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
June 12, 2023 PA HB 1085 Appropriates Funding for the State Public Defenders Office Bill Passed - House (132 - 71)
June 9, 2023 NY A 1029 Requires Automatic Sealing of Certain Convictions Records After Specified Periods of Time Bill Passed - House (97 - 51)
June 8, 2023 LA SB 159 Amends Previous Law to Automatically Classify 17-Year-Old Defendants as Adults Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 34)
June 8, 2023 LA SB 159 Amends Previous Law to Automatically Classify 17-Year-Old Defendants as Adults Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 34)
June 8, 2023 LA HB 90 Increases Penalties for Drug Distribution Resulting in Death to Life in Prison Conference Report Adopted - House (78 - 19)
June 8, 2023 LA HB 90 Increases Penalties for Drug Distribution Resulting in Death to Life in Prison Conference Report Adopted - House (78 - 19)
June 8, 2023 OR HB 2772 Classifies Domestic Terrorism as a Felony Bill Passed - House (49 - 5)
June 8, 2023 DE HB 141 Requires a Criminal History Background Checks For Candidates For State And County Public Office Bill Passed - House (25 - 7)
June 8, 2023 OR HB 2772 Classifies Domestic Terrorism as a Felony Bill Passed - House (49 - 5)
June 8, 2023 NY A 7691 Establishes a State Commission to Consider Reparations to Address Effects of Slavery Bill Passed - House (105 - 42)
June 7, 2023 SC S 96 Prohibits a Person from Operating Certain Watercraft Without Possessing a Boating Safety Certificate Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 7)
June 7, 2023 RI H 5757 Increases Jail Sentences for Sexual Assault Bill Passed - House (52 - 15)
June 6, 2023 LA HB 659 Establishes a Registry for Certain Offenders Convicted of Crimes Against Children Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 19)
June 6, 2023 LA HB 91 Authorizes Restitution to Victims of Vehicular Homicide Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 16)
June 6, 2023 LA HB 91 Authorizes Restitution to Victims of Vehicular Homicide Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 16)
June 6, 2023 ME LD 1703 Expands the Equal Pay Act to Include Race "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (112 - 20)
June 6, 2023 CT HB 6888 Amends Various Juvenile Justice Policies and Regulations Bill Passed - House (96 - 54)
June 5, 2023 NV SB 277 Expands the Amount of Legal Cannabis Individual's Can Possess Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
June 5, 2023 NV SB 368 Rescinds Previous Racial Language Governing Housing Covenants Bill Passed - House (38 - 4)
June 5, 2023 NV SB 323 Repeals Discriminator Language in Housing Association Convenants and Other Purposes Bill Passed - House (38 - 4)
June 5, 2023 NV SB 412 Classifies Use of a Firearm During a Drug Offense as a Felony Bill Passed - House (40 - 2)
June 5, 2023 NV SB 412 Classifies Use of a Firearm During a Drug Offense as a Felony Bill Passed - House (40 - 2)
June 4, 2023 NV SB 294 Requires Licensed Gun Dealers Provide a Locking Device with Firearms Bill Passed - House (31 - 9)
June 3, 2023 NV AB 322 Establishes Regulations for Kratom Usage and Possession Bill Passed - House (30 - 12)
June 1, 2023 LA SB 196 Increases Financial Transparency Requirements in Litigation Bill Passed - House (55 - 28)
June 1, 2023 CA AB 793 Prohibits Government Entities from Making A Reverse-Location Demand or a Reverse-Keyword Demand Bill Passed - House (54 - 15)
May 31, 2023 LA SB 49 Establishes New Penalties for the Operation of a Fentanyl Producing Laboratory Bill Passed - House (93 - 4)
May 31, 2023 LA SB 49 Establishes New Penalties for the Operation of a Fentanyl Producing Laboratory Bill Passed - House (93 - 4)
May 31, 2023 NV AB 232 Establishes New Rules Regarding Premium Tobacco Products Bill Passed - House (35 - 7)
May 31, 2023 CA AB 280 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement in California State Prisons Bill Passed - House (56 - 16)
May 31, 2023 CA AB 280 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement in California State Prisons Bill Passed - House (56 - 16)
