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:
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.
Date | State | Bill No. | Title | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 12, 2013 | MI | SB 660 | Authorizes the Growth and Sale of Pharmaceutical-Grade Marijuana | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 18) |
Dec. 11, 2013 | MI | HB 4369 | Expands the Education Achievement Authority | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18) |
Dec. 11, 2013 | MI | Initiation of Legislation | Requires Abortion Coverage To Be Optional In Health Care Plans | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11) |
Nov. 19, 2013 | MA | Amdt 1 | Increases the Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees | Amendment Adopted - Senate (31 - 7) |
Nov. 19, 2013 | MA | S 1925 | Increases the Minimum Wage | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7) |
Nov. 13, 2013 | MI | SB 660 | Authorizes the Growth and Sale of Pharmaceutical-Grade Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16) |
Nov. 7, 2013 | National | S 815 | Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 | Bill Passed - Senate (64 - 32) |
Nov. 7, 2013 | National | S Amdt 2013 | Exempts Religiously Affiliated Employers from the Prohibition on Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity | Amendment Rejected - Senate (43 - 55) |
Nov. 4, 2013 | National | S 815 | Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 | Cloture Invoked - Senate (61 - 30) |
July 25, 2013 | NC | HB 938 | Amends Wetland Permit Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 15) |
July 24, 2013 | National | HR 1911 | Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013 | Bill Passed - Senate (81 - 18) |
July 24, 2013 | National | S Amdt 1778 | Limits Interest Rates for Certain Federal Student Loans | Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 53) |
July 18, 2013 | NC | SB 81 | Establishes the Charlotte International Airport Authority | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 14) |
June 27, 2013 | NJ | S 2723 | Amends Firearms Identification Card Requirements | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 16) |
June 5, 2013 | CT | HB 5277 | Authorizes Mixed Martial Arts Events | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9) |
June 4, 2013 | OR | SB 692 | Requires Certain Electronics to Meet Energy Efficiency Standards | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9) |
May 29, 2013 | CA | SB 53 | Requires Ammunition Purchasers to Undergo a Background Check | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
May 28, 2013 | NV | SB 165 | Authorizes Film Tax Credits | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
May 24, 2013 | CA | SB 648 | Prohibits the Use of Electronic Cigarettes in Certain Public Areas | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10) |
May 23, 2013 | OR | HB 3409 | Amends Hair Care Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11) |
May 23, 2013 | CT | SB 387 | Increases Minimum Wage | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15) |
May 22, 2013 | OH | HB 7 | Prohibits Internet Cafes | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6) |
May 22, 2013 | RI | S 256 | Increases Minimum Wage | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6) |
May 20, 2013 | CA | SB 439 | Exempts Certain Medical Marijuana Collectives and Cooperatives from Prosecution | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12) |
May 17, 2013 | IL | HB 1 | Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 21) |
May 15, 2013 | OK | SB 550 | Repeals the Retail Sales Price Requirement | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 16) |
May 15, 2013 | MN | SF 778 | Authorizes the Unionization of Family Child Care Providers | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 32) |
May 8, 2013 | CO | HB 1318 | Establishes Sales Taxes for Retail Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10) |
May 8, 2013 | MN | HF 92 | Increases Minimum Wage | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 28) |
May 8, 2013 | MO | HB 253 | Authorizes Income Tax Cuts | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9) |
May 6, 2013 | National | S 743 | Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013 | Bill Passed - Senate (69 - 27) |
May 6, 2013 | NC | SB 489 | Amends the Consumer Finance Act | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 10) |
May 2, 2013 | NH | HB 443 | Prohibits Contracts with Private Entities for Inmate Custody | "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (13 - 11) |
May 1, 2013 | IL | SB 1639 | Requires Reimbursement for the Sale of Unhealthy Pets | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18) |
April 30, 2013 | AZ | SB 1439 | Authorizes the Use of Gold and Silver as Legal Tender | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 10) |
April 30, 2013 | MI | SB 197 | Requires the State Prison Food Service To Seek Competitive Bids From Private Entities | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15) |
April 25, 2013 | National | S 743 | Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013 | Cloture Invoked - Senate (63 - 30) |
April 23, 2013 | MT | HB 297 | Prohibits the Employment of Undocumented Immigrants | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 21) |
April 22, 2013 | TX | SB 1247 | Limits Payday Loan Interest Rates | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6) |
April 22, 2013 | TX | SB 1247 | Limits Payday Loan Interest Rates | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6) |
April 18, 2013 | AR | SB 1020 | Authorizes Private Purchase of Health Insurance with Federal Funds | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 5) |
April 16, 2013 | MO | SB 112 | Extends the New Markets Tax Credit Program | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11) |
April 16, 2013 | TN | SB 1248 | Requires Disclosure of Photographic Evidence of Animal Abuse | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9) |
April 14, 2013 | AK | SB 21 | Amends the Oil Industry Tax Rate Structure | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (12 - 8) |
April 10, 2013 | AR | HB 1536 | Authorizes Sale of Unpasteurized Whole Milk | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11) |
April 10, 2013 | TX | SB 1467 | Requires Facilitation of Expansion of Firearms Manufacturers | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7) |
