Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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
April 20, 2011 AZ HB 2230 Relating to the 9/11 Memorial Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 20)
April 20, 2011 AZ SB 1610 Official State Gun Bill Passed - House (32 - 25)
April 20, 2011 WA SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
April 20, 2011 WA SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
April 20, 2011 OR HB 2337 Cougar Hunting Zones Bill Passed - House (45 - 14)
April 20, 2011 IA SF 526 Requires a Study to Weigh Outcomes of Authorizing Online Poker in Iowa Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
April 19, 2011 AZ SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
April 19, 2011 AZ HB 2230 Relating to the 9/11 Memorial Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
April 18, 2011 ND SB 2042 Gaming Tax Reduction Conference Report Rejected - House (46 - 48)
April 18, 2011 IN SB 292 Prohibits Local Limits on Gun Ownership Bill Passed - House (77 - 21)
April 18, 2011 AZ SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
April 18, 2011 CO SB 126 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
April 18, 2011 NV AB 211 Prohibiting Discriminatory Employment Practices Based On Gender or Expression Bill Passed - House (29 - 13)
April 14, 2011 GA HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (112 - 59)
April 14, 2011 GA HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
April 14, 2011 TN SB 16 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (57 - 35)
April 14, 2011 DE SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
April 14, 2011 AL HB 126 Extending Forever Wild Land Trust Bill Passed - House (69 - 24)
April 14, 2011 CA SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
April 14, 2011 CA SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
April 13, 2011 MO SB 113 Regulating Animal Care Facilities Bill Passed - House (85 - 71)
April 13, 2011 IL HB 203 Limit on Sale of Firearms Within a Certain Time Period Bill Failed - House (47 - 68)
April 12, 2011 MT HB 271 Authorizes Concealed-Carry Without a Permit Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 29)
April 12, 2011 GA HB 234 Reduces Sales Taxes for Tourism Projects Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 10)
April 12, 2011 OK S Amdt 1 Removes Provision Authorizing Legislators to Carry Firearms Amendment Adopted - Senate (29 - 19)
April 12, 2011 IL HB 3499 Firearm Waiting Period Exemptions Bill Passed - House (78 - 34)
April 11, 2011 MD SB 167 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 65)
April 11, 2011 MD SB 167 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 19)
April 11, 2011 AZ HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 17)
April 11, 2011 MD HB 235 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination Motion Agreed - Senate (27 - 20)
April 11, 2011 GA HB 92 Limits Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 20)
April 9, 2011 AK HB 80 Expands the Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (33 - 6)
April 9, 2011 AK HB 80 Expands the Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (33 - 6)
April 7, 2011 ND HB 1450 Definition of Human Being Bill Not Tabled - Senate (26 - 21)
April 7, 2011 OR SB 695 Standards for Infant Formula Containers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
April 7, 2011 DE SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 6)
April 6, 2011 AZ HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
April 5, 2011 IN SB 47 Gambling Expansion Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)
April 5, 2011 DE HB 19 Reduce Punishment for Drug Possession Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
April 5, 2011 RI S 87 Establishing the Rhode Island Health Benefit Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
April 5, 2011 AL HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (73 - 28)
April 1, 2011 TX Amdt 143 Requiring Public Colleges and Universities to Fund Student Centers for Family and Traditional Values Amendment Adopted - House (110 - 24)
April 1, 2011 TX Amdt 143 Requiring Public Colleges and Universities to Fund Student Centers for Family and Traditional Values Amendment Adopted - House (110 - 24)
April 1, 2011 TX H Amdt 6 Appropriations for the Department of Aging and Disability Services Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 61)
March 30, 2011 NC HB 111 Concealed Handguns in Restaurants and State Parks Bill Passed - House (74 - 42)
March 30, 2011 NH SB 129 Requiring Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
March 29, 2011 OR SB 742 Resident Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
March 29, 2011 SC H 3408 Freedom of Conscience Act Bill Passed - House (69 - 41)
March 26, 2011 MD HB 235 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination Bill Passed - House (86 - 52)
March 25, 2011 AR HB 1032 Curriculum Standards for Bible Instruction in School Districts Bill Passed - House (71 - 16)
March 25, 2011 AR HB 1958 Authorizes Concealed Handguns In Places of Worship Bill Passed - House (65 - 23)
March 25, 2011 AR HB 1958 Authorizes Concealed Handguns In Places of Worship Bill Passed - House (65 - 23)
March 24, 2011 TX SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (101 - 48)
March 24, 2011 CO SB 172 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
March 23, 2011 KS HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
March 23, 2011 IA SF 464 Establishment of an Open Season for Hunting Mourning Doves Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
March 22, 2011 IA SF 464 Establishment of an Open Season for Hunting Mourning Doves Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
March 22, 2011 AL HB 19 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (64 - 31)
March 22, 2011 CO HB 1140 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
March 21, 2011 AR HB 1797 Requires Proof of Identity to Vote Bill Passed - House (53 - 36)
March 17, 2011 CA AB 109 Criminal Justice Realignment Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27)
March 17, 2011 CA AB 109 Criminal Justice Realignment Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1611 Requires Verification of Citizenship for Certain Benefits Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
March 17, 2011 National HR 1076 Prohibiting Federal Funding of National Public Radio Bill Passed - House (228 - 192)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1309 Defines Arizona Citizenship Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1308 Separate Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1308 Separate Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1405 Hospital Admissions and Restrictions Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
March 16, 2011 WA SB 5407 Prohibits Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Motion Rejected - Senate (23 - 25)
March 16, 2011 AZ SB 1613 Budget Proposal Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
