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
Feb. 28, 2013 AL HB 84 Authorizes Schools to Apply for Waivers from State Laws Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 11)
April 24, 2013 AL SB 191 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
April 17, 2013 AR HB 1219 Appropriates Funds for Private Health Insurance Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
April 16, 2013 AR HB 1219 Appropriates Funds for Private Health Insurance Purchases Bill Passed - House (77 - 23)
Feb. 18, 2013 AR HB 1295 Establishes Tiered System for Lottery Scholarships Bill Passed - House (69 - 21)
April 8, 2013 AR SB 875 Reduces Maximum Weekly Unemployment Benefit Amounts Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
April 8, 2013 AR SB 875 Reduces Maximum Weekly Unemployment Benefit Amounts Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
April 8, 2013 AR HB 1870 Appropriates Funds for Certain Steel Mills Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
June 13, 2013 AZ HB 2608 Amends Retirement Plans for Elected Officials Concurrence Vote Passed - House (35 - 24)
May 8, 2013 AZ HB 2608 Amends Retirement Plans for Elected Officials Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
Feb. 21, 2013 AZ HB 2147 Requires Individuals Seeking Unemployment Benefits to Provide Proof of Eligibility Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
Sept. 12, 2013 CA SB 359 Appropriates Funds for Hybrid and Zero Emission Vehicle Use Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
Sept. 12, 2013 CA SB 359 Appropriates Funds for Hybrid and Zero Emission Vehicle Use Bill Passed - House (53 - 20)
April 18, 2013 CA SB 140 Appropriates Funds to the Armed Prohibited Persons System Bill Passed - House (65 - 10)
March 7, 2013 CA SB 1-1 Expands Eligibility for Medi-Cal Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
March 7, 2013 CA AB 1-1 Expands Eligibility for Medi-Cal Program Bill Passed - House (54 - 22)
Feb. 21, 2013 CO HB 1081 Expands Sexual Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
June 27, 2013 DE HB 200 2013-2014 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
April 29, 2013 FL SB 306 Authorizes Professional Sports Teams to Bid for State Funds Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 4)
April 30, 2013 HI SB 1084 Authorizes the Use of Public Funds for Private Preschools Conference Report Adopted - House (37 - 14)
March 5, 2013 HI SB 69 Requires Background Checks at Gun Registration Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
May 23, 2013 IA SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 17)
May 23, 2013 IA SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 17)
May 22, 2013 IA SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 24)
May 22, 2013 IA SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 24)
May 1, 2013 IA SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
April 23, 2013 IA SF 447 2013-2014 Justice Department Budget Bill Passed - House (51 - 46)
April 18, 2013 IA HF 604 2013-2014 Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 22)
April 30, 2013 IA HF 638 Appropriates Funds for Infrastructure Projects Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
April 16, 2013 IA SF 430 2013-2014 Economic Development Budget Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
May 1, 2013 IA SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
March 26, 2013 IA SF 423 Amends Education Provisions Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
April 16, 2013 IA SF 439 Establishes a Tax Credit for Farmers Who Donate to Food Banks Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
April 16, 2013 IA SF 440 Appropriates Funds for Mental Health Services Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
April 17, 2013 IA SF 447 2013-2014 Justice Department Budget Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
April 3, 2013 IA SF 430 2013-2014 Economic Development Budget Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
Feb. 14, 2013 IA SF 161 Establishes the School Budget Growth for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 22)
April 1, 2013 IA SF 429 2013-14 Community Colleges Budget Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
March 5, 2013 ID HB 206 Appropriates Funding for Charter Schools Bill Passed - House (42 - 27)
Feb. 14, 2013 ID H 88 Expands Tax Credit for New Employees Bill Passed - House (62 - 7)
May 27, 2013 IL SB 26 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - House (63 - 55)
May 2, 2013 IL SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Bill Passed - House (62 - 51)
May 27, 2013 IL SB 26 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - House (63 - 55)
May 2, 2013 IL SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Bill Passed - House (62 - 51)
Feb. 28, 2013 IL SB 26 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19)
Feb. 28, 2013 IL SB 26 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19)
