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.


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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)

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