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 12, 2023 AK HB 28 Prohibits the Release of Certain Criminal Convictions Bill Passed - House (36 - 4)
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 LA HB 321 Authorizes the Release of Certain Juvenile Criminal Records to the Public Bill Passed - House (63 - 36)
May 11, 2023 LA HB 85 Requires Onlookers Remain 25 Feet Away from Police in Action Bill Passed - House (67 - 32)
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 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 IL HB 218 Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to Include Firearm Industry Members Bill Passed - House (71 - 40)
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 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 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 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 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 CO HB 23-1182 Requires Remote Public Access To Criminal Court Proceedings Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 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 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 HI SB 1079 Requires Courts Expunge Records of OWI Convictions if the Sentencing Occurred Before 1998 Bill Passed - House (49 - 2)
May 2, 2023 OR HB 2005 Amends Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (35 - 24)
May 2, 2023 OR HB 2005 Amends Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (35 - 24)
May 1, 2023 CO SB 23-249 Classifies the False Reporting of a Mass Shooting as a Felony Bill Passed - House (53 - 10)
April 29, 2023 CO HB 23-1135 Classifies Indecent exposure to a Minor as Felony Bill Passed - House (37 - 27)
April 28, 2023 MT HB 808 Increases Insurance Requirements for Bail Bondsmen Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 29)
April 28, 2023 FL HB 1543 Establishes a New Minimum Age to Purchase a Firearm Bill Passed - House (69 - 36)
April 28, 2023 FL HB 1543 Establishes a New Minimum Age to Purchase a Firearm Bill Passed - House (69 - 36)
April 27, 2023 IN SB 8 Authorizes Pharmacy Benefit Managers to Negotiate Prices for Drugs Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 21)
April 26, 2023 IN HB 1177 Authorizes Teachers to Keep Firearms in Classrooms Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 22)
April 26, 2023 IN SB 187 Requires State Police Departments Conduct Background Checks on Police Reserve Officers Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 13)
April 26, 2023 OK SB 674 Authorizes the Creation of an Oklahoma Organized Retail Crime Task Force Bill Passed - House (69 - 12)
April 26, 2023 FL HB 931 Prohibits Public Institutions from Requiring Students, Faculty, or Staff Take Political Loyalty Tests Bill Passed - House (82 - 34)
April 26, 2023 CO HB 23-1086 Amends the Due Process Asset Forfeiture Act Bill Passed - House (59 - 6)
April 25, 2023 NV AB 408 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Remove "Dangerous Vehicles" from the Road Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
April 25, 2023 NV AB 286 Authorizes Incarcerated Individuals to Vote Bill Passed - House (39 - 3)
April 25, 2023 NV AB 354 Prohibits Firearms Within 100 Feet of Election Locations Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
April 25, 2023 NV AB 250 Reduces Prescription Drug Costs by Expanding Policies Under the Federal Inflation Reduction Act Bill Passed - House (27 - 15)
April 24, 2023 IN HB 1087 Prohibits the Department of Corrections from Transporting Offenders to Any Location That's Not Their County of Residence Concurrence Vote Passed - House (89 - 5)
April 21, 2023 ND HB 1473 Requires Designated Male and Female Restrooms, Lockers, and Showers in Correctional Facilities and Dormitories Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 14)
April 21, 2023 WA HB 1470 Establishes New Regulations Concerning Private Prisons Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 40)
April 21, 2023 NV AB 355 Increases Age to Purchase an Assault Weapon to 21 Bill Passed - House (26 - 14)
April 20, 2023 SC S 120 Authorizes the State to Buy Lethal Injection Drugs Without Disclosing Manufacturer Company Bill Passed - House (80 - 22)
April 20, 2023 WA SB 5768 Authorizes the Department of Corrections to Acquire and Dispense Abortion Medications Bill Passed - House (55 - 40)
April 20, 2023 TN SB 807 Exempts Those Convicted of Criminal Exposure to HIV from Having to Register as a Sex Offender Bill Passed - House (77 - 12)
April 19, 2023 NV AB 452 Amends Regulations and Visitation Rights of Prisoners Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
April 19, 2023 NV AB 452 Amends Regulations and Visitation Rights of Prisoners Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
April 19, 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 - House (229 - 189)
April 18, 2023 WI SB 76 Increases Penalties for Carjacking Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 18)