March 20, 2013 IL SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 22)
March 21, 2013 IL HB 1165 Establishes Cost of Living Adjustments in Pensions Bill Passed - House (66 - 50)
May 1, 2013 IL SB 1739 Expands State Casino Development Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 20)
March 21, 2013 IL HB 1165 Establishes Cost of Living Adjustments in Pensions Bill Passed - House (66 - 50)
March 20, 2013 IL SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 22)
April 27, 2013 IN HB 1001 2013-2015 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 11)
April 27, 2013 IN HB 1001 2013-2015 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 30)
April 9, 2013 IN HB 1001 2013-2015 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
April 15, 2013 IN SB 487 Establishes Regulations for Hunting Preserves Bill Passed - House (52 - 39)
April 10, 2013 IN HB 1003 Expands School Scholarship Program Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
Feb. 7, 2013 IN HB 1005 Changes Eligibility for College Financial Aid Bill Passed - House (86 - 13)
Feb. 21, 2013 IN HB 1003 Expands School Scholarship Program Bill Passed - House (57 - 36)
Feb. 25, 2013 IN HB 1001 2013-2015 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (68 - 28)
April 5, 2013 KS SB 199 Establishes the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 8)
May 21, 2013 KS HB 2162 Prohibits State Funds from Being Used to Lobby for Firearm Regulations Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 28)
April 5, 2013 KS SB 199 Establishes the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center Conference Report Adopted - House (90 - 30)
March 21, 2013 KS HB 2143 2013-2018 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
March 26, 2013 KS SB 199 Establishes the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center Bill Passed - House (90 - 32)
Feb. 20, 2013 KS SCR 1608 Authorizes the Legislature To Have Sole Authority on School Funding Amendment Adopted - Senate (27 - 13)
March 20, 2013 KS HB 2231 2014-2016 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (68 - 55)
March 26, 2013 KY SB 2 Amends the State Employee Pension Program Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 28)
March 26, 2013 KY SB 2 Amends the State Employee Pension Program Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 6)
Feb. 27, 2013 KY SB 2 Amends the State Employee Pension Program Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)
Feb. 27, 2013 KY HB 416 Establishes the Kentucky Retirement Systems Sustainability Trust Fund Bill Passed - House (52 - 47)
April 24, 2013 MA H 3401 2013-2014 Budget Bill Passed - House (127 - 29)
April 8, 2013 MA H 3382 Expands Retail Tax to Include Computer System Design Services Bill Passed - House (97 - 55)
March 22, 2013 MD HB 860 Authorizes Construction and Renovation of Public Schools Bill Passed - House (107 - 30)
March 27, 2013 MD SB 274 Expands Medicaid Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
March 25, 2013 MD HB 228 Amends the State Health Benefits Exchange and Medicaid Program Bill Passed - House (93 - 43)
May 23, 2013 ME LD 1546 Expands Medicaid and Authorizes Liquor Operation Bonds Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
May 23, 2013 ME LD 1546 Expands Medicaid and Authorizes Liquor Operation Bonds Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
May 22, 2013 ME LD 1546 Expands Medicaid and Authorizes Liquor Operation Bonds Bill Passed - House (87 - 56)
May 22, 2013 ME LD 1546 Expands Medicaid and Authorizes Liquor Operation Bonds Bill Passed - House (87 - 56)
May 29, 2013 MI HB 4228 2013-2014 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 12)
May 28, 2013 MI HB 4228 2013-2014 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (65 - 43)
Sept. 3, 2013 MI HB 4714 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 32)
Aug. 27, 2013 MI HB 4714 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
June 13, 2013 MI HB 4714 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - House (76 - 31)
April 30, 2013 MI SB 197 Requires the State Prison Food Service To Seek Competitive Bids From Private Entities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
May 19, 2013 MN HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 26)
March 18, 2013 MN HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 28)
May 18, 2013 MN HF 1233 2013-2015 Biennium Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 28)
May 17, 2013 MN SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Conference Report Adopted - House (76 - 56)
May 17, 2013 MN HF 1233 2013-2015 Biennium Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (73 - 61)
May 17, 2013 MN SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (44 - 22)
May 18, 2013 MN HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (78 - 56)
March 14, 2013 MN HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 61)
April 25, 2013 MN SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Bill Passed - House (86 - 44)
