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.


Page 1 of 7
results per page:
Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
April 19, 2006 VA HB 1106 Possession of Concealed Weapons Veto Override Failed - House (61 - 36)
April 4, 2007 VA Sub HB 2750 Capital Murder of a Judge Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
April 4, 2007 VA HB 2347 Capital Murder of a Witness Veto Override Passed - House (83 - 16)
April 19, 2006 VA HB 493 High School Baccalaureate Ceremonies Veto Override Failed - House (60 - 36)
April 4, 2007 VA Sub HB 2750 Capital Murder of a Judge Veto Override Passed - House (82 - 18)
April 4, 2007 VA Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 14)
April 19, 2006 VA HB 673 Commonwealth Transportation Board Veto Override Failed - House (58 - 40)
April 4, 2007 VA Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Passed - House (79 - 21)
April 4, 2007 VA HB 2347 Capital Murder of a Witness Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
March 7, 2006 VA Amendment LeBlanc Nomination Amendment Adopted - House (55 - 42)
April 11, 2006 VA Amdt Item 4-5.04-2h Abortion Funding Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (59 - 34)
April 4, 2007 VA Governor's Recommendation: Restaurant Smoking Ban Amendment Rejected - House (40 - 59)
Feb. 5, 2007 VA Amendment Stem Cell Research Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (58 - 38)
April 11, 2006 VA Amdt Item 4-0.01 Stem Cell Funding Prohibition Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (64 - 30)
April 19, 2006 VA Governor's Recommendation: Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements Amendment Rejected - House (42 - 52)
April 19, 2006 VA Governor's Recommendation: DMV Voter Registration Requirements Amendment Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
April 19, 2006 VA Governor's Recommendation: DMV Voter Registration Requirements Amendment Rejected - House (27 - 70)
Jan. 24, 2008 VA HB 852 Collective Bargaining for Governmental Employees Motion Rejected - House (43 - 55)
April 11, 2006 VA Amdt Item 391-4h New Anti-Gang Initiatives Funding Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (59 - 36)
Feb. 25, 2008 VA HB 11 Property Tax Exemptions Motion Agreed - Senate (21 - 19)
April 11, 2006 VA Amdt Item 462-4h Central Appropriations Amendment Adopted - House (60 - 35)
Feb. 19, 2009 VA SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Restaurants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 13)
Feb. 19, 2009 VA SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Restaurants Conference Report Adopted - House (60 - 39)
March 13, 2008 VA HB 30 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 14)
Feb. 25, 2009 VA SB 1035 Allowing Guns in Alcohol-Serving Establishments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
Feb. 21, 2011 VA HB 2527 Virginia Transportation Infrastructure Fund and Bank Concurrence Vote Failed - House (31 - 68)
Feb. 27, 2008 VA HB 30 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Feb. 25, 2008 VA HB 933 "Triggerman Rule" in Capital Murder Cases Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Feb. 9, 2009 VA SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Restaurants Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
March 6, 2008 VA HB 12 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 2)
Feb. 17, 2011 VA HB 2527 Virginia Transportation Infrastructure Fund and Bank Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
March 6, 2008 VA SB 588 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - House (91 - 9)
July 9, 2008 VA SB 6009 Transportation Taxes Bill Failed - House (39 - 59)
May 23, 2006 VA HB 5002 2006-2008 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
Feb. 24, 2009 VA SB 1035 Allowing Guns in Alcohol-Serving Establishments Bill Passed - House (66 - 33)
Feb. 12, 2008 VA SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
Feb. 16, 2007 VA Sub SB 1014 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - House (72 - 27)
Feb. 5, 2008 VA SB 298 Banning Smoking Public Places Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Feb. 14, 2007 VA S Sub Funding for Statewide Transportation Projects Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
Feb. 4, 2009 VA SB 1473 Department of Forestry Land Use Permits Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Jan. 29, 2007 VA SB 920 Requirements For Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Feb. 5, 2007 VA Sub HB 2035 HPV Vaccination Bill Passed - House (80 - 17)
Feb. 21, 2008 VA SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
Jan. 17, 2007 VA HB 1977 Inaugural Committee Finance Reform Bill Passed - House (62 - 32)
Feb. 5, 2008 VA SB 202 Local Regulation of Smoking in Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
