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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 16, 2014 | MI | HB 6074 | Prohibits Student Athletes from Collective Bargaining | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11) |
Dec. 11, 2014 | OH | SB 342 | Prohibits Use of Traffic Cameras to Issue Tickets Unless Officer is Present | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9) |
Dec. 11, 2014 | MI | SB 1156 | Prohibits Actions that Coerce a Woman to Get an Abortion | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11) |
Dec. 10, 2014 | MI | HB 4118 | Requires Drug Testing For Certain Welfare Recipients | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 10) |
Dec. 10, 2014 | MI | HB 4118 | Requires Drug Testing For Certain Welfare Recipients | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 10) |
Dec. 10, 2014 | MI | SB 275 | Requires Drug Testing of Welfare Recipients | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 10) |
Dec. 10, 2014 | MI | SB 275 | Requires Drug Testing of Welfare Recipients | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 10) |
Dec. 9, 2014 | OH | HB 234 | Authorizes Noise Suppressors on Certain Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6) |
Dec. 9, 2014 | OH | HB 234 | Authorizes Noise Suppressors on Certain Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6) |
Dec. 3, 2014 | MI | SB 1130 | Amends Public Health Code to Include Hepatitis C Virus | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10) |
Nov. 19, 2014 | OH | SB 342 | Prohibits Use of Traffic Cameras to Issue Tickets unless an Officer is Present | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9) |
Nov. 18, 2014 | National | S 2685 | USA FREEDOM Act of 2014 | Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (58 - 42) |
Oct. 16, 2014 | PA | HB 80 | Authorizes Civil Action against Local Firearm Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14) |
Oct. 15, 2014 | PA | HB 1750 | Prohibits Pigeon Shoots | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12) |
Oct. 15, 2014 | PA | HB 1750 | Prohibits Pigeon Shoots | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12) |
Sept. 15, 2014 | NH | SB 391 | Increases Oversight of Juvenile Justice Programs | Veto Override Failed - Senate (12 - 9) |
Sept. 10, 2014 | MO | SB 656 | Authorizes School Employees to Carry Firearms on School Property | Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 8) |
Sept. 10, 2014 | MO | SB 506 | Expands and Establishes Certain Agricultural Programs | Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 7) |
Aug. 28, 2014 | CA | SB 199 | Requires Certain Replica Guns to be Sold in Fluorescent Colors | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
Aug. 28, 2014 | CA | SB 199 | Requires Certain Replica Guns to be Sold in Fluorescent Colors | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
Aug. 27, 2014 | CA | AB 1014 | Authorizes Gun Violence Restraining Orders | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8) |
Aug. 27, 2014 | CA | AB 1014 | Authorizes Gun Violence Restraining Orders | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8) |
Aug. 26, 2014 | CA | AB 1327 | Limits the Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8) |
Aug. 26, 2014 | CA | AB 1327 | Limits the Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8) |
Aug. 21, 2014 | CA | SB 1010 | Amends Penalties for Cocaine Possession | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 13) |
Aug. 21, 2014 | CA | SB 1010 | Amends Penalties for Cocaine Possession | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 13) |
Aug. 13, 2014 | MI | Initiation of Legislation | Authorizes Natural Resources Commission to Manage the Taking of Game | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
July 31, 2014 | MA | H 4278 | Amends Firearm Laws | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 3) |
July 31, 2014 | MA | H 4278 | Amends Firearm Laws | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 3) |
July 30, 2014 | NC | HB 1133 | Amends Technical Language in Education, Firearm, and Economic Statutes | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 10) |
July 16, 2014 | MA | H 4184 | Requires Parole Eligibility for Certain Juveniles Sentenced to Life Imprisonment | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4) |
July 16, 2014 | National | S 2578 | Protect Women's Health From Corporate Interference Act of 2014 | Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (56 - 43) |
July 2, 2014 | AR | HB 1004 | Amends the Public School Health Insurance Program | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6) |
June 25, 2014 | DE | SB 220 | Appropriates Funds for State Casino Relief | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5) |
June 12, 2014 | MA | H 4111 | Appropriates Funds for the Expansion of the Boston Convention Center | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6) |
June 10, 2014 | MI | SB 789 | Amends Firearm Licensing Procedures | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13) |
June 3, 2014 | OH | HB 171 | Authorizes Off-Campus Religious Courses for High School Credit | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9) |
May 28, 2014 | CA | SB 1010 | Amends Penalties for Cocaine Possession | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12) |
May 28, 2014 | CA | SB 1010 | Amends Penalties for Cocaine Possession | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12) |
May 22, 2014 | OK | SB 1848 | Amends Standards for Abortion Facilities | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 9) |
May 22, 2014 | IL | SJRCA 75 | Ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 11) |
May 21, 2014 | LA | HB 1091 | Prohibits the Transportation of Dogs in the Bed of a Pickup Truck on Interstates | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7) |
May 15, 2014 | MO | SB 656 | Authorizes School Employees to Carry Firearms on School Property | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 8) |
May 12, 2014 | NJ | A 2777 | Amends Firearm Transportation Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17) |
May 12, 2014 | NJ | A 2006 | Reduces the Maximum Capacity of Ammunition Magazines | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17) |
May 5, 2014 | CA | SB 1038 | Amends Juvenile Court Records Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13) |
May 1, 2014 | IA | SF 2360 | Authorizes Medical Marijuana Oil | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 8) |
May 1, 2014 | FL | HB 851 | Authorizes In-State Tuition for Non-Citizen Individuals | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13) |
April 30, 2014 | MO | HB 1439 | Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8) |
