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
Feb. 26, 2013 UT HB 121 Authorizes Individuals to Voluntarily Commit Guns to Law Enforcement Agencies Bill Passed - House (44 - 28)
Feb. 26, 2013 NM HB 316 Prohibits Animal Killing Contests Bill Failed - House (30 - 38)
Feb. 25, 2013 AK HB 69 Exempts Firearms from Federal Regulation Bill Passed - House (31 - 5)
Feb. 25, 2013 AK HB 69 Exempts Firearms from Federal Regulation Bill Passed - House (31 - 5)
Feb. 25, 2013 ND HB 1215 Authorizes Concealed Weapons in Schools Bill Passed - House (60 - 33)
Feb. 25, 2013 IN HB 1483 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
Feb. 25, 2013 IN HB 1483 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
Feb. 25, 2013 MT HB 396 Requires County Board Approval for Bison Relocation Bill Passed - House (61 - 37)
Feb. 25, 2013 IN HB 1006 Amends the Criminal Code Bill Passed - House (80 - 13)
Feb. 23, 2013 MT HB 240 Authorizes Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)
Feb. 22, 2013 MT HB 205 Authorizes Use of Suppressors for Hunting Bill Passed - House (61 - 37)
Feb. 22, 2013 MT HB 205 Authorizes Use of Suppressors for Hunting Bill Passed - House (61 - 37)
Feb. 22, 2013 NM HB 300 Authorizes Extended School Absences for Pregnant Teens Bill Passed - House (56 - 12)
Feb. 22, 2013 SD HB 1214 Authorizes Prenatal Care for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (39 - 28)
Feb. 22, 2013 WA HB 1044 Requires Health Insurance Plans to Cover Abortions Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
Feb. 22, 2013 OR HB 2787 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (38 - 18)
Feb. 22, 2013 ND HB 1385 Requires Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Failed - House (19 - 72)
Feb. 22, 2013 ND HB 1385 Requires Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Failed - House (19 - 72)
Feb. 22, 2013 MT HB 304 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms Without a Concealed-Carry Permit Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)
Feb. 22, 2013 SD HB 1214 Authorizes Prenatal Care for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (39 - 28)
Feb. 22, 2013 MT HB 304 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms Without a Concealed-Carry Permit Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)
Feb. 21, 2013 AR HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 10)
Feb. 21, 2013 AR SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - House (68 - 20)
Feb. 21, 2013 SD SB 52 Authorizes Gamblers to Bet $0.01 on Lottery Games Bill Passed - House (39 - 28)
Feb. 21, 2013 CO HB 1081 Expands Sexual Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
Feb. 21, 2013 KY HB 89 Requires Police to Collect DNA From Individuals Arrested on Felony Charges Bill Passed - House (68 - 27)
Feb. 21, 2013 KY HB 89 Requires Police to Collect DNA From Individuals Arrested on Felony Charges Bill Passed - House (68 - 27)
Feb. 21, 2013 CO HB 1081 Expands Sexual Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
Feb. 21, 2013 CO HB 1081 Expands Sexual Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
Feb. 21, 2013 NJ A 3659 Amends the Definition of Destructive Devices Bill Passed - House (46 - 29)
Feb. 21, 2013 NJ A 3796 Requires an Individual to Dispose of Unauthorized Firearms Within a Certain Time Period Bill Passed - House (50 - 22)
Feb. 21, 2013 NJ A 3748 Requires Background Checks Prior to the Purchase of Firearms Bill Passed - House (45 - 29)
Feb. 21, 2013 NJ A 1329 Reduces Firearm Magazine Capacity Bill Passed - House (45 - 30)
Feb. 20, 2013 VA SB 1256 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - House (65 - 34)
Feb. 20, 2013 GA HB 178 Requires Pain Management Clinics to be Licensed Bill Passed - House (150 - 15)
Feb. 20, 2013 OK HB 1999 Authorizes the Slaughter of Horses Bill Passed - House (82 - 14)
Feb. 19, 2013 ME LD 576 Prohibits the Public Access of Concealed Handgun Permit Information Bill Passed - House (129 - 11)
Feb. 18, 2013 CO HB 1226 Prohibits the Possession of Concealed Handguns on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
Feb. 18, 2013 NM HB 63 Prohibits Breed-Specific Dog Regulations Bill Passed - House (48 - 14)
Feb. 18, 2013 CO HB 1224 Limits Firearm Magazine Capacity Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
Feb. 18, 2013 CO HB 1229 Requires Background Checks For Private Gun Sales and Transfers Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
Feb. 18, 2013 CO HB 1229 Requires Background Checks For Private Gun Sales and Transfers Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
Feb. 18, 2013 CO HB 1229 Requires Background Checks For Private Gun Sales and Transfers Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
Feb. 18, 2013 CO HB 1228 Establishes a Background Check Fee Bill Passed - House (33 - 32)
Feb. 18, 2013 AR HB 1295 Establishes Tiered System for Lottery Scholarships Bill Passed - House (69 - 21)
Feb. 15, 2013 AR HB 1243 Authorizes University Staff to Carry a Concealed Handgun Bill Passed - House (70 - 11)
Feb. 15, 2013 UT HB 50 Expands Protective Orders to Dating Relationships Bill Passed - House (61 - 11)
