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 17, 2023 DE SB 99 Prohibits Municipalities from Requiring Landlords Evict Tenants Based on Their Involvement in the Justice System Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 4)
May 17, 2023 National HR 3091 Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act Bill Passed - House (232 - 198)
May 17, 2023 National HR 3091 Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act Bill Passed - House (232 - 198)
May 17, 2023 National HR 2494 POLICE Act of 2023 Bill Passed - House (255 - 175)
May 17, 2023 MN SF 37 Authorizes Minnesota Voters to Vote On a Constitutional Amendment Providing For Equality Under the Law Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 23)
May 16, 2023 MN SF 2744 Establishes New Protections Over Prescription Drug Costs Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 32)
May 16, 2023 AK HB 61 Limits State Restrictions on Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
May 16, 2023 MN SF 2909 Appropriates Funding for the State Public Safety Omnibus Bill Bill Passed - House (69 - 63)
May 16, 2023 National H J Res 42 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022. Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (56 - 43)
May 16, 2023 WA SB 5536 Establishes Possession of a Controlled Substance as a Gross Misdemeanor (83 - 13)
May 16, 2023 WA SB 5536 Establishes Possession of a Controlled Substance as a Gross Misdemeanor (83 - 13)
May 16, 2023 WA SB 5536 Establishes Possession of a Controlled Substance as a Gross Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
May 16, 2023 WA SB 5536 Establishes Possession of a Controlled Substance as a Gross Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
May 16, 2023 AK SB 89 Increases the Minimum Age to Buy Tobacco and Vaping Products to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
May 16, 2023 AK HB 112 Amends Requirements for Epinephrine Prescription Bill Passed - House (36 - 4)
May 15, 2023 MN HF 1234 Appropriates Funding for Police and Firefighter Disability Expenses Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 54)
May 15, 2023 AZ SB 1221 Amends Biometric Laws Regarding Fingerprinting Bill Passed - House (41 - 17)
May 15, 2023 NV SB 171 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Committing or Attempting to Commit a Hate Crime from Owning a Firearm Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
May 15, 2023 NV AB 354 Prohibits Firearms Within 100 Feet of Election Locations Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
May 15, 2023 NV AB 355 Increases Age to Purchase an Assault Weapon to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
May 15, 2023 NV SB 171 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Committing or Attempting to Commit a Hate Crime from Owning a Firearm Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
May 12, 2023 AK HB 28 Prohibits the Release of Certain Criminal Convictions Bill Passed - House (36 - 4)
May 12, 2023 IL HB 676 Amends Firearms Statutes and Prohibits the Discharging of Firearms in Residential Areas Bill Passed - House (70 - 36)
May 12, 2023 IL HB 676 Amends Firearms Statutes and Prohibits the Discharging of Firearms in Residential Areas Bill Passed - House (70 - 36)
May 12, 2023 MO SB 227 Amends Requirements Relating to the Culpable Mental State Necessary for a Homicide Offense Bill Passed - House (106 - 49)
May 11, 2023 MO SB 186 Establishes a Loan Forgiveness Fund for Police Officers who take Required Training and Work in the State for a Year Conference Report Adopted - House (127 - 5)
May 11, 2023 ME LD 53 Repeals Intentional Torts from Workers Compensation Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
May 11, 2023 CA SB 403 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Ancestry Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
May 11, 2023 LA HB 85 Requires Onlookers Remain 25 Feet Away from Police in Action Bill Passed - House (67 - 32)
May 11, 2023 LA HB 321 Authorizes the Release of Certain Juvenile Criminal Records to the Public Bill Passed - House (63 - 36)
May 10, 2023 MO SB 40 Requires Background Checks for Students 18 and Older Reenrolling in High School Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
May 10, 2023 AZ HB 2482 Expands Arizona Criminal Justice Commission's Automated Crime Victim Notification System Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
May 10, 2023 IL HB 3026 Amends the Illinois Code of Corrections Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 1)
May 10, 2023 MO SB 189 Amends Certain Provisions on Criminal Laws Bill Passed - House (91 - 46)
May 10, 2023 MO SB 28 Amends Public Records Access for Missouri State Highway Patrol Bill Passed - House (119 - 29)
May 10, 2023 MO SB 28 Amends Public Records Access for Missouri State Highway Patrol Bill Passed - House (119 - 29)
