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
April 6, 2006 AR SB 19 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (63 - 32)
April 7, 2006 AR SB 24 Additional Education Funding Act Bill Passed - House (83 - 8)
April 7, 2006 AR SB 21 Education Funding Bill Passed - House (82 - 13)
April 6, 2006 AR SB 18 Property Tax Interest Bill Failed - House (46 - 46)
April 7, 2006 AR SB 27 Educational Adequacy Act of 2006 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
April 7, 2006 AR SB 27 Educational Adequacy Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (79 - 17)
April 5, 2006 AR HB 1033 Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (92 - 2)
April 6, 2006 AR HB 1033 Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1)
April 21, 2006 AR SB 16 Science Specialist Program Funding Line Item Veto Veto Override Passed - House (71 - 13)
Jan. 29, 2007 AR HB 1173 Reversal of the BMI Report Card Requirement Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
March 13, 2007 AR SB 959 Adoption and Foster Care Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
March 22, 2007 AR SB 1004 Beer Tax Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
March 28, 2007 AR SB 1004 Beer Tax Bill Passed - House (51 - 39)
April 1, 2008 AR SB 1 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
April 2, 2008 AR SB 1 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - House (82 - 17)
April 2, 2008 AR HB 1004 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
April 1, 2008 AR HB 1004 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - House (81 - 16)
Jan. 27, 2009 AR HB 1050 Freedom of Information Act Exemption Specifications Bill Passed - House (57 - 31)
Jan. 29, 2009 AR HB 1013 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - House (78 - 12)
Jan. 28, 2009 AR HB 1119 Prohibiting Cell Phone Use While Driving for Specific Age Groups Bill Passed - House (62 - 27)
Feb. 12, 2009 AR HB 1204 Tobacco Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
Feb. 5, 2009 AR HB 1204 Tobacco Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (75 - 24)
Feb. 11, 2009 AR HB 1237 Allowing Concealed Weapons in Churches Bill Passed - House (57 - 42)
Feb. 25, 2009 AR SB 78 Seat Belt Violation as Primary Offense Bill Passed - House (60 - 31)
Feb. 25, 2009 AR HB 1339 Election of the President by National Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (56 - 43)
Feb. 25, 2009 AR HB 1464 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - House (67 - 27)
March 9, 2009 AR HB 1700 Expanding Eligibility for Children's Health Insurance Program Bill Passed - House (82 - 14)
March 13, 2009 AR SB 239 Authorization for Unlicensed Assistants to Perform Simple Medical Procedures Bill Passed - House (59 - 29)
Feb. 16, 2011 AR HB 1049 Prohibit Cell Phone Use in School Zones Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 9)
Feb. 1, 2011 AR HB 1049 Prohibit Cell Phone Use in School Zones Bill Passed - House (53 - 41)
Jan. 31, 2011 AR HB 1049 Prohibit Cell Phone Use in School Zones Bill Failed - House (46 - 47)
Jan. 27, 2011 AR SB 113 Prohibit Abortion Health Care Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
Feb. 15, 2011 AR SB 154 Cell Phones in School Zones Bill Passed - House (52 - 41)
Feb. 2, 2011 AR SB 154 Cell Phones in School Zones Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
Feb. 7, 2011 AR HB 1013 Hiring of Unauthorized Workers Bill Passed - House (54 - 39)
Feb. 21, 2011 AR HB 1115 Absentee Mayor Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
Feb. 14, 2011 AR HB 1115 Absentee Mayor Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 14)
Jan. 20, 2011 AR HB 1115 Absentee Mayor Bill Passed - House (70 - 22)
Feb. 16, 2011 AR HB 1002 Capital Gains Reduction Act Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
Feb. 16, 2011 AR HB 1052 Reducing Taxes on Manufacturer Utilities Bill Passed - House (88 - 8)
Feb. 22, 2011 AR SB 275 Reduction of Excise Tax on Electricity and Natural Gas Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
March 17, 2011 AR HB 1936 Dress Codes for Public Schools Bill Passed - House (73 - 19)
March 23, 2011 AR HB 2007 Requires Driver's License Exams to be in English Only Bill Failed - House (49 - 37)
March 21, 2011 AR HB 1797 Requires Proof of Identity to Vote Bill Passed - House (53 - 36)
March 24, 2011 AR HB 1902 Highway Financing Act 0f 2011 Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
March 25, 2011 AR HB 1032 Curriculum Standards for Bible Instruction in School Districts Bill Passed - House (71 - 16)
March 25, 2011 AR HB 1958 Authorizes Concealed Handguns In Places of Worship Bill Passed - House (65 - 23)
March 31, 2011 AR HB 1226 2011-2012 State Insurance Department Budget Bill Passed - House (83 - 7)