Feb. 1, 2007 VA Sub HB 2623 Denying In-State Tuition to Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (74 - 23)
Jan. 25, 2007 VA SJ 307 Voting Rights of Nonviolent Felons Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
Feb. 5, 2007 VA SB 1161 Virginia Smoke-Free Air Act Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
Feb. 9, 2009 VA SJ 273 Legislative Restoration of Voting Rights for Nonviolent Felons Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
Feb. 2, 2007 VA Sub SB 905 Refusal of Medical Treatment for Children Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2007 VA Sub HB 1727 Participation in School Clubs Bill Passed - House (82 - 15)
Feb. 6, 2007 VA Sub HB 3202 Funding for Statewide Transportation Projects Bill Passed - House (61 - 37)
Feb. 5, 2007 VA Sub SB 1327 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
Jan. 23, 2007 VA Sub SB 1116 Capital Murder of a Judge or Witness Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
Jan. 23, 2007 VA SJ 352 Creation of a Bipartisan Redistricting Commission Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Feb. 21, 2008 VA SB 436 Concealed Weapons in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (69 - 29)
Feb. 25, 2009 VA SB 1167 Increasing the Fees for Personalized License Plates Bill Failed - House (41 - 57)
Feb. 8, 2008 VA HB 933 "Triggerman Rule" in Capital Murder Cases Bill Passed - House (77 - 21)
Feb. 4, 2009 VA SB 1257 Background Checks for Gun Show Purchases Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 21)
Feb. 9, 2009 VA SJ 354 Civil Rights for Nonviolent Felons Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (19 - 19)
Jan. 26, 2007 VA Sub HB 1665 Forced or Coerced Abortion Ban Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
Feb. 5, 2008 VA SB 501 Restaurant and Bar Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Feb. 5, 2009 VA SB 1161 Classifying a Seat Belt Violation as a Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
June 25, 2008 VA SB 6009 Transportation Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
Jan. 26, 2007 VA SB 1014 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
Feb. 16, 2007 VA Sub SB 1204 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (81 - 16)
Feb. 4, 2009 VA HB 1671 "Derelict Building" Plan Requirements Bill Passed - House (80 - 17)
Feb. 8, 2006 VA SB 648 Smoking Ban Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 20)
Feb. 14, 2006 VA Sub HB 1048 Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (77 - 22)
April 11, 2006 VA Amdt Item 135-4h Direct Aid To Public Education Amendment Adopted - House (59 - 34)
Feb. 20, 2006 VA HB 968 Membership of the Board of Correctional Education Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 20)
Feb. 21, 2007 VA H Sub to Sub SB 1416 Regulation of Electric Utilities Bill Passed - House (82 - 16)
Feb. 4, 2009 VA HB 2314 Allowing Police Chaplains to Conduct Sectarian Prayer Bill Passed - House (66 - 30)
Feb. 13, 2006 VA SB 648 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 6, 2006 VA Sub SB 313 DMV Reporting Requirements for Non-citizens Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Feb. 11, 2008 VA HB 12 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - House (91 - 7)
Jan. 31, 2006 VA SB 362 Death Penalty Age Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
Feb. 2, 2006 VA SB 253 Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 20, 2007 VA Sub HB 1778 Traffic Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
April 27, 2006 VA SB 5013 Transportation Funding Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
Feb. 2, 2006 VA HB 1050 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (76 - 23)
Feb. 13, 2006 VA HB 782 Second-Degree Murder Charges Bill Passed - House (83 - 16)
March 7, 2006 VA SB 526 Defining Marriage Bill Passed - House (85 - 12)
Jan. 31, 2006 VA HB 1308 Student Club Restrictions Bill Passed - House (70 - 29)
Feb. 3, 2006 VA HB 45 Death Penalty Age Restrictions Bill Passed - House (63 - 34)
Jan. 25, 2006 VA SB 526 Defining Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
Jan. 23, 2007 VA HB 1883 Abortion Clinic Licensure Bill Passed - House (60 - 35)
March 8, 2006 VA SB 262 Virginia Energy Plan Bill Passed - House (74 - 21)
April 12, 2006 VA HB 5002 2006-2008 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (64 - 29)
March 1, 2006 VA HB 568 Flat Tax on Communication Services Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
Feb. 2, 2006 VA Sub HB 262 College Admission for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (67 - 33)
Feb. 14, 2006 VA Sub SB 677 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
Jan. 26, 2006 VA HB 568 Flat Tax on Communication Services Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
Feb. 21, 2007 VA H Sub Refusal of Medical Treatment for Children Bill Passed - House (89 - 9)
