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
May 1, 2013 TX HB 489 Expands Access to Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Bill Passed - House (120 - 21)
May 1, 2013 MI HB 4118 Requires Drug Testing For Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (77 - 33)
April 30, 2013 HI HB 622 Limits Media 'Shield Law' Provisions Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 9)
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 30, 2013 TX SB 1907 Authorizes Firearms in Vehicles on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
April 30, 2013 AL SB 93 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
April 30, 2013 AL SB 93 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
April 30, 2013 AL HB 8 Requires Courts to Apply "Strict Scrutiny" to Certain Firearm Regulation Laws Bill Passed - House (76 - 22)
April 29, 2013 FL HB 7083 Limits Post-Conviction Death Penalty Appeals Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
April 29, 2013 FL HB 7083 Limits Post-Conviction Death Penalty Appeals Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
April 26, 2013 IN SB 373 Prohibits Unauthorized Entry on Industrial or Agricultural Property Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 21)
April 26, 2013 IN HB 1006 Amends the Criminal Code Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 15)
April 26, 2013 TX HB 148 Prohibits Multiple Ballots from Being Turned in by 1 Individual Bill Passed - House (93 - 48)
April 25, 2013 FL HB 7083 Limits Post-Conviction Death Penalty Appeals Bill Passed - House (84 - 34)
April 25, 2013 NC SB 201 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 16)
April 25, 2013 MI SJR S Establishes a Constitutional Authorization for Individuals to Hunt and Fish Amendment Adopted - Senate (25 - 11)
April 25, 2013 FL HB 7083 Limits Post-Conviction Death Penalty Appeals Bill Passed - House (84 - 34)
April 24, 2013 IL SB 923 Authorizes the Use of Traffic Cameras on School Buses Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
April 24, 2013 AL SB 191 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
April 24, 2013 LA HB 265 Establishes Lifetime Concealed Handgun Permits Bill Passed - House (65 - 19)
April 23, 2013 MT HB 297 Prohibits the Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 21)
April 23, 2013 CO HB 1251 Requires DNA Samples for Misdemeanors Bill Passed - House (43 - 21)
April 23, 2013 CO HB 1251 Requires DNA Samples for Misdemeanors Bill Passed - House (43 - 21)
April 23, 2013 LA HB 8 Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information Bill Passed - House (76 - 18)
April 23, 2013 OR HB 2624 Exempts Counties from Hunting Dog Prohibitions if Approved by County Voters Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
April 23, 2013 OR HB 2624 Exempts Counties from Hunting Dog Prohibitions if Approved by County Voters Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
April 23, 2013 LA HB 5 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (67 - 25)
April 23, 2013 LA HB 5 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (67 - 25)
April 20, 2013 MT HB 297 Prohibits the Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - House (63 - 37)
April 18, 2013 CA SB 140 Appropriates Funds to the Armed Prohibited Persons System Bill Passed - House (65 - 10)
April 18, 2013 DE HB 35 Requires Background Checks Prior to the Purchase of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
April 18, 2013 FL SB 718 Amends Alimony Provisions Bill Passed - House (85 - 31)
April 18, 2013 National HR 624 Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act Bill Passed - House (288 - 127)
April 18, 2013 TX HB 63 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - House (97 - 45)
April 18, 2013 MO HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (115 - 41)
April 18, 2013 MO HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (115 - 41)
April 17, 2013 TN SB 1248 Requires Disclosure of Photographic Evidence of Animal Abuse Bill Passed - House (50 - 43)
April 17, 2013 National S Amdt 719 Authorizes Reciprocity for the Carrying of Certain Concealed Firearms Amendment Rejected - Senate (57 - 43)
April 17, 2013 National S Amdt 715 Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act Amendment Rejected - Senate (54 - 46)
April 17, 2013 National S Amdt 714 Limits Firearm Magazine Capacity Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 54)
April 17, 2013 National S Amdt 711 Prohibits the Sale of Assault Weapons Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 60)
April 17, 2013 LA SB 147 Prohibits the Use of Social Media While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
April 16, 2013 AZ HB 2455 Requires the Sale of Certain Firearms Acquired by Public Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
April 16, 2013 NV AB 60 Requires Certain Information From Donation-Seeking Charities Bill Passed - House (25 - 15)
April 16, 2013 TN SB 1248 Requires Disclosure of Photographic Evidence of Animal Abuse Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
April 16, 2013 WI AB 82 Prohibits the Unauthorized Transfer of Food Stamps Bill Passed - House (73 - 24)
