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 19, 2026 KS HB 2593 Limits Local Governments' Authority to Contract Legal Services Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
March 19, 2026 KS HB 2444 Amends Certain Provisions Related to Criminal Sentencing and Release Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
March 19, 2026 KS HB 2444 Amends Certain Provisions Related to Criminal Sentencing and Release Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
March 19, 2026 National HR 4638 Federal Working Animal Protection Act Bill Passed - House (228 - 190)
March 17, 2026 ID H 724 Establishes Rights for Foster Children Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
March 17, 2026 OK HB 4227 Repeals Statute Of Limitations and Prohibits Non-Disclosure Agreements in Child Sexual Abuse Cases Bill Passed - House (80 - 0)
March 16, 2026 KY SB 251 Authorizes the Department of Corrections to Establish Internal Rules for Implementing the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
March 16, 2026 OK SB 1213 Amends Inmate Earned Credit Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
March 14, 2026 VA HB 1441 Prohibits State and Local Law Enforcement from Entering into Federal Immigration Enforcement Contracts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 18)
March 14, 2026 VA HB 1441 Prohibits State and Local Law Enforcement from Entering into Federal Immigration Enforcement Contracts Conference Report Adopted - House (62 - 34)
March 12, 2026 National HR 7147 Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (51 - 46)
March 12, 2026 ID S 1232 Prohibits Prisoners from Profiting on Notoriety While Incarcerated Bill Passed - House (67 - 1)
March 12, 2026 VT H 849 Authorizes Citizens to Sue Federal Officials for Constitutional Rights Violations Bill Passed - House (97 - 39)
March 12, 2026 VT H 849 Authorizes Citizens to Sue Federal Officials for Constitutional Rights Violations Bill Passed - House (97 - 39)
March 11, 2026 MS HB 1444 Requires the Department of Corrections to Provide Protective Equipment to Inmates Handling Cleaning Chemicals Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 0)
March 11, 2026 MO HB 1664 Reduces the Statue of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases Bill Passed - House (95 - 12)
March 10, 2026 OK SB 1439 Prohibits Certain Climate-Related Lawsuits Against Oil and Gas Companies Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 7)
March 9, 2026 WA SB 5974 Amends Requirements and Regulations for Elected or Appointed Law Enforcement Officials Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
March 9, 2026 IA SF 579 Prohibits Local Agencies From Enacting Civil Rights Protections That are More Strict Than Those Required by the State Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 16)
March 9, 2026 ID H 724 Establishes Rights for Foster Children Bill Passed - House (58 - 7)
March 6, 2026 OR HB 4138 Prohibits Law Enforcement Officers From Wearing Facial Coverings Concurrence Vote Passed - House (34 - 18)
March 6, 2026 UT HB 84 Authorizes Concealed Carry of a Firearm at Institutions of Higher Education Concurrence Vote Passed - House (58 - 8)
March 6, 2026 UT HB 84 Authorizes Concealed Carry of a Firearm at Institutions of Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
March 6, 2026 CO HB 26-1020 Restricts the Use of Field Drug Tests as Cause for Arrest Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
March 6, 2026 GA SB 482 Establishes Requirements for Individuals to Obtain Public Mugshots and Law Enforcement Videos Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 0)
March 6, 2026 GA SR 875 Extends the Jurisdiction of Grand Juries to Include Election and Voting-Related Crimes Resolution Failed - Senate (28 - 21)
March 5, 2026 National HR 7147 Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (51 - 45)
March 5, 2026 WA SB 5974 Amends Requirements and Regulations for Elected or Appointed Law Enforcement Officials Bill Passed - House (54 - 42)
March 5, 2026 IA SF 579 Prohibits Local Agencies From Enacting Civil Rights Protections That are More Strict Than Those Required by the State Bill Passed - House (60 - 26)
March 5, 2026 OR HB 4138 Prohibits Law Enforcement Officers From Wearing Facial Coverings Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
March 5, 2026 ID H 570 Increases the Penalty for Excessive Speeding in a School Zone Bill Passed - House (68 - 1)
March 5, 2026 ID H 685 Establishes Penalties for Crimes Committed With a Facial Covering Bill Passed - House (38 - 31)