Jan. 21, 2008 VA HB 188 HPV Vaccine Deadline Extension Bill Passed - House (57 - 39)
Feb. 11, 2008 VA SB 436 Concealed Weapons in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Feb. 3, 2009 VA SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Bars and Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
Feb. 6, 2007 VA Sub HB 1778 Traffic Light Cameras Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
Jan. 23, 2007 VA SB 1204 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
Feb. 5, 2009 VA HB 1826 Driver's License Suspension for Unexcused School Absences Bill Passed - House (68 - 28)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/19 HB 1106 Possession of Concealed Weapons Veto Override Failed - House (61 - 36)
4/04 Sub HB 2750 Capital Murder of a Judge Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
4/04 HB 2347 Capital Murder of a Witness Veto Override Passed - House (83 - 16)
4/19 HB 493 High School Baccalaureate Ceremonies Veto Override Failed - House (60 - 36)
4/04 Sub HB 2750 Capital Murder of a Judge Veto Override Passed - House (82 - 18)
4/04 Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 14)
4/19 HB 673 Commonwealth Transportation Board Veto Override Failed - House (58 - 40)
4/04 Sub HB 2348 Extension of "Triggerman Rule" Veto Override Passed - House (79 - 21)
4/04 HB 2347 Capital Murder of a Witness Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
3/07 Amendment LeBlanc Nomination Amendment Adopted - House (55 - 42)
4/11 Amdt Item 4-5.04-2h Abortion Funding Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (59 - 34)
4/04 Governor's Recommendation: Restaurant Smoking Ban Amendment Rejected - House (40 - 59)
2/05 Amendment Stem Cell Research Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (58 - 38)
4/11 Amdt Item 4-0.01 Stem Cell Funding Prohibition Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (64 - 30)
4/19 Governor's Recommendation: Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements Amendment Rejected - House (42 - 52)
4/19 Governor's Recommendation: DMV Voter Registration Requirements Amendment Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
4/19 Governor's Recommendation: DMV Voter Registration Requirements Amendment Rejected - House (27 - 70)
1/24 HB 852 Collective Bargaining for Governmental Employees Motion Rejected - House (43 - 55)
4/11 Amdt Item 391-4h New Anti-Gang Initiatives Funding Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (59 - 36)
2/25 HB 11 Property Tax Exemptions Motion Agreed - Senate (21 - 19)
4/11 Amdt Item 462-4h Central Appropriations Amendment Adopted - House (60 - 35)
2/19 SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Restaurants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 13)
2/19 SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Restaurants Conference Report Adopted - House (60 - 39)
3/13 HB 30 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 14)
2/25 SB 1035 Allowing Guns in Alcohol-Serving Establishments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
2/21 HB 2527 Virginia Transportation Infrastructure Fund and Bank Concurrence Vote Failed - House (31 - 68)
2/27 HB 30 2008-2010 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
2/25 HB 933 "Triggerman Rule" in Capital Murder Cases Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
2/09 SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Restaurants Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
3/06 HB 12 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 2)
2/17 HB 2527 Virginia Transportation Infrastructure Fund and Bank Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
3/06 SB 588 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - House (91 - 9)
7/09 SB 6009 Transportation Taxes Bill Failed - House (39 - 59)
5/23 HB 5002 2006-2008 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
2/24 SB 1035 Allowing Guns in Alcohol-Serving Establishments Bill Passed - House (66 - 33)
2/12 SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
2/16 Sub SB 1014 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - House (72 - 27)
2/05 SB 298 Banning Smoking Public Places Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
2/14 S Sub Funding for Statewide Transportation Projects Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
2/04 SB 1473 Department of Forestry Land Use Permits Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
1/29 SB 920 Requirements For Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
2/05 Sub HB 2035 HPV Vaccination Bill Passed - House (80 - 17)
2/21 SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
1/17 HB 1977 Inaugural Committee Finance Reform Bill Passed - House (62 - 32)
2/05 SB 202 Local Regulation of Smoking in Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
