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. 16, 2010 VA SB 464 Requiring Insurance Coverage of Autism Disorder Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
Feb. 16, 2010 VA SB 334 Authorizing Concealed Handguns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Feb. 16, 2010 VA SB 408 Gun Regulation Modifications Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Feb. 15, 2010 VA Gilbert Amdt "Trust Women/Respect Choice" License Plate Revenue Redistribution Amendment Adopted - House (56 - 39)
Feb. 12, 2010 VA SB 283 Prohibiting Federal Individual Health Insurance Mandate Bill Passed - House (67 - 29)
Feb. 10, 2010 VA SB 102 Starting Biennial Budgets in Odd-Numbered Years Motion Agreed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 10, 2010 VA SB 601 Allocating Offshore Drilling Royalties Motion Agreed - Senate (22 - 18)
Feb. 10, 2010 VA HB 53 Ban on Required Human Microchip Implantation Bill Passed - House (88 - 9)
Feb. 9, 2010 VA HB 629 Asbestos Lawsuit Restrictions Bill Passed - House (49 - 48)
Feb. 8, 2010 VA SB 66 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Employment Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
Feb. 8, 2010 VA SB 239 Unemployment Benefit Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Feb. 8, 2010 VA HB 756 Allocating Offshore Drilling Royalties Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
Feb. 3, 2010 VA HB 502 Expanding Death Penalty Eligibility to Accomplices Bill Passed - House (74 - 24)
Feb. 1, 2010 VA SB 283 Prohibiting Federal Individual Health Insurance Mandate Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
Jan. 27, 2010 VA SB 9 Enforcing Seat Belt Violations as Primary Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Jan. 25, 2010 VA SB 83 Authorizing No-Excuse, In-Person Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
Feb. 25, 2009 VA SB 1035 Allowing Guns in Alcohol-Serving Establishments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
Feb. 25, 2009 VA SB 1167 Increasing the Fees for Personalized License Plates Bill Failed - House (41 - 57)
Feb. 25, 2009 VA SB 961 Expanding Death Penalty Eligibility to Accomplices Bill Passed - House (74 - 26)
Feb. 24, 2009 VA SB 1035 Allowing Guns in Alcohol-Serving Establishments Bill Passed - House (66 - 33)
Feb. 24, 2009 VA HB 1826 Driver's License Suspension for Unexcused School Absences Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
Feb. 24, 2009 VA HB 1671 "Derelict Building" Plan Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
Feb. 19, 2009 VA SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Restaurants Conference Report Adopted - House (60 - 39)
Feb. 19, 2009 VA SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Restaurants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 13)
Feb. 9, 2009 VA SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Restaurants Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
Feb. 9, 2009 VA SJ 354 Civil Rights for Nonviolent Felons Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (19 - 19)
Feb. 9, 2009 VA SJ 273 Legislative Restoration of Voting Rights for Nonviolent Felons Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
Feb. 5, 2009 VA SB 1161 Classifying a Seat Belt Violation as a Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Feb. 5, 2009 VA HB 1826 Driver's License Suspension for Unexcused School Absences Bill Passed - House (68 - 28)
Feb. 4, 2009 VA HB 1671 "Derelict Building" Plan Requirements Bill Passed - House (80 - 17)
Feb. 4, 2009 VA HB 2314 Allowing Police Chaplains to Conduct Sectarian Prayer Bill Passed - House (66 - 30)
Feb. 4, 2009 VA SB 1473 Department of Forestry Land Use Permits Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Feb. 4, 2009 VA SB 1257 Background Checks for Gun Show Purchases Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 21)
Feb. 3, 2009 VA SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Bars and Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
Jan. 27, 2009 VA SB 961 Expanding Death Penalty Eligibility to Accomplices Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Jan. 26, 2009 VA SB 810 Authorizing No-Excuse, In-Person Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
July 9, 2008 VA SB 6009 Transportation Taxes Bill Failed - House (39 - 59)
June 25, 2008 VA SB 6009 Transportation Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
March 13, 2008 VA HB 30 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 14)
March 6, 2008 VA SB 588 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - House (91 - 9)
March 6, 2008 VA HB 12 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 2)
Feb. 27, 2008 VA HB 30 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Feb. 25, 2008 VA HB 11 Property Tax Exemptions Motion Agreed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 25, 2008 VA HB 933 "Triggerman Rule" in Capital Murder Cases Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Feb. 21, 2008 VA HB 30 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (93 - 5)