March 29, 2011 AR HB 1226 2011-2012 State Insurance Department Budget Bill Failed - House (53 - 41)
April 6, 2011 AR SB 871 Congressional Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
April 12, 2011 AR SB 972 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
April 12, 2011 AR SB 972 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (61 - 20)
Feb. 28, 2013 AR SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Feb. 21, 2013 AR SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - House (68 - 20)
Jan. 31, 2013 AR SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Feb. 4, 2013 AR HB 1100 Prohibits Abortion Coverage on the State Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - House (77 - 15)
Jan. 28, 2013 AR SB 71 Authorizes Handguns on Religious Institutions' Properties Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 4)
Feb. 21, 2013 AR HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 10)
Feb. 18, 2013 AR HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
Feb. 4, 2013 AR HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (75 - 20)
Feb. 6, 2013 AR SB 131 Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
Feb. 25, 2013 AR HB 1243 Authorizes University Staff to Carry a Concealed Handgun Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
Feb. 15, 2013 AR HB 1243 Authorizes University Staff to Carry a Concealed Handgun Bill Passed - House (70 - 11)
April 1, 2013 AR SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - House (52 - 45)
March 27, 2013 AR SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
March 19, 2013 AR SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
March 13, 2013 AR SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (51 - 44)
Feb. 20, 2013 AR SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
Feb. 28, 2013 AR HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Veto Override Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
Feb. 27, 2013 AR HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Veto Override Passed - House (53 - 28)
Feb. 18, 2013 AR HB 1295 Establishes Tiered System for Lottery Scholarships Bill Passed - House (69 - 21)
March 6, 2013 AR SB 134 Prohibits Abortion if Fetal Heartbeat Detected Veto Override Passed - House (56 - 33)
March 5, 2013 AR SB 134 Prohibits Abortion if Fetal Heartbeat Detected Veto Override Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
March 12, 2013 AR HB 1357 Requires Special Elections to Be Held On Certain Days Bill Passed - House (68 - 22)
March 8, 2013 AR HB 1329 Reduces Concealed Carry License Application Fee Bill Failed - House (31 - 52)
March 5, 2013 AR HB 1041 Establishes a Spending Cap on the State Budget Bill Failed - House (49 - 47)
March 19, 2013 AR SB 417 Classifies the Death of a Fetus as a Felony in Certain Cases Bill Passed - House (76 - 10)
April 9, 2013 AR HB 1855 Classifies the Office of Prosecuting Attorney as Nonpartisan Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
March 20, 2013 AR HB 1855 Classifies the Office of Prosecuting Attorney as Nonpartisan Bill Passed - House (63 - 24)
March 19, 2013 AR HB 1819 Prohibits Governor from Regulating Firearms in an Emergency Bill Passed - House (78 - 9)
April 3, 2013 AR HB 1938 Prohibits the Closure of Schools Based on Student Enrollment for 2 Years Bill Failed - House (46 - 26)
April 10, 2013 AR HB 1536 Authorizes Sale of Unpasteurized Whole Milk Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
April 6, 2013 AR HB 1536 Authorizes Sale of Unpasteurized Whole Milk Bill Passed - House (60 - 19)
April 8, 2013 AR SB 38 Requires Drug Testing for Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
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)
April 9, 2013 AR HJR 1009 Amends Campaign Contribution Laws Joint Resolution Passed - House (71 - 12)
April 18, 2013 AR SB 1020 Authorizes Private Purchase of Health Insurance with Federal Funds Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 5)
April 17, 2013 AR SB 1020 Authorizes Private Purchase of Health Insurance with Federal Funds Bill Passed - House (70 - 23)
April 8, 2013 AR SB 875 Reduces Maximum Weekly Unemployment Benefit Amounts Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
April 18, 2013 AR HB 1585 Amends State Income Tax Brackets and Rates Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
April 8, 2013 AR HB 1870 Appropriates Funds for Certain Steel Mills Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
April 5, 2013 AR SB 1093 Requires Racial Impact Statement For Crime Bills Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 10)
Feb. 20, 2014 AR SB 111 2014-2015 Department of Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
