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 10, 2023 NM HB 306 Prohibits Purchasing a Firearm for Someone Who is Not Allowed or Intends to Use it in a Crime Bill Passed - House (62 - 3)
March 10, 2023 NM HB 306 Prohibits Purchasing a Firearm for Someone Who is Not Allowed or Intends to Use it in a Crime Bill Passed - House (62 - 3)
March 9, 2023 National HR 140 Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act Bill Passed - House (219 - 206)
March 8, 2023 MI SB 4 Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (64 - 45)
March 8, 2023 WA HB 1240 Prohibits the Sale, Manufacture, Delivery and Purchase of Assault Weapons Across the State Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
March 8, 2023 SC H 3014 Authorizes Additional Penalties for Perpetrators of Hate Crimes Bill Passed - House (84 - 31)
March 8, 2023 SC H 3014 Authorizes Additional Penalties for Perpetrators of Hate Crimes Bill Passed - House (84 - 31)
March 8, 2023 WA HB 1112 Authorizes New Penalties for Negligent Driving Bill Passed - House (86 - 11)
March 8, 2023 WA HB 1241 Establishes Harassing Election Workers as a Felony Crime Bill Passed - House (90 - 7)
March 8, 2023 WA HB 1112 Authorizes New Penalties for Negligent Driving Bill Passed - House (86 - 11)
March 7, 2023 MS SB 2523 Increases Penalties for Illegal Pecan Harvesting Bill Passed - House (104 - 5)
March 7, 2023 WA HB 1143 Establishes a 10-Day Waiting Period for Buying or Transferring Firearms Bill Passed - House (52 - 44)
March 7, 2023 HI HB 1336 Reduces the Number of Unnecessary Arrests by Replacing Misdemeanor Arrests with Tickets Bill Passed - House (32 - 19)
March 7, 2023 KY HB 262 Amends State Statute Laws to Add the Crime of Vehicular Homicide Bill Passed - House (89 - 5)
March 7, 2023 WA HB 1479 Prohibits Restraint or Isolation of Students in Public Schools and Educational Programs Bill Passed - House (63 - 31)
March 6, 2023 SD SB 91 Increases Criminal Penalties for Rape Bill Passed - House (66 - 2)
March 6, 2023 SD SB 1 Expands Definition of Who Can Access Medical Marijuana Program Bill Passed - House (36 - 32)
March 6, 2023 SD SB 207 Establishes Penalties for Appropriating Public Funds to Influence an Election Result Bill Passed - House (62 - 6)
March 6, 2023 TN HB 1189 Establishes Legal Protections for Gun Dealers, Manufacturers and Sellers Against Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (71 - 24)
March 6, 2023 GA HB 231 Establishes a Prosecuting Attorneys Oversight Commission Bill Passed - House (98 - 75)
March 6, 2023 GA HB 462 Requires 17 Year-Olds Accused of Certain Crimes to be Sent to Juvenile Court Bill Passed - House (145 - 22)
March 6, 2023 GA HB 30 Defines "Antisemitism" into State Law Bill Passed - House (136 - 22)
March 3, 2023 UT SB 250 Prohibits Certain Government Surveillance Systems Bill Passed - House (68 - 3)
March 3, 2023 WA HB 1394 Establishes a Developmentally Appropriate Response to Youth Who Commit Sexual Offenses Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
March 3, 2023 VT H 40 Prohibits Nonconsensual Removal or Tampering of a Condom Bill Passed - House (121 - 12)
March 3, 2023 ID H 186 Authorizes Execution by Firing Squad Bill Passed - House (50 - 15)
March 3, 2023 NM HB 207 Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of Sex, Sexual Orientation, or Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (47 - 20)
March 2, 2023 MT HB 693 Prohibits State Agencies from Denying Individual Records Request Due To Ongoing Litigation Bill Passed - House (94 - 4)
March 2, 2023 HI HB 981 Requires Fingerprint Based Criminal History Background Checks for Firearm Owners and Dealers Bill Passed - House (44 - 7)