May 30, 2023 CT SB 1196 Requires Probable Cause for a Police Body Search Bill Passed - House (125 - 18)
May 30, 2023 ME LD 1435 Authorizes Legal Protections for Sex Workers Bill Passed - House (86 - 57)
May 29, 2023 NV SB 35 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possession Bill Passed - House (31 - 10)
May 29, 2023 NV SB 35 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possession Bill Passed - House (31 - 10)
May 26, 2023 NV AB 404 Authorizes Caps for Medical Malpractice Lawsuits to Increase Bill Passed - House (24 - 17)
May 26, 2023 NV AB 404 Authorizes Caps for Medical Malpractice Lawsuits to Increase Bill Passed - House (24 - 17)
May 25, 2023 OR SB 1043 Requires Hospitals to Provide Narcan Bill Passed - House (44 - 10)
May 25, 2023 CA AB 461 Requires Fentanyl Test Strips and Education about Use on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (78 - 0)
May 25, 2023 National HR 467 HALT Fentanyl Act Bill Passed - House (289 - 133)
May 25, 2023 LA HB 464 Prohibits Possession of Firearms by Convicted Felons Bill Passed - House (71 - 30)
May 25, 2023 LA HB 464 Prohibits Possession of Firearms by Convicted Felons Bill Passed - House (71 - 30)
May 25, 2023 National HR 467 HALT Fentanyl Act Bill Passed - House (289 - 133)
May 25, 2023 CT HB 6667 Amends Various State Gun Control Measures Bill Passed - House (96 - 51)
May 24, 2023 NV SB 239 Authorizes Medical Aid-In-Dying for Terminally Ill Individuals Bill Passed - House (23 - 19)
May 23, 2023 OR SB 615 Establishes New Penalties for Street Racing and Gang Activity Bill Passed - House (37 - 6)
May 23, 2023 NV SB 133 Establishes Falsifying Presidential Elector Signatures as a Felony Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
May 23, 2023 NV SB 153 Requires the Nevada Department of Corrections Regulate the Security, Supervision, Medical, and Mental Health Treatment of Transgender Inmates Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
May 23, 2023 LA HB 131 Repeals the Conceal Carry Permitting Process Requirements Bill Passed - House (71 - 29)
May 22, 2023 NV SB 131 Prohibits Arrest of Any Individual Charged in Another State for Receiving Reproductive Healthcare Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
May 22, 2023 PA HB 1018 Authorizes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - House (102 - 99)
May 22, 2023 PA HB 1018 Authorizes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - House (102 - 99)
May 22, 2023 PA HB 714 Requires Background Checks for All Firearms Bill Passed - House (109 - 92)
May 22, 2023 PA HB 714 Requires Background Checks for All Firearms Bill Passed - House (109 - 92)
May 19, 2023 IL HB 3751 Authorizes DACA Recipients to Become Law enforcement Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (100 - 7)
May 19, 2023 IL HB 2826 Prohibits the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation From Requiring Self-Disclosure of a Criminal Background Concurrence Vote Passed - House (72 - 36)
May 18, 2023 NY S 214 Expands Access and Eligibility to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund Bill Passed - House (121 - 16)
May 18, 2023 National H Con Res 40 Expressing support for local law enforcement officers and condemning efforts to defund or dismantle local law enforcement agencies Joint Resolution Passed - House (301 - 119)
May 17, 2023 MN SF 2744 Establishes New Protections Over Prescription Drug Costs Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 59)
May 17, 2023 IL HB 2086 Authorizes Consumers to Bring Their Own Plastic Containers to Restaurants Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 38)
May 17, 2023 TX SB 728 Amends State Law to Close Previous Loophole in Reporting Juvenile Mental Health Hospitalizations Bill Passed - House (116 - 28)
May 17, 2023 National HR 2494 POLICE Act of 2023 Bill Passed - House (255 - 175)
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 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 MN SF 2909 Appropriates Funding for the State Public Safety Omnibus Bill Bill Passed - House (69 - 63)