Feb. 21, 2008 VA SB 436 Concealed Weapons in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (69 - 29)
Feb. 21, 2008 VA SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
Feb. 12, 2008 VA SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
Feb. 11, 2008 VA HB 12 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - House (91 - 7)
Feb. 11, 2008 VA SB 436 Concealed Weapons in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Feb. 8, 2008 VA HB 933 "Triggerman Rule" in Capital Murder Cases Bill Passed - House (77 - 21)
Feb. 5, 2008 VA SB 202 Local Regulation of Smoking in Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
Feb. 5, 2008 VA SB 298 Banning Smoking Public Places Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Feb. 5, 2008 VA SB 501 Restaurant and Bar Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Jan. 24, 2008 VA HB 852 Collective Bargaining for Governmental Employees Motion Rejected - House (43 - 55)
Jan. 21, 2008 VA HB 188 HPV Vaccine Deadline Extension Bill Passed - House (57 - 39)
April 4, 2007 VA Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Passed - House (79 - 21)
April 4, 2007 VA Sub HB 2750 Capital Murder of a Judge Veto Override Passed - House (82 - 18)
April 4, 2007 VA HB 2347 Capital Murder of a Witness Veto Override Passed - House (83 - 16)
April 4, 2007 VA HB 2347 Capital Murder of a Witness Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
April 4, 2007 VA Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 14)
April 4, 2007 VA Sub HB 2750 Capital Murder of a Judge Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
April 4, 2007 VA Governor's Recommendation: Restaurant Smoking Ban Amendment Rejected - House (40 - 59)
Feb. 21, 2007 VA H Sub Refusal of Medical Treatment for Children Bill Passed - House (89 - 9)
Feb. 21, 2007 VA H Sub to Sub SB 1416 Regulation of Electric Utilities Bill Passed - House (82 - 16)
Feb. 20, 2007 VA Sub HB 1778 Traffic Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
Feb. 16, 2007 VA Sub SB 1014 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - House (72 - 27)
Feb. 16, 2007 VA Sub SB 1204 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (81 - 16)
Feb. 14, 2007 VA S Sub Funding for Statewide Transportation Projects Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
Feb. 6, 2007 VA Sub HB 3202 Funding for Statewide Transportation Projects Bill Passed - House (61 - 37)
Feb. 6, 2007 VA Sub HB 1778 Traffic Light Cameras Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
Feb. 5, 2007 VA Amendment Stem Cell Research Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (58 - 38)
Feb. 5, 2007 VA Sub SB 1327 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
Feb. 5, 2007 VA SB 1161 Virginia Smoke-Free Air Act Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
Feb. 5, 2007 VA Sub HB 2035 HPV Vaccination Bill Passed - House (80 - 17)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/16 SB 464 Requiring Insurance Coverage of Autism Disorder Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
2/16 SB 334 Authorizing Concealed Handguns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
2/16 SB 408 Gun Regulation Modifications Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
2/15 Gilbert Amdt "Trust Women/Respect Choice" License Plate Revenue Redistribution Amendment Adopted - House (56 - 39)
2/12 SB 283 Prohibiting Federal Individual Health Insurance Mandate Bill Passed - House (67 - 29)
2/10 SB 102 Starting Biennial Budgets in Odd-Numbered Years Motion Agreed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/10 SB 601 Allocating Offshore Drilling Royalties Motion Agreed - Senate (22 - 18)
2/10 HB 53 Ban on Required Human Microchip Implantation Bill Passed - House (88 - 9)
2/09 HB 629 Asbestos Lawsuit Restrictions Bill Passed - House (49 - 48)
2/08 SB 66 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Employment Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
2/08 SB 239 Unemployment Benefit Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
2/08 HB 756 Allocating Offshore Drilling Royalties Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
2/03 HB 502 Expanding Death Penalty Eligibility to Accomplices Bill Passed - House (74 - 24)
2/01 SB 283 Prohibiting Federal Individual Health Insurance Mandate Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
1/27 SB 9 Enforcing Seat Belt Violations as Primary Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
1/25 SB 83 Authorizing No-Excuse, In-Person Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
2/25 SB 1035 Allowing Guns in Alcohol-Serving Establishments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
2/25 SB 1167 Increasing the Fees for Personalized License Plates Bill Failed - House (41 - 57)
2/25 SB 961 Expanding Death Penalty Eligibility to Accomplices Bill Passed - House (74 - 26)
2/24 SB 1035 Allowing Guns in Alcohol-Serving Establishments Bill Passed - House (66 - 33)
