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
June 12, 2014 MA H 4111 Appropriates Funds for the Expansion of the Boston Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
June 10, 2014 MI SB 789 Amends Firearm Licensing Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
June 3, 2014 OH HB 171 Authorizes Off-Campus Religious Courses for High School Credit Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
May 30, 2014 National H Amdt 763 Prohibits Funds from Being Used to Require Journalists to Disclose Sources Amendment Adopted - House (225 - 183)
May 28, 2014 MA H 4111 Appropriates Funds for the Expansion of the Boston Convention Center Bill Passed - House (131 - 19)
May 28, 2014 CA AB 1609 Establishes Requirements for Out of State Firearms Transfers Bill Passed - House (49 - 25)
May 28, 2014 CA SB 1010 Amends Penalties for Cocaine Possession Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
May 28, 2014 CA SB 1010 Amends Penalties for Cocaine Possession Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
May 27, 2014 IL HB 3836 Amends Lincoln Presidential Library Operations Bill Passed - House (84 - 29)
May 23, 2014 OK SB 1848 Amends Standards for Abortion Facilities Conference Report Adopted - House (60 - 8)
May 22, 2014 OK SB 1848 Amends Standards for Abortion Facilities Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 9)
May 22, 2014 NJ A 2006 Reduces the Maximum Capacity of Ammunition Magazines Concurrence Vote Passed - House (44 - 34)
May 22, 2014 IL SJRCA 75 Ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
May 21, 2014 LA HB 1091 Prohibits the Transportation of Dogs in the Bed of a Pickup Truck on Interstates Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
May 16, 2014 MO SB 656 Authorizes School Employees to Carry Firearms on School Property Conference Report Adopted - House (111 - 28)
May 15, 2014 MO SB 656 Authorizes School Employees to Carry Firearms on School Property Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 8)
May 12, 2014 NJ A 2777 Amends Firearm Transportation Laws Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
May 12, 2014 NJ A 2006 Reduces the Maximum Capacity of Ammunition Magazines Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
May 5, 2014 CA SB 1038 Amends Juvenile Court Records Laws Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
May 2, 2014 FL HB 851 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Non-Citizen Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - House (84 - 32)
May 1, 2014 IA SF 2360 Authorizes Medical Marijuana Oil Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
May 1, 2014 FL HB 755 Authorizes Certain Non-Citizen Individuals to be Admitted to the Bar Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 37)
May 1, 2014 FL HB 851 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Non-Citizen Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
April 30, 2014 NH SB 366 Authorizes Casino Gaming "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (173 - 172)
April 30, 2014 IA SF 2360 Authorizes Medical Marijuana Oil Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
April 30, 2014 MO HB 1439 Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
April 30, 2014 NY A 9206 Authorizes Traffic Cameras on Long Island Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 11)
April 30, 2014 SC H 3435 Amends Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (51 - 49)
April 28, 2014 FL HB 753 Authorizes Certain Individuals to Carry Concealed Firearms on School Property Bill Passed - House (71 - 44)
April 28, 2014 NY A 9206 Authorizes Traffic Cameras on Long Island Bill Passed - House (104 - 25)
April 25, 2014 AK HB 218 Prohibits Use of Risk of Deportation as a Factor in a Felony Case Referral Concurrence Vote Passed - House (28 - 10)
April 25, 2014 AK HB 218 Prohibits Use of Risk of Deportation as a Factor in a Felony Case Referral Concurrence Vote Passed - House (28 - 10)
April 24, 2014 OK SB 1848 Prohibits Nontherapeutic Research on Human Embryos and Establishes Standards for Abortion Providers Bill Passed - House (75 - 15)
April 24, 2014 FL HB 7029 Prohibits Administrators From Punishing Simulation Of Weapon Play Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
April 24, 2014 MO HB 2126 Expands the Legal Use of "Deadly Force" Bill Passed - House (122 - 30)
