Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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
Dec. 19, 2014 MI HB 5477 Increases Gasoline and Diesel Tax Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 15)
Dec. 11, 2014 OH SB 342 Prohibits Use of Traffic Cameras to Issue Tickets Unless Officer is Present Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
Dec. 10, 2014 OH SB 342 Prohibits Use of Traffic Cameras to Issue Tickets Unless Officer is Present Bill Passed - House (58 - 31)
Dec. 4, 2014 MI SB 247 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol until 4 a.m. Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
Dec. 2, 2014 MI SB 1150 Reduces Maximum Weight Limit of a Vehicle Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 22)
Nov. 19, 2014 OH SB 342 Prohibits Use of Traffic Cameras to Issue Tickets unless an Officer is Present Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
Nov. 13, 2014 MI HB 5477 Increases Gasoline and Diesel Tax Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
Oct. 15, 2014 PA HB 1565 Amends Buffer Zone Requirements around Certain Streams Concurrence Vote Passed - House (118 - 79)
Oct. 14, 2014 PA HB 1565 Amends Buffer Zone Requirements around Certain Streams Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
Aug. 29, 2014 CA SB 1168 Requires Sustainability Plans for Groundwater Usage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
Aug. 29, 2014 CA SB 1319 Authorizes Groundwater Sustainability Plan for Certain Water Basins Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
Aug. 29, 2014 CA SB 1319 Authorizes Groundwater Sustainability Plan for Certain Water Basins Bill Passed - House (48 - 26)
Aug. 29, 2014 CA SB 1168 Requires Sustainability Plans for Groundwater Usage Bill Passed - House (47 - 27)
July 31, 2014 National HR 5021 Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014 (81 - 13)
July 29, 2014 National HR 5021 Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014  Bill Passed - Senate (79 - 18)
July 29, 2014 National S Amdt 3584 Transportation Empowerment Act Amendment Rejected - Senate (28 - 69)
July 29, 2014 National S Amdt 3583 Appropriates Funds to the Highway Trust Fund Amendment Adopted - Senate (66 - 31)
July 29, 2014 National S Amdt 3585 Exempts Infrastructure Damaged by Natural Disasters from Environmental Reviews Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 50)
July 15, 2014 National HR 5021 Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014  Bill Passed - House (367 - 55)
June 19, 2014 NY S 6617B Requires State-Funded Projects to Consider Climate Change Effects Bill Passed - House (119 - 16)
June 19, 2014 NY A 10144 Reduces New York City Speed Limit Bill Passed - House (113 - 16)
June 19, 2014 NY A 9583A Authorizes Demonstration Program for Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - House (91 - 37)
June 16, 2014 NJ A 1577 Requires Drivers to Give Cyclists and Pedestrians 4 Feet of Space on the Road Bill Passed - House (50 - 21)
June 12, 2014 MI HB 5477 Increases Gasoline and Diesel Tax Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 20)
June 10, 2014 National H Amdt 813 Prohibits Funds from Being Used to Implement a Department of Housing and Urban Development Plan Amendment Adopted - House (219 - 207)
June 10, 2014 National H Amdt 815 Prohibits Funds from Being Used to Acquire Traffic Cameras Amendment Adopted - House (255 - 171)
June 10, 2014 National H Amdt 823 Prohibits Funds from Being Used for the California High-Speed Rail Amendment Adopted - House (227 - 186)
June 10, 2014 National HR 4745 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015 Bill Passed - House (229 - 192)
June 9, 2014 National H Amdt 783 Reduces Appropriations to Amtrak Amendment Rejected - House (154 - 248)
May 28, 2014 CA SB 1319 Expands Prevention and Response Programs for Oil Spills Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
May 21, 2014 LA HB 1091 Prohibits the Transportation of Dogs in the Bed of a Pickup Truck on Interstates Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
May 15, 2014 IL HB 4075 Establishes Standards for Ridesharing Companies Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 8)
May 14, 2014 MO HJR 68 Increases Sales Tax Concurrence Vote Passed - House (105 - 43)
