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
Nov. 9, 2023 TX SB 3 Appropriates $1.5 Billion for the Construction of a Border Wall Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
Nov. 9, 2023 TX SB 4 Amends State Criminal Code to Establish Illegal Entry Across the Border as a Class B Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
Nov. 9, 2023 TX SB 4 Amends State Criminal Code to Establish Illegal Entry Across the Border as a Class B Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
Oct. 12, 2023 TX SB 11 Establishes a New State Crime for Illegally Entering Texas from a Foreign Nation Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
Oct. 12, 2023 TX SB 4 Increases Criminal Penalties for Immigrant Smuggling or Operating a Stash House Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
Oct. 12, 2023 TX SB 4 Increases Criminal Penalties for Immigrant Smuggling or Operating a Stash House Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 24, 2023 TX HB 7 Authorizes the Creation of State Border Police Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
April 27, 2023 TX SB 2209 Prohibits Civilian Oversight of Police Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
April 20, 2023 TX SB 1515 Requires Every School Classroom Display the 10 Commandments Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
March 29, 2023 TX SB 15 Requires Transgender Student Athletes Play Against Those of Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
March 14, 2023 TX SB 2 Classifies Illegal Voting as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
Aug. 31, 2021 TX SB 6 Amends Cash Bail Laws For Individuals Accused of Violent Crimes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
Aug. 11, 2021 TX SB 2 Prohibits Transgender Athletes from Participating on Sports Teams that do Not Match their Birth Gender Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
July 16, 2021 TX SB 3 Prohibits Teaching "Critical Race Theory" in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 4)
July 14, 2021 TX SB 2 Prohibits Transgender Athletes from Participating on Sports Teams that do Not Match their Birth Gender Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 3)
May 28, 2021 TX SB 19 Prohibits Contracts with Companies That Discriminate Against Gun Industry Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 26, 2021 TX HB 2497 Requires Patriotic Texas History Materials be Distributed through the DMV Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
May 24, 2021 TX HB 1927 Authorizes Permitless Handgun Carry to Adults 21 and Older Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 13)
May 24, 2021 TX HB 1900 Establishes Penalties for Municipalities that Reduce Police Funding Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 3)
May 24, 2021 TX HB 2622 Prohibits the Enforcement of New Federal Gun Laws Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
May 22, 2021 TX HB 547 Authorizes Homeschooled Students to Participate in University Interscholastic League Activities Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
May 22, 2021 TX HB 9 Increases the Criminal Penalty for Knowingly Blocking an Emergency Vehicle or Hospital Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
May 22, 2021 TX HB 3979 Prohibits the Teaching of "Critical Race Theory" in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
May 21, 2021 TX HB 1239 Prohibits Elected Officials from Closing Places of Worship Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
May 18, 2021 TX SB 1311 Prohibits Certain Treatments for Transgender Children Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
May 12, 2021 TX HB 574 Establishes 2 New Classes of Election Fraud Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
April 15, 2021 TX SB 29 Prohibits Transgender Student's from Playing on Sports Teams That do Not Match their Birth Sex Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
April 15, 2021 TX SB 29 Prohibits Transgender Student's from Playing on Sports Teams That do Not Match their Birth Sex Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
April 14, 2021 TX SB 20 Requires Hotels to Permit Guests to Carry Firearms to Private Rooms Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
April 8, 2021 TX SB 4 Requires the National Anthem be Played at All Sporting Events Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 2)
May 26, 2019 TX HB 3557 Increases Penalties for Pipeline Protesting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
May 22, 2019 TX HB 2536 Establishes Drug-Pricing Transparency Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
May 21, 2019 TX HB 1143 Authorizes Storage and Transportation of Firearms in School Parking Areas Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
May 20, 2019 TX HB 2911 Amends Election Law to Determine Voter Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 16, 2019 TX SB 1978 Prohibits Government Action Against Businesses that Donate to Religious Organizations Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 1, 2019 TX SB 535 Authorizes Handguns on the Premises of Places of Worship Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
April 3, 2019 TX SB 17 Authorizes Protections for Lawyers that Deny Clients Based on Religious Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
April 3, 2019 TX SB 17 Authorizes Protections for Lawyers that Deny Clients Based on Religious Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
April 3, 2019 TX SB 17 Authorizes Protections for Lawyers that Deny Clients Based on Religious Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
April 3, 2019 TX SB 406 Amends Conceal Carry Regulations for Local School Marshals Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
Aug. 13, 2017 TX HB 214 Premium Increase for Non-Emergency Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
July 25, 2017 TX SB 10 Changes for Abortion Requirements at Health Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
April 27, 2017 TX HB 89 Prohibits Contracts with Companies Boycotting Israel Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
April 24, 2017 TX SB 260 Amends Regulations Related to Immigration and Refugee Affairs Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
April 11, 2017 TX SB 75 Requires Parental Consent for Minors to Join Labor Unions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
April 4, 2017 TX SB 576 Establishes Reporting Standards for Sexual Assault on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
April 4, 2017 TX SB 576 Establishes Reporting Standards for Sexual Assault on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
