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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Feb. 29, 2016 | TN | SB 1821 | Authorizes the Possession of a Live Skunk | Bill Failed - House (44 - 36) |
Feb. 29, 2016 | TN | SB 2094 | Limits Liquor Retailers to 2 Stores | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6) |
Feb. 22, 2016 | TN | SB 1621 | Prohibits Local-Hire Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 5) |
Feb. 22, 2016 | TN | SJR 467 | Urges Attorney General to File Lawsuit in Relation to Refugee Resettlement Program | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 5) |
Feb. 18, 2016 | TN | HB 2129 | Requires Historical Commission Approval to Alter Monuments | Bill Passed - House (71 - 23) |
Feb. 17, 2016 | TN | SB 1556 | Authorizes Therapists to Decline to Provide Services | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 5) |
Feb. 4, 2016 | TN | SJR 67 | Requests that the U.S. Congress call a Constitutional Convention | Bill Passed - House (59 - 31) |
Jan. 25, 2016 | TN | SB 151 | Prohibits Automatic Deduction from Teachers' Paychecks for Union Dues | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9) |
April 22, 2015 | TN | SB 612 | Exempts Certain Students from Out-of-State Tuition | Bill Failed - House (49 - 47) |
April 22, 2015 | TN | SB 1128 | Prohibits Unmanned Traffic Speed Cameras | Bill Passed - House (74 - 16) |
April 20, 2015 | TN | SB 606 | Amends Eligibility for Longevity Pay | Bill Passed - House (70 - 26) |
April 16, 2015 | TN | HB 995 | Authorizes Firearms in Public Parks | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 6) |
April 16, 2015 | TN | HB 995 | Authorizes Firearms in Public Parks | Conference Report Adopted - House (62 - 25) |
April 16, 2015 | TN | SB 612 | Authorizes Certain Students to be Charged In-State Tuition | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12) |
April 16, 2015 | TN | HB 606 | Increases Penalties for Driving Without Insurance | Bill Passed - House (63 - 25) |
April 16, 2015 | TN | SB 606 | Amends Eligibility for Longevity Pay | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 3) |
April 15, 2015 | TN | SB 177 | Increases Fines for Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | Bill Passed - House (69 - 22) |
April 15, 2015 | TN | SB 177 | Increases Fines for Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
April 15, 2015 | TN | SB 1222 | Requires a 48 Hour Waiting Period Prior to an Abortion | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 5) |
April 15, 2015 | TN | HB 615 | Establishes the Bible as the Official State Book | Bill Passed - House (55 - 38) |
April 15, 2015 | TN | SB 1280 | Exempts Certain Abortion Facilities From Being Licensed as Surgical Centers | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 4) |
April 13, 2015 | TN | SB 1110 | Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Gun Laws | Bill Passed - House (74 - 20) |
April 13, 2015 | TN | SB 874 | Authorizes Exploding Targets for Sporting Use | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 3) |
April 6, 2015 | TN | HB 995 | Authorizes Firearms in Public Parks | Nonconcurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 17) |
April 1, 2015 | TN | HB 995 | Authorizes Firearms in Public Parks | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
March 30, 2015 | TN | HB 995 | Authorizes Firearms in Public Parks | Bill Passed - House (65 - 21) |
March 30, 2015 | TN | SB 999 | Establishes The Tennessee Choice and Opportunity Scholarship Program | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9) |
March 23, 2015 | TN | SB 1058 | Prohibits the Termination of Employees for Storing Firearms in Vehicles | Bill Passed - House (78 - 14) |
March 23, 2015 | TN | SB 1058 | Prohibits the Termination of Employees for Storing Firearms in Vehicles | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5) |
April 17, 2014 | TN | HB 1574 | Limits Amount of Pseudoephedrine an Individual Can Purchase | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 7) |
April 17, 2014 | TN | SB 2580 | Authorizes the Use of Certain Execution Methods | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 4) |
April 16, 2014 | TN | SB 2580 | Authorizes the Use of Certain Execution Methods | Bill Passed - House (68 - 13) |
April 10, 2014 | TN | HB 2501 | 2014-2015 Budget | Bill Passed - House (68 - 27) |
April 10, 2014 | TN | SB 196 | Establishes the Tennessee Choice and Opportunity Scholarship Program | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10) |
April 9, 2014 | TN | SB 1391 | Prohibits Women from Using Illegal Substances While Pregnant | Bill Passed - House (64 - 30) |
April 7, 2014 | TN | SB 2115 | Authorizes In-State Tuition for Certain Students | Bill Passed - House (63 - 27) |
April 7, 2014 | TN | SB 2039 | Reduces Lifetime Eligibility for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9) |
April 7, 2014 | TN | SB 1391 | Prohibits Women from Using Illegal Substances While Pregnant | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
March 27, 2014 | TN | HB 937 | Prohibits Medicaid Expansion | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6) |
March 24, 2014 | TN | SB 2115 | Authorizes In-State Tuition for Certain Students | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10) |
March 13, 2014 | TN | SJR 626 | Authorizes Individuals Paying School Fees to Determine Allocation of Fees to Student Organizations | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 6) |
