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.


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Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
April 4, 2013 MD SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
April 4, 2013 MO SB 126 Prohibits Pharmacies from Being Required to Carry Specific Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
April 4, 2013 FL SB 718 Amends Alimony Provisions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
April 3, 2013 NC SB 306 Repeals the Racial Justice Act Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
April 3, 2013 CT SB 1160 Establishes Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
April 3, 2013 CT SB 1160 Establishes Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
April 3, 2013 CT SB 1160 Establishes Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
April 3, 2013 NC SB 306 Repeals the Racial Justice Act Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
March 27, 2013 AR SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
March 26, 2013 KY HB 279 Prohibits the Government from Impeding Religious Activities Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
March 26, 2013 DE SB 19 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
March 25, 2013 MD SB 339 Classifies Using a Cell Phone While Driving As a Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
March 23, 2013 MT HB 304 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms Without a Concealed-Carry Permit Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
March 23, 2013 MT HB 304 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms Without a Concealed-Carry Permit Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
March 23, 2013 National S Amdt 139 Prohibits the United States From Entering into the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty Amendment Adopted - Senate (53 - 46)
March 20, 2013 OH SB 47 Prohibits Collection of Petition Signatures after Filing Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
March 20, 2013 MD SB 30 Prohibits Smoking in Vehicles Containing Children Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
March 19, 2013 AR SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
March 15, 2013 CO HB 1229 Requires Background Checks for Private Gun Sales and Transfers Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 14)
March 13, 2013 MT HB 302 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearms Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
March 13, 2013 CO HB 1166 Repeals Classification of Adultery as a Criminal Offense Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
March 13, 2013 UT HB 76 Authorizes Concealed Carry of a Firearm Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
March 11, 2013 CO HB 1224 Limits Firearm Magazine Capacity Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
March 11, 2013 CO HB 1228 Establishes a Background Check Fee Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
March 11, 2013 CO SB 197 Prohibits a Domestic Violence Offender from Owning a Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 11, 2013 CO SB 197 Prohibits a Domestic Violence Offender from Owning a Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 11, 2013 CO SB 195 Requires In-Person Classes for Concealed Carry Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
March 7, 2013 KY HB 279 Prohibits the Government from Impeding Religious Activities Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
March 7, 2013 National PN 48 Nomination of John Brennan to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Nomination Confirmed - Senate (63 - 34)
March 6, 2013 MD SB 276 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
March 6, 2013 MD SB 276 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
March 6, 2013 OK SB 802 Prohibits the Sale of Electric Cigarettes to Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 15)
March 5, 2013 HI SB 69 Requires Background Checks at Gun Registration Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
Feb. 28, 2013 AR HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Veto Override Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
Feb. 28, 2013 AR SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Feb. 28, 2013 KS SB 63 Authorizes Secretary of State to Prosecute Election Fraud Cases Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Feb. 28, 2013 MD SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
Feb. 28, 2013 KS Holland Amendment to SB 63 Prohibits the Secretary of State from Operating a PAC Amendment Adopted - Senate (23 - 17)
Feb. 28, 2013 KS SB 142 Prohibits Civil Action Lawsuits Concerning Abortion Consultation Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
Feb. 28, 2013 KS SB 149 Requires Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
Feb. 28, 2013 MD SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
Feb. 28, 2013 MD SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
Feb. 27, 2013 SD HB 1087 Authorizes School Sentinel Programs Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Feb. 26, 2013 WY HB 41 Reduces Limitations on Hunting Bison Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Feb. 25, 2013 AR HB 1243 Authorizes University Staff to Carry a Concealed Handgun Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
Feb. 20, 2013 AR SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
Feb. 20, 2013 MT SB 107 Amends Sexual Conduct Laws Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
Feb. 18, 2013 AR HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
Feb. 14, 2013 VA SB 1335 Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Feb. 14, 2013 KY SB 50 Authorizes Industrial Hemp Farming Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
Feb. 14, 2013 VT S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
Feb. 14, 2013 VT S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
Feb. 13, 2013 VT Galbraith and Hartwell Amdt Establishes Immunity for Doctors Prescribing or People Present to Lethal Dosage Amendment Adopted - Senate (16 - 15)
Feb. 12, 2013 National S 47 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 Bill Passed - Senate (78 - 22)
Feb. 11, 2013 TN SB 142 Authorizes Handguns in Parking Areas Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
Feb. 8, 2013 MD SB 74 Prohibits Operating a Vessel Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
Feb. 7, 2013 ND SCR 4009 Expands "Right to Life" to Human Beings at Any Stage of Development Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
Feb. 6, 2013 AR SB 131 Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
Feb. 5, 2013 VA SB 719 Amends Voting Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
Feb. 5, 2013 VA SB 1256 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
