Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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.


results per page:
Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
May 14, 2015 TX HB 3994 Amends Requirements for Minors Seeking Abortions Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
May 12, 2015 TX SB 2065 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
May 7, 2015 TX SB 339 Authorizes Medical Use of Cannabis Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
May 7, 2015 TX SB 1968 Prohibits Wage Deductions for State Employee Union Dues Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
May 6, 2015 TX SB 575 Prohibits Health Plan Coverage for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
May 4, 2015 TX HB 40 Specifies That The State Will Regulate Oil and Gas Operations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
April 30, 2015 TX SB 1628 Amends Existing Law Relating to Insurance Claim Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
April 27, 2015 TX SB 900 Amends Texas Windstorm Insurance Association Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
April 23, 2015 TX SB 158 Authorizes Grants for Body-Worn Cameras to Certain Law Enforcement Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
April 21, 2015 TX HB 1690 Requires Texas Rangers to Investigate Public Corruption Bill Passed - House (95 - 49)
April 20, 2015 TX HB 910 Authorizes Open Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - House (101 - 42)
April 9, 2015 TX SB 10 Transfers Public Integrity Unit to Texas Rangers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
April 7, 2015 TX SB 267 Prohibits Local Regulations that Prohibit Refusal of Tenants Based on Source of Income Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
March 31, 2015 TX SB 6 Establishes Rating System for Schools Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
March 19, 2015 TX SB 11 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
March 17, 2015 TX SB 17 Authorizes Open Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
July 12, 2013 TX HB 2 Increases Abortion Facility Requirements and Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
July 10, 2013 TX HB 2 Increases Abortion Facility Requirements and Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (96 - 49)
June 24, 2013 TX SB 5 Increases Abortion Facility Requirements and Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (95 - 34)
June 23, 2013 TX SB 3 State House Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
June 21, 2013 TX SB 3 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
June 21, 2013 TX SB 2 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - House (109 - 30)
June 21, 2013 TX SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (93 - 47)
June 18, 2013 TX SB 5 Increases Abortion Facility Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
June 14, 2013 TX SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
May 26, 2013 TX SB 1 2013-2015 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (118 - 29)
May 26, 2013 TX HB 912 Limits the Private Use of Unmanned Aircrafts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 5)
May 25, 2013 TX SB 1 2013-2015 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 4)
May 24, 2013 TX HB 950 Requires Equal Pay for Women Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 61)
May 22, 2013 TX SB 21 Requires Drug Testing for Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (104 - 42)
May 22, 2013 TX HB 950 Requires Equal Pay for Women Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
May 22, 2013 TX HB 1009 Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
May 15, 2013 TX SJR 13 Establishes Term Limits For Certain Elected Officials Joint Resolution Failed - House (61 - 80)
May 10, 2013 TX HB 1340 Authorizes Certain Children to Consent to Immunizations Bill Passed - House (71 - 61)
May 9, 2013 TX SB 376 Establishes a Free Breakfast Program for Students Bill Passed - House (73 - 58)
May 8, 2013 TX HB 500 Expands Franchise Tax Exemption for Certain Businesses Bill Passed - House (117 - 24)
May 7, 2013 TX HB 928 Prohibits State Funds from Being Used for the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (101 - 31)
May 6, 2013 TX SB 864 Reduces Required Hours for Concealed Handgun License Training Bill Passed - House (116 - 30)
May 6, 2013 TX HB 1009 Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools Bill Passed - House (123 - 22)
May 6, 2013 TX HB 972 Authorizes Concealed Handguns on Higher Education Campuses Bill Passed - House (102 - 41)
May 6, 2013 TX HB 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
May 4, 2013 TX HB 852 Prohibits the Sale of Shark Fins Bill Passed - House (87 - 42)
May 3, 2013 TX HB 318 Prohibits Employers from Asking for Private Passwords Bill Passed - House (79 - 64)
May 2, 2013 TX HB 772 Requires Individuals to Opt-Out of Immunization Registry Bill Passed - House (99 - 47)