May 12, 2014 NJ A 2777 Amends Firearm Transportation Laws Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
May 1, 2014 RI H 7944A Authorizes State Fiscal Oversight of Certain Fire Districts Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
April 30, 2014 NY A 9206 Authorizes Traffic Cameras on Long Island Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 11)
April 30, 2014 FL SB 392 Increases the Speed Limit on Certain Highways Bill Passed - House (58 - 56)
April 29, 2014 MO HJR 68 Increases Sales Tax Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
April 28, 2014 NY A 9206 Authorizes Traffic Cameras on Long Island Bill Passed - House (104 - 25)
April 25, 2014 AK HB 23 Establishes Funding for the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA) Conference Report Adopted - House (28 - 10)
April 25, 2014 AK HB 23 Establishes Funding for the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA) Conference Report Adopted - House (28 - 10)
April 25, 2014 AK HB 23 Establishes Funding for the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA) Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 4)
April 25, 2014 AK HB 23 Establishes Funding for the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA) Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 4)
April 24, 2014 FL SB 392 Increases the Speed Limit on Certain Highways Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
April 23, 2014 AK HB 23 Establishes Funding for the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA) Concurrence Vote Failed - House (20 - 18)
April 23, 2014 AZ HB 2262 Establishes Regulatory Framework for Rideshare Companies Concurrence Vote Passed - House (31 - 22)
April 23, 2014 AK HB 23 Establishes Funding for the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA) Concurrence Vote Failed - House (20 - 18)
April 23, 2014 NH SB 367 Amends Gas Tax Bill Passed - House (193 - 141)
April 22, 2014 AZ HB 2262 Establishes Regulatory Framework for Rideshare Companies Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
April 22, 2014 LA HB 1091 Prohibits the Transportation of Dogs in the Bed of a Pickup Truck on Interstates Bill Passed - House (53 - 34)
April 12, 2014 AK HB 23 Establishes Funding for the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA) Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
April 12, 2014 AK HB 23 Establishes Funding for the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA) Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
April 10, 2014 NE LB 1092 Authorizes Highway Commission to Issue Bonds Bill Failed - Senate (27 - 16)
April 10, 2014 IL HB 4075 Establishes Standards for Ridesharing Companies Bill Passed - House (80 - 26)
April 9, 2014 MO HJR 68 Increases Sales Tax Joint Resolution Passed - House (96 - 53)
March 27, 2014 IL HB 4442 Requires Law Enforcement Officers to Record Ethnicity During Traffic Stops Bill Passed - House (63 - 46)
March 27, 2014 NH SB 367 Amends Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 9)
March 26, 2014 KS HB 2014 Repeals the Kansas Renewable Energy Standards Act Concurrence Vote Failed - House (44 - 77)
March 25, 2014 KS HB 2014 Repeals the Kansas Renewable Energy Standards Act Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
March 20, 2014 NJ A 2777 Amends Firearm Transportation Laws Bill Passed - House (43 - 29)
March 19, 2014 AL SB 354 Authorizes Individuals Without Concealed Carry Licenses to Carry Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
March 17, 2014 AK Amdt 1 Exempts Same-Sex Partners of Military Members from Driver's License Requirements Amendment Rejected - House (14 - 22)
March 14, 2014 KS HB 2662 Reduces Wait Time for Expungement for Individuals Convicted of Driving Under the Influence Bill Passed - House (87 - 31)
March 13, 2014 SD HB 1177 Prohibits Texting While Driving on a Highway Conference Report Adopted - House (52 - 18)
March 13, 2014 IN SB 176 Authorizes Funding for a Mass Transit System Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 16)
March 13, 2014 SD HB 1177 Prohibits Texting While Driving on a Highway Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 7)
March 13, 2014 IN SB 176 Authorizes Funding for a Mass Transit System Conference Report Adopted - House (66 - 34)
