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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sept. 11, 2013 | MO | SB 9 | Amends Animal Abuse and Neglect Laws | Veto Override Passed - House (111 - 50) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | MO | SB 9 | Amends Animal Abuse and Neglect Laws | Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
June 19, 2013 | ME | LD 1240 | Establishes Penalties for Unauthorized Private Gun Sales and Requires Background Checks | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
June 19, 2013 | ME | LD 1240 | Establishes Penalties for Unauthorized Private Gun Sales and Requires Background Checks | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
Feb. 28, 2013 | AR | HB 1037 | Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks | Veto Override Passed - Senate (19 - 14) |
July 9, 2013 | IL | HB 183 | Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Firearms | Veto Override Passed - Senate (41 - 17) |
April 1, 2013 | AR | SB 2 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Veto Override Passed - House (52 - 45) |
June 19, 2013 | ME | LD 1240 | Establishes Penalties for Unauthorized Private Gun Sales and Requires Background Checks | Bill Passed - House (78 - 71) |
June 19, 2013 | ME | LD 1240 | Establishes Penalties for Unauthorized Private Gun Sales and Requires Background Checks | Bill Passed - House (78 - 71) |
March 26, 2013 | KY | HB 279 | Prohibits the Government from Impeding Religious Activities | Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 6) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | MO | HB 436 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations | Veto Override Passed - House (109 - 49) |
March 27, 2013 | AR | SB 2 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 12) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | MO | HB 436 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations | Veto Override Passed - House (109 - 49) |
Feb. 27, 2013 | AR | HB 1037 | Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks | Veto Override Passed - House (53 - 28) |
July 9, 2013 | IL | HB 183 | Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Firearms | Veto Override Passed - House (77 - 31) |
July 23, 2013 | NC | HB 937 | Amends Firearm Laws | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 14) |
March 15, 2013 | CO | HB 1229 | Requires Background Checks for Private Gun Sales and Transfers | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 14) |
May 21, 2013 | KS | HB 2162 | Prohibits State Funds from Being Used to Lobby for Firearm Regulations | Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 28) |
June 2, 2013 | LA | SB 162 | Authorizes Surrogacy Contracts | Conference Report Adopted - House (85 - 12) |
April 4, 2013 | KS | HB 2033 | Repeals Prohibition on the Possession of Switchblade and Stiletto Knives | Conference Report Adopted - House (95 - 26) |
April 23, 2013 | MT | HB 297 | Prohibits the Employment of Undocumented Immigrants | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 21) |
March 26, 2013 | KY | HB 279 | Prohibits the Government from Impeding Religious Activities | Veto Override Passed - House (79 - 15) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | MO | SB 267 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Foreign Laws | Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
April 3, 2013 | MS | SB 2659 | Establishes a Grant for School Resource Officers in Schools | Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 36) |
April 26, 2013 | IN | HB 1006 | Amends the Criminal Code | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 15) |
April 26, 2013 | IN | SB 373 | Prohibits Unauthorized Entry on Industrial or Agricultural Property | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 21) |
April 20, 2013 | MT | HB 297 | Prohibits the Employment of Undocumented Immigrants | Conference Report Adopted - House (63 - 37) |
April 30, 2013 | HI | HB 622 | Limits Media 'Shield Law' Provisions | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 9) |
April 5, 2013 | KS | SB 102 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4) |
May 30, 2013 | LA | SB 162 | Authorizes Surrogacy Contracts | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 3) |
July 24, 2013 | NC | HB 392 | Authorizes Drug Testing for Work First Program Applicants | Conference Report Adopted - House (92 - 21) |
May 26, 2013 | TX | HB 912 | Limits the Private Use of Unmanned Aircrafts | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 5) |
May 26, 2013 | TX | HB 912 | Limits the Private Use of Unmanned Aircrafts | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 5) |
March 15, 2013 | CO | HB 1229 | Requires Background Checks for Private Gun Sales and Transfers | Conference Report Adopted - House (36 - 27) |
July 23, 2013 | NC | HB 937 | Amends Firearm Laws | Conference Report Adopted - House (73 - 41) |
Sept. 10, 2013 | CA | AB 4 | Prohibits Law Enforcement from Detaining Individuals Solely Based on Immigration Status | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (48 - 25) |
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) |
Sept. 10, 2013 | CA | AB 711 | Prohibits Lead Ammunition for Hunting | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (44 - 29) |
April 5, 2013 | KS | SB 102 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations | Conference Report Adopted - House (96 - 24) |
June 19, 2013 | DE | SB 97 | Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (11 - 9) |
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 15, 2013 | MO | HB 650 | Limits Punitive Awards for Lead Exposure from Certain Mines | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (94 - 63) |
May 17, 2013 | MO | HB 533 | Authorizes State Employees to Keep Firearms in Vehicles | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (125 - 27) |
May 20, 2013 | NJ | A 3796 | Requires an Individual to Dispose of Unauthorized Firearms Within a Certain Time Period | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (48 - 24) |
Sept. 12, 2013 | CA | AB 375 | Amends Teacher Dismissal Requirements | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 22) |