May 1, 2013 TX HB 489 Expands Access to Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Bill Passed - House (120 - 21)
April 30, 2013 TX SB 1907 Authorizes Firearms in Vehicles on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
April 26, 2013 TX HB 148 Prohibits Multiple Ballots from Being Turned in by 1 Individual Bill Passed - House (93 - 48)
April 22, 2013 TX SB 1247 Limits Payday Loan Interest Rates Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
April 18, 2013 TX SB 303 Amends the End-of-Life Care Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
April 18, 2013 TX HB 63 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - House (97 - 45)
April 10, 2013 TX SB 1467 Requires Facilitation of Expansion of Firearms Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
March 19, 2013 TX SJR 13 Establishes Term Limits For Certain Elected Officials Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
June 29, 2011 TX SB 29 Restricts Certain Types of Touching During Searches by Government Officials Motion Rejected - House (96 - 26)
June 27, 2011 TX SB 29 Restricts Certain Types of Touching During Searches by Government Officials Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
June 22, 2011 TX SB 22 Establishing the Texas Congressional Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
June 20, 2011 TX SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
June 16, 2011 TX SB 8 Management and Operation of Public Schools Bill Passed - House (81 - 55)
June 16, 2011 TX HB 5 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - House (92 - 43)
June 15, 2011 TX SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (93 - 47)
June 15, 2011 TX SB 9 Enforcement of Federal and State Immigration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
June 10, 2011 TX SB 1 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - House (83 - 62)
June 9, 2011 TX SB 7 Health Care Bill Passed - House (89 - 41)
June 6, 2011 TX SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
June 6, 2011 TX SB 8 Management and Operation of Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
June 3, 2011 TX SB 1 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 29, 2011 TX HB 242 Prohibits Texting While Driving Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 61)
May 29, 2011 TX SB 1811 Reduces Funding for State Agencies Conference Report Adopted - House (84 - 63)
May 28, 2011 TX HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 53)
May 28, 2011 TX HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 11)
May 25, 2011 TX HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 64)
May 25, 2011 TX S Amdt 3 Prohibits Texting While Driving Amendment Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
May 25, 2011 TX H Amdt 1 Interstate Health Care Compact Amendment Adopted - House (99 - 43)
May 23, 2011 TX HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
May 21, 2011 TX HB 150 2011-2012 Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
May 20, 2011 TX H Amdt 53 Prohibits Smoking in Public Places Amendment Adopted - House (73 - 66)
May 19, 2011 TX H Amdt 47 Prohibits State Funding of Facilities that Perform Abortions Amendment Adopted - House (90 - 44)
May 17, 2011 TX SB 420 Eligibility for Indigent Health Care Bill Passed - House (102 - 40)
May 16, 2011 TX SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - House (98 - 46)
May 13, 2011 TX HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (84 - 55)
May 10, 2011 TX HB 12 Enforcement Of State And Federal Laws Governing Immigration Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
May 9, 2011 TX SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
May 9, 2011 TX SB 1581 Concealed Handguns on Campus Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
May 5, 2011 TX HB 15 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Concurrence Vote Passed - House (94 - 41)
May 4, 2011 TX HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 3, 2011 TX HB 15 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
April 28, 2011 TX HB 150 2011-2012 Redistricting Bill Passed - House (92 - 54)
April 27, 2011 TX HB 2403 Internet Sales Tax Bill Passed - House (125 - 20)
April 3, 2011 TX HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (98 - 49)
April 1, 2011 TX Amdt 143 Requiring Public Colleges and Universities to Fund Student Centers for Family and Traditional Values Amendment Adopted - House (110 - 24)
April 1, 2011 TX H Amdt 6 Appropriations for the Department of Aging and Disability Services Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 61)
March 24, 2011 TX SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (101 - 48)
March 7, 2011 TX HB 15 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - House (107 - 42)
Feb. 23, 2011 TX SJR 1 Urging Congress to Propose a Balanced Budget Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