May 10, 2023 IL HB 1155 Authorizes Individuals Injured by an Impaired Minor to Sue the Individual Who Supplied the Drugs or Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
May 10, 2023 IL HB 1155 Authorizes Individuals Injured by an Impaired Minor to Sue the Individual Who Supplied the Drugs or Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
May 10, 2023 IL HB 218 Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to Include Firearm Industry Members Bill Passed - House (71 - 40)
May 10, 2023 PA SB 245 Establishes New Rules Regarding Eligibility for Welfare Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
May 10, 2023 OH SB 53 Reduces the Minimum Name to be a Police Officer from 21 to 18 Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
May 10, 2023 MO SB 189 Amends Certain Provisions on Criminal Laws Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
May 9, 2023 ME LD 53 Repeals Intentional Torts from Workers Compensation Exemptions Bill Passed - House (82 - 60)
May 8, 2023 CA AB 1104 Amends Correction and Rehabilitation Statutes in California Bill Passed - House (54 - 15)
May 8, 2023 AK SB 53 Amends Statutes Regarding Competency to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate
May 8, 2023 AK SB 53 Amends Statutes Regarding Competency to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate
May 6, 2023 CO SB 23-277 Expands Public Safety Programs and Extends Existing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (48 - 17)
May 6, 2023 CO SB 23-277 Expands Public Safety Programs and Extends Existing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (48 - 17)
May 5, 2023 FL HB 1285 Authorizes the Creation of a Specialized State Guard as a Part of State Law Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - House (91 - 20)
May 5, 2023 VT H 230 Establishes New Restrictions on Firearm Purchase to Prevent Suicide Concurrence Vote Passed - House (106 - 34)
May 5, 2023 MO SB 106 Requires Patient Approval before Doctors Give Prostate, Anal, or Pelvic Exams to Unconscious Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
May 5, 2023 FL HB 1285 Authorizes the Creation of a Specialized State Guard as a Part of State Law Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 11)
May 5, 2023 CO SB 23-279 Prohibits the Sale of Unserialized Firearms Commonly Known as "Ghost Guns" Bill Passed - House (46 - 18)
May 4, 2023 FL SB 262 Establishes a State Digital Bill of Rights to Provide User Protections Concurrence Vote Passed - House (110 - 2)
May 4, 2023 SC S 120 Authorizes the State to Buy Lethal Injection Drugs Without Disclosing Manufacturer Company Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
May 4, 2023 IL HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
May 4, 2023 IL HB 3762 Repeals the Death Penalty for First Degree Murder Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
May 4, 2023 IL HB 3762 Repeals the Death Penalty for First Degree Murder Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
May 4, 2023 CO HB 23-1307 Establishes Enhancede Supports for Youth Who are in Detention Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
May 3, 2023 FL SB 170 Amends Laws Concerning Local Ordinances and Legal Suits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
May 3, 2023 FL SB 170 Amends Laws Concerning Local Ordinances and Legal Suits Bill Passed - House (82 - 33)
May 3, 2023 FL SB 266 Prohibits Higher Education Institutions from Spending Federal or State Funds on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Bill Passed - House (81 - 34)
May 3, 2023 IA SF 563 Appropriates Funding for State Judicial Spending and Requires Courts Obtain Consent of Non-Contract Attorneys Bill Passed - House (60 - 33)
May 3, 2023 DE SB 2 Prohibits Handgun Ownership Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
May 3, 2023 NC HB 116 Establishes Various Provisions for State District Attorney's Offices Bill Passed - House (110 - 7)
May 3, 2023 AK HB 61 Limits State Restrictions on Firearms Bill Passed - House (26 - 12)
May 3, 2023 CT HB 6639 Requires Timely Scheduling of Temporary Financial Support Hearings in Divorce Proceedings Bill Passed - House (143 - 0)
May 2, 2023 MT HB 423 Amends and Authorizes Compensation Received by Individuals Wrongfully Convicted Amendment Adopted - House (87 - 8)
May 2, 2023 MT HB 423 Amends and Authorizes Compensation Received by Individuals Wrongfully Convicted Amendment Adopted - House (87 - 8)
May 2, 2023 MT HB 479 Appropriates $5 Million for Law Enforcement Services on the Flathead Indian Reservation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 28)
May 2, 2023 CO HB 23-1182 Requires Remote Public Access To Criminal Court Proceedings Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 8)
May 2, 2023 CO SB 23-254 Amends Statutes Regarding Search Warrants by Police Bill Passed - House (42 - 23)