May 20, 2013 | NJ | A 3797 | Requires Certain Firearm Information to be Collected and Reported | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27) |
May 20, 2013 | NJ | A 3797 | Requires Certain Firearm Information to be Collected and Reported | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27) |
Sept. 12, 2013 | CA | SB 755 | Expands List of Crimes that Disqualify an Individual from Firearm Ownership | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 12) |
May 28, 2013 | IL | HB 1247 | Prohibits Using a Hand-Held Cell Phone While Driving | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 48) |
May 22, 2013 | AZ | SB 1178 | Authorizes Individuals to use Potential Infringements of Religious Freedom as a Claim or Defense | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 12) |
July 24, 2013 | NC | HB 522 | Prohibits the Application of Foreign Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 37) |
Feb. 28, 2013 | AR | SB 134 | Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8) |
May 24, 2013 | TX | HB 950 | Requires Equal Pay for Women | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 61) |
March 19, 2013 | AR | SB 2 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 12) |
March 20, 2013 | OH | SB 47 | Prohibits Collection of Petition Signatures after Filing | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
Feb. 27, 2013 | WY | HB 41 | Reduces Limitations on Hunting Bison | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 11) |
Feb. 21, 2013 | AR | HB 1037 | Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 10) |
June 27, 2013 | NJ | S 2723 | Amends Firearms Identification Card Requirements | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 16) |
March 4, 2013 | SD | HB 1087 | Authorizes School Sentinel Programs | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (40 - 19) |
April 4, 2013 | MD | SB 281 | Amends Firearms Regulations | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 19) |
March 13, 2013 | CO | HB 1224 | Limits Firearm Magazine Capacity | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (34 - 30) |
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) |
Feb. 14, 2013 | VA | SB 1335 | Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 9) |
June 12, 2013 | NC | SB 306 | Repeals the Racial Justice Act | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 16) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | CA | AB 48 | Prohibits Large-Capacity Magazines and Large-Capacity Conversion Kits | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 30) |
June 12, 2013 | NC | SB 306 | Repeals the Racial Justice Act | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 16) |
Sept. 12, 2013 | CA | SB 755 | Expands List of Crimes that Disqualify an Individual from Firearm Ownership | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 12) |
Sept. 12, 2013 | CA | SB 374 | Prohibits Semiautomatic Rifles with Detachable Magazines | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 15) |
Sept. 10, 2013 | CA | SB 649 | Classifies Certain Drug Infractions as Misdemeanors | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 14) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | CA | AB 48 | Prohibits Large-Capacity Magazines and Large-Capacity Conversion Kits | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 30) |
Sept. 10, 2013 | CA | SB 649 | Classifies Certain Drug Infractions as Misdemeanors | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 14) |
May 8, 2013 | VT | S 77 | Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 13) |
Date | No. | Title | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|
9/11 | SB 9 | Amends Animal Abuse and Neglect Laws | Veto Override Passed - House (111 - 50) |
9/11 | SB 9 | Amends Animal Abuse and Neglect Laws | Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
6/19 | LD 1240 | Establishes Penalties for Unauthorized Private Gun Sales and Requires Background Checks | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
6/19 | LD 1240 | Establishes Penalties for Unauthorized Private Gun Sales and Requires Background Checks | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
2/28 | HB 1037 | Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks | Veto Override Passed - Senate (19 - 14) |
7/09 | HB 183 | Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Firearms | Veto Override Passed - Senate (41 - 17) |
4/01 | SB 2 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Veto Override Passed - House (52 - 45) |
6/19 | LD 1240 | Establishes Penalties for Unauthorized Private Gun Sales and Requires Background Checks | Bill Passed - House (78 - 71) |
6/19 | LD 1240 | Establishes Penalties for Unauthorized Private Gun Sales and Requires Background Checks | Bill Passed - House (78 - 71) |
3/26 | HB 279 | Prohibits the Government from Impeding Religious Activities | Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 6) |
9/11 | HB 436 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations | Veto Override Passed - House (109 - 49) |
3/27 | SB 2 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 12) |
9/11 | HB 436 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations | Veto Override Passed - House (109 - 49) |
2/27 | HB 1037 | Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks | Veto Override Passed - House (53 - 28) |
7/09 | HB 183 | Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Firearms | Veto Override Passed - House (77 - 31) |
7/23 | HB 937 | Amends Firearm Laws | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 14) |
3/15 | HB 1229 | Requires Background Checks for Private Gun Sales and Transfers | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 14) |
5/21 | HB 2162 | Prohibits State Funds from Being Used to Lobby for Firearm Regulations | Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 28) |
6/02 | SB 162 | Authorizes Surrogacy Contracts | Conference Report Adopted - House (85 - 12) |
4/04 | HB 2033 | Repeals Prohibition on the Possession of Switchblade and Stiletto Knives | Conference Report Adopted - House (95 - 26) |