April 18, 2023 MT SB 397 Amends Laws Related to Privacy and Facial Recognition Technology Concurrence Vote Passed - House (83 - 16)
April 17, 2023 MT SB 359 Prohibits the Tracking of Firearms Sales by Financial Institutions Bill Passed - House (69 - 28)
April 14, 2023 WA HB 1340 Prohibits Medical Licensing Boards from Retaliating Against Clinicians for Providing Reproductive Health Services and Gender-Affirming Care Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 39)
April 13, 2023 FL SB 450 Reduces Amount of Jurors Needed for Agreement on Death Sentences Bill Passed - House (80 - 30)
April 13, 2023 FL SB 450 Reduces Amount of Jurors Needed for Agreement on Death Sentences Bill Passed - House (80 - 30)
April 13, 2023 FL HB 1465 Increases Penalties for Individuals that Possess or Discharge a Firearm While Involved in Human Trafficking Bill Passed - House (96 - 5)
April 13, 2023 FL HB 1627 Authorizes Pretrial Detention for DUI Manslaughter, Fentanyl Trafficking, and Extortion Bill Passed - House (83 - 19)
April 13, 2023 FL HB 1465 Increases Penalties for Individuals that Possess or Discharge a Firearm While Involved in Human Trafficking Bill Passed - House (96 - 5)
April 13, 2023 OR HB 2929 Authorizes the Water Resources Department to Seek Injunctive Relief Against Violators or Attempted Violators of State Water Laws Bill Passed - House (31 - 20)
April 13, 2023 OR HB 2513 Requires the Oregon Health Authority Carry Out State Voter Approved Drug Decriminalization Law Bill Passed - House (49 - 3)
April 13, 2023 FL HB 1297 Authorizes the Death Penalty for for People Who Commit Sexual Assault on Children Bill Passed - House (95 - 14)
April 12, 2023 VA SB 989 Establishes Greater Victims Rights in Court Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 16)
April 12, 2023 VA SB 989 Establishes Greater Victims Rights in Court Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 16)
April 12, 2023 VA HB 2169 Specifies Parole Board Records are no Longer Exempt from Mandatory Disclosure Requirements in the Virginia Freedom of Information Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 35)
April 12, 2023 VA HB 2169 Specifies Parole Board Records are no Longer Exempt from Mandatory Disclosure Requirements in the Virginia Freedom of Information Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 35)
April 12, 2023 IA HF 654 Authorizes Firearms in Locked Vehicles on School Property Bill Passed - House (62 - 37)
April 11, 2023 CO HB 23-1011 Authorizes Individuals Right to Repair Agriculture Equipment Conference Report Adopted - House (44 - 16)
April 11, 2023 ND HB 1230 Establishes Penalties for the Intentional Submission of Petitions with Fraudulent Signatures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 38)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/12 HB 28 Prohibits the Release of Certain Criminal Convictions Bill Passed - House (36 - 4)
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 HB 321 Authorizes the Release of Certain Juvenile Criminal Records to the Public Bill Passed - House (63 - 36)
5/11 HB 85 Requires Onlookers Remain 25 Feet Away from Police in Action Bill Passed - House (67 - 32)
5/10 SB 28 Amends Public Records Access for Missouri State Highway Patrol Bill Passed - House (119 - 29)
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 HB 218 Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to Include Firearm Industry Members Bill Passed - House (71 - 40)
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)
5/06 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 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)
5/03 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 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 23-1182 Requires Remote Public Access To Criminal Court Proceedings Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 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 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 SB 1079 Requires Courts Expunge Records of OWI Convictions if the Sentencing Occurred Before 1998 Bill Passed - House (49 - 2)
5/02 HB 2005 Amends Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (35 - 24)
5/02 HB 2005 Amends Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (35 - 24)
5/01 SB 23-249 Classifies the False Reporting of a Mass Shooting as a Felony Bill Passed - House (53 - 10)
4/29 HB 23-1135 Classifies Indecent exposure to a Minor as Felony Bill Passed - House (37 - 27)
4/28 HB 808 Increases Insurance Requirements for Bail Bondsmen Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 29)
4/28 HB 1543 Establishes a New Minimum Age to Purchase a Firearm Bill Passed - House (69 - 36)
4/28 HB 1543 Establishes a New Minimum Age to Purchase a Firearm Bill Passed - House (69 - 36)
4/27 SB 8 Authorizes Pharmacy Benefit Managers to Negotiate Prices for Drugs Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 21)
4/26 HB 1177 Authorizes Teachers to Keep Firearms in Classrooms Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 22)
