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
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)
Feb. 23, 2026 AZ SB 1055 Requires State Law Enforcement to Notify Federal Immigration Enforcement When Someone Without Legal Status is Arrested Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
Feb. 20, 2026 KY SB 80 Amends the State Constitution to Restore Voting Rights to Certain Convicted Felons Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
Feb. 19, 2026 NH HB 1792 Prohibits the Instruction of Critical Race Theory and LGBTQ+ Issues in Schools "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (184 - 164)
Feb. 19, 2026 WV HB 4712 Increases Penalties for Impaired Driving Resulting in Death Bill Passed - House (95 - 0)
Feb. 19, 2026 ID S 1232 Prohibits Prisoners from Profiting on Notoriety While Incarcerated Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
Feb. 19, 2026 KS HB 2593 Limits Local Governments' Authority to Contract Legal Services Bill Passed - House (77 - 45)
Feb. 19, 2026 ID S 1250 Prohibits Photos from Death Investigations from Public Release Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
Feb. 18, 2026 IN SB 91 Establishes Additional Regulations on Indiana's County Needle Exchange Programs Bill Passed - House (70 - 22)
Feb. 18, 2026 KS SB 413 Prohibits Attorneys From Suggesting Dollar Amounts for Noneconomic Damages Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
Feb. 18, 2026 KS HB 2444 Amends Certain Provisions Related to Criminal Sentencing and Release Bill Passed - House (88 - 36)
Feb. 18, 2026 AZ HB 2223 Requires Disclosure and Notification When a Registered Sex Offender Requests a Legal Name Change Bill Passed - House (57 - 0)
Feb. 18, 2026 KS HB 2444 Amends Certain Provisions Related to Criminal Sentencing and Release Bill Passed - House (88 - 36)
Feb. 16, 2026 VA SB 323 Prohibits Plastic and Unserialized Firearms Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
Feb. 16, 2026 VA SB 272 Prohibits the Possession of a Firearm in Certain Public Buildings Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
Feb. 16, 2026 WA HB 2320 Prohibits the Manufacture and Sale of Ghost Guns Bill Passed - House (57 - 39)
Feb. 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 (52 - 47)
Feb. 12, 2026 WI SB 276 Requires Attorney Fees to be Awarded to Those Who Successfully Challenge State Regulations Bill Passed - House (53 - 45)
Feb. 12, 2026 VT S 209 Prohibits Civil Arrests in Sensitive Locations Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
Feb. 12, 2026 National HR 2189 Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act Bill Passed - House (233 - 185)
Feb. 12, 2026 VA HB 1492 Increases the Penalty for Impersonating a Federal Law Enforcement Officer Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
Feb. 12, 2026 VA HB 1482 Prohibits Law Enforcement from Wearing Facial Coverings Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
Feb. 12, 2026 National HR 2189 Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act Bill Passed - House (233 - 185)
Feb. 11, 2026 VT S 208 Requires Law Enforcement to Identify Themselves Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
Feb. 11, 2026 WI SB 276 Requires Attorney Fees to be Awarded to Those Who Successfully Challenge State Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Feb. 10, 2026 MS HB 1444 Requires the Department of Corrections to Provide Protective Equipment to Inmates Handling Cleaning Chemicals Bill Passed - House (120 - 0)
Feb. 10, 2026 VA SB 115 Limits Recognition of Out-of-State Concealed Handgun Permits Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 9, 2026 VA SB 323 Prohibits Plastic and Unserialized Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 9, 2026 VA SB 749 Prohibits the Import, Sale, and Possession of Assault Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 9, 2026 VA SB 272 Prohibits the Possession of a Firearm in Certain Public Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 9, 2026 VA SB 352 Prohibits Law Enforcement From Wearing Face Coverings Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 5, 2026 AL HB 41 Authorizes the Death Penalty for Individuals Convicted of Certain Sex Crimes Against a Minor Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
