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
April 3, 2014 NE LR 41CA Authorizes Gambling on Past Horse Races Resolution Failed - Senate (28 - 19)
April 3, 2014 MO HB 1439 Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (110 - 41)
April 2, 2014 KS HB 2272 Amends Gaming Law (84 - 36)
April 2, 2014 NE LB 671 Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 21)
April 2, 2014 NE LB 671 Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 21)
April 2, 2014 OH HB 234 Authorizes Noise Suppressors on Certain Firearms Bill Passed - House (76 - 15)
April 2, 2014 OH HB 234 Authorizes Noise Suppressors on Certain Firearms Bill Passed - House (76 - 15)
April 1, 2014 WI AB 556 Expands Jailhouse Strip Search Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
March 28, 2014 KY HB 222 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
March 28, 2014 KY HB 222 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
March 27, 2014 OK HB 2580 Extends Film Industry Tax Credit Program Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 11)
March 27, 2014 MD SB 212 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (82 - 57)
March 27, 2014 MD SB 172 Authorizes Eminent Domain Against Certain Film Production Entities Bill Passed - House (96 - 42)
March 27, 2014 IL HB 4442 Requires Law Enforcement Officers to Record Ethnicity During Traffic Stops Bill Passed - House (63 - 46)
March 27, 2014 NH SB 366 Authorizes Casino Gaming Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 9)
March 26, 2014 NH HB 492 Authorizes the Recreational Use of Marijuana "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (192 - 140)
March 26, 2014 NH HB 492 Authorizes the Recreational Use of Marijuana "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (192 - 140)
March 25, 2014 KS HB 2272 Amends Gaming Law Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
March 25, 2014 KS HB 2125 Prohibits Slot Machines at Certain Racetracks Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
March 24, 2014 NE LB 671 Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 13)
March 24, 2014 NE LB 671 Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 13)
March 24, 2014 TN SB 2115 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Certain Students Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
March 24, 2014 CO HB 1288 Amends Student Immunization Laws Bill Passed - House (42 - 19)
March 21, 2014 KY HB 544 Amends Hotel Tax Laws Bill Passed - House (52 - 40)
March 20, 2014 GA HB 60 Amends Firearm Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (112 - 58)
March 20, 2014 FL HB 851 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Non-Citizen Individuals Bill Passed - House (81 - 33)
March 20, 2014 IL AM 121 Nomination of Salvador A. Godinez to be Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections Nomination Confirmed - Senate (37 - 18)
March 20, 2014 FL HB 89 Prohibits Mandatory Sentencing for Certain Convictions of Aggravated Assault Bill Passed - House (93 - 24)
March 20, 2014 FL HB 7029 Prohibits Administrators From Punishing Simulation Of Weapon Play Bill Passed - House (98 - 17)
March 20, 2014 FL HB 89 Prohibits Mandatory Sentencing for Certain Convictions of Aggravated Assault Bill Passed - House (93 - 24)
March 20, 2014 NJ A 2777 Amends Firearm Transportation Laws Bill Passed - House (43 - 29)
March 19, 2014 AL SB 354 Authorizes Individuals Without Concealed Carry Licenses to Carry Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
March 18, 2014 GA HB 60 Amends Firearm Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 18)
March 17, 2014 NY A 2597A Establishes the New York DREAM Fund Commission Bill Failed - Senate (30 - 29)
March 14, 2014 KS HB 2662 Reduces Wait Time for Expungement for Individuals Convicted of Driving Under the Influence Bill Passed - House (87 - 31)
March 13, 2014 IN HB 1351 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Conference Report Rejected - Senate (24 - 24)
March 13, 2014 IN SB 229 Authorizes the Concealed Possession of Firearms on School Property Conference Report Adopted - House (75 - 24)
March 13, 2014 IN SB 229 Authorizes the Concealed Possession of Firearms on School Property Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 10)
March 13, 2014 IN HB 1351 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Conference Report Adopted - House (81 - 17)
March 13, 2014 UT SB 253 Prohibits Texting While Driving on a Highway Bill Passed - House (41 - 28)
March 13, 2014 MO HB 1557 Authorizes the Use of Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - House (84 - 63)
March 13, 2014 TN SJR 626 Authorizes Individuals Paying School Fees to Determine Allocation of Fees to Student Organizations Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
March 12, 2014 GA HB 702 Requires Ten Commandments Monument at the Capitol Building Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 3)
March 12, 2014 AZ HB 2517 Establishes Penalties for Violations of an Existing State Firearms Law Bill Passed - House (34 - 22)
March 12, 2014 AZ HB 2339 Authorizes Individuals with State Issued Gun Permits to Carry in Public Buildings Bill Passed - House (34 - 22)
March 12, 2014 CO HB 1131 Prohibits Cyberbullying of a Minor Bill Passed - House (54 - 10)
March 12, 2014 OK SB 1848 Amends Standards for Abortion Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 8)
March 11, 2014 WA HB 2789 Establishes Usage Policy for Extraordinary Sensing Devices Concurrence Vote Passed - House (77 - 21)
