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
May 13, 2013 NJ A 3797 Requires Certain Firearm Information to be Collected and Reported Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
May 13, 2013 NJ A 3796 Requires an Individual to Dispose of Unauthorized Firearms Within a Certain Time Period Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
May 13, 2013 MN HF 1054 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 30)
May 9, 2013 MN HF 1054 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (75 - 59)
May 9, 2013 CA AB 1266 Amends Sex-Segregated School Programs and Activities Bill Passed - House (46 - 25)
May 8, 2013 MO HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (116 - 38)
May 8, 2013 MO HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (116 - 38)
May 8, 2013 VT S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
May 8, 2013 VT S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
May 7, 2013 CO SB 251 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
May 7, 2013 CO SB 251 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
May 7, 2013 DE HB 75 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
May 7, 2013 NC HB 937 Amends Firearm Laws Bill Passed - House (78 - 42)
May 7, 2013 CT HB 5277 Authorizes Mixed Martial Arts Events Bill Passed - House (117 - 26)
May 7, 2013 TX HB 928 Prohibits State Funds from Being Used for the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (101 - 31)
May 7, 2013 NC HB 610 Expands the Sale of Alcohol in Seating Areas of Certain Stadiums and Ballparks Bill Passed - House (73 - 45)
May 6, 2013 TX SB 864 Reduces Required Hours for Concealed Handgun License Training Bill Passed - House (116 - 30)
May 6, 2013 TX HB 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
May 6, 2013 LA HB 45 Establishes Licenses for the In-State Sale and Manufacture of Firearms Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
May 6, 2013 TX HB 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
May 6, 2013 TX HB 1009 Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools Bill Passed - House (123 - 22)
May 6, 2013 TX HB 972 Authorizes Concealed Handguns on Higher Education Campuses Bill Passed - House (102 - 41)
May 4, 2013 TX HB 852 Prohibits the Sale of Shark Fins Bill Passed - House (87 - 42)
May 3, 2013 CO HB 1154 Establishes Penalties for Violent Offenses Against Pregnant Women Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
May 3, 2013 CO HB 1154 Establishes Penalties for Violent Offenses Against Pregnant Women Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
May 2, 2013 RI H 5015 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 15)
May 2, 2013 NH HB 443 Prohibits Contracts with Private Entities for Inmate Custody "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (13 - 11)
May 2, 2013 MO HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
May 2, 2013 AL SB 286 Amends Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (74 - 27)
May 2, 2013 MO HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
May 2, 2013 CA AB 277 Authorizes Gaming on Traditional Tribal Territory Bill Passed - House (41 - 12)
May 2, 2013 DE SB 16 Requires Gun Owners to Report Missing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 2, 2013 CA SB 501 Requires Social Networking Sites to Remove Personal Identifying Information Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
May 2, 2013 CA SB 501 Requires Social Networking Sites to Remove Personal Identifying Information Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
May 2, 2013 CA SB 649 Classifies Certain Drug Infractions as Misdemeanors Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
May 2, 2013 CA SB 649 Classifies Certain Drug Infractions as Misdemeanors Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
May 2, 2013 DE SB 16 Requires Gun Owners to Report Missing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 1, 2013 IA HF 527 Requires DNA Samples from Individuals Convicted Of Aggravated Misdemeanors Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
May 1, 2013 VT S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - House (81 - 64)
May 1, 2013 VT S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - House (81 - 64)
May 1, 2013 IA HF 527 Requires DNA Samples from Individuals Convicted Of Aggravated Misdemeanors Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
May 1, 2013 IL SB 1639 Requires Reimbursement for the Sale of Unhealthy Pets Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
May 1, 2013 MN SF 723 Authorizes In-State Tuition and Financial Aid for Undocumented College Students Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 23)
May 1, 2013 MI HB 4118 Requires Drug Testing For Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (77 - 33)
May 1, 2013 TX HB 489 Expands Access to Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Bill Passed - House (120 - 21)
May 1, 2013 MI HB 4118 Requires Drug Testing For Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (77 - 33)
May 1, 2013 TX HB 489 Expands Access to Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Bill Passed - House (120 - 21)
May 1, 2013 MI HB 4388 Establishes School Attendence Requirements for Family Independence Assistance Bill Passed - House (78 - 32)
May 1, 2013 IL SB 1739 Expands State Casino Development Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 20)
