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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jan. 28, 2014 | ME | LD 1254 | Requires State Institutions to Purchase Foods Produced in Maine | Veto Override Failed - Senate (20 - 13) |
Feb. 17, 2014 | IN | HJR 3 | Defines Marriage as Between 1 Man and 1 Woman | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 17) |
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) |
Feb. 4, 2014 | SD | SB 75 | Prohibits a Local Government From Establishing a Dog Breed-Specific Regulation | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
Feb. 4, 2014 | KY | SB 58 | Repeals the Office of the State Secretary of the Treasury | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
Feb. 4, 2014 | KY | SB 58 | Repeals the Office of the State Secretary of the Treasury | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
Feb. 5, 2014 | IL | SB 1227 | Extends the Date for the Governor to Submit the State Budget | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 15) |
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. 5, 2014 | TN | SJR 123 | Requires Election of Attorney General Position | Amendment Rejected - Senate (15 - 14) |
Feb. 5, 2014 | TN | SJR 123 | Requires Election of Attorney General Position | Amendment Rejected - Senate (15 - 14) |
Feb. 6, 2014 | KY | SB 1 | Authorizes Legislature to Review Administrative Regulations | Amendment Adopted - Senate (24 - 14) |
Feb. 6, 2014 | KY | SB 1 | Authorizes Legislature to Review Administrative Regulations | Amendment Adopted - Senate (24 - 14) |
Feb. 6, 2014 | KY | SB 1 | Authorizes Legislature to Review Administrative Regulations | Amendment Adopted - Senate (24 - 14) |
Feb. 20, 2014 | MO | SB 613 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearms Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
Feb. 12, 2014 | SD | SB 142 | Increases Salary for State Legislators | Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 15) |
Feb. 12, 2014 | SD | SB 142 | Increases Salary for State Legislators | Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 15) |
Feb. 14, 2014 | NM | SJR 13 | Increases the Minimum Wage | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 17) |
March 5, 2014 | SD | HJR 1002 | Increases Legislative Term Limit Length | Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (12 - 23) |
March 5, 2014 | SD | HJR 1002 | Increases Legislative Term Limit Length | Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (12 - 23) |
Feb. 25, 2014 | KY | SB 82 | Establishes Procedures for an Executive Cabinet Position | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
Feb. 25, 2014 | KY | SB 82 | Establishes Procedures for an Executive Cabinet Position | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
Feb. 17, 2014 | GA | SB 318 | Authorizes Bars to Sell Alcohol on Certain Holiday Weekends | Bill Failed - Senate (28 - 20) |
March 20, 2014 | GA | SR 415 | Prohibits Increase in State Income Tax | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (42 - 13) |
Feb. 24, 2014 | GA | SR 415 | Prohibits Increase in State Income Tax | Resolution Passed - Senate (42 - 11) |
Feb. 20, 2014 | AZ | HB 2196 | Repeals Certain Elections Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12) |
April 16, 2014 | AZ | HB 2367 | Establishes Work Requirements for Certain Medicaid Recipients | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12) |
Feb. 10, 2014 | SD | SB 98 | Authorizes Certain Municipalities to Increase Occupancy Tax | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16) |
March 5, 2014 | SD | HJR 1001 | Authorizes Additional Types of Games in Deadwood City Casinos | Amendment Adopted - Senate (25 - 10) |
March 4, 2014 | SD | HB 1123 | Extends the Alcoholic Beverage Service Hours of Certain Hotels | Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 20) |
March 18, 2014 | GA | HB 60 | Amends Firearm Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 18) |
March 17, 2014 | NY | A 2597A | Establishes the New York DREAM Fund Commission | Bill Failed - Senate (30 - 29) |
Feb. 5, 2014 | IA | SF 2079 | Increases School Funding | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23) |
March 12, 2014 | ME | LD 1487 | Expands Medicaid Eligibility | "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 13) |
March 13, 2014 | IN | SB 176 | Authorizes Funding for a Mass Transit System | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 16) |
Feb. 4, 2014 | IN | SB 176 | Authorizes Funding for a Mass Transit System | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20) |
March 12, 2014 | KS | SB 362 | Requires Registration for Health Insurance Navigators | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10) |
March 12, 2014 | WI | SB 324 | Amends the Absentee Voting Procedures | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16) |
March 12, 2014 | SD | SB 98 | Authorizes Certain Municipalities to Increase Occupancy Tax | Veto Override Failed - Senate (16 - 19) |
March 27, 2014 | NJ | S 1869 | Extends Salary Limits for Public Safety Employees | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7) |
March 17, 2014 | KY | SB 221 | Authorizes Legislative Leaders to Intervene in Certain Court Cases | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6) |
March 18, 2014 | KY | SB 205 | Authorizes a Candidate to Appear on a Ballot Twice | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13) |
April 4, 2014 | KS | HB 2553 | Establishes an Interstate Health Care Compact | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11) |
April 4, 2014 | KS | HB 2553 | Establishes an Interstate Health Care Compact | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11) |
March 27, 2014 | KY | HB 407 | Authorizes Framework for Public-Private Partnerships | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9) |
April 30, 2014 | MO | HB 1439 | Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8) |
Feb. 19, 2014 | OH | SB 205 | Amends Absentee Ballot Voting Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 10) |
Feb. 19, 2014 | OH | SB 238 | Reduces Number of Absentee Voting Days | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 10) |
Feb. 20, 2014 | CA | AB 800 | Authorizes the Fair Political Practices Commission to Conduct Audits and Investigations | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9) |
April 3, 2014 | ME | LD 1838 | Establishes The Affordable Heating From Maine's Forest Fund | "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 14) |
