Key Votes
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About the Selection and Descriptions of Key Votes
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:
- The vote should be helpful in portraying how a member stands on a particular issue
- The vote should be clear for any person to understand
- The vote has received media attention
- The vote was passed or defeated by a very close margin
- 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. 28, 2020 | VA | HB 1210 | Requires Voting and Election Materials in Languages Other Than English | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13) |
| Feb. 27, 2020 | VA | HB 119 | Requires Milk be Defined as the Lacteal Secretion Obtained by the Complete Milking of a Hooved Animal | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16) |
| Feb. 26, 2020 | VA | HB 1083 | Amends Safety Requirements for Unsecured Firearms and Increases Penalties | (22 - 18) |
| Feb. 26, 2020 | VA | HB 9 | Requires Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20) |
| Feb. 25, 2020 | VA | SB 657 | Authorizes Replacement Birth Certificates for Transgender Individuals | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 16) |
| Feb. 24, 2020 | VA | HB 618 | Specifies that Gender Related Crimes are Associated with Hate Crimes | (24 - 16) |
| Feb. 24, 2020 | VA | HB 980 | Establishes the "Reproductive Health Protection Act" | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20) |
| Feb. 24, 2020 | VA | HB 1 | Authorizes Absentee Voting Without Needing Excuse | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15) |
| Feb. 17, 2020 | VA | HB 386 | Prohibits State Funding for Conversion Therapy on Minors | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18) |
| Feb. 17, 2020 | VA | HB 995 | Increases the Threshold Amount of Money Taken for Larceny Crimes | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14) |
| Feb. 11, 2020 | VA | SB 481 | Requires Sick Leave | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17) |
| Feb. 11, 2020 | VA | SB 935 | Authorizes In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| Feb. 6, 2020 | VA | SB 868 | Amends Anti-Discrimination Law to Include Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9) |
| Feb. 4, 2020 | VA | SB 65 | Repeals State Photo Identification Voter ID Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 19) |
| Jan. 27, 2020 | VA | HJ 1 | Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12) |
| Jan. 22, 2020 | VA | SB 318 | Reduces Number of Balloons that Can be Released per Hour | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15) |
| Jan. 22, 2020 | VA | SB 240 | Authorizes Temporary Seizure of Guns from Persons Posing Substantial Risk | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| Jan. 21, 2020 | VA | SB 245 | Prohibits Conversion Therapy on Minors | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18) |
| Jan. 21, 2020 | VA | SB 161 | Requires Schools to Create Policies Transgender-Friendly Student Policies | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16) |
| Jan. 21, 2020 | VA | SB 601 | Establishes Election Day to Replace Lee-Jackson Day | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18) |
| Jan. 16, 2020 | VA | SB 70 | Requires Background Check for Firearm Transfers | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17) |
| Jan. 16, 2020 | VA | SB 69 | Prohibits Purchasing more than One Handgun per Month | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| Jan. 16, 2020 | VA | SB 35 | Authorizes Localities to Prohibit Guns at Public Events | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| Jan. 15, 2020 | VA | SJ 1 | Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12) |
| April 3, 2019 | VA | SB 1027 | Authorizes Catastrophic Health Plans | Veto Override Failed - Senate (22 - 16) |
| April 3, 2019 | VA | SB 1240 | Authorizes Short-Term, Limited-Duration Health Insurance | Veto Override Failed - Senate (20 - 18) |
| Feb. 23, 2019 | VA | SB 1126 | Authorizes Casino Gaming in Select Cities | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 10) |
| Feb. 4, 2019 | VA | SB 1502 | Requires School Boards to Offer Classes on the Bible | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18) |
| Jan. 22, 2019 | VA | SB 1012 | Amends Conceal Carry Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| April 18, 2018 | VA | HB 83 | Requires Feminine Hygiene Products to be Provided to Prisons Inmates | (39 - None) |
| March 6, 2018 | VA | HB 1257 | Prohibits the Establishment of Sanctuary Cities | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18) |