March 30, 2017 TX SB 258 Authorizes Burial or Cremation of Fetal Tissue After Abortion or Miscarriage Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
March 27, 2017 TX SB 16 Reduces Fee for Firearm Carry Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
March 21, 2017 TX SB 25 Prohibits Wrongful Birth Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
March 15, 2017 TX SB 6 Requires Individuals to Use Bathrooms According to Gender on Birth Certificate Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
May 22, 2015 TX HB 910 Authorizes Open Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 12, 2015 TX SB 2065 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
May 12, 2015 TX SB 2065 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
April 23, 2015 TX SB 158 Authorizes Grants for Body-Worn Cameras to Certain Law Enforcement Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
April 9, 2015 TX SB 10 Transfers Public Integrity Unit to Texas Rangers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
March 19, 2015 TX SB 11 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
March 17, 2015 TX SB 17 Authorizes Open Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
May 26, 2013 TX HB 912 Limits the Private Use of Unmanned Aircrafts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 5)
May 22, 2013 TX HB 1009 Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
April 30, 2013 TX SB 1907 Authorizes Firearms in Vehicles on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
April 10, 2013 TX SB 1467 Requires Facilitation of Expansion of Firearms Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
June 15, 2011 TX SB 9 Enforcement of Federal and State Immigration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 23, 2011 TX HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
May 9, 2011 TX SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
May 9, 2011 TX SB 1581 Concealed Handguns on Campus Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
Feb. 17, 2011 TX SB 16 Abortion Procedures Bill Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
Jan. 26, 2011 TX SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
May 11, 2009 TX HB 1736 Increasing Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
May 11, 2009 TX HB 1736 Increasing Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
April 15, 2009 TX SB 1049 Increasing Age Restriction on Tobacco Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
April 15, 2009 TX SB 1049 Increasing Age Restriction on Tobacco Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
March 31, 2009 TX SB 298 Authorizing Sobriety Checkpoints Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
March 31, 2009 TX SB 298 Authorizing Sobriety Checkpoints Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
March 19, 2009 TX SB 188 Authorizes Needle Exchange Programs Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
March 11, 2009 TX SB 362 Requiring Proof of Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 23, 2007 TX CSHB 3678 Religious Expression at Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
May 23, 2007 TX CSHB 3678 Religious Expression at Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
May 1, 2007 TX CSSB 966 Journalist Confidentiality Protection Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
April 27, 2007 TX CSSB 308 Syringe Exchange Program Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
April 17, 2007 TX CSSB 1909 Treatment for Drug Possession Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
April 17, 2007 TX CSSB 1909 Treatment for Drug Possession Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
May 2, 2006 TX HB 3 Business Tax Revisions Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Date No. Title Outcome
11/09 SB 3 Appropriates $1.5 Billion for the Construction of a Border Wall Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
11/09 SB 4 Amends State Criminal Code to Establish Illegal Entry Across the Border as a Class B Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
11/09 SB 4 Amends State Criminal Code to Establish Illegal Entry Across the Border as a Class B Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
10/12 SB 11 Establishes a New State Crime for Illegally Entering Texas from a Foreign Nation Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
10/12 SB 4 Increases Criminal Penalties for Immigrant Smuggling or Operating a Stash House Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
10/12 SB 4 Increases Criminal Penalties for Immigrant Smuggling or Operating a Stash House Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/24 HB 7 Authorizes the Creation of State Border Police Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
4/27 SB 2209 Prohibits Civilian Oversight of Police Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
4/20 SB 1515 Requires Every School Classroom Display the 10 Commandments Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
3/29 SB 15 Requires Transgender Student Athletes Play Against Those of Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
3/14 SB 2 Classifies Illegal Voting as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
8/31 SB 6 Amends Cash Bail Laws For Individuals Accused of Violent Crimes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
8/11 SB 2 Prohibits Transgender Athletes from Participating on Sports Teams that do Not Match their Birth Gender Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
7/16 SB 3 Prohibits Teaching "Critical Race Theory" in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 4)
7/14 SB 2 Prohibits Transgender Athletes from Participating on Sports Teams that do Not Match their Birth Gender Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 3)
5/28 SB 19 Prohibits Contracts with Companies That Discriminate Against Gun Industry Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/26 HB 2497 Requires Patriotic Texas History Materials be Distributed through the DMV Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
5/24 HB 1927 Authorizes Permitless Handgun Carry to Adults 21 and Older Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 13)
5/24 HB 1900 Establishes Penalties for Municipalities that Reduce Police Funding Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 3)
5/24 HB 2622 Prohibits the Enforcement of New Federal Gun Laws Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
5/22 HB 547 Authorizes Homeschooled Students to Participate in University Interscholastic League Activities Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
