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
March 9, 2006 TN SJR 127 Relating to Abortion in the Constitution Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
April 19, 2006 TN SB 303 Driver's License Examination English Language Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
May 1, 2006 TN HA 1232 Sexual Orientation Amendment Adopted - House (55 - 32)
May 26, 2006 TN HA 1609 to HB 1114 Primary Election Regulations Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (48 - 45)
May 26, 2006 TN HB 3402 Tennessee Minimum Wage Act Bill Passed - House (52 - 43)
May 17, 2006 TN SB 3895 Revisions to TennCare Bill Passed - House (78 - 19)
May 17, 2006 TN SA 1505 Medical Malpractice Limits Amendment Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 16)
May 27, 2006 TN SB 3178 State Legislator’s Pension Plan Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 8)
May 27, 2006 TN SB 3178 State Legislator’s Pension Plan Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 12)
May 11, 2006 TN SB 1678 Establishing Voting Rights Guidelines for Convicted Felons Bill Passed - House (57 - 40)
March 5, 2007 TN SB 201 English-Only Driver's License Exam Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
April 16, 2007 TN SB 227 Voter ID Act Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
May 2, 2007 TN HB 625 Tennessee Minimum Wage Act Bill Passed - House (59 - 37)
April 26, 2007 TN SA 3 PAC-to-PAC Contribution Limits Bill Tabled - Senate (16 - 13)
May 21, 2007 TN SJR 139 Popular Election of Statewide Officers Resolution Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 31, 2007 TN SB 2326 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
June 4, 2007 TN SB 2326 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (59 - 35)
May 31, 2007 TN SB 2143 Legalization of Handguns in State Parks Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
June 11, 2007 TN SB 1152 Tennessee Tollway Act Bill Passed - House (72 - 21)
May 24, 2007 TN SB 1325 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
Jan. 16, 2008 TN SB 23 Allowing Guns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
Jan. 30, 2008 TN SJR 127 Abortion Not Protected by State Constitution Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
Jan. 30, 2008 TN SA 839 Allowing Medically Necessary Abortions Bill Tabled - Senate (18 - 14)
Jan. 30, 2008 TN SA 841 Allowing Abortion for Rape Victims who are Minors Bill Tabled - Senate (20 - 12)
Jan. 30, 2008 TN SA 837 Allowing Abortion in Certain Circumstances Bill Tabled - Senate (20 - 11)
Feb. 11, 2008 TN SA 883 Commission of Indian Affairs Extension Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (20 - 10)
Feb. 13, 2008 TN SB 3419 Parental Consent for Sexual Abuse Prevention Education Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
April 29, 2008 TN SB 3042 Open Container Law Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
March 12, 2009 TN SB 83 "Living" Wage Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
March 19, 2009 TN HB 390 Allowing Loaded "Long Guns" in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (82 - 10)
March 12, 2009 TN HB 254 Eliminating Thumbprint Requirement for Gun Purchases Bill Passed - House (82 - 11)
April 16, 2009 TN HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
April 6, 2009 TN HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (70 - 26)
April 13, 2009 TN SB 1954 Basic Phone Service Deregulation Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
May 7, 2009 TN SB 433 Homeschool Diplomas Bill Passed - House (61 - 27)
April 27, 2009 TN SB 393 Prohibiting Texting While Driving Bill Passed - House (67 - 24)
May 4, 2009 TN HB 959 Close Handgun Permit Records Bill Passed - House (83 - 12)
June 4, 2009 TN HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
June 3, 2009 TN HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Veto Override Passed - House (69 - 27)
June 18, 2009 TN SB 2133 Charter School Access Expansion Bill Passed - House (79 - 15)
May 7, 2009 TN SB 2133 Charter School Access Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
June 18, 2009 TN HB 614 Delaying Paper Ballot Requirements Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 14)
June 16, 2009 TN SB 162 Creation of the Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
Jan. 12, 2010 TN HB 614 Delaying Paper Ballot Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
Feb. 8, 2010 TN SB 1092 Banning Non-Elected Boards from Requiring Nutrition Information on Menus Veto Override Passed - House (65 - 31)
Jan. 28, 2010 TN SB 1092 Prohibiting Non-Elected Boards from Requiring Nutrition Information on Menus Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
Feb. 17, 2010 TN SB 3498 Requiring Legal Challenge to Federal Health Insurance Mandates Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
June 1, 2009 TN HJR 369 Opposing the Adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Bill Passed - House (70 - 20)
May 24, 2010 TN HJR 1253 Resolution Recognizing Arizona Statehood and New Immigration Policy Joint Resolution Passed - House (67 - 27)