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 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 MO SB 227 Amends Requirements Relating to the Culpable Mental State Necessary for a Homicide Offense Bill Passed - House (106 - 49)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/12 HB 1085 Appropriates Funding for the State Public Defenders Office Bill Passed - House (132 - 71)
6/09 A 1029 Requires Automatic Sealing of Certain Convictions Records After Specified Periods of Time Bill Passed - House (97 - 51)
6/08 SB 159 Amends Previous Law to Automatically Classify 17-Year-Old Defendants as Adults Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 34)
6/08 SB 159 Amends Previous Law to Automatically Classify 17-Year-Old Defendants as Adults Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 34)
6/08 HB 90 Increases Penalties for Drug Distribution Resulting in Death to Life in Prison Conference Report Adopted - House (78 - 19)
6/08 HB 90 Increases Penalties for Drug Distribution Resulting in Death to Life in Prison Conference Report Adopted - House (78 - 19)
6/08 HB 2772 Classifies Domestic Terrorism as a Felony Bill Passed - House (49 - 5)
6/08 HB 141 Requires a Criminal History Background Checks For Candidates For State And County Public Office Bill Passed - House (25 - 7)
6/08 HB 2772 Classifies Domestic Terrorism as a Felony Bill Passed - House (49 - 5)
6/08 A 7691 Establishes a State Commission to Consider Reparations to Address Effects of Slavery Bill Passed - House (105 - 42)
6/07 S 96 Prohibits a Person from Operating Certain Watercraft Without Possessing a Boating Safety Certificate Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 7)
6/07 H 5757 Increases Jail Sentences for Sexual Assault Bill Passed - House (52 - 15)
6/06 HB 659 Establishes a Registry for Certain Offenders Convicted of Crimes Against Children Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 19)
6/06 HB 91 Authorizes Restitution to Victims of Vehicular Homicide Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 16)
6/06 HB 91 Authorizes Restitution to Victims of Vehicular Homicide Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 16)
6/06 LD 1703 Expands the Equal Pay Act to Include Race "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (112 - 20)
6/06 HB 6888 Amends Various Juvenile Justice Policies and Regulations Bill Passed - House (96 - 54)
6/05 SB 277 Expands the Amount of Legal Cannabis Individual's Can Possess Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
6/05 SB 368 Rescinds Previous Racial Language Governing Housing Covenants Bill Passed - House (38 - 4)
6/05 SB 323 Repeals Discriminator Language in Housing Association Convenants and Other Purposes Bill Passed - House (38 - 4)
6/05 SB 412 Classifies Use of a Firearm During a Drug Offense as a Felony Bill Passed - House (40 - 2)
6/05 SB 412 Classifies Use of a Firearm During a Drug Offense as a Felony Bill Passed - House (40 - 2)
6/04 SB 294 Requires Licensed Gun Dealers Provide a Locking Device with Firearms Bill Passed - House (31 - 9)
6/03 AB 322 Establishes Regulations for Kratom Usage and Possession Bill Passed - House (30 - 12)
6/01 SB 196 Increases Financial Transparency Requirements in Litigation Bill Passed - House (55 - 28)
6/01 AB 793 Prohibits Government Entities from Making A Reverse-Location Demand or a Reverse-Keyword Demand Bill Passed - House (54 - 15)
5/31 SB 49 Establishes New Penalties for the Operation of a Fentanyl Producing Laboratory Bill Passed - House (93 - 4)
5/31 SB 49 Establishes New Penalties for the Operation of a Fentanyl Producing Laboratory Bill Passed - House (93 - 4)
5/31 AB 232 Establishes New Rules Regarding Premium Tobacco Products Bill Passed - House (35 - 7)
5/31 AB 280 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement in California State Prisons Bill Passed - House (56 - 16)
5/31 AB 280 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement in California State Prisons Bill Passed - House (56 - 16)