March 11, 2014 GA HB 60 Amends Firearm Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (108 - 54)
March 10, 2014 SD SB 180 Increases Maximum Number of Video Lottery Machines Authorized in a Licensed Establishment Bill Failed - House (26 - 44)
March 10, 2014 OK HB 2329 Authorizes Storage of a Handgun in a Secure Motor Vehicle on School Property Bill Passed - House (76 - 17)
March 10, 2014 UT SB 253 Prohibits Texting While Driving on a Highway Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 8)
March 8, 2014 WV SB 6 Authorizes Pharmacists to Refuse to Dispense Pseudophedrine without a Prescription Bill Passed - House (63 - 34)
March 8, 2014 WV SB 6 Authorizes Pharmacists to Refuse to Dispense Pseudophedrine without a Prescription Bill Passed - House (63 - 34)
March 8, 2014 WV HB 4588 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
March 7, 2014 MD HB 354 Amends the Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Program Bill Passed - House (84 - 51)
March 6, 2014 IN SB 50 Prohibits the Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
March 6, 2014 IN SB 50 Prohibits the Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
March 6, 2014 ID S 1254 Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Firearms on College or University Campuses Bill Passed - House (50 - 19)
March 6, 2014 National S 1752 Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (55 - 45)
March 5, 2014 UT HB 20 Expands Protections for Police Officers in Lawsuits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 28)
March 5, 2014 SD HJR 1001 Authorizes Additional Types of Games in Deadwood City Casinos Amendment Adopted - Senate (25 - 10)
March 5, 2014 SD HB 1229 Requires Certain Individuals to be Reported to the National Background Check System Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
March 5, 2014 NY A 1793b Amends Worker Paid Leave Laws Bill Passed - House (89 - 44)
March 5, 2014 OK HB 2638 Requires an Individual Arrested for Certain Crimes to Submit DNA Bill Failed - House (35 - 51)
March 5, 2014 OK SB 1219 Prohibits Minors from Purchasing Certain Emergency Contraceptives Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 11)
March 5, 2014 NH HB 1360 Prohibits the Use of Hand Held Mobile Electronic Devices While Driving Bill Passed - House (192 - 133)
March 4, 2014 IN HB 1351 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
March 4, 2014 OK HB 2580 Extends Film Industry Tax Credit Program Bill Passed - House (65 - 28)
March 4, 2014 UT HB 20 Expands Protections for Police Officers in Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 13)
March 4, 2014 MD SB 212 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
March 4, 2014 AL HB 494 Amends Requirements for Minors Seeking an Abortion Bill Passed - House (82 - 18)
March 4, 2014 AL HB 493 Requires Abortion Patients to be Informed of Perinatal Services Bill Passed - House (73 - 24)
March 3, 2014 OK HB 2580 Extends Film Industry Tax Credit Program Bill Failed - House (48 - 43)
March 3, 2014 GA HB 772 Requires Drug Testing For Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (107 - 66)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/03 LR 41CA Authorizes Gambling on Past Horse Races Resolution Failed - Senate (28 - 19)
4/03 HB 1439 Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (110 - 41)
4/02 HB 2272 Amends Gaming Law (84 - 36)
4/02 LB 671 Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 21)
4/02 LB 671 Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 21)
4/02 HB 234 Authorizes Noise Suppressors on Certain Firearms Bill Passed - House (76 - 15)
4/02 HB 234 Authorizes Noise Suppressors on Certain Firearms Bill Passed - House (76 - 15)
4/01 AB 556 Expands Jailhouse Strip Search Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
3/28 HB 222 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
3/28 HB 222 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
3/27 HB 2580 Extends Film Industry Tax Credit Program Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 11)
3/27 SB 212 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (82 - 57)
3/27 SB 172 Authorizes Eminent Domain Against Certain Film Production Entities Bill Passed - House (96 - 42)
3/27 HB 4442 Requires Law Enforcement Officers to Record Ethnicity During Traffic Stops Bill Passed - House (63 - 46)
3/27 SB 366 Authorizes Casino Gaming Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 9)
3/26 HB 492 Authorizes the Recreational Use of Marijuana "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (192 - 140)
3/26 HB 492 Authorizes the Recreational Use of Marijuana "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (192 - 140)
3/25 HB 2272 Amends Gaming Law Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
3/25 HB 2125 Prohibits Slot Machines at Certain Racetracks Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
3/24 LB 671 Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 13)
3/24 LB 671 Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 13)
3/24 SB 2115 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Certain Students Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
3/24 HB 1288 Amends Student Immunization Laws Bill Passed - House (42 - 19)
3/21 HB 544 Amends Hotel Tax Laws Bill Passed - House (52 - 40)
3/20 HB 60 Amends Firearm Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (112 - 58)