April 15, 2014 | AK | HB 383 | Authorizes the Governor to Appoint Non-Residents to the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation Board | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7) |
March 19, 2014 | SC | H 3101 | Prohibits Implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 | Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 33) |
March 19, 2014 | SC | H 3101 | Prohibits Implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 | Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 33) |
March 6, 2014 | KS | HB 2338 | Appropriates Funds to the Judicial Branch | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
Feb. 27, 2014 | AZ | SB 1344 | Amends Responsibilities of Clean Elections Commission | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12) |
April 21, 2014 | AZ | HB 2316 | Prohibits Adoption of Federal Education Standards | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 7) |
March 25, 2014 | KS | HB 2125 | Prohibits Slot Machines at Certain Racetracks | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12) |
April 3, 2014 | KS | Knox Amdt | Prohibits Implementation of Common Core Standards Using Certain State Funds | Amendment Adopted - Senate (27 - 12) |
April 7, 2014 | NE | LR 41CA | Authorizes Gambling on Past Horse Races | Resolution Passed - Senate (30 - 17) |
April 3, 2014 | NE | LR 41CA | Authorizes Gambling on Past Horse Races | Resolution Failed - Senate (28 - 19) |
April 16, 2014 | AZ | HB 2517 | Establishes Penalties for Violations of an Existing State Firearms Law | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12) |
March 27, 2014 | TN | HB 937 | Prohibits Medicaid Expansion | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6) |
May 8, 2014 | CA | SB 27 | Requires Certain Nonprofit Organizations to Disclose Donors | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 7) |
May 2, 2014 | MN | SF 2099 | Requires Political Contributions by Corporations to be Subject to the Individual Income Tax | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 23) |
May 27, 2014 | IL | SB 16 | Amends Formula for School Funding | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 19) |
April 29, 2014 | MN | HF 2096 | Authorizes Online Voter Registration | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 24) |
April 30, 2014 | NY | A 9206 | Authorizes Traffic Cameras on Long Island | Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 11) |
March 12, 2014 | KS | HB 2210 | Amends the Date by Which a Voter May Change Party Affiliation | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12) |
March 13, 2014 | NY | S 2031A | Amends the Board of Regents Appointment Process | Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 19) |
May 13, 2014 | MN | HF 3169 | Establishes a Legislative Salary Council | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 25) |
May 13, 2014 | MN | HF 3169 | Establishes a Legislative Salary Council | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 25) |
March 13, 2014 | IN | SB 229 | Authorizes the Concealed Possession of Firearms on School Property | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 10) |
May 22, 2014 | NH | SB 120 | Requires Certain Political Organizations to Disclose Individual Contributors | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (12 - 11) |
May 1, 2014 | RI | H 7944A | Authorizes State Fiscal Oversight of Certain Fire Districts | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5) |
June 3, 2014 | MI | HB 5575 | Establishes the Mighigan Settlement Authority Administration | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17) |
May 28, 2014 | LA | HB 953 | Extends Timeline for Implementation of Common Core Standards | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8) |
May 22, 2014 | IL | SJRCA 75 | Ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 11) |
May 23, 2014 | OK | HJR 1033 | Authorizes Bonds for Capitol Repairs | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 8) |
March 10, 2014 | OK | SB 1023 | Prohibits Any Municipality from Establishing a Minimum Wage | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9) |
April 2, 2014 | MD | HB 727 | Expands Prevailing Wage Requirements for Certain School Projects | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15) |
May 30, 2014 | IL | SB 274 | Requires Salary Payments to State Legislators | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 18) |
May 15, 2014 | IL | HB 4075 | Establishes Standards for Ridesharing Companies | Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 8) |
May 29, 2014 | CA | SB 1253 | Amends Legislative Initiative Measure Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8) |
May 29, 2014 | CA | SB 1253 | Amends Legislative Initiative Measure Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8) |
April 10, 2014 | MO | SB 892 | Amends Presidential Primary Dates | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7) |
May 28, 2014 | CA | SB 1319 | Expands Prevention and Response Programs for Oil Spills | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
May 12, 2014 | MO | HJR 90 | Authorizes Early Voting | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8) |
May 16, 2014 | MO | HJR 72 | Authorizes the Legislature to Override Certain Gubernatorial Spending Reductions | Amendment Adopted - Senate (25 - 4) |
May 16, 2014 | MO | HJR 72 | Authorizes the Legislature to Override Certain Gubernatorial Spending Reductions | Amendment Adopted - Senate (25 - 4) |
May 16, 2014 | MO | HJR 72 | Authorizes the Legislature to Override Certain Gubernatorial Spending Reductions | Amendment Adopted - Senate (25 - 4) |
June 23, 2014 | CA | AJR 1 | Requests Constitutional Convention to Overturn Citizens United | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11) |
June 23, 2014 | CA | AJR 1 | Requests Constitutional Convention to Overturn Citizens United | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11) |
May 22, 2014 | OK | SB 1848 | Amends Standards for Abortion Facilities | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 9) |
May 30, 2014 | IL | HB 105 | Authorizes Election Day Voter Registration | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 17) |
Sept. 10, 2014 | MO | SB 506 | Expands and Establishes Certain Agricultural Programs | Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 7) |
June 26, 2014 | NJ | S 2015 | 2014-2015 Budget | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16) |
July 10, 2014 | NC | SB 812 | Repeals Common Core Standards | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (33 - 12) |
April 16, 2014 | AZ | SB 1158 | Amends Fireworks Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 4) |