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.


results per page:
Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
Dec. 14, 2012 MI HB 5711 Increases Requirements on Facilities that Provide Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
Dec. 14, 2012 MI HB 5711 Increases Requirements on Facilities that Provide Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (72 - 35)
Aug. 27, 2012 CA AB 1640 Expands Cash Assistance Programs for Pregnant Teenagers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 26)
Aug. 27, 2012 CA AB 2348 Authorizes Registered Nurses to Dispense Contraceptives Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 28)
Aug. 22, 2012 CA AB 1640 Expands Cash Assistance Programs for Pregnant Teenagers Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
Aug. 22, 2012 CA AB 2348 Authorizes Registered Nurses to Dispense Contraceptives Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
July 31, 2012 National HR 3803 District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act Bill Failed - House (220 - 154)
June 27, 2012 NH HB 1679 Prohibits Partial Birth/Late Term Abortions Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
June 27, 2012 NH HB 1679 Prohibits Partial Birth/Late Term Abortions Veto Override Passed - House (240 - 118)
June 27, 2012 NH HB 217 Prohibits Violent Offenses Against Fetuses Veto Override Failed - House (201 - 126)
June 21, 2012 NJ S 1599 Amends Surrogacy Laws Bill Passed - House (41 - 33)
June 7, 2012 National HR 5855 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for 2013 Bill Passed - House (234 - 182)
May 31, 2012 LA SB 708 Amends Abortion Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
May 31, 2012 National HR 3541 Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA) of 2012 Bill Failed - House (246 - 168)
May 31, 2012 NJ S 1599 Amends Surrogacy Laws Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
May 30, 2012 NH HB 217 Prohibits Violent Offenses Against Fetuses Concurrence Vote Passed - House (210 - 108)
May 16, 2012 NH HB 217 Prohibits Violent Offenses Against Fetuses Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
May 8, 2012 AL SB 10 Prohibits Insurance from Providing Coverage for Abortions Bill Passed - House (76 - 28)
May 7, 2012 KS SB 313 Prohibits Certain Abortion-Related Tax Credits Bill Passed - House (88 - 31)
April 27, 2012 TN SB 3310 Requires Abstinence-Centered Sex Education in Schools Bill Passed - House (68 - 23)
April 27, 2012 CO SM 3 Urges Congress to Authorize Religious Exemptions to Providing Birth Control Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 20)
April 25, 2012 AZ HB 2625 Authorizes Employers to Refuse to Provide Coverage for Contraception Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 9)
April 25, 2012 NH HB 1679 Prohibits Partial Birth/Late Term Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
April 24, 2012 TN HB 3808 Requires Publication of Abortion Statistics Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
April 24, 2012 AZ HB 2800 Prohibits State Funding for Abortion Providers Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 8)
April 23, 2012 MN HF 2341 Requires Physicians to Administer Abortion Drugs In Person Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 25)
April 20, 2012 MN SF 1921 Increases Requirements for Abortion Providers Bill Passed - House (80 - 47)
April 19, 2012 AZ HB 2625 Authorizes Employers to Refuse to Provide Coverage for Contraception Conference Report Adopted - House (36 - 21)
April 19, 2012 OK SB 1274 Requires physicians inform abortion patients of fetal heartbeat Bill Passed - House (75 - 12)
April 18, 2012 MN HF 2341 Requires Physicians to Administer Abortion Drugs In Person Bill Passed - House (80 - 48)
April 18, 2012 MN SF 1921 Increases Requirements for Abortion Providers Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 23)
April 12, 2012 AZ HB 2625 Authorizes Employers to Refuse to Provide Coverage for Contraception Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
April 12, 2012 IA S 5206 Prohibits State Funding For Abortions Amendment Rejected - Senate (22 - 25)
April 11, 2012 NE LB 599 Prenatal Care for Children of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
April 10, 2012 AZ HB 2036 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Concurrence Vote Passed - House (37 - 22)
April 10, 2012 MS SB 2771 Expands Penalties for Child Homicide Bill Passed - House (83 - 34)
March 29, 2012 GA HB 954 Prohibits Abortions after 20 Weeks Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 19)
March 29, 2012 GA HB 954 Prohibits Abortions after 20 Weeks Conference Report Adopted - House (106 - 59)
March 29, 2012 KS SB 62 Authorizes Medical Professionals and Facilities to Not Provide Referrals for Abortions or Sterilizations Bill Passed - House (95 - 29)
March 29, 2012 TN HB 3808 Requires Publication of Abortion Statistics Bill Passed - House (72 - 24)
March 29, 2012 IL Amendment No. 4 Requires Physicians to Provide Information About Side Effects of Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Amendment Rejected - House (32 - 68)