May 2, 2023 MO SB 106 Requires Patient Approval before Doctors Give Prostate, Anal, or Pelvic Exams to Unconscious Individuals Bill Passed - House (118 - 29)
May 2, 2023 VT H 230 Establishes New Restrictions on Firearm Purchase to Prevent Suicide Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
May 2, 2023 HI SB 1079 Requires Courts Expunge Records of OWI Convictions if the Sentencing Occurred Before 1998 Bill Passed - House (49 - 2)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/17 SB 99 Prohibits Municipalities from Requiring Landlords Evict Tenants Based on Their Involvement in the Justice System Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 4)
5/17 HR 3091 Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act Bill Passed - House (232 - 198)
5/17 HR 3091 Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act Bill Passed - House (232 - 198)
5/17 HR 2494 POLICE Act of 2023 Bill Passed - House (255 - 175)
5/17 SF 37 Authorizes Minnesota Voters to Vote On a Constitutional Amendment Providing For Equality Under the Law Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 23)
5/16 SF 2744 Establishes New Protections Over Prescription Drug Costs Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 32)
5/16 HB 61 Limits State Restrictions on Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
5/16 SF 2909 Appropriates Funding for the State Public Safety Omnibus Bill Bill Passed - House (69 - 63)
5/16 H J Res 42 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022. Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (56 - 43)
5/16 SB 5536 Establishes Possession of a Controlled Substance as a Gross Misdemeanor (83 - 13)
5/16 SB 5536 Establishes Possession of a Controlled Substance as a Gross Misdemeanor (83 - 13)
5/16 SB 5536 Establishes Possession of a Controlled Substance as a Gross Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
5/16 SB 5536 Establishes Possession of a Controlled Substance as a Gross Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
5/16 SB 89 Increases the Minimum Age to Buy Tobacco and Vaping Products to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
5/16 HB 112 Amends Requirements for Epinephrine Prescription Bill Passed - House (36 - 4)
5/15 HF 1234 Appropriates Funding for Police and Firefighter Disability Expenses Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 54)
5/15 SB 1221 Amends Biometric Laws Regarding Fingerprinting Bill Passed - House (41 - 17)
5/15 SB 171 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Committing or Attempting to Commit a Hate Crime from Owning a Firearm Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
5/15 AB 354 Prohibits Firearms Within 100 Feet of Election Locations Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
5/15 AB 355 Increases Age to Purchase an Assault Weapon to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
5/15 SB 171 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Committing or Attempting to Commit a Hate Crime from Owning a Firearm Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
5/12 HB 28 Prohibits the Release of Certain Criminal Convictions Bill Passed - House (36 - 4)
5/12 HB 676 Amends Firearms Statutes and Prohibits the Discharging of Firearms in Residential Areas Bill Passed - House (70 - 36)
5/12 HB 676 Amends Firearms Statutes and Prohibits the Discharging of Firearms in Residential Areas Bill Passed - House (70 - 36)
5/12 SB 227 Amends Requirements Relating to the Culpable Mental State Necessary for a Homicide Offense Bill Passed - House (106 - 49)
5/11 SB 186 Establishes a Loan Forgiveness Fund for Police Officers who take Required Training and Work in the State for a Year Conference Report Adopted - House (127 - 5)
5/11 LD 53 Repeals Intentional Torts from Workers Compensation Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
5/11 SB 403 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Ancestry Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
5/11 HB 85 Requires Onlookers Remain 25 Feet Away from Police in Action Bill Passed - House (67 - 32)
5/11 HB 321 Authorizes the Release of Certain Juvenile Criminal Records to the Public Bill Passed - House (63 - 36)
5/10 SB 40 Requires Background Checks for Students 18 and Older Reenrolling in High School Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
5/10 HB 2482 Expands Arizona Criminal Justice Commission's Automated Crime Victim Notification System Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
5/10 HB 3026 Amends the Illinois Code of Corrections Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 1)
5/10 SB 189 Amends Certain Provisions on Criminal Laws Bill Passed - House (91 - 46)
5/10 SB 28 Amends Public Records Access for Missouri State Highway Patrol Bill Passed - House (119 - 29)
5/10 SB 28 Amends Public Records Access for Missouri State Highway Patrol Bill Passed - House (119 - 29)
