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, 2014 VA SB 236 Authorizes Religious Expression in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (64 - 34)
Feb. 6, 2014 VA HB 11 Requires New Textbooks to Refer to The East Sea Bill Passed - House (81 - 15)
Feb. 6, 2014 VA HJ 9 Encourages Congress to Convene a Constitutional Convention Joint Resolution Failed - House (29 - 67)
Feb. 3, 2014 VA HB 706 Authorizes Legislators to Hire Counsel to Represent Virginia in Court Bill Passed - House (65 - 32)
Jan. 30, 2014 VA HB 63 Authorizes Home-Schooled Students to Participate in Public School Interscholastic Programs Bill Passed - House (60 - 39)
Jan. 28, 2014 VA HB 1237 Authorizes Hunting on Sundays Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
Jan. 22, 2014 VA HB 1052 Authorizes the Use of Alternative Methods of Execution Bill Passed - House (64 - 32)
Feb. 22, 2013 VA HB 2313 Repeals the Retail Gas Tax and Establishes a Wholesale Gas Tax Conference Report Adopted - House (60 - 40)
Feb. 20, 2013 VA SB 1324 Establishes Education Institution and Board Bill Passed - House (64 - 34)
Feb. 20, 2013 VA SB 1256 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - House (65 - 34)
Feb. 12, 2013 VA SB 1335 Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information Bill Passed - House (76 - 23)
Feb. 4, 2013 VA HB 1999 Requires the Development of a School Grading System Bill Passed - House (54 - 40)
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)
March 8, 2012 VA SB 1 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (66 - 31)
March 1, 2012 VA HB 462 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 35)
Feb. 22, 2012 VA SB 484 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - House (65 - 32)
Feb. 22, 2012 VA SB 349 Authorizing Private Adoption Agencies to Refuse Certain Placements Bill Passed - House (71 - 28)
Feb. 22, 2012 VA SB 323 Repeals Purchase Limit for Handguns Bill Passed - House (64 - 32)
Feb. 14, 2012 VA HB 1129 Reduces State Employee Retirement Benefits Bill Passed - House (74 - 26)
Feb. 14, 2012 VA HB 1060 Requires Law Enforcement to Ask About Immigration Status During an Arrest Bill Passed - House (75 - 25)
Feb. 14, 2012 VA HB 462 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - House (63 - 36)
Feb. 14, 2012 VA HB 1 Defines Life as Beginning at Conception Bill Passed - House (66 - 32)
Feb. 13, 2012 VA HB 576 Amends Teacher Contract and Evaluation Policies Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
Feb. 9, 2012 VA HB 48 Authorizing Physical Force Against Intruders Bill Passed - House (70 - 28)
Feb. 9, 2012 VA HB 14 Provides Civil Immunity for the Use of Force Against Intruders Bill Passed - House (75 - 22)
Feb. 8, 2012 VA HB 947 Authorizes Home-Schooled Students to Participate in Interscholastic Programs Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
Feb. 3, 2012 VA HB 189 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Refuse Adoptions for Religious Reasons Bill Passed - House (71 - 28)
Feb. 3, 2012 VA HB 62 Prohibits State Funding for Abortion Bill Passed - House (64 - 35)
Feb. 1, 2012 VA HB 940 Repeals Purchase Limit for Handguns Bill Passed - House (66 - 32)
Feb. 1, 2012 VA HB 9 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (69 - 30)
Jan. 27, 2012 VA HB 1112 Repeals HPV Vaccine Requirement Bill Passed - House (62 - 34)
Jan. 13, 2012 VA HB 251 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (74 - 21)
April 28, 2011 VA HB 5005 Redistricting for State Senate and House Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 7)
April 6, 2011 VA HB 2434 Health Benefits Exchange Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 36)
Feb. 21, 2011 VA HB 2527 Virginia Transportation Infrastructure Fund and Bank Concurrence Vote Failed - House (31 - 68)
Feb. 21, 2011 VA SB 1367 Motor Vehicle Title Loans for Non-Residents Bill Passed - House (51 - 47)
Feb. 17, 2011 VA SB 1062 Health Insurance Coverage of Autism Spectrum Disorder Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
Feb. 17, 2011 VA SB 1446 Transportation Budget Bill Passed - House (66 - 32)
