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
Dec. 14, 2011 National HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - House (283 - 136)
Dec. 8, 2011 MI HB 4770 Prohibits Public Employers from Providing Medical Benefits to Public Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 45)
Nov. 29, 2011 National HR 3012 Repeals Certain Green Cards Limitations Bill Passed - House (389 - 15)
Nov. 16, 2011 National HR 822 Requiring State Reciprocity for Carrying Concealed Firearms Bill Passed - House (272 - 154)
Nov. 15, 2011 PA HB 439 Hiring Undocumented Workers Bill Passed - House (122 - 74)
Nov. 1, 2011 WI AB 69 Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (71 - 24)
Nov. 1, 2011 WI SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - House (63 - 32)
Nov. 1, 2011 National H Con Res 13 Encourages Display of "In God We Trust" in Public Buildings and Schools Joint Resolution Passed - House (396 - 9)
Oct. 27, 2011 IL SB 1701 Legal Immunity for Individuals Seeking Treatment for Drug Overdose Bill Passed - House (61 - 53)
Sept. 23, 2011 MO HA 1 to SB 7 Prohibits Public Funding for Certain Life Science Research Projects Amendment Rejected - House (68 - 74)
Sept. 14, 2011 NH SB 88 Civil Immunity from Acts of Self Defense Veto Override Passed - House (251 - 111)
Sept. 14, 2011 NH SB 88 Civil Immunity from Acts of Self Defense Veto Override Passed - House (251 - 111)
Sept. 14, 2011 MA H 3711 Authorizes Gambling Casinos Bill Passed - House (123 - 32)
Sept. 12, 2011 NC SB 514 Constitutional Amendment to Define Marriage Bill Passed - House (75 - 42)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27)
Sept. 9, 2011 MO HB 1 Authority Over the Saint Louis Police Department Bill Passed - House (123 - 27)
Sept. 6, 2011 CA SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Bill Passed - House (52 - 26)
Sept. 2, 2011 CA AB 887 Prohibits Discrimination Against Transgendered Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 25)
Aug. 22, 2011 CA AB 433 Birth Certificates for Transgendered Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 26)
July 27, 2011 National H Amdt 735 Repeals Laws that Limited Funding for the Endangered Species Act Amendment Adopted - House (224 - 202)
July 14, 2011 CA SB 249 Prohibits Firearms with Detachable Magazines Bill Passed - House (48 - 21)
July 5, 2011 CA SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - House (50 - 26)
July 5, 2011 CA SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - House (50 - 26)
July 1, 2011 DE SB 65 Expansion of Criminal Nuisance Definition Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
June 30, 2011 PA HB 960 Public Assistance Program Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (130 - 66)
June 30, 2011 RI S 400 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (51 - 22)
June 23, 2011 PA HB 934 Amends Voter Identification Laws Bill Passed - House (108 - 88)
June 22, 2011 NH HB 329 Revising Abortion Procedures for Unemancipated Minors Veto Override Passed - House (266 - 102)
June 21, 2011 WI SB 93 Weapons Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (68 - 27)
June 15, 2011 OH SB 17 Authorizes Concealed Handguns at Alcohol Vendors Bill Passed - House (56 - 39)
June 15, 2011 NY A 8354 Marriage Equality Enactment Bill Passed - House (80 - 63)
June 9, 2011 ME LD 1376 Repeals Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (72 - 65)
June 7, 2011 ME LD 1463 Penalties for Violent Offenses Against Fetuses "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Not Adopted - House (66 - 81)
June 7, 2011 CT SB 1014 Penalties For Certain Nonviolent Drug Offenses Bill Passed - House (90 - 57)
June 7, 2011 CT SB 1014 Penalties For Certain Nonviolent Drug Offenses Bill Passed - House (90 - 57)
June 7, 2011 ME LD 1046 Transgender Discrimination Law Amendments "Ought to Pass" Report Not Adopted - House (61 - 81)
June 7, 2011 LA HB 138 Parole Eligibility for Elderly Inmates Bill Passed - House (65 - 25)
June 6, 2011 OR SB 347 Exemptions from Disclosure of Public Records Bill Passed - House (46 - 12)
June 2, 2011 AL HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 29)
June 1, 2011 CA AB 131 In-State College Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (50 - 27)
May 31, 2011 IL HB 1490 Regulates Full-Contact Martial Arts Events Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 45)
May 30, 2011 IL SB 744 Authorizes Gambling Bill Passed - House (65 - 50)
May 30, 2011 IL SB 2185 Establishes the DREAM Fund Commission Bill Passed - House (61 - 53)
May 27, 2011 NV AB 552 DNA Samples for Felony Charges Bill Passed - House (31 - 11)