4/26 SB 187 Requires State Police Departments Conduct Background Checks on Police Reserve Officers Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 13)
4/26 SB 674 Authorizes the Creation of an Oklahoma Organized Retail Crime Task Force Bill Passed - House (69 - 12)
4/26 HB 931 Prohibits Public Institutions from Requiring Students, Faculty, or Staff Take Political Loyalty Tests Bill Passed - House (82 - 34)
4/26 HB 23-1086 Amends the Due Process Asset Forfeiture Act Bill Passed - House (59 - 6)
4/25 AB 408 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Remove "Dangerous Vehicles" from the Road Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
4/25 AB 286 Authorizes Incarcerated Individuals to Vote Bill Passed - House (39 - 3)
4/25 AB 354 Prohibits Firearms Within 100 Feet of Election Locations Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
4/25 AB 250 Reduces Prescription Drug Costs by Expanding Policies Under the Federal Inflation Reduction Act Bill Passed - House (27 - 15)
4/24 HB 1087 Prohibits the Department of Corrections from Transporting Offenders to Any Location That's Not Their County of Residence Concurrence Vote Passed - House (89 - 5)
4/21 HB 1473 Requires Designated Male and Female Restrooms, Lockers, and Showers in Correctional Facilities and Dormitories Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 14)
4/21 HB 1470 Establishes New Regulations Concerning Private Prisons Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 40)
4/21 AB 355 Increases Age to Purchase an Assault Weapon to 21 Bill Passed - House (26 - 14)
4/20 S 120 Authorizes the State to Buy Lethal Injection Drugs Without Disclosing Manufacturer Company Bill Passed - House (80 - 22)
4/20 SB 5768 Authorizes the Department of Corrections to Acquire and Dispense Abortion Medications Bill Passed - House (55 - 40)
4/20 SB 807 Exempts Those Convicted of Criminal Exposure to HIV from Having to Register as a Sex Offender Bill Passed - House (77 - 12)
4/19 AB 452 Amends Regulations and Visitation Rights of Prisoners Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
4/19 AB 452 Amends Regulations and Visitation Rights of Prisoners Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
4/19 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 - House (229 - 189)
4/18 SB 76 Increases Penalties for Carjacking Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 18)
4/18 SB 397 Amends Laws Related to Privacy and Facial Recognition Technology Concurrence Vote Passed - House (83 - 16)
4/17 SB 359 Prohibits the Tracking of Firearms Sales by Financial Institutions Bill Passed - House (69 - 28)
4/14 HB 1340 Prohibits Medical Licensing Boards from Retaliating Against Clinicians for Providing Reproductive Health Services and Gender-Affirming Care Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 39)
4/13 SB 450 Reduces Amount of Jurors Needed for Agreement on Death Sentences Bill Passed - House (80 - 30)
4/13 SB 450 Reduces Amount of Jurors Needed for Agreement on Death Sentences Bill Passed - House (80 - 30)
4/13 HB 1465 Increases Penalties for Individuals that Possess or Discharge a Firearm While Involved in Human Trafficking Bill Passed - House (96 - 5)
4/13 HB 1627 Authorizes Pretrial Detention for DUI Manslaughter, Fentanyl Trafficking, and Extortion Bill Passed - House (83 - 19)
4/13 HB 1465 Increases Penalties for Individuals that Possess or Discharge a Firearm While Involved in Human Trafficking Bill Passed - House (96 - 5)
4/13 HB 2929 Authorizes the Water Resources Department to Seek Injunctive Relief Against Violators or Attempted Violators of State Water Laws Bill Passed - House (31 - 20)
4/13 HB 2513 Requires the Oregon Health Authority Carry Out State Voter Approved Drug Decriminalization Law Bill Passed - House (49 - 3)
4/13 HB 1297 Authorizes the Death Penalty for for People Who Commit Sexual Assault on Children Bill Passed - House (95 - 14)
4/12 SB 989 Establishes Greater Victims Rights in Court Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 16)
4/12 SB 989 Establishes Greater Victims Rights in Court Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 16)
4/12 HB 2169 Specifies Parole Board Records are no Longer Exempt from Mandatory Disclosure Requirements in the Virginia Freedom of Information Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 35)
4/12 HB 2169 Specifies Parole Board Records are no Longer Exempt from Mandatory Disclosure Requirements in the Virginia Freedom of Information Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 35)
4/12 HF 654 Authorizes Firearms in Locked Vehicles on School Property Bill Passed - House (62 - 37)
4/11 HB 23-1011 Authorizes Individuals Right to Repair Agriculture Equipment Conference Report Adopted - House (44 - 16)
4/11 HB 1230 Establishes Penalties for the Intentional Submission of Petitions with Fraudulent Signatures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 38)

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