Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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
Sept. 3, 2025 TX HB 7 Increases Restrictions on Abortion Pills Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 8)
Aug. 27, 2025 TX HB 8 Repeals the STAAR Academic Test and Replaces it With 3 Smaller Tests Taken Throughout the Year Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 5)
Aug. 27, 2025 TX HB 25 Authorizes Ivermectin to be Sold Over-the-Counter Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
Aug. 26, 2025 TX HB 23 Establishes Property Tax Exemptions for Nonprofit Organizations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
Aug. 12, 2025 TX SB 8 (Special Session) Repeals the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Assessment Program Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
Aug. 12, 2025 TX SB 10 (Special Session) Establishes Protections for Human Trafficking Victims Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
Aug. 12, 2025 TX SB 14 (Special Session) Prohibits the Release of Police Personnel Records Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
Aug. 12, 2025 TX SB 14 (Special Session) Prohibits the Release of Police Personnel Records Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
Aug. 12, 2025 TX SB 13 (Special Session) Establishes Water Project Incentives Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
Aug. 6, 2025 TX SB 9 (Special Session) Reduces State Property Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 3)
Aug. 6, 2025 TX SB 15 (Special Session) Prohibits Title Theft and Deed Fraud Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
Aug. 1, 2025 TX SB 11 (Special Session) Authorizes the State Attorney General the Power to Prosecute Election Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
June 28, 2025 TX SJR 59 Establishes the Permanent Technical Institution Infrastructure Fund and the Available Workforce Education Fund as Special Funds to Fund Capital Projects and Equipment Purchases Related to Educational Programs Offered by the Texas State Technical College System Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
June 1, 2025 TX SB 268 Amends the Procedure for Certain Complaints Against Healthcare Practitioners Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
May 31, 2025 TX SB 8 Requires Local Law Enforcement Assist the Federal Government in Deportation Efforts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 11)
May 30, 2025 TX SB 17 Increases Sanctions Against Foreign Entities from Purchasing Land in Texas Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 8)
May 30, 2025 TX SB 17 Increases Sanctions Against Foreign Entities from Purchasing Land in Texas Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 8)
May 30, 2025 TX SB 974 Prohibits the Influence of Texas School District Trustees and Authorizes District Employees to Serve on Appraisal Review Boards Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
May 29, 2025 TX SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
May 29, 2025 TX SB 40 Amends Bail Bonds and Prohibits the Use of Public Tax Funds to Pay Bail Bonds Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
May 28, 2025 TX SB 1188 Authorizes Health Care Practitioners to Use Artificial Intelligence for Diagnostic Purposes, and Requires All Medical Records to Include a Patient's Biological Sex Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
May 28, 2025 TX SB 1188 Authorizes Health Care Practitioners to Use Artificial Intelligence for Diagnostic Purposes, and Requires All Medical Records to Include a Patient's Biological Sex Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
May 28, 2025 TX SB 10 Requires the 10 Commandments be Displayed in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
May 28, 2025 TX HB 229 Requires Government Entities that Collect Vital Statistics Information to Identify Each Individual as Either Male or Female Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
May 27, 2025 TX HB 1690 Authorizes Notice Requirements for Groundwater Transfer Permit Applications Across Conservation Districts Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
May 27, 2025 TX HB 1690 Authorizes Notice Requirements for Groundwater Transfer Permit Applications Across Conservation Districts Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
May 27, 2025 TX HB 2243 Establishes the Texas Commission on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
May 25, 2025 TX HB 24 Repeals Previous State Law that Property Owners Use to Stop New Homes from Being Developed Near Them Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
May 25, 2025 TX HB 18 Establishes Certain Programs and Services Providing Health Care Services to Rural Counties Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
May 25, 2025 TX HB 413 Prohibits the Detainment of Pre-Trial Defendants for Longer Than Their Potential Punishment in Texas Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
May 23, 2025 TX HB 4076 Prohibits Health Care Providers From Determining Eligibility for Organ Transplants Based on Vaccination Status Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
May 22, 2025 TX HB 6 Authorizes K-12 Public Schools to Discipline Students with Out-of-School Suspensions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
May 21, 2025 TX HB 3260 Amends and Modifies State Law to Allow TWC to Grow the Program Without Dependence on the U.S. Department of Labor Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
May 21, 2025 TX HB 3260 Amends and Modifies State Law to Allow TWC to Grow the Program Without Dependence on the U.S. Department of Labor Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
May 9, 2025 TX HB 353 Establishes Criminal Penalty for Trespassing Near Schools or Day-Care Centers Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
April 30, 2025 TX SB 2858 Authorizes Broader Powers to the State Attorney General to Penalize Cities and Counties that do not Comply with State Law Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
April 28, 2025 TX SB 2111 Amends Legal Proceedings and Representation for Impoverished Defendants Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