April 23, 2014 CO HB 1288 Amends Student Immunization Laws Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
April 23, 2014 FL HB 59 Establishes Penalties for Killing or Injuring a Fetus Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
April 22, 2014 FL SB 424 Prohibits Insurance Increases for Gun Owners Bill Passed - House (74 - 44)
April 22, 2014 LA HB 1091 Prohibits the Transportation of Dogs in the Bed of a Pickup Truck on Interstates Bill Passed - House (53 - 34)
April 21, 2014 AZ HB 2462 Authorizes the State to Create a Virtual Border Concurrence Vote Passed - House (35 - 20)
April 17, 2014 TN HB 1574 Limits Amount of Pseudoephedrine an Individual Can Purchase Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 7)
April 17, 2014 AZ HB 2462 Authorizes the State to Create a Virtual Border Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
April 16, 2014 AZ SB 1158 Amends Fireworks Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 4)
April 16, 2014 AZ HB 2508 Requires Licensure for Federal Health Care Navigators Concurrence Vote Passed - House (36 - 21)
April 16, 2014 AZ HB 2508 Requires Licensure for Federal Health Care Navigators Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
April 16, 2014 AZ HB 2517 Establishes Penalties for Violations of an Existing State Firearms Law Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
April 16, 2014 AZ HB 2339 Authorizes Individuals with State Issued Gun Permits to Carry in Public Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
April 15, 2014 AZ SB 1158 Amends Fireworks Laws Bill Passed - House (43 - 17)
April 15, 2014 KY SB 5 Increases Penalties for Drug-Dealers Bill Failed - House (42 - 51)
April 15, 2014 KY SB 5 Increases Penalties for Drug-Dealers Bill Failed - House (42 - 51)
April 15, 2014 LA HB 12 Repeals Certain "Crimes Against Nature" Bill Failed - House (27 - 67)
April 11, 2014 FL HB 209 Authorizes Carrying Firearms During an Emergency Bill Passed - House (80 - 36)
April 11, 2014 FL HB 59 Establishes Penalties for Killing or Injuring a Fetus Bill Passed - House (74 - 42)
April 9, 2014 TN SB 1391 Prohibits Women from Using Illegal Substances While Pregnant Bill Passed - House (64 - 30)
April 9, 2014 TN SB 1391 Prohibits Women from Using Illegal Substances While Pregnant Bill Passed - House (64 - 30)
April 9, 2014 LA HB 72 Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Weapons in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (79 - 19)
April 9, 2014 OH HB 369 Requires Local Boards to Offer Certain Addiction Treatments Bill Passed - House (71 - 20)
April 7, 2014 NE LR 41CA Authorizes Gambling on Past Horse Races Resolution Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
April 7, 2014 TN SB 2115 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Certain Students Bill Passed - House (63 - 27)
April 7, 2014 NE LB 485 Prohibits Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (26 - 22)
April 7, 2014 NE LB 485 Prohibits Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (26 - 22)
April 7, 2014 LA S Amdt 2081 Authorizes "Chicken Boxing" under Certain Conditions Amendment Rejected - Senate (8 - 29)
April 7, 2014 LA S Amdt 2081 Authorizes "Chicken Boxing" under Certain Conditions Amendment Rejected - Senate (8 - 29)
April 7, 2014 TN SB 1391 Prohibits Women from Using Illegal Substances While Pregnant Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
April 7, 2014 TN SB 1391 Prohibits Women from Using Illegal Substances While Pregnant Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
April 5, 2014 KS HB 2578 Prohibits a City or County from Regulating Firearms Conference Report Adopted - House (102 - 19)
April 5, 2014 MD SB 172 Authorizes Eminent Domain Against Certain Film Production Entitites Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 38)
April 5, 2014 MD SB 172 Authorizes Eminent Domain Against Certain Film Production Entitites Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 6)
April 4, 2014 KS HB 2125 Prohibits Slot Machines at Certain Racetracks (55 - 67)
April 3, 2014 NE LB 671 Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions Veto Override Failed - Senate (28 - 21)
April 3, 2014 NE LB 671 Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions Veto Override Failed - Senate (28 - 21)
April 3, 2014 AL HB 494 Amends Requirements for Minors Who Seek an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
