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
Jan. 31, 2024 ID H 415 Authorizes Firearms in Schools Bill Passed - House (53 - 16)
Jan. 30, 2024 NM SB 5 Prohibits Fireams at State Drop Boxes and Polling Places Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 16)
Jan. 30, 2024 CA SB 254 Authorizes Representatives of News Media Organizations Access to Department of Corrections Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2024 National HR 5585 Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act Bill Passed - House (271 - 154)
Jan. 30, 2024 NY S 4786 Reduces the Costs of Prescription Drugs and Repeals Cost-Sharing for Insulin Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 10)
Jan. 30, 2024 UT HB 249 Prohibits Government Entities from Granting or Recognizing Legal Personhood in Certain Categories of Nonhumans Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
Jan. 30, 2024 UT HB 249 Prohibits Government Entities from Granting or Recognizing Legal Personhood in Certain Categories of Nonhumans Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
Jan. 29, 2024 SD SB 54 Increases Criteria to Qualify for Resident Hunting and Fishing Licenses Bill Passed - House (37 - 29)
Jan. 29, 2024 IN SB 14 Authorizes Handgun Usage in the State Capitol Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
Jan. 29, 2024 ID H 406 Requires Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Individuals Convicted of Trafficking Fentanyl Bill Passed - House (55 - 13)
Jan. 29, 2024 ID H 406 Requires Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Individuals Convicted of Trafficking Fentanyl Bill Passed - House (55 - 13)
Jan. 26, 2024 NE LB 307 Authorizes Exceptions for Penalties of Drug Paraphernalia under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 2)
Jan. 26, 2024 VA HB 46 Requires Individuals Named Under Protective Orders to Hand Over Firearms Bill Passed - House (51 - 44)
Jan. 25, 2024 GA HB 30 Defines "Antisemitism" into State Law Concurrence Vote Passed - House (129 - 5)
Jan. 25, 2024 GA HB 30 Defines "Antisemitism" into State Law Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 6)
Jan. 25, 2024 MI SB 517 Prohibits a Victim or Witness Necessary for Prosecution in a Human Trafficking Case from being Excused from Testifying if Evidence would Degrade or Incriminate Them Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
Jan. 25, 2024 MI SB 515 Authorizes a Statement Concerning Prostitution or Human Trafficking to be Admissible as Evidence Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
Jan. 25, 2024 MI SB 516 Authorizes Evidence of a Defendant's Prior Commission of Commercial Sexual Activity, Human Trafficking, or Prostitution be Admissible in Court Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
Jan. 25, 2024 ID S 1220 Defines "Domestic Terrorism" in Idaho as Activities Done in Cooperation with Foreign Groups Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
Jan. 25, 2024 DE HB 267 Prohibits Family Court From Imposing a Sentence of Incarceration or a Suspension of an Individuals License for Failure to Pay Child Support Bill Passed - House (31 - 5)
Jan. 25, 2024 KY HB 5 Increases Penalties for Violent Crimes and Camping on Public Property Without Permission Bill Passed - House (74 - 22)
Jan. 25, 2024 RI S 2096 Amends the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
Jan. 23, 2024 DE HB 91 Authorizes a New Offense for Tampering with Infastructure Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 1)
Jan. 23, 2024 SD SB 57 Prohibits Professional Agencies from Denying Convicted Felons from Obtaining Trade Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Jan. 22, 2024 SD SB 71 Repeals Prohibition on Law Enforcement Ability to Inspect, Search, Seize, and Prosecute Cannabis Dispensaries Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Jan. 19, 2024 LA HB 17 Authorizes Certain Offices to Conduct Closed Party Primary Elections and Amends Election Codes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 36)
Jan. 19, 2024 LA HB 17 Authorizes Certain Offices to Conduct Closed Party Primary Elections and Amends Election Codes Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