March 29, 2012 MO HB 1541 Provides Exemptions on Participating in Certain Medical Procedures. Bill Passed - House (113 - 41)
March 29, 2012 NH HB 1660 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (190 - 109)
March 29, 2012 MO SB 749 Authorizes Employers to Exempt Contraception from Healthcare Coverage (26 - 5)
March 29, 2012 MO HB 1541 Provides Exemptions on Participating in Certain Medical Procedures. Bill Passed - House (113 - 41)
March 28, 2012 NH HB 1659 Requires a 24 Hour Waiting Period Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - House (185 - 138)
March 28, 2012 AZ HB 2625 Authorizes Employers to Refuse to Provide Coverage for Contraception Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 17)
March 27, 2012 AZ HB 2036 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
March 26, 2012 GA HB 954 Prohibits Abortions after 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
March 26, 2012 VA Saslaw Amdt Requires Reimbursement of the Full Cost of Ultrasounds Required Prior to Abortions Amendment Rejected - Senate (19 - 20)
March 23, 2012 ID SJM 104 Urging Congress to Repeal Insurance Coverage of Contraception Joint Resolution Passed - House (51 - 16)
March 19, 2012 CO HB 1130 Penalties for Violent Offenses Against Fetuses Bill Passed - House (33 - 32)
March 19, 2012 ID S 1387 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
March 15, 2012 MS HB 790 Regulates Certain Drugs Used for Abortion Bill Passed - House (78 - 35)
March 14, 2012 NH HB 1679 Prohibits Partial Birth/Late Term Abortions Bill Passed - House (224 - 110)
March 14, 2012 MS HB 1196 Additional Requirements for Abortion if Fetal Heartbeat Detected Bill Passed - House (77 - 37)
March 13, 2012 WI SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - House (60 - 34)
March 13, 2012 WI SB 92 Prohibits Abortion Coverage through Healthcare Insurance Exchanges Bill Passed - House (61 - 34)
March 13, 2012 MS HB 1390 Establishes Additional Requirements for Physicians who Perform Abortions Bill Passed - House (80 - 37)
March 13, 2012 MI HB 4799 Prohibits Coercing a Woman into Having an Abortion Bill Passed - House (72 - 37)
March 7, 2012 NH HB 1546 Authorizes Employers to Not Provide Contraception Coverage in Health Insurance Plans Bill Passed - House (196 - 150)
March 7, 2012 GA SB 460 Exempts Religious Employers from Insurance Requirements for Coverage of Contraception Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 15)
March 7, 2012 GA SB 438 Prohibits State Employee Insurance Coverage of Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 18)
March 6, 2012 UT HB 363 Requires Abstinence-Only Sexual Education in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
March 6, 2012 OK SB 1274 Requires physicians inform abortion patients of fetal heartbeat Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 8)
March 6, 2012 AZ SB 1359 Prohibits Wrongful Birth Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
March 5, 2012 AZ HB 2800 Prohibits State Funding for Abortion Providers Bill Passed - House (41 - 17)
March 5, 2012 UT HB 461 Requires a 72 hour waiting period prior to an abortion Bill Passed - House (59 - 11)
March 1, 2012 VA HB 462 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 35)
March 1, 2012 AZ HB 2625 Authorizes Employers to Refuse to Provide Coverage for Contraception Bill Passed - House (39 - 18)
March 1, 2012 FL HB 277 Prohibits Abortions During the Third Trimester Bill Passed - House (78 - 33)
Feb. 29, 2012 GA HB 954 Prohibits Abortions after 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (102 - 65)
Feb. 28, 2012 VA HB 462 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 28, 2012 WY HJR 7 Requests the President to Repeal the Rule Requiring Coverage of Contraception Joint Resolution Passed - House (40 - 17)
Feb. 22, 2012 VA SB 484 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - House (65 - 32)
Feb. 22, 2012 WI SB 306 Requires Physicians Performing Abortions to Determine if the Woman's Consent is Voluntary Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
Feb. 22, 2012 NH HR 29 Urges Repeal of Rule Requiring Health Insurance Coverage of Contraceptives Resolution Passed - House (227 - 121)
Feb. 22, 2012 UT HB 363 Requires Abstinence-Only Sexual Education in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (45 - 28)
Feb. 15, 2012 OK SB 1433 Defines life as beginning at conception Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 8)
Feb. 15, 2012 OK SB 1433 Defines life as beginning at conception Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 8)
Feb. 14, 2012 KY SB 103 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
Feb. 14, 2012 KY SB 103 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
Feb. 14, 2012 VA HB 462 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - House (63 - 36)
Feb. 14, 2012 VA HB 1 Defines Life as Beginning at Conception Bill Passed - House (66 - 32)
Feb. 13, 2012 WA HB 2330 Requires Health Insurers to Cover Abortion Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