April 3, 2014 FL HB 89 Prohibits Mandatory Sentencing for Certain Convictions of Aggravated Assault Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
April 3, 2014 FL HB 89 Prohibits Mandatory Sentencing for Certain Convictions of Aggravated Assault Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
April 3, 2014 AL SB 63 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (73 - 27)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/12 H 4111 Appropriates Funds for the Expansion of the Boston Convention Center Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
6/10 SB 789 Amends Firearm Licensing Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
6/03 HB 171 Authorizes Off-Campus Religious Courses for High School Credit Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
5/30 H Amdt 763 Prohibits Funds from Being Used to Require Journalists to Disclose Sources Amendment Adopted - House (225 - 183)
5/28 H 4111 Appropriates Funds for the Expansion of the Boston Convention Center Bill Passed - House (131 - 19)
5/28 AB 1609 Establishes Requirements for Out of State Firearms Transfers Bill Passed - House (49 - 25)
5/28 SB 1010 Amends Penalties for Cocaine Possession Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
5/28 SB 1010 Amends Penalties for Cocaine Possession Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
5/27 HB 3836 Amends Lincoln Presidential Library Operations Bill Passed - House (84 - 29)
5/23 SB 1848 Amends Standards for Abortion Facilities Conference Report Adopted - House (60 - 8)
5/22 SB 1848 Amends Standards for Abortion Facilities Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 9)
5/22 A 2006 Reduces the Maximum Capacity of Ammunition Magazines Concurrence Vote Passed - House (44 - 34)
5/22 SJRCA 75 Ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
5/21 HB 1091 Prohibits the Transportation of Dogs in the Bed of a Pickup Truck on Interstates Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
5/16 SB 656 Authorizes School Employees to Carry Firearms on School Property Conference Report Adopted - House (111 - 28)
5/15 SB 656 Authorizes School Employees to Carry Firearms on School Property Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 8)
5/12 A 2777 Amends Firearm Transportation Laws Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
5/12 A 2006 Reduces the Maximum Capacity of Ammunition Magazines Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
5/05 SB 1038 Amends Juvenile Court Records Laws Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
5/02 HB 851 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Non-Citizen Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - House (84 - 32)
5/01 SF 2360 Authorizes Medical Marijuana Oil Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
5/01 HB 755 Authorizes Certain Non-Citizen Individuals to be Admitted to the Bar Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 37)
5/01 HB 851 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Non-Citizen Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
4/30 SB 366 Authorizes Casino Gaming "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (173 - 172)
4/30 SF 2360 Authorizes Medical Marijuana Oil Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
4/30 HB 1439 Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
4/30 A 9206 Authorizes Traffic Cameras on Long Island Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 11)
4/30 H 3435 Amends Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (51 - 49)
4/28 HB 753 Authorizes Certain Individuals to Carry Concealed Firearms on School Property Bill Passed - House (71 - 44)
4/28 A 9206 Authorizes Traffic Cameras on Long Island Bill Passed - House (104 - 25)
4/25 HB 218 Prohibits Use of Risk of Deportation as a Factor in a Felony Case Referral Concurrence Vote Passed - House (28 - 10)
4/25 HB 218 Prohibits Use of Risk of Deportation as a Factor in a Felony Case Referral Concurrence Vote Passed - House (28 - 10)
4/24 SB 1848 Prohibits Nontherapeutic Research on Human Embryos and Establishes Standards for Abortion Providers Bill Passed - House (75 - 15)
4/24 HB 7029 Prohibits Administrators From Punishing Simulation Of Weapon Play Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
4/24 HB 2126 Expands the Legal Use of "Deadly Force" Bill Passed - House (122 - 30)
