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. 11, 2013 | National | HR 2019 | Kids First Research Act of 2013 | Bill Passed - House (295 - 103) |
Nov. 19, 2013 | National | S Amdt 2175 | Authorizes the Use of Funds for the Transfer or Release of Guantanamo Detainees to the United States | Amendment Rejected - Senate (52 - 46) |
Nov. 13, 2013 | MI | SB 2 | Authorizes Certain Nurses to Prescribe Controlled Substances | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18) |
Nov. 12, 2013 | HI | SB 1 - HD 1 | Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 4) |
Nov. 8, 2013 | HI | SB 1 - HD 1 | Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage | Bill Passed - House (30 - 19) |
Nov. 7, 2013 | National | S 815 | Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 | Bill Passed - Senate (64 - 32) |
Nov. 7, 2013 | National | S 815 | Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 | Bill Passed - Senate (64 - 32) |
Nov. 7, 2013 | National | S Amdt 2013 | Exempts Religiously Affiliated Employers from the Prohibition on Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity | Amendment Rejected - Senate (43 - 55) |
Nov. 7, 2013 | National | S Amdt 2013 | Exempts Religiously Affiliated Employers from the Prohibition on Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity | Amendment Rejected - Senate (43 - 55) |
Nov. 5, 2013 | IL | SB 10 | Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 21) |
Nov. 5, 2013 | IL | SB 10 | Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage | Bill Passed - House (61 - 54) |
Nov. 4, 2013 | National | S 815 | Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 | Cloture Invoked - Senate (61 - 30) |
Nov. 4, 2013 | National | S 815 | Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 | Cloture Invoked - Senate (61 - 30) |
Oct. 10, 2013 | National | H J Res 79 | Border Security and Enforcement Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 | Joint Resolution Passed - House (249 - 175) |
Oct. 1, 2013 | National | H J Res 70 | National Park Service Operations, Smithsonian Institution, National Gallery of Art, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 | Joint Resolution Failed - House (252 - 176) |
Sept. 18, 2013 | MI | SB 276 | Requires Community Service for Certain Welfare Recipients | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9) |
Sept. 12, 2013 | CA | AB 60 | Authorizes Driver's License for Undocumented Immigrants | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (55 - 21) |
Sept. 12, 2013 | CA | SB 755 | Expands List of Crimes that Disqualify an Individual from Firearm Ownership | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 12) |
Sept. 12, 2013 | CA | SB 755 | Expands List of Crimes that Disqualify an Individual from Firearm Ownership | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 12) |
Sept. 12, 2013 | CA | SB 374 | Prohibits Semiautomatic Rifles with Detachable Magazines | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 15) |
Sept. 12, 2013 | CA | AB 375 | Amends Teacher Dismissal Requirements | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 22) |
Sept. 12, 2013 | CA | AB 60 | Authorizes Driver's License for Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8) |
Sept. 12, 2013 | CA | AB 375 | Amends Teacher Dismissal Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | MO | SB 9 | Amends Animal Abuse and Neglect Laws | Veto Override Passed - House (111 - 50) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | MO | SB 9 | Amends Animal Abuse and Neglect Laws | Veto Override Passed - House (111 - 50) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | MO | SB 9 | Amends Animal Abuse and Neglect Laws | Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | MO | SB 9 | Amends Animal Abuse and Neglect Laws | Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | MO | HB 436 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations | Veto Override Failed - Senate (22 - 12) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | MO | HB 436 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations | Veto Override Failed - Senate (22 - 12) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | MO | HB 278 | Prohibits a Public Entity from Limiting the Practice or Celebration of Any Federal Holiday | Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 9) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | MO | HB 436 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations | Veto Override Passed - House (109 - 49) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | MO | HB 436 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations | Veto Override Passed - House (109 - 49) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | MO | HB 278 | Prohibits a Public Entity from Limiting the Practice or Celebration of Any Federal Holiday | Veto Override Passed - House (114 - 45) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | CA | AB 48 | Prohibits Large-Capacity Magazines and Large-Capacity Conversion Kits | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 30) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | CA | AB 48 | Prohibits Large-Capacity Magazines and Large-Capacity Conversion Kits | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 30) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | CA | SB 396 | Limits Firearm Magazine Capacity | Bill Failed - House (35 - 34) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | CA | SB 755 | Expands List of Crimes that Disqualify an Individual from Firearm Ownership | Bill Passed - House (45 - 28) |
Sept. 11, 2013 | CA | SB 755 | Expands List of Crimes that Disqualify an Individual from Firearm Ownership | Bill Passed - House (45 - 28) |
Sept. 10, 2013 | CA | AB 711 | Prohibits Lead Ammunition for Hunting | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (44 - 29) |
Sept. 10, 2013 | CA | AB 4 | Prohibits Law Enforcement from Detaining Individuals Solely Based on Immigration Status | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (48 - 25) |
Sept. 10, 2013 | CA | AB 4 | Prohibits Law Enforcement from Detaining Individuals Solely Based on Immigration Status | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (48 - 25) |
Sept. 10, 2013 | CA | AB 711 | Prohibits Lead Ammunition for Hunting | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (44 - 29) |
Sept. 10, 2013 | CA | SB 649 | Classifies Certain Drug Infractions as Misdemeanors | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 14) |
Sept. 10, 2013 | CA | SB 649 | Classifies Certain Drug Infractions as Misdemeanors | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 14) |
Sept. 10, 2013 | CA | SB 374 | Prohibits Semiautomatic Rifles with Detachable Magazines | Bill Passed - House (44 - 31) |
Sept. 10, 2013 | CA | AB 48 | Prohibits Large-Capacity Magazines and Large-Capacity Conversion Kits | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14) |
Sept. 10, 2013 | CA | AB 48 | Prohibits Large-Capacity Magazines and Large-Capacity Conversion Kits | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14) |
Sept. 9, 2013 | CA | AB 4 | Prohibits Law Enforcement from Detaining Individuals Solely Based on Immigration Status | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11) |
Sept. 9, 2013 | CA | AB 711 | Prohibits Lead Ammunition for Hunting | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
Sept. 9, 2013 | CA | AB 711 | Prohibits Lead Ammunition for Hunting | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
Sept. 9, 2013 | CA | AB 4 | Prohibits Law Enforcement from Detaining Individuals Solely Based on Immigration Status | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11) |
Sept. 4, 2013 | CA | SB 649 | Classifies Certain Drug Infractions as Misdemeanors | Bill Passed - House (41 - 31) |
Sept. 4, 2013 | CA | SB 649 | Classifies Certain Drug Infractions as Misdemeanors | Bill Passed - House (41 - 31) |
Aug. 26, 2013 | CA | AB 721 | Amends Transportation of Controlled Substances Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15) |
Aug. 26, 2013 | CA | AB 721 | Amends Transportation of Controlled Substances Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15) |
Aug. 8, 2013 | CA | AB 817 | Amends Poll Worker Eligibility Requirements | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 25) |
July 24, 2013 | NC | HB 392 | Authorizes Drug Testing for Work First Program Applicants | Conference Report Adopted - House (92 - 21) |
July 24, 2013 | NC | HB 522 | Prohibits the Application of Foreign Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 37) |
July 23, 2013 | NC | HB 937 | Amends Firearm Laws | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 14) |
July 23, 2013 | NC | HB 937 | Amends Firearm Laws | Conference Report Adopted - House (73 - 41) |
July 23, 2013 | National | H Amdt 375 | Prohibits the Use of Funds to Appoint Chaplains Without an Endorsing Agency | Amendment Adopted - House (253 - 173) |
July 9, 2013 | IL | HB 183 | Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Firearms | Veto Override Passed - Senate (41 - 17) |
July 9, 2013 | IL | HB 183 | Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Firearms | Veto Override Passed - House (77 - 31) |
July 8, 2013 | CA | AB 817 | Amends Poll Worker Eligibility Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10) |