2/01 Sub HB 2623 Denying In-State Tuition to Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (74 - 23)
1/25 SJ 307 Voting Rights of Nonviolent Felons Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
2/05 SB 1161 Virginia Smoke-Free Air Act Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
2/09 SJ 273 Legislative Restoration of Voting Rights for Nonviolent Felons Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
2/02 Sub SB 905 Refusal of Medical Treatment for Children Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
1/30 Sub HB 1727 Participation in School Clubs Bill Passed - House (82 - 15)
2/06 Sub HB 3202 Funding for Statewide Transportation Projects Bill Passed - House (61 - 37)
2/05 Sub SB 1327 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
1/23 Sub SB 1116 Capital Murder of a Judge or Witness Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
1/23 SJ 352 Creation of a Bipartisan Redistricting Commission Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
2/21 SB 436 Concealed Weapons in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (69 - 29)
2/25 SB 1167 Increasing the Fees for Personalized License Plates Bill Failed - House (41 - 57)
2/08 HB 933 "Triggerman Rule" in Capital Murder Cases Bill Passed - House (77 - 21)
2/04 SB 1257 Background Checks for Gun Show Purchases Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 21)
2/09 SJ 354 Civil Rights for Nonviolent Felons Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (19 - 19)
1/26 Sub HB 1665 Forced or Coerced Abortion Ban Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
2/05 SB 501 Restaurant and Bar Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
2/05 SB 1161 Classifying a Seat Belt Violation as a Primary Offense Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
6/25 SB 6009 Transportation Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
1/26 SB 1014 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
2/16 Sub SB 1204 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (81 - 16)
2/04 HB 1671 "Derelict Building" Plan Requirements Bill Passed - House (80 - 17)
2/08 SB 648 Smoking Ban Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 20)
2/14 Sub HB 1048 Employment of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (77 - 22)
4/11 Amdt Item 135-4h Direct Aid To Public Education Amendment Adopted - House (59 - 34)
2/20 HB 968 Membership of the Board of Correctional Education Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 20)
2/21 H Sub to Sub SB 1416 Regulation of Electric Utilities Bill Passed - House (82 - 16)
2/04 HB 2314 Allowing Police Chaplains to Conduct Sectarian Prayer Bill Passed - House (66 - 30)
2/13 SB 648 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/06 Sub SB 313 DMV Reporting Requirements for Non-citizens Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
2/11 HB 12 Payday Lending Restrictions Bill Passed - House (91 - 7)
1/31 SB 362 Death Penalty Age Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
2/02 SB 253 Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/20 Sub HB 1778 Traffic Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
4/27 SB 5013 Transportation Funding Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
2/02 HB 1050 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (76 - 23)
2/13 HB 782 Second-Degree Murder Charges Bill Passed - House (83 - 16)
3/07 SB 526 Defining Marriage Bill Passed - House (85 - 12)
1/31 HB 1308 Student Club Restrictions Bill Passed - House (70 - 29)
2/03 HB 45 Death Penalty Age Restrictions Bill Passed - House (63 - 34)
1/25 SB 526 Defining Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
1/23 HB 1883 Abortion Clinic Licensure Bill Passed - House (60 - 35)
3/08 SB 262 Virginia Energy Plan Bill Passed - House (74 - 21)
4/12 HB 5002 2006-2008 Biennium Budget Bill Passed - House (64 - 29)
3/01 HB 568 Flat Tax on Communication Services Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
2/02 Sub HB 262 College Admission for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (67 - 33)
2/14 Sub SB 677 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
1/26 HB 568 Flat Tax on Communication Services Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
2/21 H Sub Refusal of Medical Treatment for Children Bill Passed - House (89 - 9)
1/21 HB 188 HPV Vaccine Deadline Extension Bill Passed - House (57 - 39)
2/11 SB 436 Concealed Weapons in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
2/03 SB 1105 Prohibiting Smoking in Bars and Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
2/06 Sub HB 1778 Traffic Light Cameras Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
1/23 SB 1204 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
2/05 HB 1826 Driver's License Suspension for Unexcused School Absences Bill Passed - House (68 - 28)

Page 1 of 7
arrow_upward