Feb. 15, 2013 UT HB 50 Expands Protective Orders to Dating Relationships Bill Passed - House (61 - 11)
Feb. 14, 2013 MO HB 48 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - House (105 - 48)
Feb. 14, 2013 KY HB 131 Authorizes Immigrants to Remain Enrolled in High School up to Age 23 Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
Feb. 13, 2013 WY SF 132 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - House (44 - 14)
Feb. 13, 2013 WY SF 132 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - House (44 - 14)
Feb. 13, 2013 NC HB 66 Authorizes the Use and Display of Wild Animals in Cultural Activities Bill Passed - House (98 - 20)
Feb. 13, 2013 NC HB 66 Authorizes the Use and Display of Wild Animals in Cultural Activities Bill Passed - House (98 - 20)
Feb. 13, 2013 NM HB 77 Requires Background Checks for Firearms Sold at Gun Shows Bill Passed - House (43 - 26)
Feb. 12, 2013 VA SB 1335 Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information Bill Passed - House (76 - 23)
Feb. 12, 2013 ID H 62 Expands Sales Tax Exemptions For Health-Related Entities Bill Passed - House (58 - 12)
Feb. 7, 2013 MT HB 239 Requires Parental Consent for Sex Education Bill Passed - House (56 - 41)
Feb. 7, 2013 MT HB 239 Requires Parental Consent for Sex Education Bill Passed - House (56 - 41)
Feb. 6, 2013 MT HB 27 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - House (63 - 33)
Feb. 6, 2013 MT HB 27 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - House (63 - 33)
Feb. 4, 2013 WY HB 77 Establishes Wyoming Lottery Corporation Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
Feb. 4, 2013 AR HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (75 - 20)
Feb. 1, 2013 WY HB 105 Authorizes the Carrying of Firearms on School Property Bill Passed - House (46 - 13)
Feb. 1, 2013 MT HB 30 Prohibits Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
Feb. 1, 2013 WY HB 104 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (46 - 13)
Feb. 1, 2013 WY HB 103 Requires State Approval of Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (53 - 6)
Jan. 31, 2013 SD SB 70 Establishes Alternative Court Programs for Nonviolent Offenders Bill Passed - House (63 - 7)
Jan. 31, 2013 WY HB 130 Authorizes Public Schools to Offer Elective Bible Study Classes Bill Passed - House (44 - 15)
Jan. 31, 2013 VA HB 1617 Authorizes Student Organizations to Limit Membership Bill Passed - House (80 - 19)
Jan. 31, 2013 VA HB 1442 Authorizes Home-Schooled Students To Participate In Interscholastic Programs Bill Passed - House (56 - 43)
Jan. 30, 2013 WY HB 168 Authorizes Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Failed - House (25 - 34)
Jan. 29, 2013 SD HB 1087 Authorizes School Sentinel Programs Bill Passed - House (42 - 27)
Jan. 28, 2013 NJ A 3614 Requires Legislative Approval for State Lottery Changes Bill Passed - House (45 - 29)
Jan. 24, 2013 RI H 5015 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (51 - 19)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/26 HB 121 Authorizes Individuals to Voluntarily Commit Guns to Law Enforcement Agencies Bill Passed - House (44 - 28)
2/26 HB 316 Prohibits Animal Killing Contests Bill Failed - House (30 - 38)
2/25 HB 69 Exempts Firearms from Federal Regulation Bill Passed - House (31 - 5)
2/25 HB 69 Exempts Firearms from Federal Regulation Bill Passed - House (31 - 5)
2/25 HB 1215 Authorizes Concealed Weapons in Schools Bill Passed - House (60 - 33)
2/25 HB 1483 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
2/25 HB 1483 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
2/25 HB 396 Requires County Board Approval for Bison Relocation Bill Passed - House (61 - 37)
2/25 HB 1006 Amends the Criminal Code Bill Passed - House (80 - 13)
2/23 HB 240 Authorizes Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)
2/22 HB 205 Authorizes Use of Suppressors for Hunting Bill Passed - House (61 - 37)
2/22 HB 205 Authorizes Use of Suppressors for Hunting Bill Passed - House (61 - 37)
2/22 HB 300 Authorizes Extended School Absences for Pregnant Teens Bill Passed - House (56 - 12)
2/22 HB 1214 Authorizes Prenatal Care for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (39 - 28)
2/22 HB 1044 Requires Health Insurance Plans to Cover Abortions Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
2/22 HB 2787 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (38 - 18)
2/22 HB 1385 Requires Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Failed - House (19 - 72)
2/22 HB 1385 Requires Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Failed - House (19 - 72)
2/22 HB 304 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms Without a Concealed-Carry Permit Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)
2/22 HB 1214 Authorizes Prenatal Care for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (39 - 28)
2/22 HB 304 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms Without a Concealed-Carry Permit Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)
2/21 HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 10)