May 27, 2011 NV AB 552 DNA Samples for Felony Charges Bill Passed - House (31 - 11)
May 26, 2011 National S 990 PATRIOT Act Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (250 - 153)
May 25, 2011 TX HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 64)
May 25, 2011 SC S 20 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (65 - 39)
May 23, 2011 NV SB 368 Prohibits Discrimination in Housing Bill Passed - House (29 - 13)
May 21, 2011 MN SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (70 - 62)
May 19, 2011 RI H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (62 - 11)
May 19, 2011 CT HB 6599 Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Expression Bill Passed - House (77 - 62)
May 19, 2011 CA AB 1236 Prohibits Requirement of Electronic Employment Verification Bill Passed - House (55 - 22)
May 19, 2011 RI H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (62 - 11)
May 17, 2011 TX SB 420 Eligibility for Indigent Health Care Bill Passed - House (102 - 40)
May 17, 2011 LA HB 7 Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (67 - 26)
May 16, 2011 TX SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - House (98 - 46)
May 16, 2011 CA AB 144 Concealed Weapons Bill Bill Passed - House (46 - 29)
May 13, 2011 TX HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (84 - 55)
May 12, 2011 CT HB 6390 Access to Postsecondary Education Bill Passed - House (77 - 63)
May 10, 2011 MO HB 73 Drug Testing Of Welfare Recipients Concurrence Vote Passed - House (113 - 34)
May 10, 2011 TX HB 12 Enforcement Of State And Federal Laws Governing Immigration Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
May 9, 2011 NJ S 799 Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates Bill Passed - House (45 - 26)
May 9, 2011 NJ A 3699 Prohibiting the Burial of Petty's Run Archaeological Excavation Site Bill Passed - House (45 - 29)
May 6, 2011 VT H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (94 - 48)
May 5, 2011 CA AB 130 Authorizes Student Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (51 - 22)
May 4, 2011 FL SB 234 Authorizes Open Display of a Firearm Bill Passed - House (99 - 17)
May 4, 2011 LA HB 52 Increasing New Orleans Traffic Court Costs Bill Failed - House (49 - 22)
April 27, 2011 MT HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 35)
April 26, 2011 SC H 3003 Voter ID Conference Report Adopted - House (71 - 36)
April 26, 2011 GA HB 234 Reduces Sales Taxes for Tourism Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 73)
April 26, 2011 FL HB 45 Regulation of Firearms and Ammunition Bill Passed - House (85 - 33)
April 26, 2011 FL HB 353 Drug Screening for Temporary Assistance Beneficiaries Bill Passed - House (78 - 38)
April 21, 2011 WA HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 40)
April 21, 2011 WA HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 40)
April 20, 2011 AZ HB 2230 Relating to the 9/11 Memorial Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 20)
April 20, 2011 AZ SB 1610 Official State Gun Bill Passed - House (32 - 25)
April 20, 2011 OR HB 2337 Cougar Hunting Zones Bill Passed - House (45 - 14)
April 18, 2011 ND SB 2042 Gaming Tax Reduction Conference Report Rejected - House (46 - 48)
April 18, 2011 AZ SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
April 18, 2011 IN SB 292 Prohibits Local Limits on Gun Ownership Bill Passed - House (77 - 21)
April 18, 2011 NV AB 211 Prohibiting Discriminatory Employment Practices Based On Gender or Expression Bill Passed - House (29 - 13)
April 14, 2011 GA HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (112 - 59)
April 14, 2011 TN SB 16 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (57 - 35)
April 14, 2011 AL HB 126 Extending Forever Wild Land Trust Bill Passed - House (69 - 24)
April 14, 2011 DE SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
April 13, 2011 MO SB 113 Regulating Animal Care Facilities Bill Passed - House (85 - 71)
April 13, 2011 IL HB 203 Limit on Sale of Firearms Within a Certain Time Period Bill Failed - House (47 - 68)
April 12, 2011 MT HB 271 Authorizes Concealed-Carry Without a Permit Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 29)
April 12, 2011 IL HB 3499 Firearm Waiting Period Exemptions Bill Passed - House (78 - 34)
April 11, 2011 MD SB 167 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 65)
April 11, 2011 AZ HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 17)
April 9, 2011 AK HB 80 Expands the Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (33 - 6)