Jan. 18, 2024 DE SB 276 Amends Penalties for Possession of a Weapon in a Safe School and Recreation Zone Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
Jan. 18, 2024 WI SB 466 Prohibits Credit Card Companies from Requiring a Merchant Category Code that Identifies Firearms Retailers Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
Jan. 18, 2024 MA S 2551 Repeals Certain Language in Several State Laws Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Jan. 18, 2024 IN HB 1002 Defines Antisemitism as Discrimination on the Basis of the Jewish Religion Bill Passed - House (83 - 0)
Jan. 17, 2024 National H Res 957 Denouncing the Biden administration's open-borders policies, condemning the national security and public safety crisis along the southwest border, and urging President Biden to end his administration's open-borders policies. Resolution Passed - House (225 - 187)
Jan. 16, 2024 SD HB 1024 Require Applications for Medical Cannabis Licenses have Notice on the Federal Prohibition on Firearm Ownership While Using Cannabis Bill Passed - House (68 - 1)
Jan. 16, 2024 WI SB 466 Prohibits Credit Card Companies from Requiring a Merchant Category Code that Identifies Firearms Retailers Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
Jan. 16, 2024 SD HB 1036 Requires Cannabis Dispensary's Post Public Notice on the Federal Prohibition on Firearm Ownership While Using Cannabis Bill Passed - House (42 - 27)
Jan. 16, 2024 WI SB 789 Authorizes Law Enforcement and Corrections Agencies to Charge a Requester a Fee for the Actual, Necessary, and Direct Cost for Redacting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
Jan. 16, 2024 UT HB 14 Increases Penalties Associated with Threatening or Falsely Reporting an Emergency at School Bill Passed - House (73 - 1)
Jan. 11, 2024 DE SB 276 Amends Penalties for Possession of a Weapon in a Safe School and Recreation Zone Bill Passed - House (35 - 3)
Jan. 11, 2024 VT H 27 Expands the Definition of Domestic Violence to Include "Coercive and Controlling Behavior" Bill Passed - House (106 - 31)
Jan. 10, 2024 VT H 72 Establishes and Appropriates Funding for Overdose Prevention Centers in the State Bill Passed - House (95 - 35)
Jan. 10, 2024 MA H 4241 Prohibits Revenge Porn and Increases Penalties Bill Passed - House (151 - 0)
Jan. 8, 2024 WA HB 1012 Requires the Military Department Develop an Extreme Weather Response Grant Program Bill Passed - House (68 - 30)
Jan. 8, 2024 NJ S 723 Establishes a Domestic Bill of Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
Jan. 8, 2024 NJ S 723 Establishes a Domestic Bill of Rights Bill Passed - House (48 - 26)
Dec. 13, 2023 PA HB 863 Reduces Physical Fitness Standards for Police Training Concurrence Vote Passed - House (118 - 85)
Dec. 13, 2023 PA SB 683 Requires Fentanyl and Xylazine Screening in Many Diagnostic Urine Tests Bill Passed - House (166 - 37)
Dec. 13, 2023 PA SB 683 Requires Fentanyl and Xylazine Screening in Many Diagnostic Urine Tests Bill Passed - House (166 - 37)
Dec. 13, 2023 PA SB 140 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Appoint a Special Prosecutor for South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Crimes Bill Passed - House (159 - 44)
Dec. 13, 2023 OH HB 56 Prohibits Various Forms of Stunt Driving and Enforces Stricter Penalties from Law Enforcement for Reckless Driving Bill Passed - House (84 - 6)
Dec. 13, 2023 National H Res 927 Condemning antisemitism on University campuses and the testimony of University Presidents in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Resolution Passed - House (303 - 126)
Dec. 12, 2023 National HR 4531 Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act Bill Passed - House (386 - 37)
Dec. 5, 2023 National H Res 894 Strongly condemning and denouncing the drastic rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world. Resolution Passed - House (311 - 14)
Nov. 30, 2023 National HR 5961 No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act Bill Passed - House (307 - 119)
Nov. 29, 2023 OH HB 161 Repeals the Marital Loophole in Rape Cases Bill Passed - House (75 - 1)
Nov. 14, 2023 TX SB 4 Amends State Criminal Code to Establish Illegal Entry Across the Border as a Class B Misdemeanor Bill Passed - House (83 - 61)