July 7, 2013 | OR | SB 9 | Increases Fines for Texting or Talking While Driving | Bill Passed - House (33 - 26) |
July 7, 2013 | OR | SB 9 | Increases Fines for Texting or Talking While Driving | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7) |
July 6, 2013 | OR | SB 6 | Amends Animal Welfare Regulations | Bill Passed - House (38 - 21) |
July 6, 2013 | OR | SB 6 | Amends Animal Welfare Regulations | Bill Passed - House (38 - 21) |
July 3, 2013 | NC | HB 695 | Amends Abortion Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 12) |
July 3, 2013 | CA | AB 1266 | Amends Sex-Segregated School Programs and Activities | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9) |
July 1, 2013 | OR | HB 3194 | Amends Sentencing Regulations in the Prison System | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11) |
July 1, 2013 | OR | HB 3194 | Amends Sentencing Regulations in the Prison System | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11) |
July 1, 2013 | OR | SB 6 | Amends Animal Welfare Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12) |
July 1, 2013 | OR | SB 6 | Amends Animal Welfare Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12) |
June 27, 2013 | NJ | S 2723 | Amends Firearms Identification Card Requirements | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 16) |
June 27, 2013 | CA | AB 277 | Authorizes Gaming on Traditional Tribal Territory | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11) |
June 27, 2013 | National | S 744 | Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act | Bill Passed - Senate (68 - 32) |
June 27, 2013 | NJ | A 3371 | Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9) |
June 27, 2013 | DE | HB 88 | Prohibits Certain Individuals with Mental Health Issues from Possessing Firearms | Bill Failed - Senate (6 - 13) |
June 27, 2013 | OR | HB 3194 | Amends Sentencing Regulations in the Prison System | Bill Passed - House (40 - 18) |
June 27, 2013 | OR | HB 3194 | Amends Sentencing Regulations in the Prison System | Bill Passed - House (40 - 18) |
June 24, 2013 | NJ | S 2723 | Amends Firearm Identification Card Requirements | Bill Passed - House (43 - 34) |
June 24, 2013 | NJ | A 3371 | Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors | Bill Passed - House (56 - 14) |
June 19, 2013 | ME | LD 1240 | Establishes Penalties for Unauthorized Private Gun Sales and Requires Background Checks | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
June 19, 2013 | ME | LD 1240 | Establishes Penalties for Unauthorized Private Gun Sales and Requires Background Checks | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
June 19, 2013 | ME | LD 1240 | Establishes Penalties for Unauthorized Private Gun Sales and Requires Background Checks | Bill Passed - House (78 - 71) |
June 19, 2013 | ME | LD 1240 | Establishes Penalties for Unauthorized Private Gun Sales and Requires Background Checks | Bill Passed - House (78 - 71) |
June 19, 2013 | DE | SB 97 | Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (11 - 9) |
June 19, 2013 | DE | SB 97 | Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (11 - 9) |
June 18, 2013 | DE | SB 97 | Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity | Bill Passed - House (24 - 17) |
June 18, 2013 | DE | SB 97 | Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity | Bill Passed - House (24 - 17) |
June 18, 2013 | National | S Amdt 1228 | Requires US-VISIT System to be Established at Every Port of Entry | Amendment Rejected - Senate (36 - 58) |
June 18, 2013 | National | S Amdt 1197 | Requires the Completion of the Fence Along the United States-Mexico Border | Amendment Rejected - Senate (39 - 54) |
June 14, 2013 | National | HR 1960 | National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 | Motion Rejected - House (194 - 225) |
June 14, 2013 | National | H Amdt 168 | Establishes Framework for the Closing of the Detention Facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, by December 1, 2014 | Amendment Rejected - House (174 - 249) |
June 13, 2013 | WI | AB 216 | Prohibits State Health Insurance Plan from Covering Abortions | Bill Passed - House (58 - 39) |
June 13, 2013 | WI | AB 216 | Prohibits State Health Insurance Plan from Covering Abortions | Bill Passed - House (58 - 39) |
June 12, 2013 | NC | SB 306 | Repeals the Racial Justice Act | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 16) |
June 11, 2013 | ME | LD 1286 | Prohibits Slaughter of Horses for Human Consumption | "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (94 - 49) |
June 11, 2013 | ME | LD 1286 | Prohibits Slaughter of Horses for Human Consumption | "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (94 - 49) |