March 13, 2014 UT SB 253 Prohibits Texting While Driving on a Highway Bill Passed - House (41 - 28)
March 13, 2014 MO HB 1557 Authorizes the Use of Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - House (84 - 63)
March 12, 2014 OK SB 1440 Prohibits Development of Certain Wind Energy Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
March 12, 2014 KY HB 445 Increases the Wholesale Price of Gasoline Bill Passed - House (53 - 44)
March 12, 2014 NH HB 1601 Requires the Use of Headlights of a Motor Vehicle During Certain Conditions Bill Failed - House (151 - 182)
March 10, 2014 OK HB 2329 Authorizes Storage of a Handgun in a Secure Motor Vehicle on School Property Bill Passed - House (76 - 17)
March 10, 2014 UT SB 253 Prohibits Texting While Driving on a Highway Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 8)
March 6, 2014 National H Amdt 585 Prohibits the Social Cost of Carbon from Being Included in Agency Determinations Amendment Adopted - House (222 - 188)
March 6, 2014 National H Amdt 587 Exempts Certain Nuclear Facility Construction Projects from Environmental Review Time Frame Requirements Amendment Rejected - House (187 - 220)
March 6, 2014 National HR 3826 Electricity Security and Affordability Act Bill Passed - House (229 - 183)
March 6, 2014 National HR 2641 Responsibly And Professionally Invigorating Development (RAPID) Act of 2013 Bill Passed - House (229 - 179)
March 5, 2014 UT HB 20 Expands Protections for Police Officers in Lawsuits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 28)
March 5, 2014 AZ HB 2359 Prohibits Cell Phone Use by Minors While Driving Bill Passed - House (41 - 17)
March 5, 2014 NH HB 1360 Prohibits the Use of Hand Held Mobile Electronic Devices While Driving Bill Passed - House (192 - 133)
March 4, 2014 UT HB 20 Expands Protections for Police Officers in Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 13)
March 3, 2014 IN SB 176 Authorizes Funding for a Mass Transit System Bill Passed - House (52 - 47)
Feb. 28, 2014 AK HB 1 Requires Certain Drivers Licenses to Expire Pursuant to their Visa Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 4)
Feb. 28, 2014 KY HB 33 Amends Existing Texting While Driving Prohibition Bill Passed - House (62 - 32)
Feb. 27, 2014 MS SB 2434 Classifies Texting While Driving as Careless Driving Bill Passed - House (91 - 27)
Feb. 11, 2014 NE LB 393 Repeals Motorcycle Helmet Law Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (25 - 22)
Feb. 4, 2014 NE LB 399 Authorizes Crime Prevention Vehicles to Use Amber Lights Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (32 - 12)
Feb. 4, 2014 IN SB 176 Authorizes Funding for a Mass Transit System Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
Date No. Title Outcome
12/19 HB 5477 Increases Gasoline and Diesel Tax Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 15)
12/11 SB 342 Prohibits Use of Traffic Cameras to Issue Tickets Unless Officer is Present Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
12/10 SB 342 Prohibits Use of Traffic Cameras to Issue Tickets Unless Officer is Present Bill Passed - House (58 - 31)
12/04 SB 247 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol until 4 a.m. Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
12/02 SB 1150 Reduces Maximum Weight Limit of a Vehicle Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 22)
11/19 SB 342 Prohibits Use of Traffic Cameras to Issue Tickets unless an Officer is Present Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
11/13 HB 5477 Increases Gasoline and Diesel Tax Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
10/15 HB 1565 Amends Buffer Zone Requirements around Certain Streams Concurrence Vote Passed - House (118 - 79)
10/14 HB 1565 Amends Buffer Zone Requirements around Certain Streams Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
8/29 SB 1168 Requires Sustainability Plans for Groundwater Usage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
8/29 SB 1319 Authorizes Groundwater Sustainability Plan for Certain Water Basins Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
8/29 SB 1319 Authorizes Groundwater Sustainability Plan for Certain Water Basins Bill Passed - House (48 - 26)