March 16, 2011 ID H 222 Authorizes Guns on Campus Bill Passed - House (41 - 28)
March 15, 2011 DE HA 1 Reduced Punishment for Drug Possession Amendment Adopted - House (21 - 17)
March 15, 2011 DE HA 1 Reduced Punishment for Drug Possession Amendment Adopted - House (21 - 17)
March 15, 2011 AZ SCR 1035 English as the Official Language Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
March 15, 2011 NH HB 330 Carrying Firearms Without a License Bill Passed - House (244 - 109)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/20 HB 2230 Relating to the 9/11 Memorial Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 20)
4/20 SB 1610 Official State Gun Bill Passed - House (32 - 25)
4/20 SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
4/20 SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
4/20 HB 2337 Cougar Hunting Zones Bill Passed - House (45 - 14)
4/20 SF 526 Requires a Study to Weigh Outcomes of Authorizing Online Poker in Iowa Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
4/19 SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
4/19 HB 2230 Relating to the 9/11 Memorial Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
4/18 SB 2042 Gaming Tax Reduction Conference Report Rejected - House (46 - 48)
4/18 SB 292 Prohibits Local Limits on Gun Ownership Bill Passed - House (77 - 21)
4/18 SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
4/18 SB 126 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
4/18 AB 211 Prohibiting Discriminatory Employment Practices Based On Gender or Expression Bill Passed - House (29 - 13)
4/14 HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (112 - 59)
4/14 HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
4/14 SB 16 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (57 - 35)
4/14 SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
4/14 HB 126 Extending Forever Wild Land Trust Bill Passed - House (69 - 24)
4/14 SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
4/14 SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
4/13 SB 113 Regulating Animal Care Facilities Bill Passed - House (85 - 71)
4/13 HB 203 Limit on Sale of Firearms Within a Certain Time Period Bill Failed - House (47 - 68)
4/12 HB 271 Authorizes Concealed-Carry Without a Permit Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 29)
4/12 HB 234 Reduces Sales Taxes for Tourism Projects Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 10)
4/12 S Amdt 1 Removes Provision Authorizing Legislators to Carry Firearms Amendment Adopted - Senate (29 - 19)
4/12 HB 3499 Firearm Waiting Period Exemptions Bill Passed - House (78 - 34)
4/11 SB 167 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 65)
4/11 SB 167 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 19)
4/11 HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 17)
4/11 HB 235 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination Motion Agreed - Senate (27 - 20)
4/11 HB 92 Limits Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 20)
4/09 HB 80 Expands the Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (33 - 6)
4/09 HB 80 Expands the Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (33 - 6)
4/07 HB 1450 Definition of Human Being Bill Not Tabled - Senate (26 - 21)
4/07 SB 695 Standards for Infant Formula Containers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
4/07 SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 6)
4/06 HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
4/05 SB 47 Gambling Expansion Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)
4/05 HB 19 Reduce Punishment for Drug Possession Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
4/05 S 87 Establishing the Rhode Island Health Benefit Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
4/05 HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (73 - 28)
4/01 Amdt 143 Requiring Public Colleges and Universities to Fund Student Centers for Family and Traditional Values Amendment Adopted - House (110 - 24)
4/01 Amdt 143 Requiring Public Colleges and Universities to Fund Student Centers for Family and Traditional Values Amendment Adopted - House (110 - 24)
4/01 H Amdt 6 Appropriations for the Department of Aging and Disability Services Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 61)
3/30 HB 111 Concealed Handguns in Restaurants and State Parks Bill Passed - House (74 - 42)
3/30 SB 129 Requiring Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
3/29 SB 742 Resident Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
3/29 H 3408 Freedom of Conscience Act Bill Passed - House (69 - 41)
3/26 HB 235 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination Bill Passed - House (86 - 52)
3/25 HB 1032 Curriculum Standards for Bible Instruction in School Districts Bill Passed - House (71 - 16)
3/25 HB 1958 Authorizes Concealed Handguns In Places of Worship Bill Passed - House (65 - 23)
3/25 HB 1958 Authorizes Concealed Handguns In Places of Worship Bill Passed - House (65 - 23)
3/24 SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (101 - 48)
3/24 SB 172 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
3/23 HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
3/23 SF 464 Establishment of an Open Season for Hunting Mourning Doves Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
3/22 SF 464 Establishment of an Open Season for Hunting Mourning Doves Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
3/22 HB 19 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (64 - 31)
3/22 HB 1140 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
3/21 HB 1797 Requires Proof of Identity to Vote Bill Passed - House (53 - 36)
3/17 AB 109 Criminal Justice Realignment Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27)
3/17 AB 109 Criminal Justice Realignment Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
3/17 SB 1611 Requires Verification of Citizenship for Certain Benefits Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
3/17 HR 1076 Prohibiting Federal Funding of National Public Radio Bill Passed - House (228 - 192)
3/17 SB 1309 Defines Arizona Citizenship Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 19)
3/17 SB 1308 Separate Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
3/17 SB 1308 Separate Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
3/17 SB 1405 Hospital Admissions and Restrictions Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
3/16 SB 5407 Prohibits Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Motion Rejected - Senate (23 - 25)
3/16 SB 1613 Budget Proposal Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
3/16 H 222 Authorizes Guns on Campus Bill Passed - House (41 - 28)
3/15 HA 1 Reduced Punishment for Drug Possession Amendment Adopted - House (21 - 17)
3/15 HA 1 Reduced Punishment for Drug Possession Amendment Adopted - House (21 - 17)
3/15 SCR 1035 English as the Official Language Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
3/15 HB 330 Carrying Firearms Without a License Bill Passed - House (244 - 109)

arrow_upward