2/24 HB 1826 Driver's License Suspension for Unexcused School Absences Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
2/24 HB 1671 "Derelict Building" Plan Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
2/19 SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Restaurants Conference Report Adopted - House (60 - 39)
2/19 SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Restaurants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 13)
2/09 SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Restaurants Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
2/09 SJ 354 Civil Rights for Nonviolent Felons Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (19 - 19)
2/09 SJ 273 Legislative Restoration of Voting Rights for Nonviolent Felons Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
2/05 SB 1161 Classifying a Seat Belt Violation as a Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
2/05 HB 1826 Driver's License Suspension for Unexcused School Absences Bill Passed - House (68 - 28)
2/04 HB 1671 "Derelict Building" Plan Requirements Bill Passed - House (80 - 17)
2/04 HB 2314 Allowing Police Chaplains to Conduct Sectarian Prayer Bill Passed - House (66 - 30)
2/04 SB 1473 Department of Forestry Land Use Permits Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
2/04 SB 1257 Background Checks for Gun Show Purchases Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 21)
2/03 SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Bars and Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
1/27 SB 961 Expanding Death Penalty Eligibility to Accomplices Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
1/26 SB 810 Authorizing No-Excuse, In-Person Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
7/09 SB 6009 Transportation Taxes Bill Failed - House (39 - 59)
6/25 SB 6009 Transportation Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
3/13 HB 30 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 14)
3/06 SB 588 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - House (91 - 9)
3/06 HB 12 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 2)
2/27 HB 30 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
2/25 HB 11 Property Tax Exemptions Motion Agreed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/25 HB 933 "Triggerman Rule" in Capital Murder Cases Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
2/21 HB 30 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (93 - 5)
2/21 SB 436 Concealed Weapons in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (69 - 29)
2/21 SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
2/12 SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
2/11 HB 12 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - House (91 - 7)
2/11 SB 436 Concealed Weapons in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
2/08 HB 933 "Triggerman Rule" in Capital Murder Cases Bill Passed - House (77 - 21)
2/05 SB 202 Local Regulation of Smoking in Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
2/05 SB 298 Banning Smoking Public Places Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
2/05 SB 501 Restaurant and Bar Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
1/24 HB 852 Collective Bargaining for Governmental Employees Motion Rejected - House (43 - 55)
1/21 HB 188 HPV Vaccine Deadline Extension Bill Passed - House (57 - 39)
4/04 Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Passed - House (79 - 21)
4/04 Sub HB 2750 Capital Murder of a Judge Veto Override Passed - House (82 - 18)
4/04 HB 2347 Capital Murder of a Witness Veto Override Passed - House (83 - 16)
4/04 HB 2347 Capital Murder of a Witness Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
4/04 Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 14)
4/04 Sub HB 2750 Capital Murder of a Judge Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
4/04 Governor's Recommendation: Restaurant Smoking Ban Amendment Rejected - House (40 - 59)
2/21 H Sub Refusal of Medical Treatment for Children Bill Passed - House (89 - 9)
2/21 H Sub to Sub SB 1416 Regulation of Electric Utilities Bill Passed - House (82 - 16)
2/20 Sub HB 1778 Traffic Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
2/16 Sub SB 1014 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - House (72 - 27)
2/16 Sub SB 1204 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (81 - 16)
2/14 S Sub Funding for Statewide Transportation Projects Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
2/06 Sub HB 3202 Funding for Statewide Transportation Projects Bill Passed - House (61 - 37)
2/06 Sub HB 1778 Traffic Light Cameras Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
2/05 Amendment Stem Cell Research Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (58 - 38)
2/05 Sub SB 1327 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
2/05 SB 1161 Virginia Smoke-Free Air Act Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
2/05 Sub HB 2035 HPV Vaccination Bill Passed - House (80 - 17)

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