Feb. 4, 2013 VA SB 721 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 20)
Jan. 31, 2013 AR SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Jan. 28, 2013 WY SF 132 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
Jan. 28, 2013 AR SB 71 Authorizes Handguns on Religious Institutions' Properties Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 4)
Jan. 14, 2013 NY S 2230 Establishes Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 18)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/04 SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
4/04 SB 126 Prohibits Pharmacies from Being Required to Carry Specific Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
4/04 SB 718 Amends Alimony Provisions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
4/03 SB 306 Repeals the Racial Justice Act Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
4/03 SB 1160 Establishes Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
4/03 SB 1160 Establishes Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
4/03 SB 1160 Establishes Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
4/03 SB 306 Repeals the Racial Justice Act Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
3/27 SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
3/26 HB 279 Prohibits the Government from Impeding Religious Activities Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
3/26 SB 19 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
3/25 SB 339 Classifies Using a Cell Phone While Driving As a Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
3/23 HB 304 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms Without a Concealed-Carry Permit Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
3/23 HB 304 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms Without a Concealed-Carry Permit Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
3/23 S Amdt 139 Prohibits the United States From Entering into the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty Amendment Adopted - Senate (53 - 46)
3/20 SB 47 Prohibits Collection of Petition Signatures after Filing Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
3/20 SB 30 Prohibits Smoking in Vehicles Containing Children Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
3/19 SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
3/15 HB 1229 Requires Background Checks for Private Gun Sales and Transfers Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 14)
3/13 HB 302 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearms Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
3/13 HB 1166 Repeals Classification of Adultery as a Criminal Offense Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
3/13 HB 76 Authorizes Concealed Carry of a Firearm Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
3/11 HB 1224 Limits Firearm Magazine Capacity Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
3/11 HB 1228 Establishes a Background Check Fee Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
3/11 SB 197 Prohibits a Domestic Violence Offender from Owning a Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/11 SB 197 Prohibits a Domestic Violence Offender from Owning a Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/11 SB 195 Requires In-Person Classes for Concealed Carry Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
3/07 HB 279 Prohibits the Government from Impeding Religious Activities Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
3/07 PN 48 Nomination of John Brennan to be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Nomination Confirmed - Senate (63 - 34)
3/06 SB 276 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
3/06 SB 276 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
3/06 SB 802 Prohibits the Sale of Electric Cigarettes to Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 15)
3/05 SB 69 Requires Background Checks at Gun Registration Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
2/28 HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Veto Override Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
2/28 SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
2/28 SB 63 Authorizes Secretary of State to Prosecute Election Fraud Cases Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
2/28 SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
2/28 Holland Amendment to SB 63 Prohibits the Secretary of State from Operating a PAC Amendment Adopted - Senate (23 - 17)
2/28 SB 142 Prohibits Civil Action Lawsuits Concerning Abortion Consultation Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
2/28 SB 149 Requires Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
2/28 SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
2/28 SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
2/27 HB 1087 Authorizes School Sentinel Programs Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
2/26 HB 41 Reduces Limitations on Hunting Bison Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
2/25 HB 1243 Authorizes University Staff to Carry a Concealed Handgun Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
2/20 SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
2/20 SB 107 Amends Sexual Conduct Laws Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
2/18 HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
2/14 SB 1335 Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
2/14 SB 50 Authorizes Industrial Hemp Farming Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
2/14 S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
2/14 S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
2/13 Galbraith and Hartwell Amdt Establishes Immunity for Doctors Prescribing or People Present to Lethal Dosage Amendment Adopted - Senate (16 - 15)
2/12 S 47 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 Bill Passed - Senate (78 - 22)
2/11 SB 142 Authorizes Handguns in Parking Areas Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
2/08 SB 74 Prohibits Operating a Vessel Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
2/07 SCR 4009 Expands "Right to Life" to Human Beings at Any Stage of Development Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
2/06 SB 131 Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
2/05 SB 719 Amends Voting Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
2/05 SB 1256 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
2/04 SB 721 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 20)
1/31 SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
1/28 SF 132 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
1/28 SB 71 Authorizes Handguns on Religious Institutions' Properties Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 4)
1/14 S 2230 Establishes Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 18)

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