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
May 2, 2006 TX HB 3 Business Tax Revisions Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
April 24, 2006 TX HB 3 Business Tax Revisions Bill Passed - House (80 - 68)
March 6, 2007 TX HB 8 Punishment of Sex Offenders Bill Passed - House (119 - 25)
March 6, 2007 TX HB 8 Punishment of Sex Offenders Bill Passed - House (119 - 25)
March 14, 2007 TX CSHB 1098 Ban on HPV Vaccine Requirement Bill Passed - House (118 - 23)
March 20, 2007 TX CSSB 378 Deadly Force in Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (133 - 13)
March 20, 2007 TX CSSB 378 Deadly Force in Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (133 - 13)
April 4, 2007 TX HB 109 Child Health Care Expansion Bill Passed - House (128 - 17)
April 12, 2007 TX CSHB 855 Identification Upon Police Detainment Bill Failed - House (23 - 116)
April 12, 2007 TX CSHB 855 Identification Upon Police Detainment Bill Failed - House (23 - 116)
April 24, 2007 TX HB 218 Voter Identification Requirement Bill Passed - House (76 - 69)
April 24, 2007 TX HB 218 Voter Identification Requirement Bill Passed - House (76 - 69)
May 1, 2007 TX CSSB 966 Journalist Confidentiality Protection Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
May 4, 2007 TX CSHB 10 Tribal Casino Gaming Bill Failed - House (66 - 66)
April 17, 2007 TX CSSB 1909 Treatment for Drug Possession Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
April 17, 2007 TX CSSB 1909 Treatment for Drug Possession Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
May 26, 2007 TX CSHB 3678 Religious Expression at Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (107 - 28)
May 26, 2007 TX CSHB 3678 Religious Expression at Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (107 - 28)
May 23, 2007 TX CSHB 3678 Religious Expression at Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
May 23, 2007 TX CSHB 3678 Religious Expression at Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
May 1, 2007 TX CSHB 3678 Religious Expression at Schools Bill Passed - House (121 - 10)
May 1, 2007 TX CSHB 3678 Religious Expression at Schools Bill Passed - House (121 - 10)
April 27, 2007 TX CSSB 308 Syringe Exchange Program Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
April 12, 2007 TX F 2 Marriage License Fee Bill Not Tabled - House (61 - 76)
April 12, 2007 TX F 2 Marriage License Fee Bill Not Tabled - House (61 - 76)
March 11, 2009 TX SB 362 Requiring Proof of Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
March 19, 2009 TX SB 188 Authorizes Needle Exchange Programs Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
March 31, 2009 TX SB 298 Authorizing Sobriety Checkpoints Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
March 31, 2009 TX SB 298 Authorizing Sobriety Checkpoints Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
April 15, 2009 TX SB 1049 Increasing Age Restriction on Tobacco Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
April 15, 2009 TX SB 1049 Increasing Age Restriction on Tobacco Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
May 15, 2009 TX HB 2962 Childrens' Health Care Bill Passed - House (87 - 55)
May 31, 2009 TX HB 537 Increase Required Age for Seatbelts Conference Report Adopted - House (105 - 34)
May 11, 2009 TX HB 1736 Increasing Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
May 11, 2009 TX HB 1736 Increasing Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
May 16, 2011 TX SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - House (98 - 46)
May 9, 2011 TX SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
March 24, 2011 TX SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (101 - 48)
Jan. 26, 2011 TX SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
Feb. 17, 2011 TX SB 16 Abortion Procedures Bill Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
April 1, 2011 TX H Amdt 6 Appropriations for the Department of Aging and Disability Services Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 61)
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 Amdt 143 Requiring Public Colleges and Universities to Fund Student Centers for Family and Traditional Values Amendment Adopted - House (110 - 24)
May 9, 2011 TX SB 1581 Concealed Handguns on Campus Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
May 25, 2011 TX HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 64)
May 23, 2011 TX HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
May 13, 2011 TX HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (84 - 55)
May 17, 2011 TX SB 420 Eligibility for Indigent Health Care Bill Passed - House (102 - 40)
June 15, 2011 TX SB 9 Enforcement of Federal and State Immigration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 10, 2011 TX HB 12 Enforcement Of State And Federal Laws Governing Immigration Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