April 9, 2011 AK HB 80 Expands the Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (33 - 6)
April 5, 2011 IN SB 47 Gambling Expansion Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)
April 5, 2011 AL HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (73 - 28)
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)
April 1, 2011 TX H Amdt 6 Appropriations for the Department of Aging and Disability Services Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 61)
March 30, 2011 NC HB 111 Concealed Handguns in Restaurants and State Parks Bill Passed - House (74 - 42)
Date No. Title Outcome
12/14 HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - House (283 - 136)
12/08 HB 4770 Prohibits Public Employers from Providing Medical Benefits to Public Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 45)
11/29 HR 3012 Repeals Certain Green Cards Limitations Bill Passed - House (389 - 15)
11/16 HR 822 Requiring State Reciprocity for Carrying Concealed Firearms Bill Passed - House (272 - 154)
11/15 HB 439 Hiring Undocumented Workers Bill Passed - House (122 - 74)
11/01 AB 69 Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (71 - 24)
11/01 SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - House (63 - 32)
11/01 H Con Res 13 Encourages Display of "In God We Trust" in Public Buildings and Schools Joint Resolution Passed - House (396 - 9)
10/27 SB 1701 Legal Immunity for Individuals Seeking Treatment for Drug Overdose Bill Passed - House (61 - 53)
9/23 HA 1 to SB 7 Prohibits Public Funding for Certain Life Science Research Projects Amendment Rejected - House (68 - 74)
9/14 SB 88 Civil Immunity from Acts of Self Defense Veto Override Passed - House (251 - 111)
9/14 SB 88 Civil Immunity from Acts of Self Defense Veto Override Passed - House (251 - 111)
9/14 H 3711 Authorizes Gambling Casinos Bill Passed - House (123 - 32)
9/12 SB 514 Constitutional Amendment to Define Marriage Bill Passed - House (75 - 42)
9/09 AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27)
9/09 HB 1 Authority Over the Saint Louis Police Department Bill Passed - House (123 - 27)
9/06 SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Bill Passed - House (52 - 26)
9/02 AB 887 Prohibits Discrimination Against Transgendered Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 25)
8/22 AB 433 Birth Certificates for Transgendered Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 26)
7/27 H Amdt 735 Repeals Laws that Limited Funding for the Endangered Species Act Amendment Adopted - House (224 - 202)
7/14 SB 249 Prohibits Firearms with Detachable Magazines Bill Passed - House (48 - 21)
7/05 SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - House (50 - 26)
7/05 SB 48 Requires Teaching Gay History Bill Passed - House (50 - 26)
7/01 SB 65 Expansion of Criminal Nuisance Definition Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
6/30 HB 960 Public Assistance Program Amendments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (130 - 66)
6/30 S 400 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (51 - 22)
6/23 HB 934 Amends Voter Identification Laws Bill Passed - House (108 - 88)
6/22 HB 329 Revising Abortion Procedures for Unemancipated Minors Veto Override Passed - House (266 - 102)
6/21 SB 93 Weapons Law Amendments Bill Passed - House (68 - 27)
6/15 SB 17 Authorizes Concealed Handguns at Alcohol Vendors Bill Passed - House (56 - 39)
6/15 A 8354 Marriage Equality Enactment Bill Passed - House (80 - 63)
6/09 LD 1376 Repeals Same-Day Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (72 - 65)
6/07 LD 1463 Penalties for Violent Offenses Against Fetuses "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Not Adopted - House (66 - 81)
6/07 SB 1014 Penalties For Certain Nonviolent Drug Offenses Bill Passed - House (90 - 57)
6/07 SB 1014 Penalties For Certain Nonviolent Drug Offenses Bill Passed - House (90 - 57)
6/07 LD 1046 Transgender Discrimination Law Amendments "Ought to Pass" Report Not Adopted - House (61 - 81)
6/07 HB 138 Parole Eligibility for Elderly Inmates Bill Passed - House (65 - 25)
6/06 SB 347 Exemptions from Disclosure of Public Records Bill Passed - House (46 - 12)
6/02 HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 29)
6/01 AB 131 In-State College Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (50 - 27)
5/31 HB 1490 Regulates Full-Contact Martial Arts Events Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 45)
5/30 SB 744 Authorizes Gambling Bill Passed - House (65 - 50)
5/30 SB 2185 Establishes the DREAM Fund Commission Bill Passed - House (61 - 53)
5/27 AB 552 DNA Samples for Felony Charges Bill Passed - House (31 - 11)
