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
March 4, 2010 IN HB 1065 Authorizing Firearms at Workplace Conference Report Adopted - House (75 - 20)
March 4, 2010 IN HB 1065 Authorizing Firearms at Workplace Conference Report Adopted - House (75 - 20)
March 4, 2010 IN HB 1065 Authorizing Firearms at Workplace Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 9)
March 4, 2010 IN HB 1065 Authorizing Firearms at Workplace Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 9)
March 3, 2010 WY HB 95 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 20)
March 3, 2010 WY SF 20 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - House (32 - 26)
March 3, 2010 WY SF 64 Increasing Seat Belt Violation Fine Bill Failed - House (17 - 41)
March 3, 2010 FL SB 1158 Prohibiting Gun Licensing Trust Fund to Budget Stabilization Fund Transfers Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
March 2, 2010 VA SB 408 Gun Regulation Modifications Bill Passed - House (74 - 25)
March 2, 2010 VA SB 334 Authorizing Concealed Handguns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (72 - 27)
March 2, 2010 NY A 5710 Prohibiting Gender Identity Discrimination Bill Passed - House (100 - 43)
March 1, 2010 CO HB 1201 Requiring Police to Inform Citizens of Right to Refuse Searches Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
March 1, 2010 CO HB 1201 Requiring Police to Inform Citizens of Right to Refuse Searches Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
March 1, 2010 ID H 496 Requiring Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (64 - 6)
Feb. 26, 2010 National HR 2701 Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 Bill Passed - House (235 - 168)
Feb. 25, 2010 KS HB 2221 Ban on Smoking in Certain Public Places Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 54)
Feb. 24, 2010 SC S 191 Authorizing Warrantless Searches and Seizures of Probationers and Parolees Motion Agreed - House (81 - 26)
Feb. 24, 2010 SC S 191 Authorizing Warrantless Searches and Seizures of Probationers and Parolees Motion Agreed - House (81 - 26)
Feb. 24, 2010 AZ HB 2307 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - House (35 - 23)
Feb. 23, 2010 IA HF 2456 Texting While Driving Ban Bill Passed - House (65 - 31)
Feb. 22, 2010 WY HB 113 Authorizing Concealed Weapons Without a Permit Bill Passed - House (42 - 15)
Feb. 18, 2010 WY SF 64 Increasing Seat Belt Violation Fine Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
Feb. 18, 2010 UT HB 12 Abortion and Homicide Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
Feb. 18, 2010 NM SB 40 Authorizing Concealed Weapons in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (54 - 12)
Feb. 18, 2010 NM SB 254 Eliminating Criminal Conviction Disclosure on State Employment Applications Bill Passed - House (54 - 14)
Feb. 18, 2010 NM SB 254 Eliminating Criminal Conviction Disclosure on State Employment Applications Bill Passed - House (54 - 14)
Feb. 17, 2010 NM SB 26 Establishing the Domestic Violence Commission Bill Passed - House (33 - 22)
Feb. 17, 2010 NH HB 1644 Expanding Homicide to Include "Unborn Child" "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Failed - House (219 - 122)
Feb. 17, 2010 NH HB 1590 Repealing Same-Sex Marriage "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (210 - 109)
Feb. 17, 2010 NH CACR 28 Constitutional Amendment to Define Marriage "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (201 - 135)
Feb. 17, 2010 SD HB 1178 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Failed - House (32 - 37)
Feb. 16, 2010 NM SB 216 Repeal "Guilty but Mentally Ill" Plea Bill Passed - House (40 - 21)
Feb. 16, 2010 NM HB 178 Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
Feb. 16, 2010 NM HB 178 Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
Feb. 16, 2010 VA SB 334 Authorizing Concealed Handguns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Feb. 16, 2010 VA SB 408 Gun Regulation Modifications Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Feb. 12, 2010 NM SB 40 Authorizing Concealed Weapons in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 15)
Feb. 12, 2010 NM HB 178 Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act Bill Failed - House (33 - 37)
Feb. 12, 2010 NM HB 178 Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act Bill Failed - House (33 - 37)
Feb. 12, 2010 NM SB 254 Eliminating Criminal Conviction Disclosure on State Employment Applications Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 4)
Feb. 12, 2010 NM SB 254 Eliminating Criminal Conviction Disclosure on State Employment Applications Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 4)