July 2, 2014 AR HB 1003 Limits Eligibility for School Employee Health Insurance Program Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
July 2, 2014 AR HB 1004 Amends the Public School Health Insurance Program Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
March 12, 2015 AR SB 366 Authorizes Additional Compensations to Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
March 13, 2015 AR HB 1377 Authorizes the Use of Waivers by Public School Districts Bill Passed - House (58 - 18)
March 12, 2015 AR HB 1489 Reduces Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
March 27, 2015 AR HB 1228 Prohibits the State from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/06 SB 19 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (63 - 32)
4/07 SB 24 Additional Education Funding Act Bill Passed - House (83 - 8)
4/07 SB 21 Education Funding Bill Passed - House (82 - 13)
4/06 SB 18 Property Tax Interest Bill Failed - House (46 - 46)
4/07 SB 27 Educational Adequacy Act of 2006 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
4/07 SB 27 Educational Adequacy Act of 2006 Bill Passed - House (79 - 17)
4/05 HB 1033 Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (92 - 2)
4/06 HB 1033 Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1)
4/21 SB 16 Science Specialist Program Funding Line Item Veto Veto Override Passed - House (71 - 13)
1/29 HB 1173 Reversal of the BMI Report Card Requirement Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
3/13 SB 959 Adoption and Foster Care Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
3/22 SB 1004 Beer Tax Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
3/28 SB 1004 Beer Tax Bill Passed - House (51 - 39)
4/01 SB 1 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
4/02 SB 1 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - House (82 - 17)
4/02 HB 1004 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
4/01 HB 1004 Natural Gas Tax Bill Passed - House (81 - 16)
1/27 HB 1050 Freedom of Information Act Exemption Specifications Bill Passed - House (57 - 31)
1/29 HB 1013 Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving Bill Passed - House (78 - 12)
1/28 HB 1119 Prohibiting Cell Phone Use While Driving for Specific Age Groups Bill Passed - House (62 - 27)
2/12 HB 1204 Tobacco Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
2/05 HB 1204 Tobacco Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (75 - 24)
2/11 HB 1237 Allowing Concealed Weapons in Churches Bill Passed - House (57 - 42)
2/25 SB 78 Seat Belt Violation as Primary Offense Bill Passed - House (60 - 31)
2/25 HB 1339 Election of the President by National Popular Vote Bill Passed - House (56 - 43)
2/25 HB 1464 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - House (67 - 27)
3/09 HB 1700 Expanding Eligibility for Children's Health Insurance Program Bill Passed - House (82 - 14)
3/13 SB 239 Authorization for Unlicensed Assistants to Perform Simple Medical Procedures Bill Passed - House (59 - 29)
2/16 HB 1049 Prohibit Cell Phone Use in School Zones Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 9)
2/01 HB 1049 Prohibit Cell Phone Use in School Zones Bill Passed - House (53 - 41)
1/31 HB 1049 Prohibit Cell Phone Use in School Zones Bill Failed - House (46 - 47)
1/27 SB 113 Prohibit Abortion Health Care Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
2/15 SB 154 Cell Phones in School Zones Bill Passed - House (52 - 41)
2/02 SB 154 Cell Phones in School Zones Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
2/07 HB 1013 Hiring of Unauthorized Workers Bill Passed - House (54 - 39)
2/21 HB 1115 Absentee Mayor Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
2/14 HB 1115 Absentee Mayor Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 14)
1/20 HB 1115 Absentee Mayor Bill Passed - House (70 - 22)
2/16 HB 1002 Capital Gains Reduction Act Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
2/16 HB 1052 Reducing Taxes on Manufacturer Utilities Bill Passed - House (88 - 8)
2/22 SB 275 Reduction of Excise Tax on Electricity and Natural Gas Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
3/17 HB 1936 Dress Codes for Public Schools Bill Passed - House (73 - 19)
3/23 HB 2007 Requires Driver's License Exams to be in English Only Bill Failed - House (49 - 37)
3/21 HB 1797 Requires Proof of Identity to Vote Bill Passed - House (53 - 36)
3/24 HB 1902 Highway Financing Act 0f 2011 Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
3/25 HB 1032 Curriculum Standards for Bible Instruction in School Districts Bill Passed - House (71 - 16)
3/25 HB 1958 Authorizes Concealed Handguns In Places of Worship Bill Passed - House (65 - 23)
3/31 HB 1226 2011-2012 State Insurance Department Budget Bill Passed - House (83 - 7)
3/29 HB 1226 2011-2012 State Insurance Department Budget Bill Failed - House (53 - 41)