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)
April 30, 2013 TX SB 1907 Authorizes Firearms in Vehicles on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
May 22, 2013 TX SB 21 Requires Drug Testing for Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (104 - 42)
April 26, 2013 TX HB 148 Prohibits Multiple Ballots from Being Turned in by 1 Individual Bill Passed - House (93 - 48)
May 4, 2013 TX HB 852 Prohibits the Sale of Shark Fins Bill Passed - House (87 - 42)
May 26, 2013 TX HB 912 Limits the Private Use of Unmanned Aircrafts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 5)
May 6, 2013 TX HB 972 Authorizes Concealed Handguns on Higher Education Campuses Bill Passed - House (102 - 41)
May 6, 2013 TX SB 864 Reduces Required Hours for Concealed Handgun License Training Bill Passed - House (116 - 30)
May 22, 2013 TX HB 1009 Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
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 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
May 6, 2013 TX HB 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
May 1, 2013 TX HB 489 Expands Access to Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Bill Passed - House (120 - 21)
May 1, 2013 TX HB 489 Expands Access to Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Bill Passed - House (120 - 21)
May 7, 2013 TX HB 928 Prohibits State Funds from Being Used for the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (101 - 31)
March 17, 2015 TX SB 17 Authorizes Open Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
May 27, 2015 TX SB 11 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (102 - 44)
March 19, 2015 TX SB 11 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
April 9, 2015 TX SB 10 Transfers Public Integrity Unit to Texas Rangers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
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)
May 22, 2015 TX HB 910 Authorizes Open Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
April 20, 2015 TX HB 910 Authorizes Open Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - House (101 - 42)
May 12, 2015 TX SB 2065 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
May 12, 2015 TX SB 2065 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
March 15, 2017 TX SB 6 Requires Individuals to Use Bathrooms According to Gender on Birth Certificate Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
March 21, 2017 TX SB 25 Prohibits Wrongful Birth Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
April 11, 2017 TX SB 75 Requires Parental Consent for Minors to Join Labor Unions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
March 30, 2017 TX SB 258 Authorizes Burial or Cremation of Fetal Tissue After Abortion or Miscarriage Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
April 4, 2017 TX SB 576 Establishes Reporting Standards for Sexual Assault on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
April 4, 2017 TX SB 576 Establishes Reporting Standards for Sexual Assault on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
April 24, 2017 TX SB 260 Amends Regulations Related to Immigration and Refugee Affairs Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
April 27, 2017 TX SB 4 Prohibits Sanctuary Cities Bill Passed - House (94 - 53)
March 27, 2017 TX SB 16 Reduces Fee for Firearm Carry Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
May 10, 2017 TX HB 3859 Authorizes Child-Placement Agencies to Deny Services Based on Religion Bill Passed - House (93 - 49)
Aug. 4, 2017 TX HB 215 Requires Additional Reporting for Abortions Performed on Minors Bill Passed - House (97 - 46)
July 25, 2017 TX SB 10 Changes for Abortion Requirements at Health Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
Aug. 13, 2017 TX HB 214 Premium Increase for Non-Emergency Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
April 3, 2019 TX SB 17 Authorizes Protections for Lawyers that Deny Clients Based on Religious Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
April 3, 2019 TX SB 17 Authorizes Protections for Lawyers that Deny Clients Based on Religious Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
April 3, 2019 TX SB 17 Authorizes Protections for Lawyers that Deny Clients Based on Religious Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
April 3, 2019 TX SB 406 Amends Conceal Carry Regulations for Local School Marshals Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
May 8, 2019 TX HB 1387 Authorizes Law Enforcement Officers to Carry on School Property Bill Passed - House (97 - 46)
May 21, 2019 TX SB 1978 Prohibits Government Action Against Businesses that Donate to Religious Organizations Bill Passed - House (79 - 64)
May 16, 2019 TX SB 1978 Prohibits Government Action Against Businesses that Donate to Religious Organizations Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 26, 2019 TX HB 3557 Increases Penalties for Pipeline Protesting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