Nov. 9, 2023 IL HB 351 Prohibits Officials Convicted of a Felony, Bribery, or Perjury While in Office from Holding Any Local or State Office in the Future Concurrence Vote Passed - House (88 - 18)
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 MI HB 5209 Establishes Sentencing Guidelines for Surrogate Parentage Contracts involving Minors or Intellectually Disabled Individuals Bill Passed - House (56 - 53)
Nov. 9, 2023 MI HB 4128 Prohibits Open Carrying at Ballot Drop Box Locations Bill Passed - House (56 - 53)
Nov. 9, 2023 MI HB 4127 Prohibits Open Carrying at Polling Places Bill Passed - House (56 - 53)
Nov. 7, 2023 MI HB 4951 Repeals Previously Established Felony Criminal Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
Nov. 7, 2023 MI HB 4956 Repeals and Expunges Individual Criminal Records Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
Nov. 7, 2023 WI AB 553 Establishes Certain Free Speech and Academic Standards at Higher Institutions Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
Nov. 2, 2023 National H Res 798 Condemning the support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education, which may lead to the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff. Resolution Passed - House (396 - 23)
Nov. 1, 2023 National HR 340 Hamas International Financing Prevention Act Bill Passed - House (363 - 46)
Nov. 1, 2023 National H Res 559 Declaring it is the policy of the United States that a nuclear Islamic Republic of Iran is not acceptable. Resolution Passed - House (354 - 53)
Nov. 1, 2023 MI HB 4956 Repeals and Expunges Individual Criminal Records Bill Passed - House (56 - 54)
Nov. 1, 2023 MI HB 4951 Repeals Previously Established Felony Criminal Abortions Bill Passed - House (56 - 54)
Oct. 31, 2023 MI HB 4524 Amends the Revised Judicature Act (RJA) to Allow Offenders to Participate if Approved by Judge, Prosecutor, and Victim Bill Passed - House (68 - 42)
Oct. 31, 2023 MI HB 4948 Requires Juvenile Records from Prospective Tenants Bill Passed - House (57 - 52)
Oct. 26, 2023 TX SB 4 Increases Criminal Penalties for Immigrant Smuggling or Operating a Stash House Bill Passed - House (92 - 54)
Oct. 18, 2023 MA H 4135 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (120 - 38)
Oct. 18, 2023 MA H 4135 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (120 - 38)
Oct. 18, 2023 MI SB 351 Prohibits Discriminatory Practices in Public Places Against Breastfeeding or Breast Pumping Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
Oct. 18, 2023 MA H 4139 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (120 - 38)
Date No. Title Outcome
1/31 H 415 Authorizes Firearms in Schools Bill Passed - House (53 - 16)
1/30 SB 5 Prohibits Fireams at State Drop Boxes and Polling Places Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 16)
1/30 SB 254 Authorizes Representatives of News Media Organizations Access to Department of Corrections Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
1/30 HR 5585 Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act Bill Passed - House (271 - 154)
1/30 S 4786 Reduces the Costs of Prescription Drugs and Repeals Cost-Sharing for Insulin Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 10)
1/30 HB 249 Prohibits Government Entities from Granting or Recognizing Legal Personhood in Certain Categories of Nonhumans Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
1/30 HB 249 Prohibits Government Entities from Granting or Recognizing Legal Personhood in Certain Categories of Nonhumans Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
1/29 SB 54 Increases Criteria to Qualify for Resident Hunting and Fishing Licenses Bill Passed - House (37 - 29)
1/29 SB 14 Authorizes Handgun Usage in the State Capitol Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
1/29 H 406 Requires Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Individuals Convicted of Trafficking Fentanyl Bill Passed - House (55 - 13)
1/29 H 406 Requires Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Individuals Convicted of Trafficking Fentanyl Bill Passed - House (55 - 13)
1/26 LB 307 Authorizes Exceptions for Penalties of Drug Paraphernalia under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 2)
1/26 HB 46 Requires Individuals Named Under Protective Orders to Hand Over Firearms Bill Passed - House (51 - 44)