8/29 SB 1168 Requires Sustainability Plans for Groundwater Usage Bill Passed - House (47 - 27)
7/31 HR 5021 Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014 (81 - 13)
7/29 HR 5021 Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014  Bill Passed - Senate (79 - 18)
7/29 S Amdt 3584 Transportation Empowerment Act Amendment Rejected - Senate (28 - 69)
7/29 S Amdt 3583 Appropriates Funds to the Highway Trust Fund Amendment Adopted - Senate (66 - 31)
7/29 S Amdt 3585 Exempts Infrastructure Damaged by Natural Disasters from Environmental Reviews Amendment Rejected - Senate (47 - 50)
7/15 HR 5021 Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014  Bill Passed - House (367 - 55)
6/19 S 6617B Requires State-Funded Projects to Consider Climate Change Effects Bill Passed - House (119 - 16)
6/19 A 10144 Reduces New York City Speed Limit Bill Passed - House (113 - 16)
6/19 A 9583A Authorizes Demonstration Program for Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - House (91 - 37)
6/16 A 1577 Requires Drivers to Give Cyclists and Pedestrians 4 Feet of Space on the Road Bill Passed - House (50 - 21)
6/12 HB 5477 Increases Gasoline and Diesel Tax Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 20)
6/10 H Amdt 813 Prohibits Funds from Being Used to Implement a Department of Housing and Urban Development Plan Amendment Adopted - House (219 - 207)
6/10 H Amdt 815 Prohibits Funds from Being Used to Acquire Traffic Cameras Amendment Adopted - House (255 - 171)
6/10 H Amdt 823 Prohibits Funds from Being Used for the California High-Speed Rail Amendment Adopted - House (227 - 186)
6/10 HR 4745 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015 Bill Passed - House (229 - 192)
6/09 H Amdt 783 Reduces Appropriations to Amtrak Amendment Rejected - House (154 - 248)
5/28 SB 1319 Expands Prevention and Response Programs for Oil Spills Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
5/21 HB 1091 Prohibits the Transportation of Dogs in the Bed of a Pickup Truck on Interstates Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
5/15 HB 4075 Establishes Standards for Ridesharing Companies Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 8)
5/14 HJR 68 Increases Sales Tax Concurrence Vote Passed - House (105 - 43)
5/12 A 2777 Amends Firearm Transportation Laws Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
5/01 H 7944A Authorizes State Fiscal Oversight of Certain Fire Districts Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
4/30 A 9206 Authorizes Traffic Cameras on Long Island Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 11)
4/30 SB 392 Increases the Speed Limit on Certain Highways Bill Passed - House (58 - 56)
4/29 HJR 68 Increases Sales Tax Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
4/28 A 9206 Authorizes Traffic Cameras on Long Island Bill Passed - House (104 - 25)
4/25 HB 23 Establishes Funding for the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA) Conference Report Adopted - House (28 - 10)
4/25 HB 23 Establishes Funding for the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA) Conference Report Adopted - House (28 - 10)
4/25 HB 23 Establishes Funding for the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA) Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 4)
4/25 HB 23 Establishes Funding for the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA) Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 4)
4/24 SB 392 Increases the Speed Limit on Certain Highways Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
4/23 HB 23 Establishes Funding for the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA) Concurrence Vote Failed - House (20 - 18)
4/23 HB 2262 Establishes Regulatory Framework for Rideshare Companies Concurrence Vote Passed - House (31 - 22)
4/23 HB 23 Establishes Funding for the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA) Concurrence Vote Failed - House (20 - 18)
4/23 SB 367 Amends Gas Tax Bill Passed - House (193 - 141)
4/22 HB 2262 Establishes Regulatory Framework for Rideshare Companies Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
4/22 HB 1091 Prohibits the Transportation of Dogs in the Bed of a Pickup Truck on Interstates Bill Passed - House (53 - 34)