May 26, 2019 TX HB 3557 Increases Penalties for Pipeline Protesting Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 49)
May 21, 2019 TX SB 535 Authorizes Handguns on the Premises of Places of Worship Bill Passed - House (86 - 53)
May 1, 2019 TX SB 535 Authorizes Handguns on the Premises of Places of Worship Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/02 HB 3 Business Tax Revisions Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
4/24 HB 3 Business Tax Revisions Bill Passed - House (80 - 68)
3/06 HB 8 Punishment of Sex Offenders Bill Passed - House (119 - 25)
3/06 HB 8 Punishment of Sex Offenders Bill Passed - House (119 - 25)
3/14 CSHB 1098 Ban on HPV Vaccine Requirement Bill Passed - House (118 - 23)
3/20 CSSB 378 Deadly Force in Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (133 - 13)
3/20 CSSB 378 Deadly Force in Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (133 - 13)
4/04 HB 109 Child Health Care Expansion Bill Passed - House (128 - 17)
4/12 CSHB 855 Identification Upon Police Detainment Bill Failed - House (23 - 116)
4/12 CSHB 855 Identification Upon Police Detainment Bill Failed - House (23 - 116)
4/24 HB 218 Voter Identification Requirement Bill Passed - House (76 - 69)
4/24 HB 218 Voter Identification Requirement Bill Passed - House (76 - 69)
5/01 CSSB 966 Journalist Confidentiality Protection Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
5/04 CSHB 10 Tribal Casino Gaming Bill Failed - House (66 - 66)
4/17 CSSB 1909 Treatment for Drug Possession Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
4/17 CSSB 1909 Treatment for Drug Possession Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
5/26 CSHB 3678 Religious Expression at Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (107 - 28)
5/26 CSHB 3678 Religious Expression at Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (107 - 28)
5/23 CSHB 3678 Religious Expression at Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
5/23 CSHB 3678 Religious Expression at Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
5/01 CSHB 3678 Religious Expression at Schools Bill Passed - House (121 - 10)
5/01 CSHB 3678 Religious Expression at Schools Bill Passed - House (121 - 10)
4/27 CSSB 308 Syringe Exchange Program Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
4/12 F 2 Marriage License Fee Bill Not Tabled - House (61 - 76)
4/12 F 2 Marriage License Fee Bill Not Tabled - House (61 - 76)
3/11 SB 362 Requiring Proof of Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
3/19 SB 188 Authorizes Needle Exchange Programs Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
3/31 SB 298 Authorizing Sobriety Checkpoints Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
3/31 SB 298 Authorizing Sobriety Checkpoints Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
4/15 SB 1049 Increasing Age Restriction on Tobacco Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
4/15 SB 1049 Increasing Age Restriction on Tobacco Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
5/15 HB 2962 Childrens' Health Care Bill Passed - House (87 - 55)
5/31 HB 537 Increase Required Age for Seatbelts Conference Report Adopted - House (105 - 34)
5/11 HB 1736 Increasing Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
5/11 HB 1736 Increasing Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
5/16 SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - House (98 - 46)
5/09 SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
3/24 SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (101 - 48)
1/26 SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
2/17 SB 16 Abortion Procedures Bill Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
4/01 H Amdt 6 Appropriations for the Department of Aging and Disability Services Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 61)
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 Amdt 143 Requiring Public Colleges and Universities to Fund Student Centers for Family and Traditional Values Amendment Adopted - House (110 - 24)
5/09 SB 1581 Concealed Handguns on Campus Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
5/25 HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 64)
5/23 HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
5/13 HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (84 - 55)
5/17 SB 420 Eligibility for Indigent Health Care Bill Passed - House (102 - 40)
6/15 SB 9 Enforcement of Federal and State Immigration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/10 HB 12 Enforcement Of State And Federal Laws Governing Immigration Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
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)
4/30 SB 1907 Authorizes Firearms in Vehicles on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