1/25 HB 30 Defines "Antisemitism" into State Law Concurrence Vote Passed - House (129 - 5)
1/25 HB 30 Defines "Antisemitism" into State Law Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 6)
1/25 SB 517 Prohibits a Victim or Witness Necessary for Prosecution in a Human Trafficking Case from being Excused from Testifying if Evidence would Degrade or Incriminate Them Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
1/25 SB 515 Authorizes a Statement Concerning Prostitution or Human Trafficking to be Admissible as Evidence Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
1/25 SB 516 Authorizes Evidence of a Defendant's Prior Commission of Commercial Sexual Activity, Human Trafficking, or Prostitution be Admissible in Court Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
1/25 S 1220 Defines "Domestic Terrorism" in Idaho as Activities Done in Cooperation with Foreign Groups Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
1/25 HB 267 Prohibits Family Court From Imposing a Sentence of Incarceration or a Suspension of an Individuals License for Failure to Pay Child Support Bill Passed - House (31 - 5)
1/25 HB 5 Increases Penalties for Violent Crimes and Camping on Public Property Without Permission Bill Passed - House (74 - 22)
1/25 S 2096 Amends the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
1/23 HB 91 Authorizes a New Offense for Tampering with Infastructure Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 1)
1/23 SB 57 Prohibits Professional Agencies from Denying Convicted Felons from Obtaining Trade Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
1/22 SB 71 Repeals Prohibition on Law Enforcement Ability to Inspect, Search, Seize, and Prosecute Cannabis Dispensaries Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
1/19 HB 17 Authorizes Certain Offices to Conduct Closed Party Primary Elections and Amends Election Codes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 36)
1/19 HB 17 Authorizes Certain Offices to Conduct Closed Party Primary Elections and Amends Election Codes Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
1/18 SB 276 Amends Penalties for Possession of a Weapon in a Safe School and Recreation Zone Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
1/18 SB 466 Prohibits Credit Card Companies from Requiring a Merchant Category Code that Identifies Firearms Retailers Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
1/18 S 2551 Repeals Certain Language in Several State Laws Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
1/18 HB 1002 Defines Antisemitism as Discrimination on the Basis of the Jewish Religion Bill Passed - House (83 - 0)
1/17 H Res 957 Denouncing the Biden administration's open-borders policies, condemning the national security and public safety crisis along the southwest border, and urging President Biden to end his administration's open-borders policies. Resolution Passed - House (225 - 187)
1/16 HB 1024 Require Applications for Medical Cannabis Licenses have Notice on the Federal Prohibition on Firearm Ownership While Using Cannabis Bill Passed - House (68 - 1)
1/16 SB 466 Prohibits Credit Card Companies from Requiring a Merchant Category Code that Identifies Firearms Retailers Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
1/16 HB 1036 Requires Cannabis Dispensary's Post Public Notice on the Federal Prohibition on Firearm Ownership While Using Cannabis Bill Passed - House (42 - 27)
1/16 SB 789 Authorizes Law Enforcement and Corrections Agencies to Charge a Requester a Fee for the Actual, Necessary, and Direct Cost for Redacting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
1/16 HB 14 Increases Penalties Associated with Threatening or Falsely Reporting an Emergency at School Bill Passed - House (73 - 1)
1/11 SB 276 Amends Penalties for Possession of a Weapon in a Safe School and Recreation Zone Bill Passed - House (35 - 3)
1/11 H 27 Expands the Definition of Domestic Violence to Include "Coercive and Controlling Behavior" Bill Passed - House (106 - 31)
1/10 H 72 Establishes and Appropriates Funding for Overdose Prevention Centers in the State Bill Passed - House (95 - 35)
1/10 H 4241 Prohibits Revenge Porn and Increases Penalties Bill Passed - House (151 - 0)
