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
March 26, 2013 OK HB 1999 Authorizes the Slaughter of Horses Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
March 25, 2013 MD SB 339 Classifies Using a Cell Phone While Driving As a Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
March 25, 2013 MD SB 715 Amends Driver's License Requirements for Undocumented Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
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 21, 2013 MT HB 247 Authorizes Salvage of Game Killed By Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
March 21, 2013 OR HB 2787 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
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 19, 2013 PA SB 644 Amends the Definition of "Wild Animal" Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
March 18, 2013 CO HB 1081 Expands Sexual Education Curriculum Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 18, 2013 CO HB 1081 Expands Sexual Education Curriculum Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 18, 2013 NJ A 3614 Requires Legislative Approval for State Lottery Changes Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
March 16, 2013 NM HB 641 Reduces Corporate Income Tax Rates Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 8)
March 15, 2013 CO HB 1229 Requires Background Checks for Private Gun Sales and Transfers Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 14)
March 14, 2013 TN SB 514 Prohibits Universities from Disciplining Students Who Refuse to Treat Someone Based on Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 4)
March 13, 2013 MT HB 302 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearms Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
March 13, 2013 UT HB 76 Authorizes Concealed Carry of a Firearm Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
March 13, 2013 OR SB 444 Prohibits Smoking in a Car with Minors Present Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
March 12, 2013 MI SB 48 Authorizes Businesses to Allow Contact Between Customers and Small Bears Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
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 195 Requires In-Person Classes for Concealed Carry Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
March 8, 2013 WA SB 5187 Authorizes Livestock Owners to Dispatch Gray Wolves Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 23)
March 7, 2013 KY HB 279 Prohibits the Government from Impeding Religious Activities Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
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 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. 28, 2013 MD SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
Feb. 28, 2013 KS SB 142 Prohibits Civil Action Lawsuits Concerning Abortion Consultation Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
Feb. 27, 2013 SD HB 1087 Authorizes School Sentinel Programs Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Feb. 26, 2013 WY HB 77 Establishes Wyoming Lottery Corporation Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 13)
Feb. 26, 2013 WY HB 41 Reduces Limitations on Hunting Bison Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Feb. 26, 2013 WY HB 41 Reduces Limitations on Hunting Bison Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Feb. 26, 2013 IN SB 207 Authorizes Certain Undocumented Students to Receive In-State Tuition Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
Feb. 25, 2013 AR HB 1243 Authorizes University Staff to Carry a Concealed Handgun Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
Feb. 25, 2013 IN SB 528 Restructures Tax Rates For Casinos Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
Feb. 25, 2013 CO SB 33 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
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. 20, 2013 MT SB 107 Amends Sexual Conduct Laws Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
Feb. 19, 2013 IN SB 91 Establishes Motorsports Investment District Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
Feb. 18, 2013 AR HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
Feb. 18, 2013 NM SB 73 Amends Game and Fish License Suspension Periods Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Feb. 14, 2013 VA SB 1335 Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Feb. 14, 2013 VT S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
Feb. 14, 2013 MI SB 48 Authorizes Businesses to Allow Contact Between Customers and Small Bears Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
Feb. 14, 2013 KY SB 50 Authorizes Industrial Hemp Farming Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
Feb. 14, 2013 IL SB 10 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 21)
Feb. 14, 2013 ND SB 2252 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 26)
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. 12, 2013 National S 47 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 Bill Passed - Senate (78 - 22)
Feb. 11, 2013 VA HB 1617 Authorizes Student Organizations to Limit Membership Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 11, 2013 CO SB 11 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Feb. 11, 2013 TN SB 142 Authorizes Handguns in Parking Areas Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
Feb. 11, 2013 IN SJR 7 Guarantees Right to Hunt and Fish Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
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 SD SB 107 Limits Drivers With Restricted Permits To 1 Passenger Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
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 WY SF 131 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 17)
Jan. 31, 2013 AR SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/26 HB 1999 Authorizes the Slaughter of Horses Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
3/25 SB 339 Classifies Using a Cell Phone While Driving As a Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
3/25 SB 715 Amends Driver's License Requirements for Undocumented Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
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)
3/21 HB 247 Authorizes Salvage of Game Killed By Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
3/21 HB 2787 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
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)
3/19 SB 644 Amends the Definition of "Wild Animal" Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
3/18 HB 1081 Expands Sexual Education Curriculum Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/18 HB 1081 Expands Sexual Education Curriculum Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/18 A 3614 Requires Legislative Approval for State Lottery Changes Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
3/16 HB 641 Reduces Corporate Income Tax Rates Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 8)
3/15 HB 1229 Requires Background Checks for Private Gun Sales and Transfers Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 14)
3/14 SB 514 Prohibits Universities from Disciplining Students Who Refuse to Treat Someone Based on Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 4)
3/13 HB 302 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearms Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
3/13 HB 76 Authorizes Concealed Carry of a Firearm Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
3/13 SB 444 Prohibits Smoking in a Car with Minors Present Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
3/12 SB 48 Authorizes Businesses to Allow Contact Between Customers and Small Bears Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
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 195 Requires In-Person Classes for Concealed Carry Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
3/08 SB 5187 Authorizes Livestock Owners to Dispatch Gray Wolves Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 23)
3/07 HB 279 Prohibits the Government from Impeding Religious Activities Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
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 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)
2/28 SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
2/28 SB 142 Prohibits Civil Action Lawsuits Concerning Abortion Consultation Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
2/27 HB 1087 Authorizes School Sentinel Programs Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
2/26 HB 77 Establishes Wyoming Lottery Corporation Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 13)
2/26 HB 41 Reduces Limitations on Hunting Bison Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
2/26 HB 41 Reduces Limitations on Hunting Bison Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
2/26 SB 207 Authorizes Certain Undocumented Students to Receive In-State Tuition Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
2/25 HB 1243 Authorizes University Staff to Carry a Concealed Handgun Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
2/25 SB 528 Restructures Tax Rates For Casinos Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
2/25 SB 33 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
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)
2/20 SB 107 Amends Sexual Conduct Laws Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
2/19 SB 91 Establishes Motorsports Investment District Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
2/18 HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
2/18 SB 73 Amends Game and Fish License Suspension Periods Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
2/14 SB 1335 Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
2/14 S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
2/14 SB 48 Authorizes Businesses to Allow Contact Between Customers and Small Bears Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
2/14 SB 50 Authorizes Industrial Hemp Farming Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
2/14 SB 10 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 21)
2/14 SB 2252 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 26)
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)
2/12 S 47 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 Bill Passed - Senate (78 - 22)
2/11 HB 1617 Authorizes Student Organizations to Limit Membership Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/11 SB 11 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
2/11 SB 142 Authorizes Handguns in Parking Areas Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
2/11 SJR 7 Guarantees Right to Hunt and Fish Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
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 107 Limits Drivers With Restricted Permits To 1 Passenger Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
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 SF 131 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 17)
1/31 SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)

arrow_upward