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
March 6, 2025 AL SB 138 Authorizes Certain Parolees and Probationers the Opportunity to Obtain Licenses without Automatic Disqualification by a Licensing Board Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
March 6, 2025 MN HF 13 Expands the Right to Use Reasonable Force in Self-Defense Bill Failed - House (66 - 66)
March 6, 2025 MN HF 13 Expands the Right to Use Reasonable Force in Self-Defense Bill Failed - House (66 - 66)
March 6, 2025 AL HB 3 Increases Penalties for Undocumented Immigrants Convicted of Felonies with Minor Victims Bill Passed - House (76 - 3)
March 5, 2025 WY HB 164 Authorizes Prescribers to Prescribe Medications for Off-Label Indication as Specified Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 7)
March 5, 2025 ID H 37 Establishes Firing Squads as the Primary Method of Execution Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
March 5, 2025 ID H 37 Establishes Firing Squads as the Primary Method of Execution Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
March 5, 2025 National PN 12-5 Nomination of Todd Blanche to be Deputy Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 46)
March 5, 2025 WA SB 5268 Requires 12 Months of Community Custody for Unlawful Possession of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
March 5, 2025 WA SB 5098 Prohibits Firearms in More Public Spaces Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
March 5, 2025 WA SB 5268 Requires 12 Months of Community Custody for Unlawful Possession of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
March 4, 2025 WY SF 107 Prohibits All Noncompete Agreements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
March 4, 2025 WY SF 167 Authorizes the Board of Chiropractic Examiners to Obtain Criminal Background Checks Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
March 4, 2025 WY SF 167 Authorizes the Board of Chiropractic Examiners to Obtain Criminal Background Checks Bill Passed - House (55 - 5)
March 4, 2025 WY SF 107 Prohibits All Noncompete Agreements Bill Passed - House (39 - 21)
March 4, 2025 WY HB 164 Authorizes Prescribers to Prescribe Medications for Off-Label Indication as Specified Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
March 4, 2025 WY SF 53 Authorizes the Secretary of State to Administratively Cancel Trademarks Bill Passed - House (56 - 4)
March 4, 2025 SD HB 1222 Authorizes Concealed Carry Permit Holders to Keep Their Firearm Inside a Motor Vehicle While on School Property Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
March 4, 2025 AZ HB 2552 Authorizes the Use of Dogs for Hunting Small Game, Predatory Animals, and Fur-Bearing Animals Bill Failed - House (30 - 28)
March 4, 2025 WA HB 1205 Specifies Knowingly Distributing a Forged Digital Likeness of Another Individual as Criminal Impersonation in the 2nd Degree Bill Passed - House (90 - 7)
March 4, 2025 AR HB 1489 Authorizes the Use of Nitrogen Gas in State Executions Bill Passed - House (67 - 23)
March 4, 2025 AR HB 1150 Prohibits Pharmacy Benefit Managers From Obtaining Certain Pharmacy Permits Bill Passed - House (89 - 4)
March 4, 2025 AR HB 1489 Authorizes the Use of Nitrogen Gas in State Executions Bill Passed - House (67 - 23)
March 4, 2025 AL HB 146 Prohibits Granting Youthful Offender Status to Certain Offenders Bill Passed - House (67 - 33)
March 4, 2025 GA HB 79 Establishes Tax Incentives to Buy Gun Safes, Gun Locks, or Gun Training Bill Passed - House (165 - 8)
March 4, 2025 GA HB 651 Authorizes Regulations over Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras Bill Passed - House (164 - 8)
March 4, 2025 GA HB 225 Prohibits Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras in School Zones Bill Passed - House (129 - 37)
March 4, 2025 GA SB 36 Prohibits State and Local Governments from "Substantially Burdening" an Individual's Religious Freedom Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 23)
March 4, 2025 AL HB 209 Exempts Nursing Mothers from Jury Duty in Alabama Bill Passed - House (103 - 0)
March 4, 2025 HI HB 1308 Authorizes Legal Online and Mobile Sports Betting Bill Passed - House (34 - 15)
March 4, 2025 HI HB 893 Establishes Prohibitions on Assault Rifles, Assault Shotguns, .50 Caliber Rifles, and High-Capacity Detachable Magazines Bill Passed - House (39 - 9)
March 4, 2025 HI SB 227 Establishes an "Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division" within the Department of Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 2)
March 4, 2025 GA SB 144 Prohibits Lawsuits Against Pesticide Companies Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 12)
March 3, 2025 WY HB 62 Amends the Crimes of Prostitution and Solicitation of Prostitution to Include Acts of Sexual Contact Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 2)
March 3, 2025 WY HB 207 Establishes the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 3)
March 3, 2025 WY HB 62 Amends the Crimes of Prostitution and Solicitation of Prostitution to Include Acts of Sexual Contact Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 2)