April 24, 2025 TX SB 1717 Amends the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America" on State Maps and Documents Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
April 24, 2025 TX SB 1717 Amends the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America" on State Maps and Documents Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
April 10, 2025 TX SB 38 Authorizes Expedited Evictions by Removing Hearing Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
April 10, 2025 TX SB 36 Establishes a Texas Homeland Security Division Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
April 1, 2025 TX SB 8 Requires Local Law Enforcement Assist the Federal Government in Deportation Efforts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
April 1, 2025 TX SB 16 Requires Proof of Citizenship to Register to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
April 1, 2025 TX SB 965 Authorizes Teachers the Right to Pray While Working in Texas Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
March 31, 2025 TX SB 379 Limits SNAP Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
March 26, 2025 TX SB 24 Requires Public Schools in the State to Include Lessons on Communism and its Ideologies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
March 19, 2025 TX SB 412 Rescinds Exemptions for Educational, Medical, Psychological, and Psychiatric Professionals Who Commit Offenses Related to Material or Conduct that is Obscene or Harmful to Children Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
March 19, 2025 TX SB 17 Increases Sanctions Against Foreign Entities from Purchasing Land in Texas Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
March 19, 2025 TX SB 17 Increases Sanctions Against Foreign Entities from Purchasing Land in Texas Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
March 19, 2025 TX SB 15 Authorizes a Fee on Residential Lots in Certain Municipalities and Gives Clearance for Smaller Homes to be Built on Smaller Lots Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
March 19, 2025 TX SB 10 Requires the 10 Commandments be Displayed in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
March 19, 2025 TX SB 35 Reduces the Limit on Projects the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Can Work on During a Year Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
March 18, 2025 TX SB 11 Requires Schools to Provide Time for Students to Practice Prayer of Any Religion During School Hours Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
March 6, 2025 TX SB 703 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Indecent Assault from Working as Licensed Massage Therapists Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
March 5, 2025 TX SB 5 Establishes the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
Feb. 26, 2025 TX SB 26 Increases Funding for Teacher Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
Feb. 20, 2025 TX SJR 5 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Denial of Bail Under Limited Circumstances Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
Feb. 19, 2025 TX SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 2)
Feb. 19, 2025 TX SB 40 Amends Bail Bonds and Prohibits the Use of Public Tax Funds to Pay Bail Bonds Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
Feb. 5, 2025 TX SB 2 Establishes Education Savings Accounts or School Vouchers Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
Date No. Title Outcome
9/03 HB 7 Increases Restrictions on Abortion Pills Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 8)
8/27 HB 8 Repeals the STAAR Academic Test and Replaces it With 3 Smaller Tests Taken Throughout the Year Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 5)
8/27 HB 25 Authorizes Ivermectin to be Sold Over-the-Counter Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
8/26 HB 23 Establishes Property Tax Exemptions for Nonprofit Organizations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
8/12 SB 8 (Special Session) Repeals the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Assessment Program Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
8/12 SB 10 (Special Session) Establishes Protections for Human Trafficking Victims Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
8/12 SB 14 (Special Session) Prohibits the Release of Police Personnel Records Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
8/12 SB 14 (Special Session) Prohibits the Release of Police Personnel Records Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
8/12 SB 13 (Special Session) Establishes Water Project Incentives Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
8/06 SB 9 (Special Session) Reduces State Property Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 3)
8/06 SB 15 (Special Session) Prohibits Title Theft and Deed Fraud Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
8/01 SB 11 (Special Session) Authorizes the State Attorney General the Power to Prosecute Election Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
6/28 SJR 59 Establishes the Permanent Technical Institution Infrastructure Fund and the Available Workforce Education Fund as Special Funds to Fund Capital Projects and Equipment Purchases Related to Educational Programs Offered by the Texas State Technical College System Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
6/01 SB 268 Amends the Procedure for Certain Complaints Against Healthcare Practitioners Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
5/31 SB 8 Requires Local Law Enforcement Assist the Federal Government in Deportation Efforts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 11)
5/30 SB 17 Increases Sanctions Against Foreign Entities from Purchasing Land in Texas Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 8)
5/30 SB 17 Increases Sanctions Against Foreign Entities from Purchasing Land in Texas Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 8)
5/30 SB 974 Prohibits the Influence of Texas School District Trustees and Authorizes District Employees to Serve on Appraisal Review Boards Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