5/22 HB 9 Increases the Criminal Penalty for Knowingly Blocking an Emergency Vehicle or Hospital Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
5/22 HB 3979 Prohibits the Teaching of "Critical Race Theory" in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
5/21 HB 1239 Prohibits Elected Officials from Closing Places of Worship Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
5/18 SB 1311 Prohibits Certain Treatments for Transgender Children Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
5/12 HB 574 Establishes 2 New Classes of Election Fraud Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
4/15 SB 29 Prohibits Transgender Student's from Playing on Sports Teams That do Not Match their Birth Sex Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
4/15 SB 29 Prohibits Transgender Student's from Playing on Sports Teams That do Not Match their Birth Sex Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
4/14 SB 20 Requires Hotels to Permit Guests to Carry Firearms to Private Rooms Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
4/08 SB 4 Requires the National Anthem be Played at All Sporting Events Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 2)
5/26 HB 3557 Increases Penalties for Pipeline Protesting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
5/22 HB 2536 Establishes Drug-Pricing Transparency Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
5/21 HB 1143 Authorizes Storage and Transportation of Firearms in School Parking Areas Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
5/20 HB 2911 Amends Election Law to Determine Voter Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/16 SB 1978 Prohibits Government Action Against Businesses that Donate to Religious Organizations Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/01 SB 535 Authorizes Handguns on the Premises of Places of Worship Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
4/03 SB 17 Authorizes Protections for Lawyers that Deny Clients Based on Religious Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
4/03 SB 17 Authorizes Protections for Lawyers that Deny Clients Based on Religious Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
4/03 SB 17 Authorizes Protections for Lawyers that Deny Clients Based on Religious Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
4/03 SB 406 Amends Conceal Carry Regulations for Local School Marshals Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
8/13 HB 214 Premium Increase for Non-Emergency Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
7/25 SB 10 Changes for Abortion Requirements at Health Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
4/27 HB 89 Prohibits Contracts with Companies Boycotting Israel Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
4/24 SB 260 Amends Regulations Related to Immigration and Refugee Affairs Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
4/11 SB 75 Requires Parental Consent for Minors to Join Labor Unions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
4/04 SB 576 Establishes Reporting Standards for Sexual Assault on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
4/04 SB 576 Establishes Reporting Standards for Sexual Assault on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
3/30 SB 258 Authorizes Burial or Cremation of Fetal Tissue After Abortion or Miscarriage Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
3/27 SB 16 Reduces Fee for Firearm Carry Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
3/21 SB 25 Prohibits Wrongful Birth Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
3/15 SB 6 Requires Individuals to Use Bathrooms According to Gender on Birth Certificate Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
5/22 HB 910 Authorizes Open Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/12 SB 2065 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
5/12 SB 2065 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
4/23 SB 158 Authorizes Grants for Body-Worn Cameras to Certain Law Enforcement Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
4/09 SB 10 Transfers Public Integrity Unit to Texas Rangers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
3/19 SB 11 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
3/17 SB 17 Authorizes Open Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
5/26 HB 912 Limits the Private Use of Unmanned Aircrafts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 5)
5/22 HB 1009 Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
4/30 SB 1907 Authorizes Firearms in Vehicles on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
4/10 SB 1467 Requires Facilitation of Expansion of Firearms Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
6/15 SB 9 Enforcement of Federal and State Immigration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/23 HB 359 Corporal Punishment in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
5/09 SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
5/09 SB 1581 Concealed Handguns on Campus Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
2/17 SB 16 Abortion Procedures Bill Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
1/26 SB 14 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
5/11 HB 1736 Increasing Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
5/11 HB 1736 Increasing Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
4/15 SB 1049 Increasing Age Restriction on Tobacco Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
4/15 SB 1049 Increasing Age Restriction on Tobacco Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
3/31 SB 298 Authorizing Sobriety Checkpoints Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
3/31 SB 298 Authorizing Sobriety Checkpoints Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
3/19 SB 188 Authorizes Needle Exchange Programs Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
3/11 SB 362 Requiring Proof of Identification to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/23 CSHB 3678 Religious Expression at Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
5/23 CSHB 3678 Religious Expression at Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
5/01 CSSB 966 Journalist Confidentiality Protection Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
4/27 CSSB 308 Syringe Exchange Program Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
4/17 CSSB 1909 Treatment for Drug Possession Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
4/17 CSSB 1909 Treatment for Drug Possession Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
5/02 HB 3 Business Tax Revisions Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)

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