2/21 SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - House (68 - 20)
2/21 SB 52 Authorizes Gamblers to Bet $0.01 on Lottery Games Bill Passed - House (39 - 28)
2/21 HB 1081 Expands Sexual Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
2/21 HB 89 Requires Police to Collect DNA From Individuals Arrested on Felony Charges Bill Passed - House (68 - 27)
2/21 HB 89 Requires Police to Collect DNA From Individuals Arrested on Felony Charges Bill Passed - House (68 - 27)
2/21 HB 1081 Expands Sexual Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
2/21 HB 1081 Expands Sexual Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
2/21 A 3659 Amends the Definition of Destructive Devices Bill Passed - House (46 - 29)
2/21 A 3796 Requires an Individual to Dispose of Unauthorized Firearms Within a Certain Time Period Bill Passed - House (50 - 22)
2/21 A 3748 Requires Background Checks Prior to the Purchase of Firearms Bill Passed - House (45 - 29)
2/21 A 1329 Reduces Firearm Magazine Capacity Bill Passed - House (45 - 30)
2/20 SB 1256 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - House (65 - 34)
2/20 HB 178 Requires Pain Management Clinics to be Licensed Bill Passed - House (150 - 15)
2/20 HB 1999 Authorizes the Slaughter of Horses Bill Passed - House (82 - 14)
2/19 LD 576 Prohibits the Public Access of Concealed Handgun Permit Information Bill Passed - House (129 - 11)
2/18 HB 1226 Prohibits the Possession of Concealed Handguns on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
2/18 HB 63 Prohibits Breed-Specific Dog Regulations Bill Passed - House (48 - 14)
2/18 HB 1224 Limits Firearm Magazine Capacity Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
2/18 HB 1229 Requires Background Checks For Private Gun Sales and Transfers Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
2/18 HB 1229 Requires Background Checks For Private Gun Sales and Transfers Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
2/18 HB 1229 Requires Background Checks For Private Gun Sales and Transfers Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
2/18 HB 1228 Establishes a Background Check Fee Bill Passed - House (33 - 32)
2/18 HB 1295 Establishes Tiered System for Lottery Scholarships Bill Passed - House (69 - 21)
2/15 HB 1243 Authorizes University Staff to Carry a Concealed Handgun Bill Passed - House (70 - 11)
2/15 HB 50 Expands Protective Orders to Dating Relationships Bill Passed - House (61 - 11)
2/15 HB 50 Expands Protective Orders to Dating Relationships Bill Passed - House (61 - 11)
2/14 HB 48 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - House (105 - 48)
2/14 HB 131 Authorizes Immigrants to Remain Enrolled in High School up to Age 23 Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
2/13 SF 132 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - House (44 - 14)
2/13 SF 132 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - House (44 - 14)
2/13 HB 66 Authorizes the Use and Display of Wild Animals in Cultural Activities Bill Passed - House (98 - 20)
2/13 HB 66 Authorizes the Use and Display of Wild Animals in Cultural Activities Bill Passed - House (98 - 20)
2/13 HB 77 Requires Background Checks for Firearms Sold at Gun Shows Bill Passed - House (43 - 26)
2/12 SB 1335 Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information Bill Passed - House (76 - 23)
2/12 H 62 Expands Sales Tax Exemptions For Health-Related Entities Bill Passed - House (58 - 12)
2/07 HB 239 Requires Parental Consent for Sex Education Bill Passed - House (56 - 41)
2/07 HB 239 Requires Parental Consent for Sex Education Bill Passed - House (56 - 41)
2/06 HB 27 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - House (63 - 33)
2/06 HB 27 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - House (63 - 33)
2/04 HB 77 Establishes Wyoming Lottery Corporation Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
2/04 HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (75 - 20)
2/01 HB 105 Authorizes the Carrying of Firearms on School Property Bill Passed - House (46 - 13)
2/01 HB 30 Prohibits Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
2/01 HB 104 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (46 - 13)
2/01 HB 103 Requires State Approval of Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (53 - 6)
1/31 SB 70 Establishes Alternative Court Programs for Nonviolent Offenders Bill Passed - House (63 - 7)
1/31 HB 130 Authorizes Public Schools to Offer Elective Bible Study Classes Bill Passed - House (44 - 15)
1/31 HB 1617 Authorizes Student Organizations to Limit Membership Bill Passed - House (80 - 19)
1/31 HB 1442 Authorizes Home-Schooled Students To Participate In Interscholastic Programs Bill Passed - House (56 - 43)
1/30 HB 168 Authorizes Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Failed - House (25 - 34)
1/29 HB 1087 Authorizes School Sentinel Programs Bill Passed - House (42 - 27)
1/28 A 3614 Requires Legislative Approval for State Lottery Changes Bill Passed - House (45 - 29)
1/24 H 5015 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (51 - 19)

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