Feb. 8, 2012 KY SB 102 Specifies Conditions for Informed Consent Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
Feb. 8, 2012 KY SB 102 Specifies Conditions for Informed Consent Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
Feb. 3, 2012 VA HB 62 Prohibits State Funding for Abortion Bill Passed - House (64 - 35)
Feb. 1, 2012 VA SB 484 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 18, 2012 NH HB 228 Prohibits the Use of Public Funds for Abortion Bill Passed - House (207 - 147)
Jan. 4, 2012 NH HB 217 Prohibits Violent Offenses Against Fetuses Bill Passed - House (213 - 125)
Date No. Title Outcome
12/14 HB 5711 Increases Requirements on Facilities that Provide Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
12/14 HB 5711 Increases Requirements on Facilities that Provide Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (72 - 35)
8/27 AB 1640 Expands Cash Assistance Programs for Pregnant Teenagers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 26)
8/27 AB 2348 Authorizes Registered Nurses to Dispense Contraceptives Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 28)
8/22 AB 1640 Expands Cash Assistance Programs for Pregnant Teenagers Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
8/22 AB 2348 Authorizes Registered Nurses to Dispense Contraceptives Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
7/31 HR 3803 District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act Bill Failed - House (220 - 154)
6/27 HB 1679 Prohibits Partial Birth/Late Term Abortions Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
6/27 HB 1679 Prohibits Partial Birth/Late Term Abortions Veto Override Passed - House (240 - 118)
6/27 HB 217 Prohibits Violent Offenses Against Fetuses Veto Override Failed - House (201 - 126)
6/21 S 1599 Amends Surrogacy Laws Bill Passed - House (41 - 33)
6/07 HR 5855 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for 2013 Bill Passed - House (234 - 182)
5/31 SB 708 Amends Abortion Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
5/31 HR 3541 Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA) of 2012 Bill Failed - House (246 - 168)
5/31 S 1599 Amends Surrogacy Laws Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
5/30 HB 217 Prohibits Violent Offenses Against Fetuses Concurrence Vote Passed - House (210 - 108)
5/16 HB 217 Prohibits Violent Offenses Against Fetuses Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
5/08 SB 10 Prohibits Insurance from Providing Coverage for Abortions Bill Passed - House (76 - 28)
5/07 SB 313 Prohibits Certain Abortion-Related Tax Credits Bill Passed - House (88 - 31)
4/27 SB 3310 Requires Abstinence-Centered Sex Education in Schools Bill Passed - House (68 - 23)
4/27 SM 3 Urges Congress to Authorize Religious Exemptions to Providing Birth Control Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 20)
4/25 HB 2625 Authorizes Employers to Refuse to Provide Coverage for Contraception Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 9)
4/25 HB 1679 Prohibits Partial Birth/Late Term Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
4/24 HB 3808 Requires Publication of Abortion Statistics Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
4/24 HB 2800 Prohibits State Funding for Abortion Providers Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 8)
4/23 HF 2341 Requires Physicians to Administer Abortion Drugs In Person Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 25)
4/20 SF 1921 Increases Requirements for Abortion Providers Bill Passed - House (80 - 47)
4/19 HB 2625 Authorizes Employers to Refuse to Provide Coverage for Contraception Conference Report Adopted - House (36 - 21)
4/19 SB 1274 Requires physicians inform abortion patients of fetal heartbeat Bill Passed - House (75 - 12)
4/18 HF 2341 Requires Physicians to Administer Abortion Drugs In Person Bill Passed - House (80 - 48)
4/18 SF 1921 Increases Requirements for Abortion Providers Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 23)
4/12 HB 2625 Authorizes Employers to Refuse to Provide Coverage for Contraception Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
4/12 S 5206 Prohibits State Funding For Abortions Amendment Rejected - Senate (22 - 25)
4/11 LB 599 Prenatal Care for Children of Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
4/10 HB 2036 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Concurrence Vote Passed - House (37 - 22)
4/10 SB 2771 Expands Penalties for Child Homicide Bill Passed - House (83 - 34)
3/29 HB 954 Prohibits Abortions after 20 Weeks Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 19)
3/29 HB 954 Prohibits Abortions after 20 Weeks Conference Report Adopted - House (106 - 59)
3/29 SB 62 Authorizes Medical Professionals and Facilities to Not Provide Referrals for Abortions or Sterilizations Bill Passed - House (95 - 29)
3/29 HB 3808 Requires Publication of Abortion Statistics Bill Passed - House (72 - 24)
3/29 Amendment No. 4 Requires Physicians to Provide Information About Side Effects of Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Amendment Rejected - House (32 - 68)