March 7, 2013 MN HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 28)
April 25, 2013 MN HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 28)
April 25, 2013 MN HF 1233 2013-2015 Biennium Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
May 19, 2013 MN HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - Senate (43 - 23)
April 16, 2013 MN SF 1589 Increases Legislator Salaries Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 32)
April 17, 2013 MN SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 18)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/28 HB 84 Authorizes Schools to Apply for Waivers from State Laws Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 11)
4/24 SB 191 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
4/17 HB 1219 Appropriates Funds for Private Health Insurance Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
4/16 HB 1219 Appropriates Funds for Private Health Insurance Purchases Bill Passed - House (77 - 23)
2/18 HB 1295 Establishes Tiered System for Lottery Scholarships Bill Passed - House (69 - 21)
4/08 SB 875 Reduces Maximum Weekly Unemployment Benefit Amounts Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
4/08 SB 875 Reduces Maximum Weekly Unemployment Benefit Amounts Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
4/08 HB 1870 Appropriates Funds for Certain Steel Mills Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
6/13 HB 2608 Amends Retirement Plans for Elected Officials Concurrence Vote Passed - House (35 - 24)
5/08 HB 2608 Amends Retirement Plans for Elected Officials Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
2/21 HB 2147 Requires Individuals Seeking Unemployment Benefits to Provide Proof of Eligibility Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
9/12 SB 359 Appropriates Funds for Hybrid and Zero Emission Vehicle Use Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
9/12 SB 359 Appropriates Funds for Hybrid and Zero Emission Vehicle Use Bill Passed - House (53 - 20)
4/18 SB 140 Appropriates Funds to the Armed Prohibited Persons System Bill Passed - House (65 - 10)
3/07 SB 1-1 Expands Eligibility for Medi-Cal Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
3/07 AB 1-1 Expands Eligibility for Medi-Cal Program Bill Passed - House (54 - 22)
2/21 HB 1081 Expands Sexual Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
6/27 HB 200 2013-2014 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
4/29 SB 306 Authorizes Professional Sports Teams to Bid for State Funds Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 4)
4/30 SB 1084 Authorizes the Use of Public Funds for Private Preschools Conference Report Adopted - House (37 - 14)
3/05 SB 69 Requires Background Checks at Gun Registration Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
5/23 SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 17)
5/23 SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 17)
5/22 SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 24)
5/22 SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 24)
5/01 SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
4/23 SF 447 2013-2014 Justice Department Budget Bill Passed - House (51 - 46)
4/18 HF 604 2013-2014 Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 22)
4/30 HF 638 Appropriates Funds for Infrastructure Projects Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
4/16 SF 430 2013-2014 Economic Development Budget Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
5/01 SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
3/26 SF 423 Amends Education Provisions Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
4/16 SF 439 Establishes a Tax Credit for Farmers Who Donate to Food Banks Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
4/16 SF 440 Appropriates Funds for Mental Health Services Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
4/17 SF 447 2013-2014 Justice Department Budget Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
4/03 SF 430 2013-2014 Economic Development Budget Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
2/14 SF 161 Establishes the School Budget Growth for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 22)
4/01 SF 429 2013-14 Community Colleges Budget Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
3/05 HB 206 Appropriates Funding for Charter Schools Bill Passed - House (42 - 27)
2/14 H 88 Expands Tax Credit for New Employees Bill Passed - House (62 - 7)
5/27 SB 26 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - House (63 - 55)
5/02 SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Bill Passed - House (62 - 51)
5/27 SB 26 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - House (63 - 55)
5/02 SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Bill Passed - House (62 - 51)
2/28 SB 26 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19)
2/28 SB 26 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19)
3/20 SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 22)