1/08 HB 1012 Requires the Military Department Develop an Extreme Weather Response Grant Program Bill Passed - House (68 - 30)
1/08 S 723 Establishes a Domestic Bill of Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
1/08 S 723 Establishes a Domestic Bill of Rights Bill Passed - House (48 - 26)
12/13 HB 863 Reduces Physical Fitness Standards for Police Training Concurrence Vote Passed - House (118 - 85)
12/13 SB 683 Requires Fentanyl and Xylazine Screening in Many Diagnostic Urine Tests Bill Passed - House (166 - 37)
12/13 SB 683 Requires Fentanyl and Xylazine Screening in Many Diagnostic Urine Tests Bill Passed - House (166 - 37)
12/13 SB 140 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Appoint a Special Prosecutor for South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Crimes Bill Passed - House (159 - 44)
12/13 HB 56 Prohibits Various Forms of Stunt Driving and Enforces Stricter Penalties from Law Enforcement for Reckless Driving Bill Passed - House (84 - 6)
12/13 H Res 927 Condemning antisemitism on University campuses and the testimony of University Presidents in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Resolution Passed - House (303 - 126)
12/12 HR 4531 Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act Bill Passed - House (386 - 37)
12/05 H Res 894 Strongly condemning and denouncing the drastic rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world. Resolution Passed - House (311 - 14)
11/30 HR 5961 No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act Bill Passed - House (307 - 119)
11/29 HB 161 Repeals the Marital Loophole in Rape Cases Bill Passed - House (75 - 1)
11/14 SB 4 Amends State Criminal Code to Establish Illegal Entry Across the Border as a Class B Misdemeanor Bill Passed - House (83 - 61)
11/09 HB 351 Prohibits Officials Convicted of a Felony, Bribery, or Perjury While in Office from Holding Any Local or State Office in the Future Concurrence Vote Passed - House (88 - 18)
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 HB 5209 Establishes Sentencing Guidelines for Surrogate Parentage Contracts involving Minors or Intellectually Disabled Individuals Bill Passed - House (56 - 53)
11/09 HB 4128 Prohibits Open Carrying at Ballot Drop Box Locations Bill Passed - House (56 - 53)
11/09 HB 4127 Prohibits Open Carrying at Polling Places Bill Passed - House (56 - 53)
11/07 HB 4951 Repeals Previously Established Felony Criminal Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
11/07 HB 4956 Repeals and Expunges Individual Criminal Records Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
11/07 AB 553 Establishes Certain Free Speech and Academic Standards at Higher Institutions Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
11/02 H Res 798 Condemning the support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education, which may lead to the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff. Resolution Passed - House (396 - 23)
11/01 HR 340 Hamas International Financing Prevention Act Bill Passed - House (363 - 46)
11/01 H Res 559 Declaring it is the policy of the United States that a nuclear Islamic Republic of Iran is not acceptable. Resolution Passed - House (354 - 53)
11/01 HB 4956 Repeals and Expunges Individual Criminal Records Bill Passed - House (56 - 54)
11/01 HB 4951 Repeals Previously Established Felony Criminal Abortions Bill Passed - House (56 - 54)
10/31 HB 4524 Amends the Revised Judicature Act (RJA) to Allow Offenders to Participate if Approved by Judge, Prosecutor, and Victim Bill Passed - House (68 - 42)
10/31 HB 4948 Requires Juvenile Records from Prospective Tenants Bill Passed - House (57 - 52)
10/26 SB 4 Increases Criminal Penalties for Immigrant Smuggling or Operating a Stash House Bill Passed - House (92 - 54)
10/18 H 4135 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (120 - 38)
10/18 H 4135 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (120 - 38)
10/18 SB 351 Prohibits Discriminatory Practices in Public Places Against Breastfeeding or Breast Pumping Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
10/18 H 4139 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (120 - 38)

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