April 9, 2013 | WI | AB 15 | Authorizes Work-Share Programs | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15) |
April 4, 2013 | MO | SB 126 | Prohibits Pharmacies from Being Required to Carry Specific Drugs | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9) |
April 3, 2013 | CT | SB 1160 | Establishes Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10) |
April 2, 2013 | KS | HB 2055 | Reduces Casino Building Fee | Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 24) |
March 27, 2013 | MD | SB 274 | Expands Medicaid Coverage | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11) |
March 26, 2013 | KY | SB 13 | Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol on Election Days | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 11) |
March 26, 2013 | IN | HB 1293 | Establishes Micro-Distiller Permits | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9) |
March 26, 2013 | OK | HB 1999 | Authorizes the Slaughter of Horses | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14) |
March 26, 2013 | OK | HB 1999 | Authorizes the Slaughter of Horses | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14) |
March 26, 2013 | KS | SB 72 | Exempts Health Clubs From Property Taxes | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 14) |
March 25, 2013 | IA | SF 296 | Expands Medicaid Eligibility | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23) |
March 23, 2013 | National | S Amdt 139 | Prohibits the United States From Entering into the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty | Amendment Adopted - Senate (53 - 46) |
March 21, 2013 | AK | SB 21 | Amends the Oil Industry Tax Rate Structure | Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 9) |
March 21, 2013 | ID | H 248 | Establishes Health Insurance Exchange | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
March 15, 2013 | CO | HB 1229 | Requires Background Checks for Private Gun Sales and Transfers | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 14) |
March 14, 2013 | KS | HB 2022 | Prohibits Automatic Deductions by Public Labor Organizations for Political Fundraising | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16) |
March 13, 2013 | NC | SB 81 | Establishes the Charlotte Regional Airport Authority | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18) |
March 12, 2013 | MO | SB 26 | Amends State Tax Code | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11) |
March 11, 2013 | CO | HB 1228 | Establishes a Background Check Fee | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
March 7, 2013 | MN | HF 5 | Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 28) |
March 6, 2013 | ID | S 1117 | Authorizes Permits for Heavy Trucks on Certain Routes | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13) |
March 4, 2013 | NM | SB 416 | Increases Minimum Wage | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 17) |
Feb. 28, 2013 | IL | SB 26 | Expands Medicaid Eligibility | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19) |
Feb. 27, 2013 | WI | SB 1 | Amends Wisconsin's Iron-Ore Mining Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16) |
Feb. 20, 2013 | OK | SB 375 | Authorizes the International Sale of Horse Meat for Human Consumption | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 6) |
Feb. 19, 2013 | AK | HB 80 | Amends Cruise Ship Wastewater Discharge Permits | Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5) |
Feb. 19, 2013 | AK | HB 80 | Amends Cruise Ship Wastewater Discharge Permits | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6) |
Feb. 14, 2013 | MN | HF 9 | Expands Medicaid Eligibility | Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 22) |
Feb. 14, 2013 | KY | SB 88 | Repeals Regulations on Telephone Utility Companies | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13) |
Date | No. | Title | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|
12/12 | SB 660 | Authorizes the Growth and Sale of Pharmaceutical-Grade Marijuana | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 18) |
12/11 | HB 4369 | Expands the Education Achievement Authority | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18) |
12/11 | Initiation of Legislation | Requires Abortion Coverage To Be Optional In Health Care Plans | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11) |
11/19 | Amdt 1 | Increases the Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees | Amendment Adopted - Senate (31 - 7) |
11/19 | S 1925 | Increases the Minimum Wage | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7) |
11/13 | SB 660 | Authorizes the Growth and Sale of Pharmaceutical-Grade Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16) |
11/07 | S 815 | Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 | Bill Passed - Senate (64 - 32) |
11/07 | S Amdt 2013 | Exempts Religiously Affiliated Employers from the Prohibition on Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity | Amendment Rejected - Senate (43 - 55) |
11/04 | S 815 | Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 | Cloture Invoked - Senate (61 - 30) |
7/25 | HB 938 | Amends Wetland Permit Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 15) |
7/24 | HR 1911 | Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013 | Bill Passed - Senate (81 - 18) |
7/24 | S Amdt 1778 | Limits Interest Rates for Certain Federal Student Loans | Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 53) |
7/18 | SB 81 | Establishes the Charlotte International Airport Authority | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 14) |
6/27 | S 2723 | Amends Firearms Identification Card Requirements | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 16) |
6/05 | HB 5277 | Authorizes Mixed Martial Arts Events | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9) |
6/04 | SB 692 | Requires Certain Electronics to Meet Energy Efficiency Standards | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9) |
5/29 | SB 53 | Requires Ammunition Purchasers to Undergo a Background Check | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
5/28 | SB 165 | Authorizes Film Tax Credits | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
5/24 | SB 648 | Prohibits the Use of Electronic Cigarettes in Certain Public Areas | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10) |
5/23 | HB 3409 | Amends Hair Care Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11) |
5/23 | SB 387 | Increases Minimum Wage | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15) |