Feb. 8, 2011 VA HB 2332 Citizenship of Arrestee Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
Feb. 8, 2011 VA HB 2314 Education Improvement Scholarships Bill Passed - House (54 - 45)
Feb. 8, 2011 VA HB 1465 Excludes Undocumented Immigrants from Public Universities Bill Passed - House (75 - 24)
Feb. 1, 2011 VA HJ 593 Free Exercise of Religion Amendment Adopted - House (61 - 33)
April 21, 2010 VA Amdt 28 Reducing Funding for Comprehensive Services for At Risk Youth and Families Amendment Rejected - House (25 - 69)
April 21, 2010 VA Amdt 91 Limiting State Funding of Abortion Amendment Adopted - House (64 - 30)
April 21, 2010 VA Amdt 18 Reducing Funding for Public Media Amendment Rejected - House (43 - 52)
March 14, 2010 VA HB 30 2010-2012 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (73 - 23)
March 11, 2010 VA HB 505 Authorizing Concealed Firearms in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 27)
March 11, 2010 VA HB 885 Authorizing Concealed Firearms in Vehicles Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 28)
March 11, 2010 VA SB 737 Requiring Department of Education Review of Charter School Applications Bill Passed - House (62 - 34)
March 9, 2010 VA SB 66 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Employment Motion Agreed - House (55 - 42)
March 2, 2010 VA SB 334 Authorizing Concealed Handguns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (72 - 27)
March 2, 2010 VA SB 408 Gun Regulation Modifications Bill Passed - House (74 - 25)
Feb. 16, 2010 VA HB 1108 "Trust Women/Respect Choice" License Plates Bill Passed - House (77 - 22)
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 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 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. 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. 19, 2009 VA SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Restaurants Conference Report Adopted - House (60 - 39)
Feb. 9, 2009 VA SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Restaurants Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
Feb. 5, 2009 VA HB 1826 Driver's License Suspension for Unexcused School Absences Bill Passed - House (68 - 28)
Feb. 4, 2009 VA HB 2314 Allowing Police Chaplains to Conduct Sectarian Prayer Bill Passed - House (66 - 30)
Feb. 4, 2009 VA HB 1671 "Derelict Building" Plan Requirements Bill Passed - House (80 - 17)
July 9, 2008 VA SB 6009 Transportation Taxes Bill Failed - House (39 - 59)
March 6, 2008 VA SB 588 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - House (91 - 9)
Feb. 21, 2008 VA SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
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. 11, 2008 VA HB 12 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - House (91 - 7)
Feb. 8, 2008 VA HB 933 "Triggerman Rule" in Capital Murder Cases Bill Passed - House (77 - 21)
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 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 Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Passed - House (79 - 21)
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. 16, 2007 VA Sub SB 1204 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (81 - 16)
Feb. 16, 2007 VA Sub SB 1014 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - House (72 - 27)
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 HB 2035 HPV Vaccination Bill Passed - House (80 - 17)
Feb. 1, 2007 VA Sub HB 2623 Denying In-State Tuition to Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (74 - 23)
Jan. 30, 2007 VA Sub HB 1727 Participation in School Clubs Bill Passed - House (82 - 15)
Jan. 26, 2007 VA Sub HB 1665 Forced or Coerced Abortion Ban Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
Jan. 23, 2007 VA HB 1883 Abortion Clinic Licensure Bill Passed - House (60 - 35)
Jan. 17, 2007 VA HB 1977 Inaugural Committee Finance Reform Bill Passed - House (62 - 32)
April 19, 2006 VA HB 1106 Possession of Concealed Weapons Veto Override Failed - House (61 - 36)
April 19, 2006 VA HB 673 Commonwealth Transportation Board Veto Override Failed - House (58 - 40)
April 19, 2006 VA HB 493 High School Baccalaureate Ceremonies Veto Override Failed - House (60 - 36)