April 30, 2013 IA HF 638 Appropriates Funds for Infrastructure Projects Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
April 30, 2013 OR SB 833 Authorizes Drivers Licenses for Individuals Without Legal Proof of US Residence Bill Passed - House (38 - 20)
April 30, 2013 FL HB 867 Authorizes Parent Involvement in School Turnaround Decisions Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 20)
April 30, 2013 ME SP 550 Alleges Support For Comprehensive Immigration Reform Joint Resolution Passed - House (88 - 55)
April 30, 2013 AL SB 93 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
April 30, 2013 TX SB 1907 Authorizes Firearms in Vehicles on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
April 30, 2013 AL SB 93 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
April 30, 2013 AL HB 8 Requires Courts to Apply "Strict Scrutiny" to Certain Firearm Regulation Laws Bill Passed - House (76 - 22)
April 30, 2013 MI SB 197 Requires the State Prison Food Service To Seek Competitive Bids From Private Entities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
April 30, 2013 ME SP 550 Alleges Support For Comprehensive Immigration Reform Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
April 29, 2013 FL SB 306 Authorizes Professional Sports Teams to Bid for State Funds Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 4)
April 29, 2013 OR HB 2613 Authorizes Electronic Gambling Machines for Horse Races Bill Passed - House (39 - 16)
April 26, 2013 IN HB 1006 Amends the Criminal Code Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 15)
April 26, 2013 IN SB 373 Prohibits Unauthorized Entry on Industrial or Agricultural Property Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 21)
April 26, 2013 TX HB 148 Prohibits Multiple Ballots from Being Turned in by 1 Individual Bill Passed - House (93 - 48)
April 25, 2013 MI SJR S Establishes a Constitutional Authorization for Individuals to Hunt and Fish Amendment Adopted - Senate (25 - 11)
April 25, 2013 MI SJR S Establishes a Constitutional Authorization for Individuals to Hunt and Fish Amendment Adopted - Senate (25 - 11)
April 25, 2013 MI SJR S Establishes a Constitutional Authorization for Individuals to Hunt and Fish Amendment Adopted - Senate (25 - 11)
April 25, 2013 CA AB 1401 Authorizes Non-United States Citizens to Serve on Juries Bill Passed - House (45 - 26)
April 25, 2013 MI SB 288 Authorizes the Natural Resources Commission to Designate Huntable Game Species Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
April 25, 2013 NC SB 201 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 16)
April 25, 2013 NC SB 201 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 16)
April 25, 2013 NC SB 201 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 16)
April 24, 2013 RI H 5015 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
April 24, 2013 IL SB 923 Authorizes the Use of Traffic Cameras on School Buses Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
April 24, 2013 AL SB 191 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/13 A 3797 Requires Certain Firearm Information to be Collected and Reported Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
5/13 A 3796 Requires an Individual to Dispose of Unauthorized Firearms Within a Certain Time Period Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
5/13 HF 1054 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 30)
5/09 HF 1054 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (75 - 59)
5/09 AB 1266 Amends Sex-Segregated School Programs and Activities Bill Passed - House (46 - 25)
5/08 HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (116 - 38)
5/08 HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (116 - 38)
5/08 S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
5/08 S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
5/07 SB 251 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
5/07 SB 251 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
5/07 HB 75 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
5/07 HB 937 Amends Firearm Laws Bill Passed - House (78 - 42)
5/07 HB 5277 Authorizes Mixed Martial Arts Events Bill Passed - House (117 - 26)
5/07 HB 928 Prohibits State Funds from Being Used for the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (101 - 31)
5/07 HB 610 Expands the Sale of Alcohol in Seating Areas of Certain Stadiums and Ballparks Bill Passed - House (73 - 45)
5/06 SB 864 Reduces Required Hours for Concealed Handgun License Training Bill Passed - House (116 - 30)
5/06 HB 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
5/06 HB 45 Establishes Licenses for the In-State Sale and Manufacture of Firearms Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
5/06 HB 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
5/06 HB 1009 Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools Bill Passed - House (123 - 22)
5/06 HB 972 Authorizes Concealed Handguns on Higher Education Campuses Bill Passed - House (102 - 41)
5/04 HB 852 Prohibits the Sale of Shark Fins Bill Passed - House (87 - 42)
5/03 HB 1154 Establishes Penalties for Violent Offenses Against Pregnant Women Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
5/03 HB 1154 Establishes Penalties for Violent Offenses Against Pregnant Women Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