4/06 SB 871 Congressional Redistricting Plan Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
4/12 SB 972 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
4/12 SB 972 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (61 - 20)
2/28 SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
2/21 SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - House (68 - 20)
1/31 SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
2/04 HB 1100 Prohibits Abortion Coverage on the State Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - House (77 - 15)
1/28 SB 71 Authorizes Handguns on Religious Institutions' Properties Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 4)
2/21 HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 10)
2/18 HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
2/04 HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (75 - 20)
2/06 SB 131 Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
2/25 HB 1243 Authorizes University Staff to Carry a Concealed Handgun Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
2/15 HB 1243 Authorizes University Staff to Carry a Concealed Handgun Bill Passed - House (70 - 11)
4/01 SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - House (52 - 45)
3/27 SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
3/19 SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
3/13 SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (51 - 44)
2/20 SB 2 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
2/28 HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Veto Override Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
2/27 HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Veto Override Passed - House (53 - 28)
2/18 HB 1295 Establishes Tiered System for Lottery Scholarships Bill Passed - House (69 - 21)
3/06 SB 134 Prohibits Abortion if Fetal Heartbeat Detected Veto Override Passed - House (56 - 33)
3/05 SB 134 Prohibits Abortion if Fetal Heartbeat Detected Veto Override Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
3/12 HB 1357 Requires Special Elections to Be Held On Certain Days Bill Passed - House (68 - 22)
3/08 HB 1329 Reduces Concealed Carry License Application Fee Bill Failed - House (31 - 52)
3/05 HB 1041 Establishes a Spending Cap on the State Budget Bill Failed - House (49 - 47)
3/19 SB 417 Classifies the Death of a Fetus as a Felony in Certain Cases Bill Passed - House (76 - 10)
4/09 HB 1855 Classifies the Office of Prosecuting Attorney as Nonpartisan Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
3/20 HB 1855 Classifies the Office of Prosecuting Attorney as Nonpartisan Bill Passed - House (63 - 24)
3/19 HB 1819 Prohibits Governor from Regulating Firearms in an Emergency Bill Passed - House (78 - 9)
4/03 HB 1938 Prohibits the Closure of Schools Based on Student Enrollment for 2 Years Bill Failed - House (46 - 26)
4/10 HB 1536 Authorizes Sale of Unpasteurized Whole Milk Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
4/06 HB 1536 Authorizes Sale of Unpasteurized Whole Milk Bill Passed - House (60 - 19)
4/08 SB 38 Requires Drug Testing for Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
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)
4/09 HJR 1009 Amends Campaign Contribution Laws Joint Resolution Passed - House (71 - 12)
4/18 SB 1020 Authorizes Private Purchase of Health Insurance with Federal Funds Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 5)
4/17 SB 1020 Authorizes Private Purchase of Health Insurance with Federal Funds Bill Passed - House (70 - 23)
4/08 SB 875 Reduces Maximum Weekly Unemployment Benefit Amounts Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
4/18 HB 1585 Amends State Income Tax Brackets and Rates Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
4/08 HB 1870 Appropriates Funds for Certain Steel Mills Bill Passed - House (78 - 17)
4/05 SB 1093 Requires Racial Impact Statement For Crime Bills Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 10)
2/20 SB 111 2014-2015 Department of Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
7/02 HB 1003 Limits Eligibility for School Employee Health Insurance Program Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
7/02 HB 1004 Amends the Public School Health Insurance Program Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
3/12 SB 366 Authorizes Additional Compensations to Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
3/13 HB 1377 Authorizes the Use of Waivers by Public School Districts Bill Passed - House (58 - 18)
3/12 HB 1489 Reduces Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
3/27 HB 1228 Prohibits the State from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)

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