April 19, 2006 VA Governor's Recommendation: Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements Amendment Rejected - House (42 - 52)
April 19, 2006 VA Governor's Recommendation: DMV Voter Registration Requirements Amendment Rejected - House (27 - 70)
April 12, 2006 VA HB 5002 2006-2008 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (64 - 29)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/26 SB 236 Authorizes Religious Expression in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (64 - 34)
2/06 HB 11 Requires New Textbooks to Refer to The East Sea Bill Passed - House (81 - 15)
2/06 HJ 9 Encourages Congress to Convene a Constitutional Convention Joint Resolution Failed - House (29 - 67)
2/03 HB 706 Authorizes Legislators to Hire Counsel to Represent Virginia in Court Bill Passed - House (65 - 32)
1/30 HB 63 Authorizes Home-Schooled Students to Participate in Public School Interscholastic Programs Bill Passed - House (60 - 39)
1/28 HB 1237 Authorizes Hunting on Sundays Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
1/22 HB 1052 Authorizes the Use of Alternative Methods of Execution Bill Passed - House (64 - 32)
2/22 HB 2313 Repeals the Retail Gas Tax and Establishes a Wholesale Gas Tax Conference Report Adopted - House (60 - 40)
2/20 SB 1324 Establishes Education Institution and Board Bill Passed - House (64 - 34)
2/20 SB 1256 Requires Photo Identification for Voting Bill Passed - House (65 - 34)
2/12 SB 1335 Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information Bill Passed - House (76 - 23)
2/04 HB 1999 Requires the Development of a School Grading System Bill Passed - House (54 - 40)
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)
3/08 SB 1 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (66 - 31)
3/01 HB 462 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 35)
2/22 SB 484 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - House (65 - 32)
2/22 SB 349 Authorizing Private Adoption Agencies to Refuse Certain Placements Bill Passed - House (71 - 28)
2/22 SB 323 Repeals Purchase Limit for Handguns Bill Passed - House (64 - 32)
2/14 HB 1129 Reduces State Employee Retirement Benefits Bill Passed - House (74 - 26)
2/14 HB 1060 Requires Law Enforcement to Ask About Immigration Status During an Arrest Bill Passed - House (75 - 25)
2/14 HB 462 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - House (63 - 36)
2/14 HB 1 Defines Life as Beginning at Conception Bill Passed - House (66 - 32)
2/13 HB 576 Amends Teacher Contract and Evaluation Policies Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
2/09 HB 48 Authorizing Physical Force Against Intruders Bill Passed - House (70 - 28)
2/09 HB 14 Provides Civil Immunity for the Use of Force Against Intruders Bill Passed - House (75 - 22)
2/08 HB 947 Authorizes Home-Schooled Students to Participate in Interscholastic Programs Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
2/03 HB 189 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Refuse Adoptions for Religious Reasons Bill Passed - House (71 - 28)
2/03 HB 62 Prohibits State Funding for Abortion Bill Passed - House (64 - 35)
2/01 HB 940 Repeals Purchase Limit for Handguns Bill Passed - House (66 - 32)
2/01 HB 9 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (69 - 30)
1/27 HB 1112 Repeals HPV Vaccine Requirement Bill Passed - House (62 - 34)
1/13 HB 251 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (74 - 21)
4/28 HB 5005 Redistricting for State Senate and House Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 7)
4/06 HB 2434 Health Benefits Exchange Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 36)
2/21 HB 2527 Virginia Transportation Infrastructure Fund and Bank Concurrence Vote Failed - House (31 - 68)
2/21 SB 1367 Motor Vehicle Title Loans for Non-Residents Bill Passed - House (51 - 47)
2/17 SB 1062 Health Insurance Coverage of Autism Spectrum Disorder Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
2/17 SB 1446 Transportation Budget Bill Passed - House (66 - 32)
2/08 HB 2332 Citizenship of Arrestee Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