Feb. 17, 2011 TX SB 16 Abortion Procedures Bill Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
Jan. 26, 2011 TX SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
May 31, 2009 TX SB 956 Establishing a Public Law School in Dallas Conference Report Adopted - House (112 - 24)
May 31, 2009 TX HB 537 Increase Required Age for Seatbelts Conference Report Adopted - House (105 - 34)
May 26, 2009 TX SB 175 Capping Automatic College Admissions Bill Passed - House (123 - 20)
May 15, 2009 TX HB 2962 Childrens' Health Care Bill Passed - House (87 - 55)
May 14, 2009 TX HB 1657 Contractor Worker's Compensation Bill Passed - House (73 - 71)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/14 HB 3994 Amends Requirements for Minors Seeking Abortions Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
5/12 SB 2065 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
5/07 SB 339 Authorizes Medical Use of Cannabis Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
5/07 SB 1968 Prohibits Wage Deductions for State Employee Union Dues Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
5/06 SB 575 Prohibits Health Plan Coverage for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
5/04 HB 40 Specifies That The State Will Regulate Oil and Gas Operations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
4/30 SB 1628 Amends Existing Law Relating to Insurance Claim Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
4/27 SB 900 Amends Texas Windstorm Insurance Association Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
4/23 SB 158 Authorizes Grants for Body-Worn Cameras to Certain Law Enforcement Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
4/21 HB 1690 Requires Texas Rangers to Investigate Public Corruption Bill Passed - House (95 - 49)
4/20 HB 910 Authorizes Open Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - House (101 - 42)
4/09 SB 10 Transfers Public Integrity Unit to Texas Rangers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
4/07 SB 267 Prohibits Local Regulations that Prohibit Refusal of Tenants Based on Source of Income Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
3/31 SB 6 Establishes Rating System for Schools Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
3/19 SB 11 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
3/17 SB 17 Authorizes Open Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
7/12 HB 2 Increases Abortion Facility Requirements and Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
7/10 HB 2 Increases Abortion Facility Requirements and Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (96 - 49)
6/24 SB 5 Increases Abortion Facility Requirements and Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (95 - 34)
6/23 SB 3 State House Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
6/21 SB 3 State House Redistricting Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
6/21 SB 2 State Senate Redistricting Bill Passed - House (109 - 30)
6/21 SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (93 - 47)
6/18 SB 5 Increases Abortion Facility Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
6/14 SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
5/26 SB 1 2013-2015 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (118 - 29)
5/26 HB 912 Limits the Private Use of Unmanned Aircrafts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 5)
5/25 SB 1 2013-2015 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 4)
5/24 HB 950 Requires Equal Pay for Women Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 61)
5/22 SB 21 Requires Drug Testing for Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (104 - 42)
5/22 HB 950 Requires Equal Pay for Women Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
5/22 HB 1009 Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
5/15 SJR 13 Establishes Term Limits For Certain Elected Officials Joint Resolution Failed - House (61 - 80)
5/10 HB 1340 Authorizes Certain Children to Consent to Immunizations Bill Passed - House (71 - 61)
5/09 SB 376 Establishes a Free Breakfast Program for Students Bill Passed - House (73 - 58)
5/08 HB 500 Expands Franchise Tax Exemption for Certain Businesses Bill Passed - House (117 - 24)
5/07 HB 928 Prohibits State Funds from Being Used for the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (101 - 31)
5/06 SB 864 Reduces Required Hours for Concealed Handgun License Training Bill Passed - House (116 - 30)
5/06 HB 1009 Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools Bill Passed - House (123 - 22)
5/06 HB 972 Authorizes Concealed Handguns on Higher Education Campuses Bill Passed - House (102 - 41)
5/06 HB 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
5/04 HB 852 Prohibits the Sale of Shark Fins Bill Passed - House (87 - 42)
5/03 HB 318 Prohibits Employers from Asking for Private Passwords Bill Passed - House (79 - 64)
5/02 HB 772 Requires Individuals to Opt-Out of Immunization Registry Bill Passed - House (99 - 47)