April 16, 2013 IL HB 2404 Amends Definition of Delinquent Minor Bill Passed - House (89 - 26)
April 16, 2013 IL HB 2404 Amends Definition of Delinquent Minor Bill Passed - House (89 - 26)
April 16, 2013 VT H 200 Reduces Penalties for Small Amounts of Marijuana Bill Passed - House (92 - 49)
April 15, 2013 IN SB 373 Prohibits Unauthorized Entry On Industrial Or Agricultural Property Bill Passed - House (65 - 25)
April 15, 2013 IN SB 487 Establishes Regulations for Hunting Preserves Bill Passed - House (52 - 39)
April 11, 2013 FL SB 1792 Amends Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
April 11, 2013 MO HB 533 Authorizes State Employees to Keep Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (126 - 25)
April 11, 2013 MO SB 267 Prohibits the Enforcement of Foreign Laws Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
April 10, 2013 IN HB 1483 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
April 10, 2013 IA SF 384 Prohibits the Removal of an Officer's Communication Device Bill Passed - House (77 - 17)
April 10, 2013 MT SB 107 Amends Sexual Conduct Laws Bill Passed - House (64 - 35)
April 10, 2013 TX SB 1467 Requires Facilitation of Expansion of Firearms Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
April 8, 2013 MT HB 30 Prohibits Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
April 8, 2013 AR SB 38 Requires Drug Testing for Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
April 5, 2013 KS SB 102 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
April 5, 2013 KS SB 102 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Conference Report Adopted - House (96 - 24)
April 5, 2013 AR SB 1093 Requires Racial Impact Statement For Crime Bills Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 10)
April 5, 2013 AR SB 1093 Requires Racial Impact Statement For Crime Bills Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 10)
April 4, 2013 KS HB 2033 Repeals Prohibition on the Possession of Switchblade and Stiletto Knives Conference Report Adopted - House (95 - 26)
April 4, 2013 MD SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
April 4, 2013 MD SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
April 4, 2013 MD SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
April 4, 2013 MO HB 46 Prohibits the Use of Unmanned Aircrafts Bill Passed - House (87 - 66)
April 4, 2013 MO SB 126 Prohibits Pharmacies from Being Required to Carry Specific Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
April 4, 2013 FL SB 718 Amends Alimony Provisions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
April 4, 2013 MO HB 46 Prohibits the Use of Unmanned Aircrafts Bill Passed - House (87 - 66)
April 3, 2013 MS SB 2659 Establishes a Grant for School Resource Officers in Schools Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 36)
April 3, 2013 MD SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Bill Passed - House (78 - 61)
April 3, 2013 MD SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Bill Passed - House (78 - 61)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/01 HB 489 Expands Access to Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Bill Passed - House (120 - 21)
5/01 HB 4118 Requires Drug Testing For Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (77 - 33)
4/30 HB 622 Limits Media 'Shield Law' Provisions Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 9)
4/30 SB 197 Requires the State Prison Food Service To Seek Competitive Bids From Private Entities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
4/30 SB 1907 Authorizes Firearms in Vehicles on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
4/30 SB 93 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
4/30 SB 93 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
4/30 HB 8 Requires Courts to Apply "Strict Scrutiny" to Certain Firearm Regulation Laws Bill Passed - House (76 - 22)
4/29 HB 7083 Limits Post-Conviction Death Penalty Appeals Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
4/29 HB 7083 Limits Post-Conviction Death Penalty Appeals Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
4/26 SB 373 Prohibits Unauthorized Entry on Industrial or Agricultural Property Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 21)
4/26 HB 1006 Amends the Criminal Code Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 15)
4/26 HB 148 Prohibits Multiple Ballots from Being Turned in by 1 Individual Bill Passed - House (93 - 48)
4/25 HB 7083 Limits Post-Conviction Death Penalty Appeals Bill Passed - House (84 - 34)
4/25 SB 201 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 16)
4/25 SJR S Establishes a Constitutional Authorization for Individuals to Hunt and Fish Amendment Adopted - Senate (25 - 11)
4/25 HB 7083 Limits Post-Conviction Death Penalty Appeals Bill Passed - House (84 - 34)
4/24 SB 923 Authorizes the Use of Traffic Cameras on School Buses Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
4/24 SB 191 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
4/24 HB 265 Establishes Lifetime Concealed Handgun Permits Bill Passed - House (65 - 19)
4/23 HB 297 Prohibits the Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 21)