5/02 H 5015 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 15)
5/02 HB 443 Prohibits Contracts with Private Entities for Inmate Custody "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (13 - 11)
5/02 HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
5/02 SB 286 Amends Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (74 - 27)
5/02 HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
5/02 AB 277 Authorizes Gaming on Traditional Tribal Territory Bill Passed - House (41 - 12)
5/02 SB 16 Requires Gun Owners to Report Missing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/02 SB 501 Requires Social Networking Sites to Remove Personal Identifying Information Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
5/02 SB 501 Requires Social Networking Sites to Remove Personal Identifying Information Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
5/02 SB 649 Classifies Certain Drug Infractions as Misdemeanors Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
5/02 SB 649 Classifies Certain Drug Infractions as Misdemeanors Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
5/02 SB 16 Requires Gun Owners to Report Missing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/01 HF 527 Requires DNA Samples from Individuals Convicted Of Aggravated Misdemeanors Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
5/01 S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - House (81 - 64)
5/01 S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - House (81 - 64)
5/01 HF 527 Requires DNA Samples from Individuals Convicted Of Aggravated Misdemeanors Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
5/01 SB 1639 Requires Reimbursement for the Sale of Unhealthy Pets Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
5/01 SF 723 Authorizes In-State Tuition and Financial Aid for Undocumented College Students Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 23)
5/01 HB 4118 Requires Drug Testing For Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (77 - 33)
5/01 HB 489 Expands Access to Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Bill Passed - House (120 - 21)
5/01 HB 4118 Requires Drug Testing For Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (77 - 33)
5/01 HB 489 Expands Access to Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Bill Passed - House (120 - 21)
5/01 HB 4388 Establishes School Attendence Requirements for Family Independence Assistance Bill Passed - House (78 - 32)
5/01 SB 1739 Expands State Casino Development Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 20)
4/30 HF 638 Appropriates Funds for Infrastructure Projects Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
4/30 SB 833 Authorizes Drivers Licenses for Individuals Without Legal Proof of US Residence Bill Passed - House (38 - 20)
4/30 HB 867 Authorizes Parent Involvement in School Turnaround Decisions Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 20)
4/30 SP 550 Alleges Support For Comprehensive Immigration Reform Joint Resolution Passed - House (88 - 55)
4/30 SB 93 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
4/30 SB 1907 Authorizes Firearms in Vehicles on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
4/30 SB 93 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
4/30 HB 8 Requires Courts to Apply "Strict Scrutiny" to Certain Firearm Regulation Laws Bill Passed - House (76 - 22)
4/30 SB 197 Requires the State Prison Food Service To Seek Competitive Bids From Private Entities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
4/30 SP 550 Alleges Support For Comprehensive Immigration Reform Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
4/29 SB 306 Authorizes Professional Sports Teams to Bid for State Funds Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 4)
4/29 HB 2613 Authorizes Electronic Gambling Machines for Horse Races Bill Passed - House (39 - 16)
4/26 HB 1006 Amends the Criminal Code Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 15)
4/26 SB 373 Prohibits Unauthorized Entry on Industrial or Agricultural Property Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 21)
4/26 HB 148 Prohibits Multiple Ballots from Being Turned in by 1 Individual Bill Passed - House (93 - 48)
4/25 SJR S Establishes a Constitutional Authorization for Individuals to Hunt and Fish Amendment Adopted - Senate (25 - 11)
4/25 SJR S Establishes a Constitutional Authorization for Individuals to Hunt and Fish Amendment Adopted - Senate (25 - 11)
4/25 SJR S Establishes a Constitutional Authorization for Individuals to Hunt and Fish Amendment Adopted - Senate (25 - 11)
4/25 AB 1401 Authorizes Non-United States Citizens to Serve on Juries Bill Passed - House (45 - 26)
4/25 SB 288 Authorizes the Natural Resources Commission to Designate Huntable Game Species Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
4/25 SB 201 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 16)
4/25 SB 201 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 16)
4/25 SB 201 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 16)
4/24 H 5015 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
4/24 SB 923 Authorizes the Use of Traffic Cameras on School Buses Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
4/24 SB 191 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)

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