March 3, 2014 | TN | SB 837 | Authorizes the Sale of Wine in Grocery Stores | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 4) |
Feb. 24, 2014 | TN | HB 937 | Prohibits Medicaid Expansion | Bill Passed - House (69 - 24) |
Feb. 20, 2014 | TN | SB 837 | Authorizes the Sale of Wine in Grocery Stores | Bill Passed - House (71 - 15) |
Feb. 13, 2014 | TN | SB 1496 | Authorizes Certain Individuals to Carry a Handgun in Public Parks | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
Feb. 5, 2014 | TN | SJR 123 | Requires Election of Attorney General Position | Amendment Rejected - Senate (15 - 14) |
Jan. 30, 2014 | TN | SB 837 | Authorizes the Sale of Wine in Grocery Stores | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8) |
April 18, 2013 | TN | HB 702 | Increases the Appeal Time Period for Establishing Charter Schools | Bill Passed - House (62 - 30) |
April 17, 2013 | TN | SB 1248 | Requires Disclosure of Photographic Evidence of Animal Abuse | Bill Passed - House (50 - 43) |
April 16, 2013 | TN | SB 1248 | Requires Disclosure of Photographic Evidence of Animal Abuse | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9) |
March 18, 2013 | TN | HB 534 | Authorizes University Student Organizations to Limit Membership Based on Religion | Bill Passed - House (75 - 21) |
March 14, 2013 | TN | SB 514 | Prohibits Universities from Disciplining Students Who Refuse to Treat Someone Based on Religious Beliefs | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 4) |
March 11, 2013 | TN | HB 9 | Prohibits Disclosure of Handgun Permits | Bill Passed - House (84 - 10) |
Feb. 28, 2013 | TN | SB 142 | Authorizes Handguns in Parking Areas | Bill Passed - House (72 - 22) |
Feb. 25, 2013 | TN | HB 553 | Prohibits War Monuments from Being Renamed | Bill Passed - House (69 - 22) |
Feb. 11, 2013 | TN | SB 142 | Authorizes Handguns in Parking Areas | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5) |
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) |
April 27, 2012 | TN | SB 3310 | Requires Abstinence-Centered Sex Education in Schools | Bill Passed - House (68 - 23) |
April 26, 2012 | TN | HB 2566 | Increases Kindergarten Age Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10) |
April 26, 2012 | TN | SJR 710 | Amends Judicial Appointment Process | Joint Resolution Passed - House (70 - 27) |
April 25, 2012 | TN | SB 2580 | Requires Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9) |
April 25, 2012 | TN | HB 2566 | Increases Kindergarten Age Requirements | Bill Passed - House (68 - 30) |
April 24, 2012 | TN | HB 3808 | Requires Publication of Abortion Statistics | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5) |
April 24, 2012 | TN | HJR 587 | Opposes the United Nations Agenda 21 | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (19 - 11) |
April 23, 2012 | TN | SJR 710 | Amends Judicial Appointment Process | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 9) |
April 18, 2012 | TN | HB 3517 | Expands Definition of Offense Against Fetuses | Bill Passed - House (80 - 18) |
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 16, 2012 | TN | SB 2514 | Amends Eligibility Requirements for the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10) |
April 12, 2012 | TN | SB 3345 | Limits the Number of Foreign Nationals that May Work in a Charter School | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13) |
March 29, 2012 | TN | HB 3808 | Requires Publication of Abortion Statistics | Bill Passed - House (72 - 24) |
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) |
March 15, 2012 | TN | HJR 587 | Opposes the United Nations Agenda 21 | Joint Resolution Passed - House (72 - 23) |
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) |
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) |
Jan. 13, 2012 | TN | HB 1555 | State House Redistricting | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
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. 12, 2012 | TN | HB 1555 | State House Redistricting | Bill Passed - House (67 - 25) |
May 21, 2011 | TN | SB 1915 | Increases Contribution Limits to Campaigns | Bill Passed - House (65 - 20) |
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 20, 2011 | TN | SB 16 | Voter Identification Requirements | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 14) |
May 20, 2011 | TN | SJR 127 | Abortion Specifications | Joint Resolution Passed - House (76 - 18) |
May 20, 2011 | TN | SB 49 | Prohibits Instruction of Non-Heterosexual Human Sexuality in Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10) |
May 20, 2011 | TN | SB 1915 | Increases Contribution Limits to Campaigns | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11) |
May 18, 2011 | TN | SJR 221 | Constitutional Amendment to Prohibit State Income Tax | Amendment Adopted - Senate (26 - 4) |
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) |
May 2, 2011 | TN | SB 113 | Teachers' Unions Negotiations | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14) |
April 21, 2011 | TN | SB 485 | Equal Opportunity Scholarship Act | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10) |
April 18, 2011 | TN | SJR 127 | Abortion Specifications | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 8) |
April 14, 2011 | TN | SB 16 | Voter Identification Requirements | Bill Passed - House (57 - 35) |
April 7, 2011 | TN | HB 368 | Scientific Theories in the Classroom | Bill Passed - House (70 - 23) |
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) |