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 14, 2013 NV SB 139 Classifies Crimes Based on Gender Identity or Expression as Felonies Bill Passed - House (30 - 11)
May 14, 2013 NV SB 139 Classifies Crimes Based on Gender Identity or Expression as Felonies Bill Passed - House (30 - 11)
May 13, 2013 VT S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 65)
May 13, 2013 VT S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 65)
May 9, 2013 MN HF 1054 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (75 - 59)
May 9, 2013 CA AB 1266 Amends Sex-Segregated School Programs and Activities Bill Passed - House (46 - 25)
May 8, 2013 MO HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (116 - 38)
May 8, 2013 MO HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (116 - 38)
May 7, 2013 CO SB 251 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
May 7, 2013 NC HB 610 Expands the Sale of Alcohol in Seating Areas of Certain Stadiums and Ballparks Bill Passed - House (73 - 45)
May 7, 2013 NC HB 937 Amends Firearm Laws Bill Passed - House (78 - 42)
May 7, 2013 CT HB 5277 Authorizes Mixed Martial Arts Events Bill Passed - House (117 - 26)
May 7, 2013 TX HB 928 Prohibits State Funds from Being Used for the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (101 - 31)
May 6, 2013 TX SB 864 Reduces Required Hours for Concealed Handgun License Training Bill Passed - House (116 - 30)
May 6, 2013 TX HB 1009 Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools Bill Passed - House (123 - 22)
May 6, 2013 LA HB 45 Establishes Licenses for the In-State Sale and Manufacture of Firearms Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
May 6, 2013 TX HB 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
May 6, 2013 TX HB 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
May 6, 2013 TX HB 972 Authorizes Concealed Handguns on Higher Education Campuses Bill Passed - House (102 - 41)
May 4, 2013 TX HB 852 Prohibits the Sale of Shark Fins Bill Passed - House (87 - 42)
May 2, 2013 RI H 5015 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 15)
May 2, 2013 AL SB 286 Amends Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (74 - 27)
May 2, 2013 CA AB 277 Authorizes Gaming on Traditional Tribal Territory Bill Passed - House (41 - 12)
May 1, 2013 VT S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - House (81 - 64)
May 1, 2013 VT S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - House (81 - 64)
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)
May 1, 2013 MI HB 4118 Requires Drug Testing For Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (77 - 33)
May 1, 2013 MI HB 4388 Establishes School Attendence Requirements for Family Independence Assistance Bill Passed - House (78 - 32)
May 1, 2013 TX HB 489 Expands Access to Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Bill Passed - House (120 - 21)
April 30, 2013 ME SP 550 Alleges Support For Comprehensive Immigration Reform Joint Resolution Passed - House (88 - 55)
April 30, 2013 OR SB 833 Authorizes Drivers Licenses for Individuals Without Legal Proof of US Residence Bill Passed - House (38 - 20)
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 OR HB 2613 Authorizes Electronic Gambling Machines for Horse Races Bill Passed - House (39 - 16)
April 26, 2013 TX HB 148 Prohibits Multiple Ballots from Being Turned in by 1 Individual Bill Passed - House (93 - 48)
April 25, 2013 CA AB 1401 Authorizes Non-United States Citizens to Serve on Juries Bill Passed - House (45 - 26)
April 24, 2013 LA HB 265 Establishes Lifetime Concealed Handgun Permits Bill Passed - House (65 - 19)
April 23, 2013 CO HB 1251 Requires DNA Samples for Misdemeanors Bill Passed - House (43 - 21)
April 23, 2013 DE HB 75 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (23 - 18)
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 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 23, 2013 NV AB 230 Amends State Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
April 22, 2013 MT SB 256 Requires the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Organization to be Liable for Damage Caused by Wild Buffalo Conference Report Adopted - House (61 - 39)
April 20, 2013 MT HB 297 Prohibits the Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - House (63 - 37)
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 MO HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (115 - 41)
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 17, 2013 OK SB 330 Increases Rebate Funds for the Film Industry Bill Passed - House (55 - 30)
April 17, 2013 TN SB 1248 Requires Disclosure of Photographic Evidence of Animal Abuse Bill Passed - House (50 - 43)
April 17, 2013 MT SB 143 Amends Bison Management Laws Bill Failed - House (50 - 50)
April 17, 2013 MT SB 143 Amends Bison Management Laws Bill Failed - House (50 - 50)
April 17, 2013 TN SB 1248 Requires Disclosure of Photographic Evidence of Animal Abuse Bill Passed - House (50 - 43)
April 17, 2013 IL HB 2675 Expands Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (66 - 52)
April 16, 2013 NV AB 60 Requires Certain Information From Donation-Seeking Charities Bill Passed - House (25 - 15)
April 16, 2013 VT H 200 Reduces Penalties for Small Amounts of Marijuana Bill Passed - House (92 - 49)
April 16, 2013 IL HB 2404 Amends Definition of Delinquent Minor Bill Passed - House (89 - 26)
April 16, 2013 WI AB 82 Prohibits the Unauthorized Transfer of Food Stamps Bill Passed - House (73 - 24)
April 15, 2013 IN SB 487 Establishes Regulations for Hunting Preserves Bill Passed - House (52 - 39)
April 15, 2013 IN SB 487 Establishes Regulations for Hunting Preserves Bill Passed - House (52 - 39)
April 15, 2013 IN SB 207 Authorizes Certain Undocumented Students to Receive In-State Tuition Bill Passed - House (70 - 23)
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 MO HB 533 Authorizes State Employees to Keep Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (126 - 25)
April 10, 2013 MT SB 107 Amends Sexual Conduct Laws Bill Passed - House (64 - 35)