4/23 | HB 297 | Prohibits the Employment of Undocumented Immigrants | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 21) |
3/26 | HB 279 | Prohibits the Government from Impeding Religious Activities | Veto Override Passed - House (79 - 15) |
9/11 | SB 267 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Foreign Laws | Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
4/03 | SB 2659 | Establishes a Grant for School Resource Officers in Schools | Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 36) |
4/26 | HB 1006 | Amends the Criminal Code | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 15) |
4/26 | SB 373 | Prohibits Unauthorized Entry on Industrial or Agricultural Property | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (29 - 21) |
4/20 | HB 297 | Prohibits the Employment of Undocumented Immigrants | Conference Report Adopted - House (63 - 37) |
4/30 | HB 622 | Limits Media 'Shield Law' Provisions | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 9) |
4/05 | SB 102 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4) |
5/30 | SB 162 | Authorizes Surrogacy Contracts | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 3) |
7/24 | HB 392 | Authorizes Drug Testing for Work First Program Applicants | Conference Report Adopted - House (92 - 21) |
5/26 | HB 912 | Limits the Private Use of Unmanned Aircrafts | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 5) |
5/26 | HB 912 | Limits the Private Use of Unmanned Aircrafts | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 5) |
3/15 | HB 1229 | Requires Background Checks for Private Gun Sales and Transfers | Conference Report Adopted - House (36 - 27) |
7/23 | HB 937 | Amends Firearm Laws | Conference Report Adopted - House (73 - 41) |
9/10 | AB 4 | Prohibits Law Enforcement from Detaining Individuals Solely Based on Immigration Status | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (48 - 25) |
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) |
9/10 | AB 711 | Prohibits Lead Ammunition for Hunting | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (44 - 29) |
4/05 | SB 102 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations | Conference Report Adopted - House (96 - 24) |
6/19 | SB 97 | Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (11 - 9) |
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) |
5/15 | HB 650 | Limits Punitive Awards for Lead Exposure from Certain Mines | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (94 - 63) |
5/17 | HB 533 | Authorizes State Employees to Keep Firearms in Vehicles | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (125 - 27) |
5/20 | A 3796 | Requires an Individual to Dispose of Unauthorized Firearms Within a Certain Time Period | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (48 - 24) |
9/12 | AB 375 | Amends Teacher Dismissal Requirements | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 22) |
5/20 | A 3797 | Requires Certain Firearm Information to be Collected and Reported | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27) |
5/20 | A 3797 | Requires Certain Firearm Information to be Collected and Reported | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27) |
9/12 | SB 755 | Expands List of Crimes that Disqualify an Individual from Firearm Ownership | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 12) |
5/28 | HB 1247 | Prohibits Using a Hand-Held Cell Phone While Driving | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 48) |
5/22 | SB 1178 | Authorizes Individuals to use Potential Infringements of Religious Freedom as a Claim or Defense | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 12) |
7/24 | HB 522 | Prohibits the Application of Foreign Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 37) |
2/28 | SB 134 | Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8) |
5/24 | HB 950 | Requires Equal Pay for Women | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 61) |
3/19 | SB 2 | Requires Photo Identification to Vote | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 12) |
3/20 | SB 47 | Prohibits Collection of Petition Signatures after Filing | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
2/27 | HB 41 | Reduces Limitations on Hunting Bison | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 11) |
2/21 | HB 1037 | Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 10) |
6/27 | S 2723 | Amends Firearms Identification Card Requirements | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 16) |
3/04 | HB 1087 | Authorizes School Sentinel Programs | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (40 - 19) |
4/04 | SB 281 | Amends Firearms Regulations | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 19) |
3/13 | HB 1224 | Limits Firearm Magazine Capacity | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (34 - 30) |
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) |
2/14 | SB 1335 | Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 9) |
6/12 | SB 306 | Repeals the Racial Justice Act | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 16) |
9/11 | AB 48 | Prohibits Large-Capacity Magazines and Large-Capacity Conversion Kits | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 30) |
6/12 | SB 306 | Repeals the Racial Justice Act | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 16) |
9/12 | SB 755 | Expands List of Crimes that Disqualify an Individual from Firearm Ownership | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 12) |
9/12 | SB 374 | Prohibits Semiautomatic Rifles with Detachable Magazines | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 15) |
9/10 | SB 649 | Classifies Certain Drug Infractions as Misdemeanors | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 14) |
9/11 | AB 48 | Prohibits Large-Capacity Magazines and Large-Capacity Conversion Kits | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 30) |
9/10 | SB 649 | Classifies Certain Drug Infractions as Misdemeanors | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 14) |
5/08 | S 77 | Prohibits Liability for Self-Administered Lethal Dosages | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 13) |