5/29 SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
5/29 SB 40 Amends Bail Bonds and Prohibits the Use of Public Tax Funds to Pay Bail Bonds Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
5/28 SB 1188 Authorizes Health Care Practitioners to Use Artificial Intelligence for Diagnostic Purposes, and Requires All Medical Records to Include a Patient's Biological Sex Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
5/28 SB 1188 Authorizes Health Care Practitioners to Use Artificial Intelligence for Diagnostic Purposes, and Requires All Medical Records to Include a Patient's Biological Sex Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
5/28 SB 10 Requires the 10 Commandments be Displayed in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
5/28 HB 229 Requires Government Entities that Collect Vital Statistics Information to Identify Each Individual as Either Male or Female Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
5/27 HB 1690 Authorizes Notice Requirements for Groundwater Transfer Permit Applications Across Conservation Districts Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
5/27 HB 1690 Authorizes Notice Requirements for Groundwater Transfer Permit Applications Across Conservation Districts Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
5/27 HB 2243 Establishes the Texas Commission on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
5/25 HB 24 Repeals Previous State Law that Property Owners Use to Stop New Homes from Being Developed Near Them Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
5/25 HB 18 Establishes Certain Programs and Services Providing Health Care Services to Rural Counties Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
5/25 HB 413 Prohibits the Detainment of Pre-Trial Defendants for Longer Than Their Potential Punishment in Texas Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
5/23 HB 4076 Prohibits Health Care Providers From Determining Eligibility for Organ Transplants Based on Vaccination Status Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
5/22 HB 6 Authorizes K-12 Public Schools to Discipline Students with Out-of-School Suspensions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
5/21 HB 3260 Amends and Modifies State Law to Allow TWC to Grow the Program Without Dependence on the U.S. Department of Labor Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
5/21 HB 3260 Amends and Modifies State Law to Allow TWC to Grow the Program Without Dependence on the U.S. Department of Labor Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
5/09 HB 353 Establishes Criminal Penalty for Trespassing Near Schools or Day-Care Centers Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
4/30 SB 2858 Authorizes Broader Powers to the State Attorney General to Penalize Cities and Counties that do not Comply with State Law Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
4/28 SB 2111 Amends Legal Proceedings and Representation for Impoverished Defendants Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
4/24 SB 1717 Amends the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America" on State Maps and Documents Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
4/24 SB 1717 Amends the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America" on State Maps and Documents Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
4/10 SB 38 Authorizes Expedited Evictions by Removing Hearing Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
4/10 SB 36 Establishes a Texas Homeland Security Division Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
4/01 SB 8 Requires Local Law Enforcement Assist the Federal Government in Deportation Efforts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
4/01 SB 16 Requires Proof of Citizenship to Register to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
4/01 SB 965 Authorizes Teachers the Right to Pray While Working in Texas Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
3/31 SB 379 Limits SNAP Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
3/26 SB 24 Requires Public Schools in the State to Include Lessons on Communism and its Ideologies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
3/19 SB 412 Rescinds Exemptions for Educational, Medical, Psychological, and Psychiatric Professionals Who Commit Offenses Related to Material or Conduct that is Obscene or Harmful to Children Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
3/19 SB 17 Increases Sanctions Against Foreign Entities from Purchasing Land in Texas Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
3/19 SB 17 Increases Sanctions Against Foreign Entities from Purchasing Land in Texas Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
3/19 SB 15 Authorizes a Fee on Residential Lots in Certain Municipalities and Gives Clearance for Smaller Homes to be Built on Smaller Lots Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
3/19 SB 10 Requires the 10 Commandments be Displayed in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
3/19 SB 35 Reduces the Limit on Projects the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Can Work on During a Year Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
3/18 SB 11 Requires Schools to Provide Time for Students to Practice Prayer of Any Religion During School Hours Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
3/06 SB 703 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Indecent Assault from Working as Licensed Massage Therapists Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
3/05 SB 5 Establishes the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
2/26 SB 26 Increases Funding for Teacher Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
2/20 SJR 5 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Denial of Bail Under Limited Circumstances Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
2/19 SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 2)
2/19 SB 40 Amends Bail Bonds and Prohibits the Use of Public Tax Funds to Pay Bail Bonds Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
2/05 SB 2 Establishes Education Savings Accounts or School Vouchers Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)

arrow_upward