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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec. 10, 2014 | MI | HB 4118 | Requires Drug Testing For Certain Welfare Recipients | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 10) |
| Feb. 17, 2014 | IN | HJR 3 | Defines Marriage as Between 1 Man and 1 Woman | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 17) |
| Jan. 28, 2014 | IN | SB 229 | Amends Firearm Buy-Back Program Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21) |
| March 13, 2014 | IN | HB 1351 | Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients | Conference Report Rejected - Senate (24 - 24) |
| March 4, 2014 | IN | HB 1351 | Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14) |
| Feb. 13, 2014 | TN | SB 1496 | Authorizes Certain Individuals to Carry a Handgun in Public Parks | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
| Feb. 12, 2014 | MI | SB 319 | Amends the Sentencing Procedure for Certain Juvenile Offenders | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 10) |
| Feb. 5, 2014 | TN | SJR 123 | Requires Election of Attorney General Position | Amendment Rejected - Senate (15 - 14) |
| Feb. 4, 2014 | IN | SB 404 | Establishes Regulations for High-Fence Hunting Preserves | Bill Failed - Senate (25 - 23) |
| Feb. 4, 2014 | NE | LB 399 | Authorizes Crime Prevention Vehicles to Use Amber Lights | Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (32 - 12) |
| Feb. 13, 2014 | KS | HB 2389 | Establishes Time Limits on Death Penalty Appeals Process | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13) |
| Feb. 13, 2014 | KS | HB 2389 | Establishes Time Limits on Death Penalty Appeals Process | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13) |
| Feb. 5, 2014 | KY | SB 8 | Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5) |
| Feb. 19, 2014 | AZ | SB 1062 | Authorizes Individuals to use Potential Infringements of Religious Freedom as a Claim or Defense | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13) |
| Feb. 19, 2014 | AZ | SB 1062 | Authorizes Individuals to use Potential Infringements of Religious Freedom as a Claim or Defense | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13) |
| Feb. 18, 2014 | ID | S 1254 | Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Firearms on College or University Campuses | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10) |
| Feb. 14, 2014 | ID | S 1337 | Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
| Feb. 20, 2014 | MO | SB 613 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearms Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
| Feb. 20, 2014 | MO | SB 613 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearms Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
| Feb. 20, 2014 | KS | HB 2387 | Requires 50 Year Minimum Sentence for Certain Murder Convictions | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3) |
| Feb. 19, 2014 | KY | SB 119 | Establishes Medical Malpractice Claims Review Panel | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13) |
| Feb. 6, 2014 | MD | SB 263 | Amends Baltimore's Needle and Syringe Exchange Program | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 6) |
| Feb. 18, 2014 | VA | HB 1237 | Authorizes Hunting on Sundays | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11) |
| Jan. 30, 2014 | CA | SB 383 | Authorizes Businesses to Collect Certain Cardholder Information in Online Transactions | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13) |
| March 6, 2014 | OR | HB 4143 | Amends Payout Procedures In Class Action Lawsuits | Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 15) |
| March 6, 2014 | National | S 1752 | Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013 | Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (55 - 45) |
| March 5, 2014 | SD | HB 1229 | Requires Certain Individuals to be Reported to the National Background Check System | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9) |
| March 4, 2014 | IN | HB 1126 | Amends Procedures for Awarding Unpaid Wages | Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 25) |
| March 18, 2014 | GA | HB 60 | Amends Firearm Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 18) |
| Feb. 18, 2014 | WV | SB 6 | Prohibits Sale of Medicines Containing Pseudoephedrine without Prescription | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9) |
| Feb. 18, 2014 | WV | SB 6 | Prohibits Sale of Medicines Containing Pseudoephedrine without Prescription | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9) |
| March 4, 2014 | UT | HB 20 | Expands Protections for Police Officers in Lawsuits | Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 13) |
| March 4, 2014 | UT | HB 20 | Expands Protections for Police Officers in Lawsuits | Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 13) |
| March 10, 2014 | UT | SB 253 | Prohibits Texting While Driving on a Highway | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 8) |
| Feb. 25, 2014 | KY | SB 116 | Amends Patent Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7) |
| March 8, 2014 | WV | HB 4588 | Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5) |
| March 20, 2014 | IL | AM 121 | Nomination of Salvador A. Godinez to be Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections | Nomination Confirmed - Senate (37 - 18) |
| Feb. 27, 2014 | KS | SB 311 | Increases the Limit for Non-Economic Civil Damages | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8) |
| March 17, 2014 | KY | SB 221 | Authorizes Legislative Leaders to Intervene in Certain Court Cases | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6) |
| March 28, 2014 | KY | HB 222 | Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6) |
| April 30, 2014 | MO | HB 1439 | Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8) |
| April 23, 2014 | FL | HB 59 | Establishes Penalties for Killing or Injuring a Fetus | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 14) |
| April 3, 2014 | FL | HB 89 | Prohibits Mandatory Sentencing for Certain Convictions of Aggravated Assault | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7) |
| April 3, 2014 | FL | HB 89 | Prohibits Mandatory Sentencing for Certain Convictions of Aggravated Assault | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7) |
| March 19, 2014 | AL | SB 354 | Authorizes Individuals Without Concealed Carry Licenses to Carry Firearms in Vehicles | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7) |
| Feb. 26, 2014 | AL | SB 63 | Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 4) |
| April 3, 2014 | AL | HB 494 | Amends Requirements for Minors Who Seek an Abortion | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5) |
| April 16, 2014 | AZ | HB 2339 | Authorizes Individuals with State Issued Gun Permits to Carry in Public Buildings | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12) |
| April 7, 2014 | TN | SB 1391 | Prohibits Women from Using Illegal Substances While Pregnant | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