4/12 HB 23 Establishes Funding for the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA) Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
4/12 HB 23 Establishes Funding for the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA) Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
4/10 LB 1092 Authorizes Highway Commission to Issue Bonds Bill Failed - Senate (27 - 16)
4/10 HB 4075 Establishes Standards for Ridesharing Companies Bill Passed - House (80 - 26)
4/09 HJR 68 Increases Sales Tax Joint Resolution Passed - House (96 - 53)
3/27 HB 4442 Requires Law Enforcement Officers to Record Ethnicity During Traffic Stops Bill Passed - House (63 - 46)
3/27 SB 367 Amends Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 9)
3/26 HB 2014 Repeals the Kansas Renewable Energy Standards Act Concurrence Vote Failed - House (44 - 77)
3/25 HB 2014 Repeals the Kansas Renewable Energy Standards Act Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
3/20 A 2777 Amends Firearm Transportation Laws Bill Passed - House (43 - 29)
3/19 SB 354 Authorizes Individuals Without Concealed Carry Licenses to Carry Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
3/17 Amdt 1 Exempts Same-Sex Partners of Military Members from Driver's License Requirements Amendment Rejected - House (14 - 22)
3/14 HB 2662 Reduces Wait Time for Expungement for Individuals Convicted of Driving Under the Influence Bill Passed - House (87 - 31)
3/13 HB 1177 Prohibits Texting While Driving on a Highway Conference Report Adopted - House (52 - 18)
3/13 SB 176 Authorizes Funding for a Mass Transit System Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 16)
3/13 HB 1177 Prohibits Texting While Driving on a Highway Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 7)
3/13 SB 176 Authorizes Funding for a Mass Transit System Conference Report Adopted - House (66 - 34)
3/13 SB 253 Prohibits Texting While Driving on a Highway Bill Passed - House (41 - 28)
3/13 HB 1557 Authorizes the Use of Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - House (84 - 63)
3/12 SB 1440 Prohibits Development of Certain Wind Energy Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
3/12 HB 445 Increases the Wholesale Price of Gasoline Bill Passed - House (53 - 44)
3/12 HB 1601 Requires the Use of Headlights of a Motor Vehicle During Certain Conditions Bill Failed - House (151 - 182)
3/10 HB 2329 Authorizes Storage of a Handgun in a Secure Motor Vehicle on School Property Bill Passed - House (76 - 17)
3/10 SB 253 Prohibits Texting While Driving on a Highway Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 8)
3/06 H Amdt 585 Prohibits the Social Cost of Carbon from Being Included in Agency Determinations Amendment Adopted - House (222 - 188)
3/06 H Amdt 587 Exempts Certain Nuclear Facility Construction Projects from Environmental Review Time Frame Requirements Amendment Rejected - House (187 - 220)
3/06 HR 3826 Electricity Security and Affordability Act Bill Passed - House (229 - 183)
3/06 HR 2641 Responsibly And Professionally Invigorating Development (RAPID) Act of 2013 Bill Passed - House (229 - 179)
3/05 HB 20 Expands Protections for Police Officers in Lawsuits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 28)
3/05 HB 2359 Prohibits Cell Phone Use by Minors While Driving Bill Passed - House (41 - 17)
3/05 HB 1360 Prohibits the Use of Hand Held Mobile Electronic Devices While Driving Bill Passed - House (192 - 133)
3/04 HB 20 Expands Protections for Police Officers in Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 13)
3/03 SB 176 Authorizes Funding for a Mass Transit System Bill Passed - House (52 - 47)
2/28 HB 1 Requires Certain Drivers Licenses to Expire Pursuant to their Visa Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 4)
2/28 HB 33 Amends Existing Texting While Driving Prohibition Bill Passed - House (62 - 32)
2/27 SB 2434 Classifies Texting While Driving as Careless Driving Bill Passed - House (91 - 27)
2/11 LB 393 Repeals Motorcycle Helmet Law Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (25 - 22)
2/04 LB 399 Authorizes Crime Prevention Vehicles to Use Amber Lights Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (32 - 12)
2/04 SB 176 Authorizes Funding for a Mass Transit System Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)

arrow_upward