March 5, 2026 National HR 7744 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026 Bill Passed - House (221 - 209)
March 5, 2026 National H Res 1099 Reaffirming Iran remains the largest state sponsor of terrorism Bill Passed - House (372 - 53)
March 4, 2026 UT HB 276 Establishes Regulations on Counterfeit Intimate Images Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 3)
March 4, 2026 National H Res 1100 Directing the Committee on Ethics to preserve and publicly release records of the Committee's review of violations or alleged violations of clause 9 (as it pertains to acts of sexual harassment) and clause 18 of rule XXIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives Motion Agreed - House (357 - 65)
March 4, 2026 FL SB 1134 Prohibits Counties and Municipalities from Funding or Supporting Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
March 2, 2026 CO HB 26-1144 Prohibits the Use of 3D Printing to Manufacture Firearms Bill Passed - House (40 - 25)
March 2, 2026 AZ SB 1635 Prohibits Individuals From Alerting Others to Law Enforcement Activity Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
Feb. 27, 2026 IN SB 176 Limits Municipalities' Ability to Impose Restrictions on Shooting Ranges Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 25)
Feb. 27, 2026 IN SB 176 Limits Municipalities' Ability to Impose Restrictions on Shooting Ranges Conference Report Adopted - Senate (42 - 8)
Feb. 26, 2026 IA HF 2527 Limits the Liability of Defendants for Damages Caused by Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (66 - 24)
Feb. 25, 2026 IN SB 91 Establishes Additional Regulations on Indiana's County Needle Exchange Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
Feb. 25, 2026 OR HB 4145 Amends the Reduction of Gun Violence Act to Extend Operative Dates and Clarify Processes Bill Passed - House (33 - 19)
Feb. 25, 2026 AZ SB 1520 Requires State Law Enforcement to Share Information Upon Request with the Federal Government Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
Feb. 24, 2026 National HR 7147 Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (50 - 45)
Feb. 24, 2026 AL HB 360 Establishes an Annual Temporary Sales Tax Exemption on Firearms Bill Passed - House (72 - 29)
Feb. 24, 2026 AL HB 363 Prohibits Interruptions of a Worship Service Bill Passed - House (74 - 28)
Feb. 24, 2026 AL SB 233 Increases the Penalty for Eluding an Officer in Certain Cases Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
Feb. 24, 2026 AL HB 86 Requires the Board of Pardons and Paroles to Consider an Imate's Employment and Education Gained While Incarcerated Bill Passed - House (77 - 22)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/19 HB 2593 Limits Local Governments' Authority to Contract Legal Services Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
3/19 HB 2444 Amends Certain Provisions Related to Criminal Sentencing and Release Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
3/19 HB 2444 Amends Certain Provisions Related to Criminal Sentencing and Release Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
3/19 HR 4638 Federal Working Animal Protection Act Bill Passed - House (228 - 190)
3/17 H 724 Establishes Rights for Foster Children Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
3/17 HB 4227 Repeals Statute Of Limitations and Prohibits Non-Disclosure Agreements in Child Sexual Abuse Cases Bill Passed - House (80 - 0)
3/16 SB 251 Authorizes the Department of Corrections to Establish Internal Rules for Implementing the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
3/16 SB 1213 Amends Inmate Earned Credit Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
3/14 HB 1441 Prohibits State and Local Law Enforcement from Entering into Federal Immigration Enforcement Contracts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 18)
3/14 HB 1441 Prohibits State and Local Law Enforcement from Entering into Federal Immigration Enforcement Contracts Conference Report Adopted - House (62 - 34)
3/12 HR 7147 Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (51 - 46)
3/12 S 1232 Prohibits Prisoners from Profiting on Notoriety While Incarcerated Bill Passed - House (67 - 1)
3/12 H 849 Authorizes Citizens to Sue Federal Officials for Constitutional Rights Violations Bill Passed - House (97 - 39)
3/12 H 849 Authorizes Citizens to Sue Federal Officials for Constitutional Rights Violations Bill Passed - House (97 - 39)
3/11 HB 1444 Requires the Department of Corrections to Provide Protective Equipment to Inmates Handling Cleaning Chemicals Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 0)