4/23 HB 1288 Amends Student Immunization Laws Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
4/23 HB 59 Establishes Penalties for Killing or Injuring a Fetus Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
4/22 SB 424 Prohibits Insurance Increases for Gun Owners Bill Passed - House (74 - 44)
4/22 HB 1091 Prohibits the Transportation of Dogs in the Bed of a Pickup Truck on Interstates Bill Passed - House (53 - 34)
4/21 HB 2462 Authorizes the State to Create a Virtual Border Concurrence Vote Passed - House (35 - 20)
4/17 HB 1574 Limits Amount of Pseudoephedrine an Individual Can Purchase Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 7)
4/17 HB 2462 Authorizes the State to Create a Virtual Border Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
4/16 SB 1158 Amends Fireworks Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 4)
4/16 HB 2508 Requires Licensure for Federal Health Care Navigators Concurrence Vote Passed - House (36 - 21)
4/16 HB 2508 Requires Licensure for Federal Health Care Navigators Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
4/16 HB 2517 Establishes Penalties for Violations of an Existing State Firearms Law Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
4/16 HB 2339 Authorizes Individuals with State Issued Gun Permits to Carry in Public Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
4/15 SB 1158 Amends Fireworks Laws Bill Passed - House (43 - 17)
4/15 SB 5 Increases Penalties for Drug-Dealers Bill Failed - House (42 - 51)
4/15 SB 5 Increases Penalties for Drug-Dealers Bill Failed - House (42 - 51)
4/15 HB 12 Repeals Certain "Crimes Against Nature" Bill Failed - House (27 - 67)
4/11 HB 209 Authorizes Carrying Firearms During an Emergency Bill Passed - House (80 - 36)
4/11 HB 59 Establishes Penalties for Killing or Injuring a Fetus Bill Passed - House (74 - 42)
4/09 SB 1391 Prohibits Women from Using Illegal Substances While Pregnant Bill Passed - House (64 - 30)
4/09 SB 1391 Prohibits Women from Using Illegal Substances While Pregnant Bill Passed - House (64 - 30)
4/09 HB 72 Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Weapons in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (79 - 19)
4/09 HB 369 Requires Local Boards to Offer Certain Addiction Treatments Bill Passed - House (71 - 20)
4/07 LR 41CA Authorizes Gambling on Past Horse Races Resolution Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
4/07 SB 2115 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Certain Students Bill Passed - House (63 - 27)
4/07 LB 485 Prohibits Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (26 - 22)
4/07 LB 485 Prohibits Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (26 - 22)
4/07 S Amdt 2081 Authorizes "Chicken Boxing" under Certain Conditions Amendment Rejected - Senate (8 - 29)
4/07 S Amdt 2081 Authorizes "Chicken Boxing" under Certain Conditions Amendment Rejected - Senate (8 - 29)
4/07 SB 1391 Prohibits Women from Using Illegal Substances While Pregnant Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
4/07 SB 1391 Prohibits Women from Using Illegal Substances While Pregnant Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
4/05 HB 2578 Prohibits a City or County from Regulating Firearms Conference Report Adopted - House (102 - 19)
4/05 SB 172 Authorizes Eminent Domain Against Certain Film Production Entitites Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 38)
4/05 SB 172 Authorizes Eminent Domain Against Certain Film Production Entitites Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 6)
4/04 HB 2125 Prohibits Slot Machines at Certain Racetracks (55 - 67)
4/03 LB 671 Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions Veto Override Failed - Senate (28 - 21)
4/03 LB 671 Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions Veto Override Failed - Senate (28 - 21)
4/03 HB 494 Amends Requirements for Minors Who Seek an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
4/03 HB 89 Prohibits Mandatory Sentencing for Certain Convictions of Aggravated Assault Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
4/03 HB 89 Prohibits Mandatory Sentencing for Certain Convictions of Aggravated Assault Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
4/03 SB 63 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (73 - 27)

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