4/23 HB 1251 Requires DNA Samples for Misdemeanors Bill Passed - House (43 - 21)
4/23 HB 1251 Requires DNA Samples for Misdemeanors Bill Passed - House (43 - 21)
4/23 HB 8 Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information Bill Passed - House (76 - 18)
4/23 HB 2624 Exempts Counties from Hunting Dog Prohibitions if Approved by County Voters Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
4/23 HB 2624 Exempts Counties from Hunting Dog Prohibitions if Approved by County Voters Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
4/23 HB 5 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (67 - 25)
4/23 HB 5 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (67 - 25)
4/20 HB 297 Prohibits the Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - House (63 - 37)
4/18 SB 140 Appropriates Funds to the Armed Prohibited Persons System Bill Passed - House (65 - 10)
4/18 HB 35 Requires Background Checks Prior to the Purchase of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
4/18 SB 718 Amends Alimony Provisions Bill Passed - House (85 - 31)
4/18 HR 624 Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act Bill Passed - House (288 - 127)
4/18 HB 63 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - House (97 - 45)
4/18 HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (115 - 41)
4/18 HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (115 - 41)
4/17 SB 1248 Requires Disclosure of Photographic Evidence of Animal Abuse Bill Passed - House (50 - 43)
4/17 S Amdt 719 Authorizes Reciprocity for the Carrying of Certain Concealed Firearms Amendment Rejected - Senate (57 - 43)
4/17 S Amdt 715 Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act Amendment Rejected - Senate (54 - 46)
4/17 S Amdt 714 Limits Firearm Magazine Capacity Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 54)
4/17 S Amdt 711 Prohibits the Sale of Assault Weapons Amendment Rejected - Senate (40 - 60)
4/17 SB 147 Prohibits the Use of Social Media While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
4/16 HB 2455 Requires the Sale of Certain Firearms Acquired by Public Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
4/16 AB 60 Requires Certain Information From Donation-Seeking Charities Bill Passed - House (25 - 15)
4/16 SB 1248 Requires Disclosure of Photographic Evidence of Animal Abuse Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
4/16 AB 82 Prohibits the Unauthorized Transfer of Food Stamps Bill Passed - House (73 - 24)
4/16 HB 2404 Amends Definition of Delinquent Minor Bill Passed - House (89 - 26)
4/16 HB 2404 Amends Definition of Delinquent Minor Bill Passed - House (89 - 26)
4/16 H 200 Reduces Penalties for Small Amounts of Marijuana Bill Passed - House (92 - 49)
4/15 SB 373 Prohibits Unauthorized Entry On Industrial Or Agricultural Property Bill Passed - House (65 - 25)
4/15 SB 487 Establishes Regulations for Hunting Preserves Bill Passed - House (52 - 39)
4/11 SB 1792 Amends Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
4/11 HB 533 Authorizes State Employees to Keep Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (126 - 25)
4/11 SB 267 Prohibits the Enforcement of Foreign Laws Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
4/10 HB 1483 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
4/10 SF 384 Prohibits the Removal of an Officer's Communication Device Bill Passed - House (77 - 17)
4/10 SB 107 Amends Sexual Conduct Laws Bill Passed - House (64 - 35)
4/10 SB 1467 Requires Facilitation of Expansion of Firearms Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
4/08 HB 30 Prohibits Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
4/08 SB 38 Requires Drug Testing for Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
4/05 SB 102 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
4/05 SB 102 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Conference Report Adopted - House (96 - 24)
4/05 SB 1093 Requires Racial Impact Statement For Crime Bills Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 10)
4/05 SB 1093 Requires Racial Impact Statement For Crime Bills Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 10)
4/04 HB 2033 Repeals Prohibition on the Possession of Switchblade and Stiletto Knives Conference Report Adopted - House (95 - 26)
4/04 SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
4/04 SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
4/04 SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
4/04 HB 46 Prohibits the Use of Unmanned Aircrafts Bill Passed - House (87 - 66)
4/04 SB 126 Prohibits Pharmacies from Being Required to Carry Specific Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
4/04 SB 718 Amends Alimony Provisions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
4/04 HB 46 Prohibits the Use of Unmanned Aircrafts Bill Passed - House (87 - 66)
4/03 SB 2659 Establishes a Grant for School Resource Officers in Schools Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 36)
4/03 SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Bill Passed - House (78 - 61)
4/03 SB 281 Amends Firearms Regulations Bill Passed - House (78 - 61)

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