3/20 HB 851 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Non-Citizen Individuals Bill Passed - House (81 - 33)
3/20 AM 121 Nomination of Salvador A. Godinez to be Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections Nomination Confirmed - Senate (37 - 18)
3/20 HB 89 Prohibits Mandatory Sentencing for Certain Convictions of Aggravated Assault Bill Passed - House (93 - 24)
3/20 HB 7029 Prohibits Administrators From Punishing Simulation Of Weapon Play Bill Passed - House (98 - 17)
3/20 HB 89 Prohibits Mandatory Sentencing for Certain Convictions of Aggravated Assault Bill Passed - House (93 - 24)
3/20 A 2777 Amends Firearm Transportation Laws Bill Passed - House (43 - 29)
3/19 SB 354 Authorizes Individuals Without Concealed Carry Licenses to Carry Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
3/18 HB 60 Amends Firearm Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 18)
3/17 A 2597A Establishes the New York DREAM Fund Commission Bill Failed - Senate (30 - 29)
3/14 HB 2662 Reduces Wait Time for Expungement for Individuals Convicted of Driving Under the Influence Bill Passed - House (87 - 31)
3/13 HB 1351 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Conference Report Rejected - Senate (24 - 24)
3/13 SB 229 Authorizes the Concealed Possession of Firearms on School Property Conference Report Adopted - House (75 - 24)
3/13 SB 229 Authorizes the Concealed Possession of Firearms on School Property Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 10)
3/13 HB 1351 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Conference Report Adopted - House (81 - 17)
3/13 SB 253 Prohibits Texting While Driving on a Highway Bill Passed - House (41 - 28)
3/13 HB 1557 Authorizes the Use of Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - House (84 - 63)
3/13 SJR 626 Authorizes Individuals Paying School Fees to Determine Allocation of Fees to Student Organizations Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
3/12 HB 702 Requires Ten Commandments Monument at the Capitol Building Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 3)
3/12 HB 2517 Establishes Penalties for Violations of an Existing State Firearms Law Bill Passed - House (34 - 22)
3/12 HB 2339 Authorizes Individuals with State Issued Gun Permits to Carry in Public Buildings Bill Passed - House (34 - 22)
3/12 HB 1131 Prohibits Cyberbullying of a Minor Bill Passed - House (54 - 10)
3/12 SB 1848 Amends Standards for Abortion Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 8)
3/11 HB 2789 Establishes Usage Policy for Extraordinary Sensing Devices Concurrence Vote Passed - House (77 - 21)
3/11 HB 60 Amends Firearm Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (108 - 54)
3/10 SB 180 Increases Maximum Number of Video Lottery Machines Authorized in a Licensed Establishment Bill Failed - House (26 - 44)
3/10 HB 2329 Authorizes Storage of a Handgun in a Secure Motor Vehicle on School Property Bill Passed - House (76 - 17)
3/10 SB 253 Prohibits Texting While Driving on a Highway Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 8)
3/08 SB 6 Authorizes Pharmacists to Refuse to Dispense Pseudophedrine without a Prescription Bill Passed - House (63 - 34)
3/08 SB 6 Authorizes Pharmacists to Refuse to Dispense Pseudophedrine without a Prescription Bill Passed - House (63 - 34)
3/08 HB 4588 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
3/07 HB 354 Amends the Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Program Bill Passed - House (84 - 51)
3/06 SB 50 Prohibits the Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
3/06 SB 50 Prohibits the Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
3/06 S 1254 Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Firearms on College or University Campuses Bill Passed - House (50 - 19)
3/06 S 1752 Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (55 - 45)
3/05 HB 20 Expands Protections for Police Officers in Lawsuits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 28)
3/05 HJR 1001 Authorizes Additional Types of Games in Deadwood City Casinos Amendment Adopted - Senate (25 - 10)
3/05 HB 1229 Requires Certain Individuals to be Reported to the National Background Check System Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
3/05 A 1793b Amends Worker Paid Leave Laws Bill Passed - House (89 - 44)
3/05 HB 2638 Requires an Individual Arrested for Certain Crimes to Submit DNA Bill Failed - House (35 - 51)
3/05 SB 1219 Prohibits Minors from Purchasing Certain Emergency Contraceptives Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 11)
3/05 HB 1360 Prohibits the Use of Hand Held Mobile Electronic Devices While Driving Bill Passed - House (192 - 133)
3/04 HB 1351 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
3/04 HB 2580 Extends Film Industry Tax Credit Program Bill Passed - House (65 - 28)
3/04 HB 20 Expands Protections for Police Officers in Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 13)
3/04 SB 212 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
3/04 HB 494 Amends Requirements for Minors Seeking an Abortion Bill Passed - House (82 - 18)
3/04 HB 493 Requires Abortion Patients to be Informed of Perinatal Services Bill Passed - House (73 - 24)
3/03 HB 2580 Extends Film Industry Tax Credit Program Bill Failed - House (48 - 43)
3/03 HB 772 Requires Drug Testing For Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (107 - 66)

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