March 1, 2023 UT SB 156 Establishes Requirements for Law Enforcement Use of Voluntary DNA Databases Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
March 1, 2023 NM HB 234 Increases Penalties for Robbery & Organized Retail Crime Bill Passed - House (61 - 3)
March 1, 2023 GA HB 505 Establishes Criminal Charges for Violent Rioting Bill Passed - House (98 - 73)
Feb. 28, 2023 SD HB 1090 Authorizes Protections for Farmers and Agricultural Operations from Frivolous Lawsuits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 7)
Feb. 28, 2023 SD SB 4 Amends Court Authority to Commit a Juvenile Habitual Offender to the Department of Corrections Bill Passed - House (62 - 7)
Feb. 28, 2023 SD SB 129 Amends Rules Prohibiting Assault Against Teachers Bill Passed - House (40 - 30)
Feb. 28, 2023 WA HB 1469 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion and Gender Affirming Care Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (59 - 38)
Feb. 27, 2023 UT HB 208 Amends Criminal Trespass Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 17)
Feb. 27, 2023 UT HB 208 Amends Criminal Trespass Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 17)
Feb. 27, 2023 GA HB 147 Requires All Schools Submit School Safety Plans and Active Shooter Drills Annually Bill Passed - House (148 - 20)
Feb. 27, 2023 SD HB 1017 Authorizes Construction of New Prison Facilities Bill Passed - House (53 - 16)
Feb. 27, 2023 CO HB 23-1100 Prohibits Government Participation in Civil Immigration Detention Bill Passed - House (41 - 22)
Feb. 25, 2023 VA SB 1361 Amends Parole Rules in the state of Virginia Bill Passed - House (66 - 23)
Feb. 24, 2023 VA SB 1188 Classifies Fentanyl as a "Weapons of Terrorism" and a Class 4 Felony Conference Report Adopted - House (50 - 42)
Feb. 24, 2023 VA SB 1188 Classifies Fentanyl as a "Weapons of Terrorism" and a Class 4 Felony Conference Report Adopted - House (50 - 42)
Feb. 24, 2023 PA HB 2 Amends State Law to Temporarily Open the 2-Year Window for Survivors to File Civil Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (134 - 67)
Feb. 23, 2023 VA HB 2298 Amends the List of Prohibited Concealed Weapons by Removing Switch Blades and Adding Stiletto Knives Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 32)
Feb. 23, 2023 SC H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - House (87 - 26)
Feb. 23, 2023 SC H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - House (87 - 26)
Feb. 22, 2023 VA SB 1455 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Establish a Curfew Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
Feb. 22, 2023 VA SB 1455 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Establish a Curfew Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
Feb. 22, 2023 KY HB 153 Prohibits Any Federal Ban or Regulation on Firearms Enacted in 2021 or After Bill Passed - House (78 - 19)
Feb. 22, 2023 IN HB 1334 Increases Restrictions on Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (64 - 28)
Feb. 22, 2023 ID H 66 Establishes False Reports of Child Abuse, Neglect, or Abandonment as a Misdemeanor Bill Passed - House (56 - 12)
Feb. 21, 2023 AZ HB 2523 Requires Students 17 and Younger to Recite the Pledge of Allegiance in School Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
Feb. 21, 2023 NM HB 4 Expands Various Voting Rights Bill Passed - House (41 - 26)
Feb. 21, 2023 AZ HB 2394 Prohibits Any County or Municipality in Arizona from Enacting New Taxes, Levies or Fees on Firearms or Ammunition Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
Feb. 21, 2023 IN HB 1365 Prohibits and Criminalizes "Machine-Gun Conversion" Devices Bill Passed - House (68 - 24)
Feb. 21, 2023 AZ HB 2474 Prohibits Schools from Requiring Students Receive Vaccines Approved via Emergency Authorization Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