March 3, 2025 AR SB 208 Requires Canvassers to Request a Photo ID of Potential Signers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
March 3, 2025 WY HB 62 Amends the Crimes of Prostitution and Solicitation of Prostitution to Include Acts of Sexual Contact Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 14)
March 3, 2025 WY HB 62 Amends the Crimes of Prostitution and Solicitation of Prostitution to Include Acts of Sexual Contact Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 14)
March 3, 2025 WY HB 207 Establishes the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
March 3, 2025 WY HB 83 Requires Judges Consider a Parent's Sex-Offender Registration Status when Making Custody Decision Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
March 3, 2025 GA SB 185 Prohibits State Funding for Gender-Affirming Care for Prisoners Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 15)
March 3, 2025 NY A 1894 Repeals Provisions Requiring Reporting of a Patient's Drug Use Bill Passed - House (134 - 14)
March 3, 2025 NY A 1894 Repeals Provisions Requiring Reporting of a Patient's Drug Use Bill Passed - House (134 - 14)
March 3, 2025 AZ HB 2611 Establishes a Class 4 Felony for Assaults which Include 2 or More Accomplices Bill Passed - House (37 - 21)
March 3, 2025 AZ HB 2611 Establishes a Class 4 Felony for Assaults which Include 2 or More Accomplices Bill Passed - House (37 - 21)
Feb. 28, 2025 CO HB 25-1030 Requires Local Governments that Adopt or Amend Their Building Codes Meet Accessibility Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 21)
Feb. 28, 2025 CO HB 25-1002 Requires Health Insurance Companies Cover Behavioral Health, Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Concurrence Vote Passed - House (50 - 10)
Feb. 28, 2025 WY SF 74 Establishes Immunity for Drug Overdose Reporting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
Feb. 28, 2025 WY SF 74 Establishes Immunity for Drug Overdose Reporting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
Feb. 28, 2025 WA SB 5375 Extends and Expands the List of Mandatory Reporters to Include Clergy Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
Feb. 28, 2025 HI HB 1483 Increases Penalty Fines for Illegal Fireworks Bill Passed - House (46 - 1)
Feb. 28, 2025 ID H 270 Increases Indecent Exposure Penalties Bill Passed - House (59 - 8)
Feb. 28, 2025 ID H 270 Increases Indecent Exposure Penalties Bill Passed - House (59 - 8)
Feb. 27, 2025 IA SF 418 Prohibits the Recognition of Gender Identity as a Protected Class Bill Passed - House (60 - 36)
Feb. 27, 2025 GA SB 69 Requires Third-Party Litigation Investors to Register with the Department of Banking and Finance Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
Feb. 27, 2025 KS HB 2291 Establishes a Regulatory Relief Division within the Attorney General's Office Bill Passed - House (90 - 28)
Feb. 27, 2025 IA SF 418 Prohibits the Recognition of Gender Identity as a Protected Class Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
Feb. 27, 2025 AZ SB 1164 Requires Local Law Enforcement to Make its "Best Effort" in Helping Federal Authorities Arrest Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
Feb. 27, 2025 HI SB 222 Appropriates Funding for the Illegal Fireworks Task Force and Extends the Sunset Date to 2030 Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 2)
Feb. 27, 2025 RI H 5046 Prohibits the Creation and Dissemination of Pornography Generated by Artificial Intelligence (Deepfakes) Bill Passed - House (61 - 7)
Feb. 27, 2025 AZ SB 1467 Amends and Expands the Hours that Liquor can be Served, Drunk or Possessed on a Boat Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
Feb. 26, 2025 WY HB 275 Amends the Crime of and Penalty for Cruelty to Animals Concerning Wildlife Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 2)
Feb. 26, 2025 CO HB 25-1002 Requires Health Insurance Companies Cover Behavioral Health, Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
Feb. 26, 2025 CO HB 25-1030 Requires Local Governments that Adopt or Amend Their Building Codes Meet Accessibility Standards Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
Feb. 26, 2025 SD HB 1236 Extends the Safety Zone from 660 Feet to One-Quarter Mile Bill Failed - Senate (5 - 29)
Feb. 26, 2025 WY HB 211 Authorizes the Hunting of Wildlife from a Vehicle if the Wildlife does not Require a License or Permit to Take Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
Feb. 26, 2025 AZ SB 1443 Establishes Specific Regulations for Compensatory Damages Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
Feb. 26, 2025 OH SB 56 Amends and Modifies Cannabis Regulations and Prohibits Smoking in Public Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
Feb. 26, 2025 National S J Res 10 A joint resolution terminating the national emergency declared with respect to energy. Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (47 - 52)
Feb. 25, 2025 SC H 3523 Amends State Law on Organized Retail Crime and Retail Theft Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 0)
Feb. 25, 2025 AR SB 208 Requires Canvassers to Request a Photo ID of Potential Signers Bill Passed - House (70 - 24)
Feb. 25, 2025 AL SB 118 Amends Judges' Authority to Deny Bail Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
Feb. 25, 2025 RI S 63 Reduces Max Misdemeanor Sentences from One Year to 364 Days Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
Feb. 25, 2025 National HR 804 Rural Small Business Resilience Act Bill Passed - House (415 - 8)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/06 SB 138 Authorizes Certain Parolees and Probationers the Opportunity to Obtain Licenses without Automatic Disqualification by a Licensing Board Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
3/06 HF 13 Expands the Right to Use Reasonable Force in Self-Defense Bill Failed - House (66 - 66)
3/06 HF 13 Expands the Right to Use Reasonable Force in Self-Defense Bill Failed - House (66 - 66)
3/06 HB 3 Increases Penalties for Undocumented Immigrants Convicted of Felonies with Minor Victims Bill Passed - House (76 - 3)
3/05 HB 164 Authorizes Prescribers to Prescribe Medications for Off-Label Indication as Specified Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 7)
3/05 H 37 Establishes Firing Squads as the Primary Method of Execution Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
3/05 H 37 Establishes Firing Squads as the Primary Method of Execution Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
3/05 PN 12-5 Nomination of Todd Blanche to be Deputy Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 46)
3/05 SB 5268 Requires 12 Months of Community Custody for Unlawful Possession of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
3/05 SB 5098 Prohibits Firearms in More Public Spaces Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
3/05 SB 5268 Requires 12 Months of Community Custody for Unlawful Possession of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
3/04 SF 107 Prohibits All Noncompete Agreements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
3/04 SF 167 Authorizes the Board of Chiropractic Examiners to Obtain Criminal Background Checks Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
3/04 SF 167 Authorizes the Board of Chiropractic Examiners to Obtain Criminal Background Checks Bill Passed - House (55 - 5)
3/04 SF 107 Prohibits All Noncompete Agreements Bill Passed - House (39 - 21)
3/04 HB 164 Authorizes Prescribers to Prescribe Medications for Off-Label Indication as Specified Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
3/04 SF 53 Authorizes the Secretary of State to Administratively Cancel Trademarks Bill Passed - House (56 - 4)
3/04 HB 1222 Authorizes Concealed Carry Permit Holders to Keep Their Firearm Inside a Motor Vehicle While on School Property Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
3/04 HB 2552 Authorizes the Use of Dogs for Hunting Small Game, Predatory Animals, and Fur-Bearing Animals Bill Failed - House (30 - 28)
3/04 HB 1205 Specifies Knowingly Distributing a Forged Digital Likeness of Another Individual as Criminal Impersonation in the 2nd Degree Bill Passed - House (90 - 7)
3/04 HB 1489 Authorizes the Use of Nitrogen Gas in State Executions Bill Passed - House (67 - 23)
3/04 HB 1150 Prohibits Pharmacy Benefit Managers From Obtaining Certain Pharmacy Permits Bill Passed - House (89 - 4)
3/04 HB 1489 Authorizes the Use of Nitrogen Gas in State Executions Bill Passed - House (67 - 23)
3/04 HB 146 Prohibits Granting Youthful Offender Status to Certain Offenders Bill Passed - House (67 - 33)
3/04 HB 79 Establishes Tax Incentives to Buy Gun Safes, Gun Locks, or Gun Training Bill Passed - House (165 - 8)
3/04 HB 651 Authorizes Regulations over Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras Bill Passed - House (164 - 8)
3/04 HB 225 Prohibits Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras in School Zones Bill Passed - House (129 - 37)
3/04 SB 36 Prohibits State and Local Governments from "Substantially Burdening" an Individual's Religious Freedom Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 23)
3/04 HB 209 Exempts Nursing Mothers from Jury Duty in Alabama Bill Passed - House (103 - 0)
3/04 HB 1308 Authorizes Legal Online and Mobile Sports Betting Bill Passed - House (34 - 15)
3/04 HB 893 Establishes Prohibitions on Assault Rifles, Assault Shotguns, .50 Caliber Rifles, and High-Capacity Detachable Magazines Bill Passed - House (39 - 9)
3/04 SB 227 Establishes an "Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division" within the Department of Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 2)
3/04 SB 144 Prohibits Lawsuits Against Pesticide Companies Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 12)
3/03 HB 62 Amends the Crimes of Prostitution and Solicitation of Prostitution to Include Acts of Sexual Contact Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 2)
3/03 HB 207 Establishes the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 3)
3/03 HB 62 Amends the Crimes of Prostitution and Solicitation of Prostitution to Include Acts of Sexual Contact Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 2)
3/03 SB 208 Requires Canvassers to Request a Photo ID of Potential Signers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
3/03 HB 62 Amends the Crimes of Prostitution and Solicitation of Prostitution to Include Acts of Sexual Contact Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 14)
3/03 HB 62 Amends the Crimes of Prostitution and Solicitation of Prostitution to Include Acts of Sexual Contact Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 14)
3/03 HB 207 Establishes the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
3/03 HB 83 Requires Judges Consider a Parent's Sex-Offender Registration Status when Making Custody Decision Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
3/03 SB 185 Prohibits State Funding for Gender-Affirming Care for Prisoners Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 15)
3/03 A 1894 Repeals Provisions Requiring Reporting of a Patient's Drug Use Bill Passed - House (134 - 14)
3/03 A 1894 Repeals Provisions Requiring Reporting of a Patient's Drug Use Bill Passed - House (134 - 14)
3/03 HB 2611 Establishes a Class 4 Felony for Assaults which Include 2 or More Accomplices Bill Passed - House (37 - 21)
3/03 HB 2611 Establishes a Class 4 Felony for Assaults which Include 2 or More Accomplices Bill Passed - House (37 - 21)
2/28 HB 25-1030 Requires Local Governments that Adopt or Amend Their Building Codes Meet Accessibility Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 21)
2/28 HB 25-1002 Requires Health Insurance Companies Cover Behavioral Health, Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Concurrence Vote Passed - House (50 - 10)
2/28 SF 74 Establishes Immunity for Drug Overdose Reporting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
2/28 SF 74 Establishes Immunity for Drug Overdose Reporting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
2/28 SB 5375 Extends and Expands the List of Mandatory Reporters to Include Clergy Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
2/28 HB 1483 Increases Penalty Fines for Illegal Fireworks Bill Passed - House (46 - 1)
2/28 H 270 Increases Indecent Exposure Penalties Bill Passed - House (59 - 8)
2/28 H 270 Increases Indecent Exposure Penalties Bill Passed - House (59 - 8)
2/27 SF 418 Prohibits the Recognition of Gender Identity as a Protected Class Bill Passed - House (60 - 36)
2/27 SB 69 Requires Third-Party Litigation Investors to Register with the Department of Banking and Finance Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
2/27 HB 2291 Establishes a Regulatory Relief Division within the Attorney General's Office Bill Passed - House (90 - 28)
2/27 SF 418 Prohibits the Recognition of Gender Identity as a Protected Class Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
2/27 SB 1164 Requires Local Law Enforcement to Make its "Best Effort" in Helping Federal Authorities Arrest Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
2/27 SB 222 Appropriates Funding for the Illegal Fireworks Task Force and Extends the Sunset Date to 2030 Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 2)
2/27 H 5046 Prohibits the Creation and Dissemination of Pornography Generated by Artificial Intelligence (Deepfakes) Bill Passed - House (61 - 7)
2/27 SB 1467 Amends and Expands the Hours that Liquor can be Served, Drunk or Possessed on a Boat Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
2/26 HB 275 Amends the Crime of and Penalty for Cruelty to Animals Concerning Wildlife Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 2)
2/26 HB 25-1002 Requires Health Insurance Companies Cover Behavioral Health, Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
2/26 HB 25-1030 Requires Local Governments that Adopt or Amend Their Building Codes Meet Accessibility Standards Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
2/26 HB 1236 Extends the Safety Zone from 660 Feet to One-Quarter Mile Bill Failed - Senate (5 - 29)
2/26 HB 211 Authorizes the Hunting of Wildlife from a Vehicle if the Wildlife does not Require a License or Permit to Take Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
2/26 SB 1443 Establishes Specific Regulations for Compensatory Damages Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
2/26 SB 56 Amends and Modifies Cannabis Regulations and Prohibits Smoking in Public Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
2/26 S J Res 10 A joint resolution terminating the national emergency declared with respect to energy. Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (47 - 52)
2/25 H 3523 Amends State Law on Organized Retail Crime and Retail Theft Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 0)
2/25 SB 208 Requires Canvassers to Request a Photo ID of Potential Signers Bill Passed - House (70 - 24)
2/25 SB 118 Amends Judges' Authority to Deny Bail Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
2/25 S 63 Reduces Max Misdemeanor Sentences from One Year to 364 Days Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
2/25 HR 804 Rural Small Business Resilience Act Bill Passed - House (415 - 8)

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