Feb. 11, 2010 NM SB 216 Repeal "Guilty but Mentally Ill" Plea Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 19)
Feb. 10, 2010 UT SB 11 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - House (56 - 17)
Feb. 10, 2010 KY HB 70 Voting Rights For Certain Felons Bill Passed - House (83 - 16)
Feb. 10, 2010 KY HB 70 Voting Rights For Certain Felons Bill Passed - House (83 - 16)
Feb. 10, 2010 WY HB 68 Repealing Campaign Finance Restrictions Bill Failed - House (36 - 22)
Feb. 10, 2010 VA HB 53 Ban on Required Human Microchip Implantation Bill Passed - House (88 - 9)
Feb. 9, 2010 IA HJR 6 Constitutionally Defining Marriage as Between One Man and One Woman Motion Rejected - House (45 - 54)
Feb. 9, 2010 NM HB 10 Prohibiting Hand-Held Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - House (35 - 30)
Feb. 8, 2010 NM HB 17 Prohibiting Domestic Violence Offenders from Being Peace Officers Bill Passed - House (48 - 19)
Feb. 8, 2010 VA SB 66 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Employment Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
Feb. 4, 2010 MA H 4466 Expanding Driving Regulations Bill Passed - House (146 - 9)
Feb. 4, 2010 NM SB 26 Establishing the Domestic Violence Commission Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
Feb. 4, 2010 KY HB 43 Ban on Texting and Underage Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - House (80 - 16)
Feb. 4, 2010 GA SB 235 Ban on Required Human Microchip Implantation Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
Feb. 3, 2010 UT SB 11 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
Feb. 3, 2010 VA HB 502 Expanding Death Penalty Eligibility to Accomplices Bill Passed - House (74 - 24)
Feb. 3, 2010 VA HB 502 Expanding Death Penalty Eligibility to Accomplices Bill Passed - House (74 - 24)
Feb. 2, 2010 IN HB 1131 Statewide Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (73 - 26)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/11 SF 2357 Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
3/11 SF 2357 Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
3/11 HB 885 Authorizing Concealed Firearms in Vehicles Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 28)
3/10 HB 505 Authorizing Concealed Firearms in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
3/10 SF 2357 Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators Bill Passed - House (73 - 25)
3/10 HB 885 Authorizing Concealed Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
3/10 SF 2357 Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators Bill Passed - House (73 - 25)
3/10 Amdt 8381 Free Self Defense Courses for Domestic Violence Victims Amendment Rejected - House (44 - 53)
3/10 Amdt 8381 Free Self Defense Courses for Domestic Violence Victims Amendment Rejected - House (44 - 53)
3/10 S 1352 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
3/10 HB 1653 Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Passed - House (214 - 137)
3/10 HB 1653 Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Passed - House (214 - 137)
3/10 SB 1891 Allowing Health Services Employees to Refuse Participation in Abortion and Other Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
3/09 SB 66 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Employment Motion Agreed - House (55 - 42)
3/09 H 589 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - House (52 - 17)
3/08 HF 788 Prohibiting Liquor Licensees from Permitting Criminal Activity Adjacent to Their Premises Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
3/04 HB 1065 Authorizing Firearms at Workplace Conference Report Adopted - House (75 - 20)
3/04 HB 1065 Authorizing Firearms at Workplace Conference Report Adopted - House (75 - 20)
3/04 HB 1065 Authorizing Firearms at Workplace Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 9)
3/04 HB 1065 Authorizing Firearms at Workplace Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 9)
3/03 HB 95 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 20)
3/03 SF 20 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - House (32 - 26)
3/03 SF 64 Increasing Seat Belt Violation Fine Bill Failed - House (17 - 41)
3/03 SB 1158 Prohibiting Gun Licensing Trust Fund to Budget Stabilization Fund Transfers Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
3/02 SB 408 Gun Regulation Modifications Bill Passed - House (74 - 25)
3/02 SB 334 Authorizing Concealed Handguns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (72 - 27)
3/02 A 5710 Prohibiting Gender Identity Discrimination Bill Passed - House (100 - 43)
3/01 HB 1201 Requiring Police to Inform Citizens of Right to Refuse Searches Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