June 4, 2010 TN HJR 1253 Resolution Recognizing Arizona Statehood and New Immigration Policy Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
June 4, 2010 TN SB 3012 Guns in Bars Veto Override Passed - House (61 - 30)
May 27, 2010 TN SB 3012 Guns in Bars Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
June 9, 2010 TN HB 670 Requiring Correctional Facilities to Determine Immigration Status of Inmates Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 30)
June 9, 2010 TN HB 670 Requiring Correctional Facilities to Determine Immigration Status of Inmates Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 7)
May 10, 2010 TN HB 270 Citizenship Status for Voting and Registration Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
May 10, 2010 TN SB 63 English Only Requirement for Driver's License Examinations Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
March 7, 2011 TN SB 79 Tennessee Health Care Freedom Act Bill Passed - House (70 - 27)
Feb. 23, 2011 TN SB 79 Tennessee Health Care Freedom Act Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
March 9, 2011 TN SJR 18 Constitutional Amendment Prohibiting an Income Tax Amendment Adopted - Senate (28 - 5)
March 24, 2011 TN SB 1528 Amends Requirements for Teacher Tenure Bill Passed - House (65 - 32)
March 10, 2011 TN SB 1528 Amends Requirements for Teacher Tenure Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
May 20, 2011 TN SB 113 Teachers' Unions Negotiations Conference Report Adopted - House (55 - 40)
May 20, 2011 TN SB 113 Teachers' Unions Negotiations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
May 18, 2011 TN HB 600 Equal Access to Interstate Commerce Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 26)
May 12, 2011 TN HB 600 Equal Access to Interstate Commerce Act Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
April 21, 2011 TN SB 485 Equal Opportunity Scholarship Act Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
May 20, 2011 TN SJR 127 Abortion Specifications Joint Resolution Passed - House (76 - 18)
April 18, 2011 TN SJR 127 Abortion Specifications Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
March 26, 2012 TN HB 368 Scientific Theories in the Classroom Concurrence Vote Passed - House (72 - 23)
March 19, 2012 TN HB 368 Scientific Theories in the Classroom Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
April 7, 2011 TN HB 368 Scientific Theories in the Classroom Bill Passed - House (70 - 23)
May 18, 2011 TN SJR 221 Constitutional Amendment to Prohibit State Income Tax Amendment Adopted - Senate (26 - 4)
May 21, 2011 TN SB 1915 Increases Contribution Limits to Campaigns Bill Passed - House (65 - 20)
May 20, 2011 TN SB 1915 Increases Contribution Limits to Campaigns Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
May 20, 2011 TN SB 49 Prohibits Instruction of Non-Heterosexual Human Sexuality in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
May 2, 2011 TN SB 113 Teachers' Unions Negotiations Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
May 20, 2011 TN SB 16 Voter Identification Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
April 14, 2011 TN SB 16 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (57 - 35)
Jan. 13, 2012 TN HB 1558 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
Jan. 12, 2012 TN HB 1558 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (68 - 25)
Jan. 13, 2012 TN HB 1555 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
Jan. 12, 2012 TN HB 1555 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - House (67 - 25)
Jan. 19, 2012 TN SB 1514 State Senate Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
Jan. 18, 2012 TN SB 1514 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - House (75 - 19)
Feb. 27, 2012 TN HB 2638 Prohibits Camping in Non-Designated Areas of Public Property Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 21)
Feb. 23, 2012 TN HB 2638 Prohibits Camping in Non-Designated Areas of Public Property Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
Feb. 16, 2012 TN HB 2638 Prohibits Camping in Non-Designated Areas of Public Property Bill Passed - House (70 - 26)
April 16, 2012 TN SB 3345 Limits the Number of Foreign Nationals that May Work in a Charter School Bill Passed - House (63 - 29)
April 12, 2012 TN SB 3345 Limits the Number of Foreign Nationals that May Work in a Charter School Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
April 18, 2012 TN HB 3517 Expands Definition of Offense Against Fetuses Bill Passed - House (80 - 18)
April 16, 2012 TN SB 2514 Amends Eligibility Requirements for the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
April 26, 2012 TN HB 2566 Increases Kindergarten Age Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
April 25, 2012 TN HB 2566 Increases Kindergarten Age Requirements Bill Passed - House (68 - 30)
April 26, 2012 TN SJR 710 Amends Judicial Appointment Process Joint Resolution Passed - House (70 - 27)
April 23, 2012 TN SJR 710 Amends Judicial Appointment Process Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