Feb. 5, 2026 AL HB 41 Authorizes the Death Penalty for Individuals Convicted of Certain Sex Crimes Against a Minor Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
Feb. 5, 2026 VA HB 626 Limits Exemptions from Firearm Bans on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
Feb. 5, 2026 VA HB 110 Prohibits the Storage of Firearms in Unattended Vehicles Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
Feb. 5, 2026 VA HB 229 Prohibits Firearms in Mental Healthcare Facilities Bill Passed - House (63 - 34)
Feb. 5, 2026 VA HB 21 Establishes Standards of Responsible Conduct for Firearm Industry Members Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
Feb. 5, 2026 VA HB 217 Prohibits the Sale of Assault-Style Firearms and Large-Capacity Ammunition Feeding Devices Bill Passed - House (58 - 34)
Feb. 5, 2026 ID H 557 Prohibits Local Governments in Idaho From Enacting Anti-Discrimination Policies Bill Passed - House (53 - 16)
Feb. 5, 2026 VA HB 871 Requires Firearms to be Locked Away in Homes With Minors or Prohibited Individuals Bill Passed - House (60 - 37)
Feb. 5, 2026 VA HB 93 Expands Regulations on the Possession and Transferal of Firearms by Prohibited Individuals Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
Feb. 5, 2026 VA HB 40 Prohibits the Sale and Possession of Plastic or Unserialized Firearms Bill Passed - House (63 - 34)
Feb. 5, 2026 MI HB 5198 Requires Individuals to Disclose Any Foreign Donations Before Participating in Election Administration Bill Passed - House (99 - 4)
Feb. 4, 2026 NY S 496 Requires Employers to Inform Their Employees of Certain Parties with Whom They May Share Otherwise Protected Information Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 0)
Feb. 4, 2026 PA HB 144 Establishes Standard Alternatives to Incarceration for Minors Convicted of Non-Violent Offenses Bill Passed - House (153 - 45)
Feb. 4, 2026 KY HB 4 Establishes Criminal Penalties for Adults who Groom Minors Bill Passed - House (98 - 0)
Feb. 3, 2026 VA SB 351 Restricts Civil Arrests in Courthouses Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 29, 2026 WV SB 4 Requires Bystanders to Remain at Least 30 Feet Away From First Responders Following a Verbal Warning Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
Jan. 29, 2026 CA AB 1245 Establishes Protections Against Human Trafficking Among State Contractors Bill Passed - House (75 - 0)
Jan. 29, 2026 CA AB 910 Expands Criminal Relief and Legal Defenses for Survivors of Human Trafficking Bill Passed - House (71 - 2)
Date No. Title Outcome
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)
2/23 SB 1055 Requires State Law Enforcement to Notify Federal Immigration Enforcement When Someone Without Legal Status is Arrested Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
2/20 SB 80 Amends the State Constitution to Restore Voting Rights to Certain Convicted Felons Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
2/19 HB 1792 Prohibits the Instruction of Critical Race Theory and LGBTQ+ Issues in Schools "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (184 - 164)
2/19 HB 4712 Increases Penalties for Impaired Driving Resulting in Death Bill Passed - House (95 - 0)
2/19 S 1232 Prohibits Prisoners from Profiting on Notoriety While Incarcerated Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
2/19 HB 2593 Limits Local Governments' Authority to Contract Legal Services Bill Passed - House (77 - 45)
2/19 S 1250 Prohibits Photos from Death Investigations from Public Release Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
2/18 SB 91 Establishes Additional Regulations on Indiana's County Needle Exchange Programs Bill Passed - House (70 - 22)
2/18 SB 413 Prohibits Attorneys From Suggesting Dollar Amounts for Noneconomic Damages Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
2/18 HB 2444 Amends Certain Provisions Related to Criminal Sentencing and Release Bill Passed - House (88 - 36)
2/18 HB 2223 Requires Disclosure and Notification When a Registered Sex Offender Requests a Legal Name Change Bill Passed - House (57 - 0)
2/18 HB 2444 Amends Certain Provisions Related to Criminal Sentencing and Release Bill Passed - House (88 - 36)
2/16 SB 323 Prohibits Plastic and Unserialized Firearms Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
2/16 SB 272 Prohibits the Possession of a Firearm in Certain Public Buildings Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