| Feb. 28, 2018 | VA | SB 726 | Authorizes Doctors Recommend Use of Cannabidiol Oil for Treatment | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 0) |
| Feb. 9, 2018 | VA | SB 966 | Amends Various Utilities Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13) |
| Feb. 5, 2018 | VA | SB 168 | Reduces Penalties for Minors Charged with Sexting Offenses | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 5) |
| Jan. 29, 2018 | VA | SB 192 | Authorizes State to Deduct Previous TANF Benefits from Lottery Winnings | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| Feb. 24, 2017 | VA | HB 1852 | Authorizes Individual Issued Protective Order to Carry A Concealed Handgun. | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 14) |
| Feb. 22, 2017 | VA | HB 2000 | Prohibits Establishment of Sanctuary Cities | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| Feb. 14, 2017 | VA | HB 2264 | Prohibits State Funding of Abortion Services | (20 - 19) |
| Feb. 6, 2017 | VA | SB 1262 | Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Civil Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| Jan. 23, 2017 | VA | SB 1055 | Classifies Failure to Leave Unlawful Assembly After Warning as a Class 1 Misdemeanor | Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 26) |
| April 20, 2016 | VA | HB 815 | Amends Death Penalty Procedures | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16) |
| March 11, 2016 | VA | HB 815 | Amends Death Penalty Procedures | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 17) |
| March 11, 2016 | VA | HB 8 | Establishes Virtual Public School | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 17) |
| March 7, 2016 | VA | HB 389 | Establishes School Choice Program for Children with Disabilities | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 19) |
| March 7, 2016 | VA | HB 1090 | Rescinds Funds from Certain Abortion Clinics | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| March 1, 2016 | VA | HB 516 | Requires Parental Review of Explicit School Books | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17) |
| Feb. 29, 2016 | VA | HB 587 | Prohibits Removal of War Monuments | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17) |
| Feb. 29, 2016 | VA | HB 560 | Amends Brandishing Conviction to Include Intent to Induce Fear | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17) |
| Feb. 26, 2016 | VA | HB 1371 | Prohibits Cities from Increasing Minimum Wage or Benefits | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| Feb. 16, 2016 | VA | SB 416 | Authorizes Individuals to Rent Out Rooms through Online Platform | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 19) |
| Feb. 15, 2016 | VA | SB 552 | Exempts Police Officer Names from Mandatory Disclosure | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15) |
| Feb. 15, 2016 | VA | SJ 6 | Authorizes the Board of Education to Establish Charter Schools | Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 21) |
| Feb. 12, 2016 | VA | SB 41 | Prohibits State from Requiring Religious Organizations to Solemnize Certain Marriages | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 19) |
| Feb. 9, 2016 | VA | SB 270 | Requires Cities to Enforce Federal Immigration Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| Feb. 9, 2016 | VA | SB 705 | Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrant | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| Feb. 8, 2016 | VA | SB 646 | Establishes Regulations for Fantasy Sports | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10) |
| Feb. 4, 2016 | VA | SB 610 | Authorizes Concealed Carry Reciprocity for Out-of-State License Holders | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13) |
| Feb. 2, 2016 | VA | SB 117 | Prohibits Opening Car Door in Traffic Lane | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16) |
| Feb. 1, 2016 | VA | SB 106 | Authorizes No-Excuse In-Person Absentee Voting | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| Feb. 1, 2016 | VA | SB 48 | Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit | Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 21) |
| Jan. 29, 2016 | VA | SB 12 | Prohibits Discrimination in Public Employment Based on Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15) |
| Jan. 29, 2016 | VA | SB 67 | Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation in Housing Practices | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15) |
| Jan. 26, 2016 | VA | SJ 1 | Authorizes Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| Jan. 25, 2016 | VA | SB 335 | Prohibits State Employers From Inquiring about an Applicant's Criminal History | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