3/29 HB 1541 Provides Exemptions on Participating in Certain Medical Procedures. Bill Passed - House (113 - 41)
3/29 HB 1660 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (190 - 109)
3/29 SB 749 Authorizes Employers to Exempt Contraception from Healthcare Coverage (26 - 5)
3/29 HB 1541 Provides Exemptions on Participating in Certain Medical Procedures. Bill Passed - House (113 - 41)
3/28 HB 1659 Requires a 24 Hour Waiting Period Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - House (185 - 138)
3/28 HB 2625 Authorizes Employers to Refuse to Provide Coverage for Contraception Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 17)
3/27 HB 2036 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
3/26 HB 954 Prohibits Abortions after 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
3/26 Saslaw Amdt Requires Reimbursement of the Full Cost of Ultrasounds Required Prior to Abortions Amendment Rejected - Senate (19 - 20)
3/23 SJM 104 Urging Congress to Repeal Insurance Coverage of Contraception Joint Resolution Passed - House (51 - 16)
3/19 HB 1130 Penalties for Violent Offenses Against Fetuses Bill Passed - House (33 - 32)
3/19 S 1387 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
3/15 HB 790 Regulates Certain Drugs Used for Abortion Bill Passed - House (78 - 35)
3/14 HB 1679 Prohibits Partial Birth/Late Term Abortions Bill Passed - House (224 - 110)
3/14 HB 1196 Additional Requirements for Abortion if Fetal Heartbeat Detected Bill Passed - House (77 - 37)
3/13 SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - House (60 - 34)
3/13 SB 92 Prohibits Abortion Coverage through Healthcare Insurance Exchanges Bill Passed - House (61 - 34)
3/13 HB 1390 Establishes Additional Requirements for Physicians who Perform Abortions Bill Passed - House (80 - 37)
3/13 HB 4799 Prohibits Coercing a Woman into Having an Abortion Bill Passed - House (72 - 37)
3/07 HB 1546 Authorizes Employers to Not Provide Contraception Coverage in Health Insurance Plans Bill Passed - House (196 - 150)
3/07 SB 460 Exempts Religious Employers from Insurance Requirements for Coverage of Contraception Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 15)
3/07 SB 438 Prohibits State Employee Insurance Coverage of Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 18)
3/06 HB 363 Requires Abstinence-Only Sexual Education in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
3/06 SB 1274 Requires physicians inform abortion patients of fetal heartbeat Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 8)
3/06 SB 1359 Prohibits Wrongful Birth Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
3/05 HB 2800 Prohibits State Funding for Abortion Providers Bill Passed - House (41 - 17)
3/05 HB 461 Requires a 72 hour waiting period prior to an abortion Bill Passed - House (59 - 11)
3/01 HB 462 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 35)
3/01 HB 2625 Authorizes Employers to Refuse to Provide Coverage for Contraception Bill Passed - House (39 - 18)
3/01 HB 277 Prohibits Abortions During the Third Trimester Bill Passed - House (78 - 33)
2/29 HB 954 Prohibits Abortions after 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (102 - 65)
2/28 HB 462 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/28 HJR 7 Requests the President to Repeal the Rule Requiring Coverage of Contraception Joint Resolution Passed - House (40 - 17)
2/22 SB 484 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - House (65 - 32)
2/22 SB 306 Requires Physicians Performing Abortions to Determine if the Woman's Consent is Voluntary Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
2/22 HR 29 Urges Repeal of Rule Requiring Health Insurance Coverage of Contraceptives Resolution Passed - House (227 - 121)
2/22 HB 363 Requires Abstinence-Only Sexual Education in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (45 - 28)
2/15 SB 1433 Defines life as beginning at conception Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 8)
2/15 SB 1433 Defines life as beginning at conception Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 8)
2/14 SB 103 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
2/14 SB 103 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
2/14 HB 462 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - House (63 - 36)
2/14 HB 1 Defines Life as Beginning at Conception Bill Passed - House (66 - 32)
2/13 HB 2330 Requires Health Insurers to Cover Abortion Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
2/08 SB 102 Specifies Conditions for Informed Consent Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
2/08 SB 102 Specifies Conditions for Informed Consent Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
2/03 HB 62 Prohibits State Funding for Abortion Bill Passed - House (64 - 35)
2/01 SB 484 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/18 HB 228 Prohibits the Use of Public Funds for Abortion Bill Passed - House (207 - 147)
1/04 HB 217 Prohibits Violent Offenses Against Fetuses Bill Passed - House (213 - 125)

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