5/10 HB 1155 Authorizes Individuals Injured by an Impaired Minor to Sue the Individual Who Supplied the Drugs or Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
5/10 HB 1155 Authorizes Individuals Injured by an Impaired Minor to Sue the Individual Who Supplied the Drugs or Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
5/10 HB 218 Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to Include Firearm Industry Members Bill Passed - House (71 - 40)
5/10 SB 245 Establishes New Rules Regarding Eligibility for Welfare Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
5/10 SB 53 Reduces the Minimum Name to be a Police Officer from 21 to 18 Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
5/10 SB 189 Amends Certain Provisions on Criminal Laws Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
5/09 LD 53 Repeals Intentional Torts from Workers Compensation Exemptions Bill Passed - House (82 - 60)
5/08 AB 1104 Amends Correction and Rehabilitation Statutes in California Bill Passed - House (54 - 15)
5/08 SB 53 Amends Statutes Regarding Competency to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate
5/08 SB 53 Amends Statutes Regarding Competency to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate
5/06 SB 23-277 Expands Public Safety Programs and Extends Existing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (48 - 17)
5/06 SB 23-277 Expands Public Safety Programs and Extends Existing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (48 - 17)
5/05 HB 1285 Authorizes the Creation of a Specialized State Guard as a Part of State Law Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - House (91 - 20)
5/05 H 230 Establishes New Restrictions on Firearm Purchase to Prevent Suicide Concurrence Vote Passed - House (106 - 34)
5/05 SB 106 Requires Patient Approval before Doctors Give Prostate, Anal, or Pelvic Exams to Unconscious Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
5/05 HB 1285 Authorizes the Creation of a Specialized State Guard as a Part of State Law Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 11)
5/05 SB 23-279 Prohibits the Sale of Unserialized Firearms Commonly Known as "Ghost Guns" Bill Passed - House (46 - 18)
5/04 SB 262 Establishes a State Digital Bill of Rights to Provide User Protections Concurrence Vote Passed - House (110 - 2)
5/04 S 120 Authorizes the State to Buy Lethal Injection Drugs Without Disclosing Manufacturer Company Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
5/04 HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
5/04 HB 3762 Repeals the Death Penalty for First Degree Murder Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
5/04 HB 3762 Repeals the Death Penalty for First Degree Murder Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
5/04 HB 23-1307 Establishes Enhancede Supports for Youth Who are in Detention Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
5/03 SB 170 Amends Laws Concerning Local Ordinances and Legal Suits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
5/03 SB 170 Amends Laws Concerning Local Ordinances and Legal Suits Bill Passed - House (82 - 33)
5/03 SB 266 Prohibits Higher Education Institutions from Spending Federal or State Funds on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Bill Passed - House (81 - 34)
5/03 SF 563 Appropriates Funding for State Judicial Spending and Requires Courts Obtain Consent of Non-Contract Attorneys Bill Passed - House (60 - 33)
5/03 SB 2 Prohibits Handgun Ownership Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
5/03 HB 116 Establishes Various Provisions for State District Attorney's Offices Bill Passed - House (110 - 7)
5/03 HB 61 Limits State Restrictions on Firearms Bill Passed - House (26 - 12)
5/03 HB 6639 Requires Timely Scheduling of Temporary Financial Support Hearings in Divorce Proceedings Bill Passed - House (143 - 0)
5/02 HB 423 Amends and Authorizes Compensation Received by Individuals Wrongfully Convicted Amendment Adopted - House (87 - 8)
5/02 HB 423 Amends and Authorizes Compensation Received by Individuals Wrongfully Convicted Amendment Adopted - House (87 - 8)
5/02 HB 479 Appropriates $5 Million for Law Enforcement Services on the Flathead Indian Reservation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 28)
5/02 HB 23-1182 Requires Remote Public Access To Criminal Court Proceedings Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 8)
5/02 SB 23-254 Amends Statutes Regarding Search Warrants by Police Bill Passed - House (42 - 23)
5/02 SB 106 Requires Patient Approval before Doctors Give Prostate, Anal, or Pelvic Exams to Unconscious Individuals Bill Passed - House (118 - 29)
5/02 H 230 Establishes New Restrictions on Firearm Purchase to Prevent Suicide Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
5/02 SB 1079 Requires Courts Expunge Records of OWI Convictions if the Sentencing Occurred Before 1998 Bill Passed - House (49 - 2)

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