Feb. 20, 2023 MN HF 55 Establishes a State Office to Investigate Cases of Missing Black Women and Girls Bill Passed - House (110 - 119)
Feb. 20, 2023 ND HB 1340 Prohibits Local Governments from Enforcing Stricter Gun Laws then Passed by the State Bill Passed - House (83 - 10)
Feb. 20, 2023 ND HB 1340 Prohibits Local Governments from Enforcing Stricter Gun Laws then Passed by the State Bill Passed - House (83 - 10)
Feb. 17, 2023 VA SB 948 Authorizes Pharmacists to Administer Controlled Substances or Devices for Certain Infections for Adults 18 and Older Bill Passed - House (65 - 34)
Feb. 17, 2023 UT HB 374 Repeals and Dissolves the Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake by 2025 Bill Passed - House (57 - 11)
Feb. 17, 2023 UT HB 297 Requires Law Enforcement Compile Data on Sexual Assault Reports Bill Passed - House (53 - 14)
Feb. 16, 2023 VA SB 1135 Classifies the Sale or Possession of a Stolen Catalytic Converter as a Class 6 Felony Bill Passed - House (75 - 24)
Feb. 16, 2023 VA SB 1492 Exempts Retired and Off-Duty Police Officers from the Prohibition of Firearms in the State Capital Bill Passed - House (59 - 40)
Feb. 16, 2023 VA SB 1492 Exempts Retired and Off-Duty Police Officers from the Prohibition of Firearms in the State Capital Bill Passed - House (59 - 40)
Feb. 16, 2023 MD HB 279 Establishes a Prescription Drug Affordability Board Bill Passed - House (97 - 38)
Feb. 16, 2023 AR HB 1307 Requires the State Divest from Financial Companies that Follow Certain Sociopolitical Guidelines Bill Passed - House (79 - 12)
Feb. 16, 2023 SD HB 1235 Authorizes a COVID-19 Vaccine Conscience Exemption Bill Failed - House (30 - 39)
Feb. 16, 2023 MT HB 356 Prohibits the State from Contracting with Companies that Discriminate Against Firearms Bill Passed - House (67 - 31)
Feb. 15, 2023 VA SB 898 Requires Safety Courses for Conceal-Carry Licenses Bill Passed - House (56 - 42)
Feb. 15, 2023 ND HB 1489 Prohibits Collegiate Transgender Athletes from Competing with the Gender They Identify As Bill Passed - House (75 - 18)
Feb. 15, 2023 ND HB 1249 Requires Classification of Student Athletes Based on "Biological Sex" Bill Passed - House (78 - 15)
Feb. 14, 2023 UT HJR 2 Amends how State Courts can Grant Injunctions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 14)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/10 HB 306 Prohibits Purchasing a Firearm for Someone Who is Not Allowed or Intends to Use it in a Crime Bill Passed - House (62 - 3)
3/10 HB 306 Prohibits Purchasing a Firearm for Someone Who is Not Allowed or Intends to Use it in a Crime Bill Passed - House (62 - 3)
3/09 HR 140 Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act Bill Passed - House (219 - 206)
3/08 SB 4 Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (64 - 45)
3/08 HB 1240 Prohibits the Sale, Manufacture, Delivery and Purchase of Assault Weapons Across the State Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
3/08 H 3014 Authorizes Additional Penalties for Perpetrators of Hate Crimes Bill Passed - House (84 - 31)
3/08 H 3014 Authorizes Additional Penalties for Perpetrators of Hate Crimes Bill Passed - House (84 - 31)
3/08 HB 1112 Authorizes New Penalties for Negligent Driving Bill Passed - House (86 - 11)
3/08 HB 1241 Establishes Harassing Election Workers as a Felony Crime Bill Passed - House (90 - 7)
3/08 HB 1112 Authorizes New Penalties for Negligent Driving Bill Passed - House (86 - 11)
3/07 SB 2523 Increases Penalties for Illegal Pecan Harvesting Bill Passed - House (104 - 5)
3/07 HB 1143 Establishes a 10-Day Waiting Period for Buying or Transferring Firearms Bill Passed - House (52 - 44)
3/07 HB 1336 Reduces the Number of Unnecessary Arrests by Replacing Misdemeanor Arrests with Tickets Bill Passed - House (32 - 19)