3/21 HB 1165 Establishes Cost of Living Adjustments in Pensions Bill Passed - House (66 - 50)
5/01 SB 1739 Expands State Casino Development Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 20)
3/21 HB 1165 Establishes Cost of Living Adjustments in Pensions Bill Passed - House (66 - 50)
3/20 SB 1 Amends State Employee Pension Plans Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 22)
4/27 HB 1001 2013-2015 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 11)
4/27 HB 1001 2013-2015 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 30)
4/09 HB 1001 2013-2015 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
4/15 SB 487 Establishes Regulations for Hunting Preserves Bill Passed - House (52 - 39)
4/10 HB 1003 Expands School Scholarship Program Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
2/07 HB 1005 Changes Eligibility for College Financial Aid Bill Passed - House (86 - 13)
2/21 HB 1003 Expands School Scholarship Program Bill Passed - House (57 - 36)
2/25 HB 1001 2013-2015 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (68 - 28)
4/05 SB 199 Establishes the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 8)
5/21 HB 2162 Prohibits State Funds from Being Used to Lobby for Firearm Regulations Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 28)
4/05 SB 199 Establishes the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center Conference Report Adopted - House (90 - 30)
3/21 HB 2143 2013-2018 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
3/26 SB 199 Establishes the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center Bill Passed - House (90 - 32)
2/20 SCR 1608 Authorizes the Legislature To Have Sole Authority on School Funding Amendment Adopted - Senate (27 - 13)
3/20 HB 2231 2014-2016 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (68 - 55)
3/26 SB 2 Amends the State Employee Pension Program Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 28)
3/26 SB 2 Amends the State Employee Pension Program Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 6)
2/27 SB 2 Amends the State Employee Pension Program Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)
2/27 HB 416 Establishes the Kentucky Retirement Systems Sustainability Trust Fund Bill Passed - House (52 - 47)
4/24 H 3401 2013-2014 Budget Bill Passed - House (127 - 29)
4/08 H 3382 Expands Retail Tax to Include Computer System Design Services Bill Passed - House (97 - 55)
3/22 HB 860 Authorizes Construction and Renovation of Public Schools Bill Passed - House (107 - 30)
3/27 SB 274 Expands Medicaid Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
3/25 HB 228 Amends the State Health Benefits Exchange and Medicaid Program Bill Passed - House (93 - 43)
5/23 LD 1546 Expands Medicaid and Authorizes Liquor Operation Bonds Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
5/23 LD 1546 Expands Medicaid and Authorizes Liquor Operation Bonds Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
5/22 LD 1546 Expands Medicaid and Authorizes Liquor Operation Bonds Bill Passed - House (87 - 56)
5/22 LD 1546 Expands Medicaid and Authorizes Liquor Operation Bonds Bill Passed - House (87 - 56)
5/29 HB 4228 2013-2014 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 12)
5/28 HB 4228 2013-2014 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (65 - 43)
9/03 HB 4714 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 32)
8/27 HB 4714 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
6/13 HB 4714 Expands Medicaid Eligibility Bill Passed - House (76 - 31)
4/30 SB 197 Requires the State Prison Food Service To Seek Competitive Bids From Private Entities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
5/19 HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 26)
3/18 HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 28)
5/18 HF 1233 2013-2015 Biennium Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 28)
5/17 SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Conference Report Adopted - House (76 - 56)
5/17 HF 1233 2013-2015 Biennium Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (73 - 61)
5/17 SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (44 - 22)
5/18 HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (78 - 56)
3/14 HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 61)
4/25 SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Bill Passed - House (86 - 44)
3/07 HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 28)
4/25 HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 28)
4/25 HF 1233 2013-2015 Biennium Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28)
5/19 HF 1823 Establishes Council to Review Legislative Pay Changes Amendment Adopted - Senate (43 - 23)
4/16 SF 1589 Increases Legislator Salaries Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 32)
4/17 SF 1236 Increases Funds for Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 18)

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