5/27 AB 552 DNA Samples for Felony Charges Bill Passed - House (31 - 11)
5/26 S 990 PATRIOT Act Extension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (250 - 153)
5/25 HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 64)
5/25 S 20 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (65 - 39)
5/23 SB 368 Prohibits Discrimination in Housing Bill Passed - House (29 - 13)
5/21 SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (70 - 62)
5/19 H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (62 - 11)
5/19 HB 6599 Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Expression Bill Passed - House (77 - 62)
5/19 AB 1236 Prohibits Requirement of Electronic Employment Verification Bill Passed - House (55 - 22)
5/19 H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (62 - 11)
5/17 SB 420 Eligibility for Indigent Health Care Bill Passed - House (102 - 40)
5/17 HB 7 Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (67 - 26)
5/16 SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - House (98 - 46)
5/16 AB 144 Concealed Weapons Bill Bill Passed - House (46 - 29)
5/13 HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (84 - 55)
5/12 HB 6390 Access to Postsecondary Education Bill Passed - House (77 - 63)
5/10 HB 73 Drug Testing Of Welfare Recipients Concurrence Vote Passed - House (113 - 34)
5/10 HB 12 Enforcement Of State And Federal Laws Governing Immigration Bill Passed - House (100 - 47)
5/09 S 799 Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates Bill Passed - House (45 - 26)
5/09 A 3699 Prohibiting the Burial of Petty's Run Archaeological Excavation Site Bill Passed - House (45 - 29)
5/06 H 436 Tax Law Amendments Conference Report Adopted - House (94 - 48)
5/05 AB 130 Authorizes Student Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (51 - 22)
5/04 SB 234 Authorizes Open Display of a Firearm Bill Passed - House (99 - 17)
5/04 HB 52 Increasing New Orleans Traffic Court Costs Bill Failed - House (49 - 22)
4/27 HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 35)
4/26 H 3003 Voter ID Conference Report Adopted - House (71 - 36)
4/26 HB 234 Reduces Sales Taxes for Tourism Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 73)
4/26 HB 45 Regulation of Firearms and Ammunition Bill Passed - House (85 - 33)
4/26 HB 353 Drug Screening for Temporary Assistance Beneficiaries Bill Passed - House (78 - 38)
4/21 HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 40)
4/21 HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 40)
4/20 HB 2230 Relating to the 9/11 Memorial Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 20)
4/20 SB 1610 Official State Gun Bill Passed - House (32 - 25)
4/20 HB 2337 Cougar Hunting Zones Bill Passed - House (45 - 14)
4/18 SB 2042 Gaming Tax Reduction Conference Report Rejected - House (46 - 48)
4/18 SB 1406 Interstate Compact to Build a Border Fence Bill Passed - House (40 - 19)
4/18 SB 292 Prohibits Local Limits on Gun Ownership Bill Passed - House (77 - 21)
4/18 AB 211 Prohibiting Discriminatory Employment Practices Based On Gender or Expression Bill Passed - House (29 - 13)
4/14 HB 87 Immigration Enforcement Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (112 - 59)
4/14 SB 16 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - House (57 - 35)
4/14 HB 126 Extending Forever Wild Land Trust Bill Passed - House (69 - 24)
4/14 SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
4/13 SB 113 Regulating Animal Care Facilities Bill Passed - House (85 - 71)
4/13 HB 203 Limit on Sale of Firearms Within a Certain Time Period Bill Failed - House (47 - 68)
4/12 HB 271 Authorizes Concealed-Carry Without a Permit Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 29)
4/12 HB 3499 Firearm Waiting Period Exemptions Bill Passed - House (78 - 34)
4/11 SB 167 In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 65)
4/11 HB 2191 Punitive Damage Awards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 17)
4/09 HB 80 Expands the Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (33 - 6)
4/09 HB 80 Expands the Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (33 - 6)
4/05 SB 47 Gambling Expansion Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)
4/05 HB 56 Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (73 - 28)
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)
4/01 H Amdt 6 Appropriations for the Department of Aging and Disability Services Amendment Adopted - House (67 - 61)
3/30 HB 111 Concealed Handguns in Restaurants and State Parks Bill Passed - House (74 - 42)

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