3/07 HB 262 Amends State Statute Laws to Add the Crime of Vehicular Homicide Bill Passed - House (89 - 5)
3/07 HB 1479 Prohibits Restraint or Isolation of Students in Public Schools and Educational Programs Bill Passed - House (63 - 31)
3/06 SB 91 Increases Criminal Penalties for Rape Bill Passed - House (66 - 2)
3/06 SB 1 Expands Definition of Who Can Access Medical Marijuana Program Bill Passed - House (36 - 32)
3/06 SB 207 Establishes Penalties for Appropriating Public Funds to Influence an Election Result Bill Passed - House (62 - 6)
3/06 HB 1189 Establishes Legal Protections for Gun Dealers, Manufacturers and Sellers Against Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (71 - 24)
3/06 HB 231 Establishes a Prosecuting Attorneys Oversight Commission Bill Passed - House (98 - 75)
3/06 HB 462 Requires 17 Year-Olds Accused of Certain Crimes to be Sent to Juvenile Court Bill Passed - House (145 - 22)
3/06 HB 30 Defines "Antisemitism" into State Law Bill Passed - House (136 - 22)
3/03 SB 250 Prohibits Certain Government Surveillance Systems Bill Passed - House (68 - 3)
3/03 HB 1394 Establishes a Developmentally Appropriate Response to Youth Who Commit Sexual Offenses Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
3/03 H 40 Prohibits Nonconsensual Removal or Tampering of a Condom Bill Passed - House (121 - 12)
3/03 H 186 Authorizes Execution by Firing Squad Bill Passed - House (50 - 15)
3/03 HB 207 Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of Sex, Sexual Orientation, or Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (47 - 20)
3/02 HB 693 Prohibits State Agencies from Denying Individual Records Request Due To Ongoing Litigation Bill Passed - House (94 - 4)
3/02 HB 981 Requires Fingerprint Based Criminal History Background Checks for Firearm Owners and Dealers Bill Passed - House (44 - 7)
3/01 SB 156 Establishes Requirements for Law Enforcement Use of Voluntary DNA Databases Bill Passed - House (46 - 24)
3/01 HB 234 Increases Penalties for Robbery & Organized Retail Crime Bill Passed - House (61 - 3)
3/01 HB 505 Establishes Criminal Charges for Violent Rioting Bill Passed - House (98 - 73)
2/28 HB 1090 Authorizes Protections for Farmers and Agricultural Operations from Frivolous Lawsuits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 7)
2/28 SB 4 Amends Court Authority to Commit a Juvenile Habitual Offender to the Department of Corrections Bill Passed - House (62 - 7)
2/28 SB 129 Amends Rules Prohibiting Assault Against Teachers Bill Passed - House (40 - 30)
2/28 HB 1469 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion and Gender Affirming Care Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (59 - 38)
2/27 HB 208 Amends Criminal Trespass Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 17)
2/27 HB 208 Amends Criminal Trespass Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 17)
2/27 HB 147 Requires All Schools Submit School Safety Plans and Active Shooter Drills Annually Bill Passed - House (148 - 20)
2/27 HB 1017 Authorizes Construction of New Prison Facilities Bill Passed - House (53 - 16)
2/27 HB 23-1100 Prohibits Government Participation in Civil Immigration Detention Bill Passed - House (41 - 22)
2/25 SB 1361 Amends Parole Rules in the state of Virginia Bill Passed - House (66 - 23)
2/24 SB 1188 Classifies Fentanyl as a "Weapons of Terrorism" and a Class 4 Felony Conference Report Adopted - House (50 - 42)
2/24 SB 1188 Classifies Fentanyl as a "Weapons of Terrorism" and a Class 4 Felony Conference Report Adopted - House (50 - 42)
2/24 HB 2 Amends State Law to Temporarily Open the 2-Year Window for Survivors to File Civil Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (134 - 67)