| Feb. 17, 2015 | VA | HB 1626 | Authorizes Home-Schooled Students to Participate in Public School Interscholastic Programs | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13) |
| Feb. 10, 2015 | VA | SB 1393 | Authorizes Changes to Lethal Injection Drug Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14) |
| Feb. 3, 2015 | VA | SB 785 | Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19) |
| Jan. 20, 2015 | VA | SB 722 | Prohibits In-State Tuition for Students with Certain Temporary Visas | Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 20) |
| April 8, 2014 | VA | SB 5003 | 2014-2016 Biennium Budget | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15) |
| Feb. 18, 2014 | VA | HB 1237 | Authorizes Hunting on Sundays | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11) |
| Feb. 11, 2014 | VA | SB 590 | Increases the Minimum Wage | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20) |
| Feb. 11, 2014 | VA | SB 617 | Repeals Requirement for an Ultrasound Prior to Abortion | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20) |
| Feb. 4, 2014 | VA | SB 324 | Extends Deadline for Implementation of a School Performance Grading System | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17) |
| Jan. 21, 2014 | VA | SB 236 | Authorizes Religious Expression in Public Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18) |
| Feb. 23, 2013 | VA | HB 2313 | Repeals the Retail Gas Tax and Establishes a Wholesale Gas Tax | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 15) |
| Feb. 19, 2013 | VA | HB 1907 | Increases Fines for Texting While Driving | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12) |
| Feb. 14, 2013 | VA | SB 1335 | Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 9) |
| Feb. 13, 2013 | VA | HB 2313 | Repeals the Retail Gas Tax and Establishes a Wholesale Gas Tax | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14) |
| Feb. 11, 2013 | VA | HB 1617 | Authorizes Student Organizations to Limit Membership | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18) |
| Feb. 5, 2013 | VA | SB 1324 | Establishes Education Institution and Board | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20) |
| 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 | VA | SB 975 | Prohibits Smoking in a Vehicle with Minors | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10) |
| Jan. 28, 2013 | VA | SB 690 | Reduces the Number of Signatures Required to Run for President | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17) |
| Jan. 22, 2013 | VA | SB 736 | Prohibits Opening a Vehicle Door Adjacent to a Lane of Traffic | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17) |
| March 26, 2012 | VA | Saslaw Amdt | Requires Reimbursement of the Full Cost of Ultrasounds Required Prior to Abortions | Amendment Rejected - Senate (19 - 20) |
| March 6, 2012 | VA | HB 1228 | Increases Salary for State Legislators | Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 31) |
| Feb. 28, 2012 | VA | HB 462 | Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| Feb. 27, 2012 | VA | HB 1112 | Repeals HPV Vaccine Requirement | Motion Agreed - Senate (22 - 17) |
| Feb. 27, 2012 | VA | HB 9 | Voter Identification Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20) |
| Feb. 23, 2012 | VA | SB 30 | 2012-2014 Biennium Budget | Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 17) |
| Feb. 21, 2012 | VA | HB 189 | Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Refuse Adoptions for Religious Reasons | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18) |
| Feb. 20, 2012 | VA | HB 48 | Authorizing Physical Force Against Intruders | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16) |
| Feb. 17, 2012 | VA | SB 131 | Establishes Tax Deductions for Corporations | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20) |
| Feb. 14, 2012 | VA | SB 6 | Requires Drug Tests for Certain Welfare Recipients | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20) |
| Feb. 14, 2012 | VA | SB 438 | Amends Teacher Contracts | Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 20) |
| Feb. 13, 2012 | VA | HB 940 | Repeals Purchase Limit for Handguns | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| Feb. 9, 2012 | VA | SB 349 | Authorizing Private Adoption Agencies to Refuse Certain Placements | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18) |
| Feb. 6, 2012 | VA | SB 323 | Repeals Purchase Limit for Handguns | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |