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
May 7, 2026 VT S 209 Prohibits Civil Arrests in Sensitive Locations Bill Passed - House (109 - 30)
May 6, 2026 OK HB 3834 Authorizes Clinical Trials for Ibogaine Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 21)
May 6, 2026 DE HB 151 Prohibits Government Partnership with Private Detention Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
May 6, 2026 OK SB 1213 Amends Inmate Earned Credit Requirements Bill Passed - House (87 - 2)
May 6, 2026 OK SB 65 Authorizes Any Individual to Use or Administer Emergency Opioid Antagonists Bill Passed - House (86 - 2)
May 5, 2026 LA HB 102 Establishes the Crime of Second Degree Cruelty to the Elderly and Individuals with Infirmities Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
May 4, 2026 MN SF 4067 Prohibits Assault-Style Weapons and High-Capacity Magazines and Establishes Other Regulations Related to Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 33)
May 3, 2026 IA HF 2787 Prohibits the Operation of Warrant Resolution Clinics Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 12)
May 2, 2026 IA HF 2542 Establishes a Mandatory Minimum Sentence of Seven Years for Individuals Convicted of a Third Felony Offense Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 20)
May 2, 2026 IA HF 2542 Establishes a Mandatory Minimum Sentence of Seven Years for Individuals Convicted of a Third Felony Offense Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 6)
May 2, 2026 IA SF 2480 Establishes an Additional Tax on Alternative Nicotine Products Bill Passed - House (67 - 18)
May 1, 2026 CT SB 397 Authorizes Residents to Sue Federal Law Enforcement in State Court Bill Passed - House (91 - 53)
April 29, 2026 National PN 730-14 Nomination of Robert Cekada, of Florida, to be Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, vice Steven M. Dettelbach, resigned Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 39)
April 29, 2026 National S 1318 Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act Bill Passed - House (235 - 191)
April 29, 2026 OK HB 3834 Authorizes Clinical Trials for Ibogaine Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 9)
April 29, 2026 IA HF 2787 Prohibits the Operation of Warrant Resolution Clinics Bill Passed - House (71 - 20)
April 27, 2026 National PN 730-14 Nomination of Robert Cekada, of Florida, to be Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, vice Steven M. Dettelbach, resigned Cloture Invoked - Senate (54 - 37)
April 27, 2026 CA AB 2691 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Sexual Assault or Human Trafficking from Running for Public Office Bill Passed - House (67 - 0)
April 23, 2026 NH SB 460 Restricts Tier 3 Criminal Offenders from Entering Designated Child Safety Zones Bill Passed - House (225 - 128)
April 22, 2026 LA HB 568 Increases Penalties for Smoking in School Zones Bill Passed - House (59 - 34)
April 22, 2026 LA HB 568 Increases Penalties for Smoking in School Zones Bill Passed - House (59 - 34)
April 22, 2026 CO SB 26-036 Authorizes Advanced Release of Some Inmates When Overcrowding Occurs in Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
April 22, 2026 National HR 6387 Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act Bill Passed - House (220 - 198)
April 20, 2026 OK HB 1933 Prohibits the Use of Nitrous Oxide for the Purpose of Intoxication Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
April 20, 2026 OK SB 1439 Prohibits Certain Climate-Related Lawsuits Against Oil and Gas Companies Bill Passed - House (74 - 16)
April 20, 2026 National HR 5200 Emergency Reporting Act Bill Passed - House (386 - 7)
April 16, 2026 DE HB 151 Prohibits Government Partnership with Private Detention Facilities Bill Passed - House (28 - 13)
April 14, 2026 KY HB 312 Authorizes Provisional Concealed Carry Licenses for 18 to 20 Year Olds Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
April 14, 2026 KY HB 312 Authorizes Provisional Concealed Carry Licenses for 18 to 20 Year Olds Veto Override Passed - House (81 - 18)
April 14, 2026 VT H 849 Authorizes Citizens to Sue Federal Officials for Constitutional Rights Violations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
April 14, 2026 VT H 849 Authorizes Citizens to Sue Federal Officials for Constitutional Rights Violations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
April 14, 2026 National HR 1011 Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (395 - 10)
April 14, 2026 CT SB 397 Authorizes Residents to Sue Federal Law Enforcement in State Court Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
April 13, 2026 MD SB 791 Prohibits Correctional Facilities from Taking Certain Actions Related to Immigration Enforcement Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
April 11, 2026 MD SB 791 Prohibits Correctional Facilities from Taking Certain Actions Related to Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (92 - 37)
April 10, 2026 MD SB 791 Prohibits Correctional Facilities from Taking Certain Actions Related to Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 13)
April 9, 2026 KS HB 2333 Establishes Protections for Political Speech on College Campuses Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
April 9, 2026 KS HB 2333 Establishes Protections for Political Speech on College Campuses Veto Override Passed - House (85 - 38)
April 9, 2026 ME LD 2106 Prohibits Immigration Enforcement from Entering Certain Public Places Without a Warrant Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 69)
April 9, 2026 LA HB 410 Prohibits the Use of Wearable Devices to Record Conversations Without Consent Bill Passed - House (54 - 34)
April 8, 2026 ME LD 2106 Prohibits Immigration Enforcement from Entering Certain Public Places Without a Warrant Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
April 2, 2026 TN HB 1971 Repeals Individuals' Ability to Sue the State for Claims of Unconstitutional Laws in Certain Circumstances Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
April 2, 2026 ID H 621 Authorizes Concealed Carry in Designated Areas of a Courthouse Bill Passed - House (56 - 11)
April 1, 2026 MS SB 2409 Establishes a Natural Disaster Mitigation Grant Program for Homeowners Conference Report Adopted - Senate (52 - 0)
April 1, 2026 KY SB 251 Authorizes the Department of Corrections to Establish Internal Rules for Implementing the Death Penalty Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
April 1, 2026 AZ HB 2223 Requires Disclosure and Notification When a Registered Sex Offender Requests a Legal Name Change Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 0)
April 1, 2026 VT S 193 Establishes a Facility for Individuals Charged With Violent Crimes Found Temporarily Incompetent to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1)
April 1, 2026 LA HB 1012 Authorizes the Removal of Personal Information of Sex Crime Victims Bill Passed - House (96 - 0)
April 1, 2026 VT S 193 Establishes a Facility for Individuals Charged With Violent Crimes Found Temporarily Incompetent to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1)
March 31, 2026 KY SB 251 Authorizes the Department of Corrections to Establish Internal Rules for Implementing the Death Penalty Bill Passed - House (68 - 23)
March 30, 2026 MS HB 1444 Requires the Department of Corrections to Provide Protective Equipment to Inmates Handling Cleaning Chemicals Conference Report Adopted - Senate (51 - 0)
March 30, 2026 TN HB 1971 Repeals Individuals' Ability to Sue the State for Claims of Unconstitutional Laws in Certain Circumstances Bill Passed - House (56 - 38)
March 26, 2026 National HR 7147 Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 47)
March 26, 2026 OK SB 2139 Requires County Clerks to Remove Discriminatory Language from Existing Plats Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 0)
March 26, 2026 National H Res 1128 Expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the Department of Homeland Security Resolution Passed - House (225 - 187)
March 26, 2026 National HR 8029 Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act Bill Passed - House (218 - 206)
March 25, 2026 National HR 7147 Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 46)
March 25, 2026 LA HB 137 Increases the Penalties for Threats of Violence Against a School Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
March 25, 2026 National HR 5103 Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act of 2026 Bill Passed - House (218 - 206)
March 24, 2026 National PN 786-9 Nomination of Colin McDonald, of California, to be an Assistant Attorney General, vice Todd Sunhwae Kim Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 47)
March 24, 2026 ID H 570 Increases the Penalty for Excessive Speeding in a School Zone Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
March 24, 2026 IA HF 2527 Limits the Liability of Defendants for Damages Caused by Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
March 24, 2026 OK SB 346 Amends the Background Check Process for Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
March 23, 2026 KS HB 2444 Amends Certain Provisions Related to Criminal Sentencing and Release Concurrence Vote Passed - House (85 - 37)
March 23, 2026 KS HB 2444 Amends Certain Provisions Related to Criminal Sentencing and Release Concurrence Vote Passed - House (85 - 37)
March 23, 2026 National PN 858 Nomination of Markwayne Mullin, of Oklahoma, to be Secretary of Homeland Security, vice Kristi Noem (54 - 45)
March 23, 2026 ID S 1250 Prohibits Photos from Death Investigations from Public Release Bill Passed - House (68 - 0)
March 23, 2026 NJ A 4071 Prohibits State and Local Law Enforcement from Assisting with Federal Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
March 23, 2026 NJ S 3114 Prohibits Law Enforcement Officers from Wearing Masks While Interacting with the Public Bill Passed - House (53 - 19)
March 23, 2026 National PN 786-9 Nomination of Colin McDonald, of California, to be an Assistant Attorney General, vice Todd Sunhwae Kim Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 45)
March 23, 2026 NJ A 4071 Prohibits State and Local Law Enforcement from Assisting with Federal Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (50 - 21)
March 23, 2026 NJ S 3114 Prohibits Law Enforcement Officers from Wearing Masks While Interacting with the Public Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
March 22, 2026 National PN 858 Nomination of Markwayne Mullin, of Oklahoma, to be Secretary of Homeland Security, vice Kristi Noem Cloture Invoked - Senate (54 - 37)
March 20, 2026 National HR 7147 Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (47 - 37)
March 20, 2026 CO HB 26-1126 Establishes Requirements for Firearms Dealers Bill Passed - House (34 - 28)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/07 S 209 Prohibits Civil Arrests in Sensitive Locations Bill Passed - House (109 - 30)
5/06 HB 3834 Authorizes Clinical Trials for Ibogaine Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 21)
5/06 HB 151 Prohibits Government Partnership with Private Detention Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
5/06 SB 1213 Amends Inmate Earned Credit Requirements Bill Passed - House (87 - 2)
5/06 SB 65 Authorizes Any Individual to Use or Administer Emergency Opioid Antagonists Bill Passed - House (86 - 2)
5/05 HB 102 Establishes the Crime of Second Degree Cruelty to the Elderly and Individuals with Infirmities Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
5/04 SF 4067 Prohibits Assault-Style Weapons and High-Capacity Magazines and Establishes Other Regulations Related to Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 33)
5/03 HF 2787 Prohibits the Operation of Warrant Resolution Clinics Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 12)
5/02 HF 2542 Establishes a Mandatory Minimum Sentence of Seven Years for Individuals Convicted of a Third Felony Offense Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 20)
5/02 HF 2542 Establishes a Mandatory Minimum Sentence of Seven Years for Individuals Convicted of a Third Felony Offense Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 6)
5/02 SF 2480 Establishes an Additional Tax on Alternative Nicotine Products Bill Passed - House (67 - 18)
5/01 SB 397 Authorizes Residents to Sue Federal Law Enforcement in State Court Bill Passed - House (91 - 53)
4/29 PN 730-14 Nomination of Robert Cekada, of Florida, to be Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, vice Steven M. Dettelbach, resigned Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 39)
4/29 S 1318 Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act Bill Passed - House (235 - 191)
4/29 HB 3834 Authorizes Clinical Trials for Ibogaine Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 9)
4/29 HF 2787 Prohibits the Operation of Warrant Resolution Clinics Bill Passed - House (71 - 20)
4/27 PN 730-14 Nomination of Robert Cekada, of Florida, to be Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, vice Steven M. Dettelbach, resigned Cloture Invoked - Senate (54 - 37)
4/27 AB 2691 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Sexual Assault or Human Trafficking from Running for Public Office Bill Passed - House (67 - 0)
4/23 SB 460 Restricts Tier 3 Criminal Offenders from Entering Designated Child Safety Zones Bill Passed - House (225 - 128)
4/22 HB 568 Increases Penalties for Smoking in School Zones Bill Passed - House (59 - 34)
4/22 HB 568 Increases Penalties for Smoking in School Zones Bill Passed - House (59 - 34)
4/22 SB 26-036 Authorizes Advanced Release of Some Inmates When Overcrowding Occurs in Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
4/22 HR 6387 Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events (FIRE) Act Bill Passed - House (220 - 198)
4/20 HB 1933 Prohibits the Use of Nitrous Oxide for the Purpose of Intoxication Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
4/20 SB 1439 Prohibits Certain Climate-Related Lawsuits Against Oil and Gas Companies Bill Passed - House (74 - 16)
4/20 HR 5200 Emergency Reporting Act Bill Passed - House (386 - 7)
4/16 HB 151 Prohibits Government Partnership with Private Detention Facilities Bill Passed - House (28 - 13)
4/14 HB 312 Authorizes Provisional Concealed Carry Licenses for 18 to 20 Year Olds Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
4/14 HB 312 Authorizes Provisional Concealed Carry Licenses for 18 to 20 Year Olds Veto Override Passed - House (81 - 18)
4/14 H 849 Authorizes Citizens to Sue Federal Officials for Constitutional Rights Violations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
4/14 H 849 Authorizes Citizens to Sue Federal Officials for Constitutional Rights Violations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
4/14 HR 1011 Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (395 - 10)
4/14 SB 397 Authorizes Residents to Sue Federal Law Enforcement in State Court Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
4/13 SB 791 Prohibits Correctional Facilities from Taking Certain Actions Related to Immigration Enforcement Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
4/11 SB 791 Prohibits Correctional Facilities from Taking Certain Actions Related to Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (92 - 37)
4/10 SB 791 Prohibits Correctional Facilities from Taking Certain Actions Related to Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 13)
4/09 HB 2333 Establishes Protections for Political Speech on College Campuses Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
4/09 HB 2333 Establishes Protections for Political Speech on College Campuses Veto Override Passed - House (85 - 38)
4/09 LD 2106 Prohibits Immigration Enforcement from Entering Certain Public Places Without a Warrant Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 69)
4/09 HB 410 Prohibits the Use of Wearable Devices to Record Conversations Without Consent Bill Passed - House (54 - 34)
4/08 LD 2106 Prohibits Immigration Enforcement from Entering Certain Public Places Without a Warrant Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
4/02 HB 1971 Repeals Individuals' Ability to Sue the State for Claims of Unconstitutional Laws in Certain Circumstances Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
4/02 H 621 Authorizes Concealed Carry in Designated Areas of a Courthouse Bill Passed - House (56 - 11)
4/01 SB 2409 Establishes a Natural Disaster Mitigation Grant Program for Homeowners Conference Report Adopted - Senate (52 - 0)
4/01 SB 251 Authorizes the Department of Corrections to Establish Internal Rules for Implementing the Death Penalty Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
4/01 HB 2223 Requires Disclosure and Notification When a Registered Sex Offender Requests a Legal Name Change Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 0)
4/01 S 193 Establishes a Facility for Individuals Charged With Violent Crimes Found Temporarily Incompetent to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1)
4/01 HB 1012 Authorizes the Removal of Personal Information of Sex Crime Victims Bill Passed - House (96 - 0)
4/01 S 193 Establishes a Facility for Individuals Charged With Violent Crimes Found Temporarily Incompetent to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1)
3/31 SB 251 Authorizes the Department of Corrections to Establish Internal Rules for Implementing the Death Penalty Bill Passed - House (68 - 23)
3/30 HB 1444 Requires the Department of Corrections to Provide Protective Equipment to Inmates Handling Cleaning Chemicals Conference Report Adopted - Senate (51 - 0)
3/30 HB 1971 Repeals Individuals' Ability to Sue the State for Claims of Unconstitutional Laws in Certain Circumstances Bill Passed - House (56 - 38)
3/26 HR 7147 Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 47)
3/26 SB 2139 Requires County Clerks to Remove Discriminatory Language from Existing Plats Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 0)
3/26 H Res 1128 Expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the Department of Homeland Security Resolution Passed - House (225 - 187)
3/26 HR 8029 Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act Bill Passed - House (218 - 206)
3/25 HR 7147 Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 46)
3/25 HB 137 Increases the Penalties for Threats of Violence Against a School Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
3/25 HR 5103 Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act of 2026 Bill Passed - House (218 - 206)
3/24 PN 786-9 Nomination of Colin McDonald, of California, to be an Assistant Attorney General, vice Todd Sunhwae Kim Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 47)
3/24 H 570 Increases the Penalty for Excessive Speeding in a School Zone Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
3/24 HF 2527 Limits the Liability of Defendants for Damages Caused by Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
3/24 SB 346 Amends the Background Check Process for Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
3/23 HB 2444 Amends Certain Provisions Related to Criminal Sentencing and Release Concurrence Vote Passed - House (85 - 37)
3/23 HB 2444 Amends Certain Provisions Related to Criminal Sentencing and Release Concurrence Vote Passed - House (85 - 37)
3/23 PN 858 Nomination of Markwayne Mullin, of Oklahoma, to be Secretary of Homeland Security, vice Kristi Noem (54 - 45)
3/23 S 1250 Prohibits Photos from Death Investigations from Public Release Bill Passed - House (68 - 0)
3/23 A 4071 Prohibits State and Local Law Enforcement from Assisting with Federal Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
3/23 S 3114 Prohibits Law Enforcement Officers from Wearing Masks While Interacting with the Public Bill Passed - House (53 - 19)
3/23 PN 786-9 Nomination of Colin McDonald, of California, to be an Assistant Attorney General, vice Todd Sunhwae Kim Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 45)
3/23 A 4071 Prohibits State and Local Law Enforcement from Assisting with Federal Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (50 - 21)
3/23 S 3114 Prohibits Law Enforcement Officers from Wearing Masks While Interacting with the Public Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
3/22 PN 858 Nomination of Markwayne Mullin, of Oklahoma, to be Secretary of Homeland Security, vice Kristi Noem Cloture Invoked - Senate (54 - 37)
3/20 HR 7147 Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (47 - 37)
3/20 HB 26-1126 Establishes Requirements for Firearms Dealers Bill Passed - House (34 - 28)

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