April 25, 2012 TN SB 2580 Requires Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
April 24, 2012 TN HJR 587 Opposes the United Nations Agenda 21 Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
March 15, 2012 TN HJR 587 Opposes the United Nations Agenda 21 Joint Resolution Passed - House (72 - 23)
April 30, 2012 TN SB 3597 Prohibits Discrimination Against Religious Student Groups at Public Universities Bill Passed - House (61 - 22)
April 30, 2012 TN SB 3597 Prohibits Discrimination Against Religious Student Groups at Public Universities Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/09 SJR 127 Relating to Abortion in the Constitution Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
4/19 SB 303 Driver's License Examination English Language Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
5/01 HA 1232 Sexual Orientation Amendment Adopted - House (55 - 32)
5/26 HA 1609 to HB 1114 Primary Election Regulations Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (48 - 45)
5/26 HB 3402 Tennessee Minimum Wage Act Bill Passed - House (52 - 43)
5/17 SB 3895 Revisions to TennCare Bill Passed - House (78 - 19)
5/17 SA 1505 Medical Malpractice Limits Amendment Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 16)
5/27 SB 3178 State Legislator’s Pension Plan Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 8)
5/27 SB 3178 State Legislator’s Pension Plan Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 12)
5/11 SB 1678 Establishing Voting Rights Guidelines for Convicted Felons Bill Passed - House (57 - 40)
3/05 SB 201 English-Only Driver's License Exam Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
4/16 SB 227 Voter ID Act Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
5/02 HB 625 Tennessee Minimum Wage Act Bill Passed - House (59 - 37)
4/26 SA 3 PAC-to-PAC Contribution Limits Bill Tabled - Senate (16 - 13)
5/21 SJR 139 Popular Election of Statewide Officers Resolution Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/31 SB 2326 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
6/04 SB 2326 Cigarette Tax Increase Bill Passed - House (59 - 35)
5/31 SB 2143 Legalization of Handguns in State Parks Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
6/11 SB 1152 Tennessee Tollway Act Bill Passed - House (72 - 21)
5/24 SB 1325 Indoor Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
1/16 SB 23 Allowing Guns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
1/30 SJR 127 Abortion Not Protected by State Constitution Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
1/30 SA 839 Allowing Medically Necessary Abortions Bill Tabled - Senate (18 - 14)
1/30 SA 841 Allowing Abortion for Rape Victims who are Minors Bill Tabled - Senate (20 - 12)
1/30 SA 837 Allowing Abortion in Certain Circumstances Bill Tabled - Senate (20 - 11)
2/11 SA 883 Commission of Indian Affairs Extension Amendment Amendment Adopted - Senate (20 - 10)
2/13 SB 3419 Parental Consent for Sexual Abuse Prevention Education Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
4/29 SB 3042 Open Container Law Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
3/12 SB 83 "Living" Wage Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
3/19 HB 390 Allowing Loaded "Long Guns" in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (82 - 10)
3/12 HB 254 Eliminating Thumbprint Requirement for Gun Purchases Bill Passed - House (82 - 11)
4/16 HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
4/06 HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (70 - 26)
4/13 SB 1954 Basic Phone Service Deregulation Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
5/07 SB 433 Homeschool Diplomas Bill Passed - House (61 - 27)
4/27 SB 393 Prohibiting Texting While Driving Bill Passed - House (67 - 24)
5/04 HB 959 Close Handgun Permit Records Bill Passed - House (83 - 12)
6/04 HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
6/03 HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Veto Override Passed - House (69 - 27)
6/18 SB 2133 Charter School Access Expansion Bill Passed - House (79 - 15)
5/07 SB 2133 Charter School Access Expansion Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
6/18 HB 614 Delaying Paper Ballot Requirements Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 14)
6/16 SB 162 Creation of the Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
1/12 HB 614 Delaying Paper Ballot Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
2/08 SB 1092 Banning Non-Elected Boards from Requiring Nutrition Information on Menus Veto Override Passed - House (65 - 31)
1/28 SB 1092 Prohibiting Non-Elected Boards from Requiring Nutrition Information on Menus Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
2/17 SB 3498 Requiring Legal Challenge to Federal Health Insurance Mandates Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
6/01 HJR 369 Opposing the Adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Bill Passed - House (70 - 20)
5/24 HJR 1253 Resolution Recognizing Arizona Statehood and New Immigration Policy Joint Resolution Passed - House (67 - 27)