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 5, 2013 KS SB 199 Establishes the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center Conference Report Adopted - House (90 - 30)
April 5, 2013 KS SB 102 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Conference Report Adopted - House (96 - 24)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/14 SB 139 Classifies Crimes Based on Gender Identity or Expression as Felonies Bill Passed - House (30 - 11)
5/14 SB 139 Classifies Crimes Based on Gender Identity or Expression as Felonies Bill Passed - House (30 - 11)
5/13 S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 65)
5/13 S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 65)
5/09 HF 1054 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (75 - 59)
5/09 AB 1266 Amends Sex-Segregated School Programs and Activities Bill Passed - House (46 - 25)
5/08 HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (116 - 38)
5/08 HB 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (116 - 38)
5/07 SB 251 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (34 - 31)
5/07 HB 610 Expands the Sale of Alcohol in Seating Areas of Certain Stadiums and Ballparks Bill Passed - House (73 - 45)
5/07 HB 937 Amends Firearm Laws Bill Passed - House (78 - 42)
5/07 HB 5277 Authorizes Mixed Martial Arts Events Bill Passed - House (117 - 26)
5/07 HB 928 Prohibits State Funds from Being Used for the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (101 - 31)
5/06 SB 864 Reduces Required Hours for Concealed Handgun License Training Bill Passed - House (116 - 30)
5/06 HB 1009 Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools Bill Passed - House (123 - 22)
5/06 HB 45 Establishes Licenses for the In-State Sale and Manufacture of Firearms Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
5/06 HB 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
5/06 HB 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
5/06 HB 972 Authorizes Concealed Handguns on Higher Education Campuses Bill Passed - House (102 - 41)
5/04 HB 852 Prohibits the Sale of Shark Fins Bill Passed - House (87 - 42)
5/02 H 5015 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 15)
5/02 SB 286 Amends Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (74 - 27)
5/02 AB 277 Authorizes Gaming on Traditional Tribal Territory Bill Passed - House (41 - 12)
5/01 S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - House (81 - 64)
5/01 S 77 Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages Bill Passed - House (81 - 64)
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)
5/01 HB 4118 Requires Drug Testing For Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (77 - 33)
5/01 HB 4388 Establishes School Attendence Requirements for Family Independence Assistance Bill Passed - House (78 - 32)
5/01 HB 489 Expands Access to Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Bill Passed - House (120 - 21)
4/30 SP 550 Alleges Support For Comprehensive Immigration Reform Joint Resolution Passed - House (88 - 55)
4/30 SB 833 Authorizes Drivers Licenses for Individuals Without Legal Proof of US Residence Bill Passed - House (38 - 20)
4/30 HB 8 Requires Courts to Apply "Strict Scrutiny" to Certain Firearm Regulation Laws Bill Passed - House (76 - 22)
4/29 HB 2613 Authorizes Electronic Gambling Machines for Horse Races Bill Passed - House (39 - 16)
4/26 HB 148 Prohibits Multiple Ballots from Being Turned in by 1 Individual Bill Passed - House (93 - 48)
4/25 AB 1401 Authorizes Non-United States Citizens to Serve on Juries Bill Passed - House (45 - 26)
4/24 HB 265 Establishes Lifetime Concealed Handgun Permits Bill Passed - House (65 - 19)
4/23 HB 1251 Requires DNA Samples for Misdemeanors Bill Passed - House (43 - 21)
4/23 HB 75 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (23 - 18)
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 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)
4/23 AB 230 Amends State Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
4/22 SB 256 Requires the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Organization to be Liable for Damage Caused by Wild Buffalo Conference Report Adopted - House (61 - 39)
4/20 HB 297 Prohibits the Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - House (63 - 37)
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 436 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (115 - 41)
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)
4/17 SB 330 Increases Rebate Funds for the Film Industry Bill Passed - House (55 - 30)
4/17 SB 1248 Requires Disclosure of Photographic Evidence of Animal Abuse Bill Passed - House (50 - 43)
4/17 SB 143 Amends Bison Management Laws Bill Failed - House (50 - 50)
4/17 SB 143 Amends Bison Management Laws Bill Failed - House (50 - 50)
4/17 SB 1248 Requires Disclosure of Photographic Evidence of Animal Abuse Bill Passed - House (50 - 43)
4/17 HB 2675 Expands Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (66 - 52)
4/16 AB 60 Requires Certain Information From Donation-Seeking Charities Bill Passed - House (25 - 15)
4/16 H 200 Reduces Penalties for Small Amounts of Marijuana Bill Passed - House (92 - 49)
4/16 HB 2404 Amends Definition of Delinquent Minor Bill Passed - House (89 - 26)
4/16 AB 82 Prohibits the Unauthorized Transfer of Food Stamps Bill Passed - House (73 - 24)
4/15 SB 487 Establishes Regulations for Hunting Preserves Bill Passed - House (52 - 39)
4/15 SB 487 Establishes Regulations for Hunting Preserves Bill Passed - House (52 - 39)
4/15 SB 207 Authorizes Certain Undocumented Students to Receive In-State Tuition Bill Passed - House (70 - 23)
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 HB 533 Authorizes State Employees to Keep Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (126 - 25)
4/10 SB 107 Amends Sexual Conduct Laws Bill Passed - House (64 - 35)
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)
4/05 SB 199 Establishes the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center Conference Report Adopted - House (90 - 30)
4/05 SB 102 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Conference Report Adopted - House (96 - 24)

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