3/11 HB 1664 Reduces the Statue of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases Bill Passed - House (95 - 12)
3/10 SB 1439 Prohibits Certain Climate-Related Lawsuits Against Oil and Gas Companies Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 7)
3/09 SB 5974 Amends Requirements and Regulations for Elected or Appointed Law Enforcement Officials Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
3/09 SF 579 Prohibits Local Agencies From Enacting Civil Rights Protections That are More Strict Than Those Required by the State Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 16)
3/09 H 724 Establishes Rights for Foster Children Bill Passed - House (58 - 7)
3/06 HB 4138 Prohibits Law Enforcement Officers From Wearing Facial Coverings Concurrence Vote Passed - House (34 - 18)
3/06 HB 84 Authorizes Concealed Carry of a Firearm at Institutions of Higher Education Concurrence Vote Passed - House (58 - 8)
3/06 HB 84 Authorizes Concealed Carry of a Firearm at Institutions of Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
3/06 HB 26-1020 Restricts the Use of Field Drug Tests as Cause for Arrest Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
3/06 SB 482 Establishes Requirements for Individuals to Obtain Public Mugshots and Law Enforcement Videos Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 0)
3/06 SR 875 Extends the Jurisdiction of Grand Juries to Include Election and Voting-Related Crimes Resolution Failed - Senate (28 - 21)
3/05 HR 7147 Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (51 - 45)
3/05 SB 5974 Amends Requirements and Regulations for Elected or Appointed Law Enforcement Officials Bill Passed - House (54 - 42)
3/05 SF 579 Prohibits Local Agencies From Enacting Civil Rights Protections That are More Strict Than Those Required by the State Bill Passed - House (60 - 26)
3/05 HB 4138 Prohibits Law Enforcement Officers From Wearing Facial Coverings Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
3/05 H 570 Increases the Penalty for Excessive Speeding in a School Zone Bill Passed - House (68 - 1)
3/05 H 685 Establishes Penalties for Crimes Committed With a Facial Covering Bill Passed - House (38 - 31)
3/05 HR 7744 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026 Bill Passed - House (221 - 209)
3/05 H Res 1099 Reaffirming Iran remains the largest state sponsor of terrorism Bill Passed - House (372 - 53)
3/04 HB 276 Establishes Regulations on Counterfeit Intimate Images Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 3)
3/04 H Res 1100 Directing the Committee on Ethics to preserve and publicly release records of the Committee's review of violations or alleged violations of clause 9 (as it pertains to acts of sexual harassment) and clause 18 of rule XXIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives Motion Agreed - House (357 - 65)
3/04 SB 1134 Prohibits Counties and Municipalities from Funding or Supporting Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
3/02 HB 26-1144 Prohibits the Use of 3D Printing to Manufacture Firearms Bill Passed - House (40 - 25)
3/02 SB 1635 Prohibits Individuals From Alerting Others to Law Enforcement Activity Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
2/27 SB 176 Limits Municipalities' Ability to Impose Restrictions on Shooting Ranges Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 25)
2/27 SB 176 Limits Municipalities' Ability to Impose Restrictions on Shooting Ranges Conference Report Adopted - Senate (42 - 8)
2/26 HF 2527 Limits the Liability of Defendants for Damages Caused by Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (66 - 24)
2/25 SB 91 Establishes Additional Regulations on Indiana's County Needle Exchange Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
2/25 HB 4145 Amends the Reduction of Gun Violence Act to Extend Operative Dates and Clarify Processes Bill Passed - House (33 - 19)
2/25 SB 1520 Requires State Law Enforcement to Share Information Upon Request with the Federal Government Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
2/24 HR 7147 Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (50 - 45)
2/24 HB 360 Establishes an Annual Temporary Sales Tax Exemption on Firearms Bill Passed - House (72 - 29)
2/24 HB 363 Prohibits Interruptions of a Worship Service Bill Passed - House (74 - 28)
2/24 SB 233 Increases the Penalty for Eluding an Officer in Certain Cases Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
2/24 HB 86 Requires the Board of Pardons and Paroles to Consider an Imate's Employment and Education Gained While Incarcerated Bill Passed - House (77 - 22)

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