2/23 HB 2298 Amends the List of Prohibited Concealed Weapons by Removing Switch Blades and Adding Stiletto Knives Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 32)
2/23 H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - House (87 - 26)
2/23 H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - House (87 - 26)
2/22 SB 1455 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Establish a Curfew Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
2/22 SB 1455 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Establish a Curfew Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
2/22 HB 153 Prohibits Any Federal Ban or Regulation on Firearms Enacted in 2021 or After Bill Passed - House (78 - 19)
2/22 HB 1334 Increases Restrictions on Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (64 - 28)
2/22 H 66 Establishes False Reports of Child Abuse, Neglect, or Abandonment as a Misdemeanor Bill Passed - House (56 - 12)
2/21 HB 2523 Requires Students 17 and Younger to Recite the Pledge of Allegiance in School Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
2/21 HB 4 Expands Various Voting Rights Bill Passed - House (41 - 26)
2/21 HB 2394 Prohibits Any County or Municipality in Arizona from Enacting New Taxes, Levies or Fees on Firearms or Ammunition Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
2/21 HB 1365 Prohibits and Criminalizes "Machine-Gun Conversion" Devices Bill Passed - House (68 - 24)
2/21 HB 2474 Prohibits Schools from Requiring Students Receive Vaccines Approved via Emergency Authorization Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
2/20 HF 55 Establishes a State Office to Investigate Cases of Missing Black Women and Girls Bill Passed - House (110 - 119)
2/20 HB 1340 Prohibits Local Governments from Enforcing Stricter Gun Laws then Passed by the State Bill Passed - House (83 - 10)
2/20 HB 1340 Prohibits Local Governments from Enforcing Stricter Gun Laws then Passed by the State Bill Passed - House (83 - 10)
2/17 SB 948 Authorizes Pharmacists to Administer Controlled Substances or Devices for Certain Infections for Adults 18 and Older Bill Passed - House (65 - 34)
2/17 HB 374 Repeals and Dissolves the Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake by 2025 Bill Passed - House (57 - 11)
2/17 HB 297 Requires Law Enforcement Compile Data on Sexual Assault Reports Bill Passed - House (53 - 14)
2/16 SB 1135 Classifies the Sale or Possession of a Stolen Catalytic Converter as a Class 6 Felony Bill Passed - House (75 - 24)
2/16 SB 1492 Exempts Retired and Off-Duty Police Officers from the Prohibition of Firearms in the State Capital Bill Passed - House (59 - 40)
2/16 SB 1492 Exempts Retired and Off-Duty Police Officers from the Prohibition of Firearms in the State Capital Bill Passed - House (59 - 40)
2/16 HB 279 Establishes a Prescription Drug Affordability Board Bill Passed - House (97 - 38)
2/16 HB 1307 Requires the State Divest from Financial Companies that Follow Certain Sociopolitical Guidelines Bill Passed - House (79 - 12)
2/16 HB 1235 Authorizes a COVID-19 Vaccine Conscience Exemption Bill Failed - House (30 - 39)
2/16 HB 356 Prohibits the State from Contracting with Companies that Discriminate Against Firearms Bill Passed - House (67 - 31)
2/15 SB 898 Requires Safety Courses for Conceal-Carry Licenses Bill Passed - House (56 - 42)
2/15 HB 1489 Prohibits Collegiate Transgender Athletes from Competing with the Gender They Identify As Bill Passed - House (75 - 18)
2/15 HB 1249 Requires Classification of Student Athletes Based on "Biological Sex" Bill Passed - House (78 - 15)
2/14 HJR 2 Amends how State Courts can Grant Injunctions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 14)

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