2/08 HB 2314 Education Improvement Scholarships Bill Passed - House (54 - 45)
2/08 HB 1465 Excludes Undocumented Immigrants from Public Universities Bill Passed - House (75 - 24)
2/01 HJ 593 Free Exercise of Religion Amendment Adopted - House (61 - 33)
4/21 Amdt 28 Reducing Funding for Comprehensive Services for At Risk Youth and Families Amendment Rejected - House (25 - 69)
4/21 Amdt 91 Limiting State Funding of Abortion Amendment Adopted - House (64 - 30)
4/21 Amdt 18 Reducing Funding for Public Media Amendment Rejected - House (43 - 52)
3/14 HB 30 2010-2012 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (73 - 23)
3/11 HB 505 Authorizing Concealed Firearms in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 27)
3/11 HB 885 Authorizing Concealed Firearms in Vehicles Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 28)
3/11 SB 737 Requiring Department of Education Review of Charter School Applications Bill Passed - House (62 - 34)
3/09 SB 66 Prohibiting Sexual Orientation Discrimination in State Government Employment Motion Agreed - House (55 - 42)
3/02 SB 334 Authorizing Concealed Handguns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (72 - 27)
3/02 SB 408 Gun Regulation Modifications Bill Passed - House (74 - 25)
2/16 HB 1108 "Trust Women/Respect Choice" License Plates Bill Passed - House (77 - 22)
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 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 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)
2/25 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)
2/19 SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Restaurants Conference Report Adopted - House (60 - 39)
2/09 SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Restaurants Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
2/05 HB 1826 Driver's License Suspension for Unexcused School Absences Bill Passed - House (68 - 28)
2/04 HB 2314 Allowing Police Chaplains to Conduct Sectarian Prayer Bill Passed - House (66 - 30)
2/04 HB 1671 "Derelict Building" Plan Requirements Bill Passed - House (80 - 17)
7/09 SB 6009 Transportation Taxes Bill Failed - House (39 - 59)
3/06 SB 588 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - House (91 - 9)
2/21 SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
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)
2/11 HB 12 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - House (91 - 7)
2/08 HB 933 "Triggerman Rule" in Capital Murder Cases Bill Passed - House (77 - 21)
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 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 Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Passed - House (79 - 21)
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)
2/16 Sub SB 1204 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (81 - 16)
2/16 Sub SB 1014 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - House (72 - 27)
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 HB 2035 HPV Vaccination Bill Passed - House (80 - 17)
2/01 Sub HB 2623 Denying In-State Tuition to Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (74 - 23)
1/30 Sub HB 1727 Participation in School Clubs Bill Passed - House (82 - 15)
1/26 Sub HB 1665 Forced or Coerced Abortion Ban Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
1/23 HB 1883 Abortion Clinic Licensure Bill Passed - House (60 - 35)
1/17 HB 1977 Inaugural Committee Finance Reform Bill Passed - House (62 - 32)
4/19 HB 1106 Possession of Concealed Weapons Veto Override Failed - House (61 - 36)
4/19 HB 673 Commonwealth Transportation Board Veto Override Failed - House (58 - 40)
4/19 HB 493 High School Baccalaureate Ceremonies Veto Override Failed - House (60 - 36)
4/19 Governor's Recommendation: Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements Amendment Rejected - House (42 - 52)
4/19 Governor's Recommendation: DMV Voter Registration Requirements Amendment Rejected - House (27 - 70)
4/12 HB 5002 2006-2008 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (64 - 29)

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