April 30, 2014 | NY | A 9206 | Authorizes Traffic Cameras on Long Island | Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 11) |
April 24, 2014 | FL | HB 7029 | Prohibits Administrators From Punishing Simulation Of Weapon Play | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6) |
April 23, 2014 | CO | HB 1288 | Amends Student Immunization Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
April 23, 2014 | FL | HB 59 | Establishes Penalties for Killing or Injuring a Fetus | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 14) |
April 17, 2014 | TN | HB 1574 | Limits Amount of Pseudoephedrine an Individual Can Purchase | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 7) |
April 17, 2014 | AZ | HB 2462 | Authorizes the State to Create a Virtual Border | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8) |
April 16, 2014 | AZ | SB 1158 | Amends Fireworks Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 4) |
April 16, 2014 | AZ | HB 2508 | Requires Licensure for Federal Health Care Navigators | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10) |
April 16, 2014 | AZ | HB 2339 | Authorizes Individuals with State Issued Gun Permits to Carry in Public Buildings | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12) |
April 16, 2014 | AZ | HB 2517 | Establishes Penalties for Violations of an Existing State Firearms Law | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12) |
April 7, 2014 | NE | LR 41CA | Authorizes Gambling on Past Horse Races | Resolution Passed - Senate (30 - 17) |
April 7, 2014 | NE | LB 485 | Prohibits Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation | Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (26 - 22) |
April 7, 2014 | NE | LB 485 | Prohibits Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation | Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (26 - 22) |
April 7, 2014 | LA | S Amdt 2081 | Authorizes "Chicken Boxing" under Certain Conditions | Amendment Rejected - Senate (8 - 29) |
April 7, 2014 | LA | S Amdt 2081 | Authorizes "Chicken Boxing" under Certain Conditions | Amendment Rejected - Senate (8 - 29) |
April 7, 2014 | TN | SB 1391 | Prohibits Women from Using Illegal Substances While Pregnant | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
April 7, 2014 | TN | SB 1391 | Prohibits Women from Using Illegal Substances While Pregnant | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
April 5, 2014 | MD | SB 172 | Authorizes Eminent Domain Against Certain Film Production Entitites | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 6) |
April 3, 2014 | NE | LB 671 | Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions | Veto Override Failed - Senate (28 - 21) |
April 3, 2014 | NE | LB 671 | Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions | Veto Override Failed - Senate (28 - 21) |
April 3, 2014 | AL | HB 494 | Amends Requirements for Minors Who Seek an Abortion | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5) |
April 3, 2014 | FL | HB 89 | Prohibits Mandatory Sentencing for Certain Convictions of Aggravated Assault | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7) |
April 3, 2014 | FL | HB 89 | Prohibits Mandatory Sentencing for Certain Convictions of Aggravated Assault | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7) |
April 3, 2014 | NE | LR 41CA | Authorizes Gambling on Past Horse Races | Resolution Failed - Senate (28 - 19) |
April 2, 2014 | NE | LB 671 | Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions | Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 21) |
April 2, 2014 | NE | LB 671 | Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions | Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 21) |
April 1, 2014 | WI | AB 556 | Expands Jailhouse Strip Search Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15) |
March 28, 2014 | KY | HB 222 | Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6) |
March 28, 2014 | KY | HB 222 | Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6) |
March 27, 2014 | OK | HB 2580 | Extends Film Industry Tax Credit Program | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 11) |
March 27, 2014 | NH | SB 366 | Authorizes Casino Gaming | Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 9) |
March 25, 2014 | KS | HB 2125 | Prohibits Slot Machines at Certain Racetracks | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12) |
March 25, 2014 | KS | HB 2272 | Amends Gaming Law | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10) |
March 24, 2014 | NE | LB 671 | Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 13) |
March 24, 2014 | NE | LB 671 | Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 13) |
March 24, 2014 | TN | SB 2115 | Authorizes In-State Tuition for Certain Students | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10) |
March 20, 2014 | IL | AM 121 | Nomination of Salvador A. Godinez to be Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections | Nomination Confirmed - Senate (37 - 18) |
March 19, 2014 | AL | SB 354 | Authorizes Individuals Without Concealed Carry Licenses to Carry Firearms in Vehicles | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7) |
March 18, 2014 | GA | HB 60 | Amends Firearm Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 18) |
March 17, 2014 | NY | A 2597A | Establishes the New York DREAM Fund Commission | Bill Failed - Senate (30 - 29) |
March 13, 2014 | IN | HB 1351 | Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients | Conference Report Rejected - Senate (24 - 24) |
March 13, 2014 | IN | SB 229 | Authorizes the Concealed Possession of Firearms on School Property | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 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 12, 2014 | GA | HB 702 | Requires Ten Commandments Monument at the Capitol Building | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 3) |
March 12, 2014 | OK | SB 1848 | Amends Standards for Abortion Facilities | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 8) |
March 10, 2014 | UT | SB 253 | Prohibits Texting While Driving on a Highway | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 8) |
March 8, 2014 | WV | HB 4588 | Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5) |
March 6, 2014 | IN | SB 50 | Prohibits the Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 12) |
March 6, 2014 | IN | SB 50 | Prohibits the Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 12) |
March 6, 2014 | National | S 1752 | Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013 | Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (55 - 45) |
March 5, 2014 | SD | HB 1229 | Requires Certain Individuals to be Reported to the National Background Check System | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9) |