3/01 HB 1201 Requiring Police to Inform Citizens of Right to Refuse Searches Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
3/01 H 496 Requiring Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (64 - 6)
2/26 HR 2701 Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 Bill Passed - House (235 - 168)
2/25 HB 2221 Ban on Smoking in Certain Public Places Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 54)
2/24 S 191 Authorizing Warrantless Searches and Seizures of Probationers and Parolees Motion Agreed - House (81 - 26)
2/24 S 191 Authorizing Warrantless Searches and Seizures of Probationers and Parolees Motion Agreed - House (81 - 26)
2/24 HB 2307 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - House (35 - 23)
2/23 HF 2456 Texting While Driving Ban Bill Passed - House (65 - 31)
2/22 HB 113 Authorizing Concealed Weapons Without a Permit Bill Passed - House (42 - 15)
2/18 SF 64 Increasing Seat Belt Violation Fine Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
2/18 HB 12 Abortion and Homicide Law Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
2/18 SB 40 Authorizing Concealed Weapons in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (54 - 12)
2/18 SB 254 Eliminating Criminal Conviction Disclosure on State Employment Applications Bill Passed - House (54 - 14)
2/18 SB 254 Eliminating Criminal Conviction Disclosure on State Employment Applications Bill Passed - House (54 - 14)
2/17 SB 26 Establishing the Domestic Violence Commission Bill Passed - House (33 - 22)
2/17 HB 1644 Expanding Homicide to Include "Unborn Child" "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Failed - House (219 - 122)
2/17 HB 1590 Repealing Same-Sex Marriage "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (210 - 109)
2/17 CACR 28 Constitutional Amendment to Define Marriage "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (201 - 135)
2/17 HB 1178 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Failed - House (32 - 37)
2/16 SB 216 Repeal "Guilty but Mentally Ill" Plea Bill Passed - House (40 - 21)
2/16 HB 178 Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
2/16 HB 178 Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
2/16 SB 334 Authorizing Concealed Handguns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
2/16 SB 408 Gun Regulation Modifications Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
2/12 SB 40 Authorizing Concealed Weapons in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 15)
2/12 HB 178 Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act Bill Failed - House (33 - 37)
2/12 HB 178 Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act Bill Failed - House (33 - 37)
2/12 SB 254 Eliminating Criminal Conviction Disclosure on State Employment Applications Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 4)
2/12 SB 254 Eliminating Criminal Conviction Disclosure on State Employment Applications Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 4)
2/11 SB 216 Repeal "Guilty but Mentally Ill" Plea Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 19)
2/10 SB 11 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - House (56 - 17)
2/10 HB 70 Voting Rights For Certain Felons Bill Passed - House (83 - 16)
2/10 HB 70 Voting Rights For Certain Felons Bill Passed - House (83 - 16)
2/10 HB 68 Repealing Campaign Finance Restrictions Bill Failed - House (36 - 22)
2/10 HB 53 Ban on Required Human Microchip Implantation Bill Passed - House (88 - 9)
2/09 HJR 6 Constitutionally Defining Marriage as Between One Man and One Woman Motion Rejected - House (45 - 54)
2/09 HB 10 Prohibiting Hand-Held Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - House (35 - 30)
2/08 HB 17 Prohibiting Domestic Violence Offenders from Being Peace Officers Bill Passed - House (48 - 19)
2/08 SB 66 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Employment Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
2/04 H 4466 Expanding Driving Regulations Bill Passed - House (146 - 9)
2/04 SB 26 Establishing the Domestic Violence Commission Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
2/04 HB 43 Ban on Texting and Underage Cell Phone Use While Driving Bill Passed - House (80 - 16)
2/04 SB 235 Ban on Required Human Microchip Implantation Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
2/03 SB 11 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
2/03 HB 502 Expanding Death Penalty Eligibility to Accomplices Bill Passed - House (74 - 24)
2/03 HB 502 Expanding Death Penalty Eligibility to Accomplices Bill Passed - House (74 - 24)
2/02 HB 1131 Statewide Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (73 - 26)

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