5/22 | HB 7 | Prohibits Internet Cafes | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6) |
5/22 | S 256 | Increases Minimum Wage | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6) |
5/20 | SB 439 | Exempts Certain Medical Marijuana Collectives and Cooperatives from Prosecution | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12) |
5/17 | HB 1 | Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 21) |
5/15 | SB 550 | Repeals the Retail Sales Price Requirement | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 16) |
5/15 | SF 778 | Authorizes the Unionization of Family Child Care Providers | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 32) |
5/08 | HB 1318 | Establishes Sales Taxes for Retail Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10) |
5/08 | HF 92 | Increases Minimum Wage | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 28) |
5/08 | HB 253 | Authorizes Income Tax Cuts | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9) |
5/06 | S 743 | Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013 | Bill Passed - Senate (69 - 27) |
5/06 | SB 489 | Amends the Consumer Finance Act | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 10) |
5/02 | HB 443 | Prohibits Contracts with Private Entities for Inmate Custody | "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (13 - 11) |
5/01 | SB 1639 | Requires Reimbursement for the Sale of Unhealthy Pets | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18) |
4/30 | SB 1439 | Authorizes the Use of Gold and Silver as Legal Tender | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 10) |
4/30 | SB 197 | Requires the State Prison Food Service To Seek Competitive Bids From Private Entities | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15) |
4/25 | S 743 | Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013 | Cloture Invoked - Senate (63 - 30) |
4/23 | HB 297 | Prohibits the Employment of Undocumented Immigrants | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 21) |
4/22 | SB 1247 | Limits Payday Loan Interest Rates | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6) |
4/22 | SB 1247 | Limits Payday Loan Interest Rates | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6) |
4/18 | SB 1020 | Authorizes Private Purchase of Health Insurance with Federal Funds | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 5) |
4/16 | SB 112 | Extends the New Markets Tax Credit Program | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11) |
4/16 | SB 1248 | Requires Disclosure of Photographic Evidence of Animal Abuse | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9) |
4/14 | SB 21 | Amends the Oil Industry Tax Rate Structure | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (12 - 8) |
4/10 | HB 1536 | Authorizes Sale of Unpasteurized Whole Milk | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11) |
4/10 | SB 1467 | Requires Facilitation of Expansion of Firearms Manufacturers | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7) |
4/09 | AB 15 | Authorizes Work-Share Programs | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15) |
4/04 | SB 126 | Prohibits Pharmacies from Being Required to Carry Specific Drugs | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9) |
4/03 | SB 1160 | Establishes Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10) |
4/02 | HB 2055 | Reduces Casino Building Fee | Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 24) |
3/27 | SB 274 | Expands Medicaid Coverage | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11) |
3/26 | SB 13 | Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol on Election Days | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 11) |
3/26 | HB 1293 | Establishes Micro-Distiller Permits | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9) |
3/26 | HB 1999 | Authorizes the Slaughter of Horses | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14) |
3/26 | HB 1999 | Authorizes the Slaughter of Horses | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14) |
3/26 | SB 72 | Exempts Health Clubs From Property Taxes | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 14) |
3/25 | SF 296 | Expands Medicaid Eligibility | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23) |
3/23 | S Amdt 139 | Prohibits the United States From Entering into the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty | Amendment Adopted - Senate (53 - 46) |
3/21 | SB 21 | Amends the Oil Industry Tax Rate Structure | Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 9) |
3/21 | H 248 | Establishes Health Insurance Exchange | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
3/15 | HB 1229 | Requires Background Checks for Private Gun Sales and Transfers | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 14) |
3/14 | HB 2022 | Prohibits Automatic Deductions by Public Labor Organizations for Political Fundraising | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16) |
3/13 | SB 81 | Establishes the Charlotte Regional Airport Authority | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18) |
3/12 | SB 26 | Amends State Tax Code | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11) |
3/11 | HB 1228 | Establishes a Background Check Fee | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
3/07 | HF 5 | Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 28) |
3/06 | S 1117 | Authorizes Permits for Heavy Trucks on Certain Routes | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13) |
3/04 | SB 416 | Increases Minimum Wage | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 17) |
2/28 | SB 26 | Expands Medicaid Eligibility | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19) |
2/27 | SB 1 | Amends Wisconsin's Iron-Ore Mining Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16) |
2/20 | SB 375 | Authorizes the International Sale of Horse Meat for Human Consumption | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 6) |
2/19 | HB 80 | Amends Cruise Ship Wastewater Discharge Permits | Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5) |
2/19 | HB 80 | Amends Cruise Ship Wastewater Discharge Permits | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6) |
2/14 | HF 9 | Expands Medicaid Eligibility | Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 22) |
2/14 | SB 88 | Repeals Regulations on Telephone Utility Companies | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13) |