6/04 HJR 1253 Resolution Recognizing Arizona Statehood and New Immigration Policy Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
6/04 SB 3012 Guns in Bars Veto Override Passed - House (61 - 30)
5/27 SB 3012 Guns in Bars Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
6/09 HB 670 Requiring Correctional Facilities to Determine Immigration Status of Inmates Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 30)
6/09 HB 670 Requiring Correctional Facilities to Determine Immigration Status of Inmates Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 7)
5/10 HB 270 Citizenship Status for Voting and Registration Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
5/10 SB 63 English Only Requirement for Driver's License Examinations Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
3/07 SB 79 Tennessee Health Care Freedom Act Bill Passed - House (70 - 27)
2/23 SB 79 Tennessee Health Care Freedom Act Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
3/09 SJR 18 Constitutional Amendment Prohibiting an Income Tax Amendment Adopted - Senate (28 - 5)
3/24 SB 1528 Amends Requirements for Teacher Tenure Bill Passed - House (65 - 32)
3/10 SB 1528 Amends Requirements for Teacher Tenure Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
5/20 SB 113 Teachers' Unions Negotiations Conference Report Adopted - House (55 - 40)
5/20 SB 113 Teachers' Unions Negotiations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
5/18 HB 600 Equal Access to Interstate Commerce Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 26)
5/12 HB 600 Equal Access to Interstate Commerce Act Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
4/21 SB 485 Equal Opportunity Scholarship Act Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
5/20 SJR 127 Abortion Specifications Joint Resolution Passed - House (76 - 18)
4/18 SJR 127 Abortion Specifications Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
3/26 HB 368 Scientific Theories in the Classroom Concurrence Vote Passed - House (72 - 23)
3/19 HB 368 Scientific Theories in the Classroom Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
4/07 HB 368 Scientific Theories in the Classroom Bill Passed - House (70 - 23)
5/18 SJR 221 Constitutional Amendment to Prohibit State Income Tax Amendment Adopted - Senate (26 - 4)
5/21 SB 1915 Increases Contribution Limits to Campaigns Bill Passed - House (65 - 20)
5/20 SB 1915 Increases Contribution Limits to Campaigns Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
5/20 SB 49 Prohibits Instruction of Non-Heterosexual Human Sexuality in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
5/02 SB 113 Teachers' Unions Negotiations Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
5/20 SB 16 Voter Identification Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
4/14 SB 16 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (57 - 35)
1/13 HB 1558 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
1/12 HB 1558 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (68 - 25)
1/13 HB 1555 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
1/12 HB 1555 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - House (67 - 25)
1/19 SB 1514 State Senate Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
1/18 SB 1514 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - House (75 - 19)
2/27 HB 2638 Prohibits Camping in Non-Designated Areas of Public Property Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 21)
2/23 HB 2638 Prohibits Camping in Non-Designated Areas of Public Property Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
2/16 HB 2638 Prohibits Camping in Non-Designated Areas of Public Property Bill Passed - House (70 - 26)
4/16 SB 3345 Limits the Number of Foreign Nationals that May Work in a Charter School Bill Passed - House (63 - 29)
4/12 SB 3345 Limits the Number of Foreign Nationals that May Work in a Charter School Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
4/18 HB 3517 Expands Definition of Offense Against Fetuses Bill Passed - House (80 - 18)
4/16 SB 2514 Amends Eligibility Requirements for the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
4/26 HB 2566 Increases Kindergarten Age Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
4/25 HB 2566 Increases Kindergarten Age Requirements Bill Passed - House (68 - 30)
4/26 SJR 710 Amends Judicial Appointment Process Joint Resolution Passed - House (70 - 27)
4/23 SJR 710 Amends Judicial Appointment Process Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
4/25 SB 2580 Requires Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
4/24 HJR 587 Opposes the United Nations Agenda 21 Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
3/15 HJR 587 Opposes the United Nations Agenda 21 Joint Resolution Passed - House (72 - 23)
4/30 SB 3597 Prohibits Discrimination Against Religious Student Groups at Public Universities Bill Passed - House (61 - 22)
4/30 SB 3597 Prohibits Discrimination Against Religious Student Groups at Public Universities Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)

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