5/22 SB 21 Requires Drug Testing for Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (104 - 42)
4/26 HB 148 Prohibits Multiple Ballots from Being Turned in by 1 Individual Bill Passed - House (93 - 48)
5/04 HB 852 Prohibits the Sale of Shark Fins Bill Passed - House (87 - 42)
5/26 HB 912 Limits the Private Use of Unmanned Aircrafts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 5)
5/06 HB 972 Authorizes Concealed Handguns on Higher Education Campuses Bill Passed - House (102 - 41)
5/06 SB 864 Reduces Required Hours for Concealed Handgun License Training Bill Passed - House (116 - 30)
5/22 HB 1009 Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
5/06 HB 1009 Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools Bill Passed - House (123 - 22)
5/06 HB 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
5/06 HB 1076 Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
5/01 HB 489 Expands Access to Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Bill Passed - House (120 - 21)
5/01 HB 489 Expands Access to Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Bill Passed - House (120 - 21)
5/07 HB 928 Prohibits State Funds from Being Used for the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - House (101 - 31)
3/17 SB 17 Authorizes Open Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
5/27 SB 11 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (102 - 44)
3/19 SB 11 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
4/09 SB 10 Transfers Public Integrity Unit to Texas Rangers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
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)
5/22 HB 910 Authorizes Open Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
4/20 HB 910 Authorizes Open Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - House (101 - 42)
5/12 SB 2065 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
5/12 SB 2065 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
3/15 SB 6 Requires Individuals to Use Bathrooms According to Gender on Birth Certificate Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
3/21 SB 25 Prohibits Wrongful Birth Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
4/11 SB 75 Requires Parental Consent for Minors to Join Labor Unions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
3/30 SB 258 Authorizes Burial or Cremation of Fetal Tissue After Abortion or Miscarriage Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
4/04 SB 576 Establishes Reporting Standards for Sexual Assault on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
4/04 SB 576 Establishes Reporting Standards for Sexual Assault on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
4/24 SB 260 Amends Regulations Related to Immigration and Refugee Affairs Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
4/27 SB 4 Prohibits Sanctuary Cities Bill Passed - House (94 - 53)
3/27 SB 16 Reduces Fee for Firearm Carry Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
5/10 HB 3859 Authorizes Child-Placement Agencies to Deny Services Based on Religion Bill Passed - House (93 - 49)
8/04 HB 215 Requires Additional Reporting for Abortions Performed on Minors Bill Passed - House (97 - 46)
7/25 SB 10 Changes for Abortion Requirements at Health Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
8/13 HB 214 Premium Increase for Non-Emergency Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
4/03 SB 17 Authorizes Protections for Lawyers that Deny Clients Based on Religious Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
4/03 SB 17 Authorizes Protections for Lawyers that Deny Clients Based on Religious Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
4/03 SB 17 Authorizes Protections for Lawyers that Deny Clients Based on Religious Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
4/03 SB 406 Amends Conceal Carry Regulations for Local School Marshals Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
5/08 HB 1387 Authorizes Law Enforcement Officers to Carry on School Property Bill Passed - House (97 - 46)
5/21 SB 1978 Prohibits Government Action Against Businesses that Donate to Religious Organizations Bill Passed - House (79 - 64)
5/16 SB 1978 Prohibits Government Action Against Businesses that Donate to Religious Organizations Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/26 HB 3557 Increases Penalties for Pipeline Protesting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
5/26 HB 3557 Increases Penalties for Pipeline Protesting Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 49)
5/21 SB 535 Authorizes Handguns on the Premises of Places of Worship Bill Passed - House (86 - 53)
5/01 SB 535 Authorizes Handguns on the Premises of Places of Worship Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)

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