5/30 SB 1196 Requires Probable Cause for a Police Body Search Bill Passed - House (125 - 18)
5/30 LD 1435 Authorizes Legal Protections for Sex Workers Bill Passed - House (86 - 57)
5/29 SB 35 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possession Bill Passed - House (31 - 10)
5/29 SB 35 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possession Bill Passed - House (31 - 10)
5/26 AB 404 Authorizes Caps for Medical Malpractice Lawsuits to Increase Bill Passed - House (24 - 17)
5/26 AB 404 Authorizes Caps for Medical Malpractice Lawsuits to Increase Bill Passed - House (24 - 17)
5/25 SB 1043 Requires Hospitals to Provide Narcan Bill Passed - House (44 - 10)
5/25 AB 461 Requires Fentanyl Test Strips and Education about Use on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (78 - 0)
5/25 HR 467 HALT Fentanyl Act Bill Passed - House (289 - 133)
5/25 HB 464 Prohibits Possession of Firearms by Convicted Felons Bill Passed - House (71 - 30)
5/25 HB 464 Prohibits Possession of Firearms by Convicted Felons Bill Passed - House (71 - 30)
5/25 HR 467 HALT Fentanyl Act Bill Passed - House (289 - 133)
5/25 HB 6667 Amends Various State Gun Control Measures Bill Passed - House (96 - 51)
5/24 SB 239 Authorizes Medical Aid-In-Dying for Terminally Ill Individuals Bill Passed - House (23 - 19)
5/23 SB 615 Establishes New Penalties for Street Racing and Gang Activity Bill Passed - House (37 - 6)
5/23 SB 133 Establishes Falsifying Presidential Elector Signatures as a Felony Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
5/23 SB 153 Requires the Nevada Department of Corrections Regulate the Security, Supervision, Medical, and Mental Health Treatment of Transgender Inmates Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
5/23 HB 131 Repeals the Conceal Carry Permitting Process Requirements Bill Passed - House (71 - 29)
5/22 SB 131 Prohibits Arrest of Any Individual Charged in Another State for Receiving Reproductive Healthcare Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
5/22 HB 1018 Authorizes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - House (102 - 99)
5/22 HB 1018 Authorizes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - House (102 - 99)
5/22 HB 714 Requires Background Checks for All Firearms Bill Passed - House (109 - 92)
5/22 HB 714 Requires Background Checks for All Firearms Bill Passed - House (109 - 92)
5/19 HB 3751 Authorizes DACA Recipients to Become Law enforcement Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (100 - 7)
5/19 HB 2826 Prohibits the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation From Requiring Self-Disclosure of a Criminal Background Concurrence Vote Passed - House (72 - 36)
5/18 S 214 Expands Access and Eligibility to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund Bill Passed - House (121 - 16)
5/18 H Con Res 40 Expressing support for local law enforcement officers and condemning efforts to defund or dismantle local law enforcement agencies Joint Resolution Passed - House (301 - 119)
5/17 SF 2744 Establishes New Protections Over Prescription Drug Costs Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 59)
5/17 HB 2086 Authorizes Consumers to Bring Their Own Plastic Containers to Restaurants Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 38)
5/17 SB 728 Amends State Law to Close Previous Loophole in Reporting Juvenile Mental Health Hospitalizations Bill Passed - House (116 - 28)
5/17 HR 2494 POLICE Act of 2023 Bill Passed - House (255 - 175)
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)
5/16 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 SF 2909 Appropriates Funding for the State Public Safety Omnibus Bill Bill Passed - House (69 - 63)
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 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 SB 227 Amends Requirements Relating to the Culpable Mental State Necessary for a Homicide Offense Bill Passed - House (106 - 49)

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