| April 7, 2014 | TN | SB 1391 | Prohibits Women from Using Illegal Substances While Pregnant | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
| April 17, 2014 | NH | HB 1170 | Repeals the Death Penalty | Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 12) |
| April 16, 2014 | AZ | HB 2508 | Requires Licensure for Federal Health Care Navigators | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10) |
| March 31, 2014 | MD | SB 973 | Establishes an Automated Assessment System for Pretrial Releases | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 9) |
| April 16, 2014 | AZ | HB 2517 | Establishes Penalties for Violations of an Existing State Firearms Law | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12) |
| April 17, 2014 | TN | SB 2580 | Authorizes the Use of Certain Execution Methods | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 4) |
| April 17, 2014 | TN | HB 1574 | Limits Amount of Pseudoephedrine an Individual Can Purchase | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 7) |
| May 1, 2014 | IA | SF 2360 | Authorizes Medical Marijuana Oil | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 8) |
| April 28, 2014 | FL | SB 386 | Prohibits Enforcement of Foreign Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14) |
| May 5, 2014 | CA | SB 1038 | Amends Juvenile Court Records Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13) |
| April 30, 2014 | NY | A 9206 | Authorizes Traffic Cameras on Long Island | Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 11) |
| May 12, 2014 | NJ | A 2006 | Reduces the Maximum Capacity of Ammunition Magazines | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17) |
| Aug. 21, 2014 | CA | SB 1010 | Amends Penalties for Cocaine Possession | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 13) |
| Aug. 21, 2014 | CA | SB 1010 | Amends Penalties for Cocaine Possession | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 13) |
| May 28, 2014 | CA | SB 1010 | Amends Penalties for Cocaine Possession | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12) |
| May 28, 2014 | CA | SB 1010 | Amends Penalties for Cocaine Possession | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12) |
| April 24, 2014 | FL | HB 7029 | Prohibits Administrators From Punishing Simulation Of Weapon Play | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6) |
| March 13, 2014 | IN | SB 229 | Authorizes the Concealed Possession of Firearms on School Property | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 10) |
| May 12, 2014 | NJ | A 2777 | Amends Firearm Transportation Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17) |
| May 30, 2014 | LA | SB 469 | Prohibits Government Entities from Pursuing Cause of Action under the Coastal Management Program | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 11) |
| May 22, 2014 | IL | SJRCA 75 | Ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 11) |
| Sept. 10, 2014 | MO | SB 656 | Authorizes School Employees to Carry Firearms on School Property | Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 8) |
| May 15, 2014 | MO | SB 656 | Authorizes School Employees to Carry Firearms on School Property | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 8) |
| April 3, 2014 | NE | LB 671 | Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions | Veto Override Failed - Senate (28 - 21) |
| April 2, 2014 | NE | LB 671 | Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions | Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 21) |
| March 24, 2014 | NE | LB 671 | Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 13) |
| April 16, 2014 | AZ | SB 1158 | Amends Fireworks Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 4) |
| July 31, 2014 | MA | H 4278 | Amends Firearm Laws | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 3) |
| July 31, 2014 | MA | H 4278 | Amends Firearm Laws | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 3) |
| July 31, 2014 | MA | H 4278 | Amends Firearm Laws | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 3) |
| March 27, 2014 | NJ | S 783 | Amends the Definition of an Unlawful Employment Practice | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13) |
| July 16, 2014 | MA | H 4184 | Requires Parole Eligibility for Certain Juveniles Sentenced to Life Imprisonment | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4) |
| March 12, 2014 | WI | AB 19 | Requires an Individual to Disclose the Number of Asbestos Trusts they Plan to Sue | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16) |
| Feb. 11, 2014 | WI | AB 161 | Authorizes the Appeal of Court Orders that Suspend State Law | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14) |
| April 1, 2014 | WI | AB 120 | Prohibits Certain Actions Made by Health Care Providers from Being Used Against Them in Court | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14) |
| April 1, 2014 | WI | AB 556 | Expands Jailhouse Strip Search Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15) |
| June 10, 2014 | MI | SB 789 | Amends Firearm Licensing Procedures | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13) |
| Aug. 26, 2014 | CA | AB 1327 | Limits the Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8) |
| Aug. 26, 2014 | CA | AB 1327 | Limits the Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8) |
| May 28, 2014 | CA | SB 968 | Requires Public Access Route to Martin's Beach | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11) |
| Aug. 28, 2014 | CA | SB 199 | Requires Certain Replica Guns to be Sold in Fluorescent Colors | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| Aug. 28, 2014 | CA | SB 199 | Requires Certain Replica Guns to be Sold in Fluorescent Colors | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| July 1, 2014 | MA | Amdt 17 | Limits Use of Non-Competition Agreements | Amendment Adopted - Senate (32 - 7) |
| Aug. 27, 2014 | CA | AB 1014 | Authorizes Gun Violence Restraining Orders | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8) |
| Aug. 27, 2014 | CA | AB 1014 | Authorizes Gun Violence Restraining Orders | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8) |
| April 4, 2014 | KS | SB 323 | Limits the Duration of Conservation Easements | Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 23) |
| Sept. 15, 2014 | NH | SB 391 | Increases Oversight of Juvenile Justice Programs | Veto Override Failed - Senate (12 - 9) |
| Aug. 21, 2014 | CA | SB 968 | Authorizes Public Access Route to Martins Beach | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 9) |
| Oct. 16, 2014 | PA | HB 80 | Authorizes Civil Action against Local Firearm Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14) |
| Oct. 16, 2014 | PA | HB 80 | Authorizes Civil Action against Local Firearm Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14) |
| Oct. 15, 2014 | PA | HB 1750 | Prohibits Pigeon Shoots | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12) |