2/16 HB 2320 Prohibits the Manufacture and Sale of Ghost Guns Bill Passed - House (57 - 39)
2/12 HR 7147 Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (52 - 47)
2/12 SB 276 Requires Attorney Fees to be Awarded to Those Who Successfully Challenge State Regulations Bill Passed - House (53 - 45)
2/12 S 209 Prohibits Civil Arrests in Sensitive Locations Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
2/12 HR 2189 Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act Bill Passed - House (233 - 185)
2/12 HB 1492 Increases the Penalty for Impersonating a Federal Law Enforcement Officer Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
2/12 HB 1482 Prohibits Law Enforcement from Wearing Facial Coverings Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
2/12 HR 2189 Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act Bill Passed - House (233 - 185)
2/11 S 208 Requires Law Enforcement to Identify Themselves Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
2/11 SB 276 Requires Attorney Fees to be Awarded to Those Who Successfully Challenge State Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
2/10 HB 1444 Requires the Department of Corrections to Provide Protective Equipment to Inmates Handling Cleaning Chemicals Bill Passed - House (120 - 0)
2/10 SB 115 Limits Recognition of Out-of-State Concealed Handgun Permits Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/09 SB 323 Prohibits Plastic and Unserialized Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/09 SB 749 Prohibits the Import, Sale, and Possession of Assault Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/09 SB 272 Prohibits the Possession of a Firearm in Certain Public Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/09 SB 352 Prohibits Law Enforcement From Wearing Face Coverings Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/05 HB 41 Authorizes the Death Penalty for Individuals Convicted of Certain Sex Crimes Against a Minor Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
2/05 HB 41 Authorizes the Death Penalty for Individuals Convicted of Certain Sex Crimes Against a Minor Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
2/05 HB 626 Limits Exemptions from Firearm Bans on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
2/05 HB 110 Prohibits the Storage of Firearms in Unattended Vehicles Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
2/05 HB 229 Prohibits Firearms in Mental Healthcare Facilities Bill Passed - House (63 - 34)
2/05 HB 21 Establishes Standards of Responsible Conduct for Firearm Industry Members Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
2/05 HB 217 Prohibits the Sale of Assault-Style Firearms and Large-Capacity Ammunition Feeding Devices Bill Passed - House (58 - 34)
2/05 H 557 Prohibits Local Governments in Idaho From Enacting Anti-Discrimination Policies Bill Passed - House (53 - 16)
2/05 HB 871 Requires Firearms to be Locked Away in Homes With Minors or Prohibited Individuals Bill Passed - House (60 - 37)
2/05 HB 93 Expands Regulations on the Possession and Transferal of Firearms by Prohibited Individuals Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
2/05 HB 40 Prohibits the Sale and Possession of Plastic or Unserialized Firearms Bill Passed - House (63 - 34)
2/05 HB 5198 Requires Individuals to Disclose Any Foreign Donations Before Participating in Election Administration Bill Passed - House (99 - 4)
2/04 S 496 Requires Employers to Inform Their Employees of Certain Parties with Whom They May Share Otherwise Protected Information Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 0)
2/04 HB 144 Establishes Standard Alternatives to Incarceration for Minors Convicted of Non-Violent Offenses Bill Passed - House (153 - 45)
2/04 HB 4 Establishes Criminal Penalties for Adults who Groom Minors Bill Passed - House (98 - 0)
2/03 SB 351 Restricts Civil Arrests in Courthouses Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/29 SB 4 Requires Bystanders to Remain at Least 30 Feet Away From First Responders Following a Verbal Warning Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
1/29 AB 1245 Establishes Protections Against Human Trafficking Among State Contractors Bill Passed - House (75 - 0)
1/29 AB 910 Expands Criminal Relief and Legal Defenses for Survivors of Human Trafficking Bill Passed - House (71 - 2)

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