5/01 HB 489 Expands Access to Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Bill Passed - House (120 - 21)
4/30 SB 1907 Authorizes Firearms in Vehicles on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
4/26 HB 148 Prohibits Multiple Ballots from Being Turned in by 1 Individual Bill Passed - House (93 - 48)
4/22 SB 1247 Limits Payday Loan Interest Rates Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
4/18 SB 303 Amends the End-of-Life Care Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
4/18 HB 63 Prohibits Texting While Driving Bill Passed - House (97 - 45)
4/10 SB 1467 Requires Facilitation of Expansion of Firearms Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
3/19 SJR 13 Establishes Term Limits For Certain Elected Officials Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
6/29 SB 29 Restricts Certain Types of Touching During Searches by Government Officials Motion Rejected - House (96 - 26)
6/27 SB 29 Restricts Certain Types of Touching During Searches by Government Officials Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
6/22 SB 22 Establishing the Texas Congressional Redistricting Commission Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
6/20 SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
6/16 SB 8 Management and Operation of Public Schools Bill Passed - House (81 - 55)
6/16 HB 5 Interstate Health Care Compact Bill Passed - House (92 - 43)
6/15 SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - House (93 - 47)
6/15 SB 9 Enforcement of Federal and State Immigration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
6/10 SB 1 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - House (83 - 62)
6/09 SB 7 Health Care Bill Passed - House (89 - 41)
6/06 SB 4 Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
6/06 SB 8 Management and Operation of Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
6/03 SB 1 2011-2013 Biennium Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/29 HB 242 Prohibits Texting While Driving Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 61)
5/29 SB 1811 Reduces Funding for State Agencies Conference Report Adopted - House (84 - 63)
5/28 HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 53)
5/28 HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 11)
5/25 HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 64)
5/25 S Amdt 3 Prohibits Texting While Driving Amendment Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
5/25 H Amdt 1 Interstate Health Care Compact Amendment Adopted - House (99 - 43)
5/23 HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
5/21 HB 150 2011-2012 Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
5/20 H Amdt 53 Prohibits Smoking in Public Places Amendment Adopted - House (73 - 66)
5/19 H Amdt 47 Prohibits State Funding of Facilities that Perform Abortions Amendment Adopted - House (90 - 44)
5/17 SB 420 Eligibility for Indigent Health Care Bill Passed - House (102 - 40)
5/16 SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - House (98 - 46)
5/13 HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (84 - 55)
5/10 HB 12 Enforcement Of State And Federal Laws Governing Immigration Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
5/09 SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
5/09 SB 1581 Concealed Handguns on Campus Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
5/05 HB 15 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Concurrence Vote Passed - House (94 - 41)
5/04 HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/03 HB 15 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
4/28 HB 150 2011-2012 Redistricting Bill Passed - House (92 - 54)
4/27 HB 2403 Internet Sales Tax Bill Passed - House (125 - 20)
4/03 HB 1 2011-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (98 - 49)
4/01 Amdt 143 Requiring Public Colleges and Universities to Fund Student Centers for Family and Traditional Values Amendment Adopted - House (110 - 24)
4/01 H Amdt 6 Appropriations for the Department of Aging and Disability Services Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 61)
3/24 SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (101 - 48)
3/07 HB 15 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - House (107 - 42)
2/23 SJR 1 Urging Congress to Propose a Balanced Budget Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
2/17 SB 16 Abortion Procedures Bill Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
1/26 SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
5/31 SB 956 Establishing a Public Law School in Dallas Conference Report Adopted - House (112 - 24)
5/31 HB 537 Increase Required Age for Seatbelts Conference Report Adopted - House (105 - 34)
5/26 SB 175 Capping Automatic College Admissions Bill Passed - House (123 - 20)
5/15 HB 2962 Childrens' Health Care Bill Passed - House (87 - 55)
5/14 HB 1657 Contractor Worker's Compensation Bill Passed - House (73 - 71)

arrow_upward