Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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 4, 2019 ID H 180 Authorizes Syringe and Needle Exchange Program Bill Passed - House (47 - 20)
March 4, 2019 AZ HB 2693 Repeals Requirement that Firearms be Unloaded on School Grounds Bill Passed - House (31 - 27)
March 4, 2019 CO HB 19-1177 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - House (38 - 25)
March 1, 2019 KY SB 150 Authorizes Constitutional Carry Bill Passed - House (60 - 37)
March 1, 2019 MT HB 498 Authorizes Parolee Use of Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - House (60 - 39)
Feb. 28, 2019 CO SB 19-1025 Prohibits Employers from Asking About Employee Criminal History Bill Passed - House (42 - 22)
Feb. 28, 2019 National HR 1112 Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (228 - 198)
Feb. 27, 2019 KS HB 2167 Establishes System for Transfer of Certain Deer Hunting Permits to Nonresidents Bill Passed - House (63 - 60)
Feb. 27, 2019 WV HB 2519 Authorizes Concealed Carry on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (59 - 41)
Feb. 27, 2019 National HR 8 Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (240 - 190)
Feb. 27, 2019 OH HB 86 Amends Regulations for Firearm Length Bill Passed - House (76 - 20)
Feb. 26, 2019 CO HB 19-1119 Requires Law Enforcement Internal Investigations to Become Public Bill Passed - House (33 - 29)
Feb. 26, 2019 National H J Res 46 Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, 2019 Bill Passed - House (245 - 182)
Feb. 24, 2019 NM HB 564 Amends Probation and Parole Procedures Bill Passed - House (51 - 16)
Feb. 20, 2019 IA HF 262 Prohibits Pyramid Promotional Schemes Bill Passed - House (88 - 10)
Feb. 20, 2019 WA HB 1074 Increases the Smoking and Vaping Age to 21 Bill Passed - House (66 - 30)
Feb. 19, 2019 CO HB 19-1148 Reduces Maximum Criminal Penalty for Certain Crimes to 364 Days Bill Passed - House (41 - 21)
Feb. 19, 2019 ND HB 1381 Prohibits Government Funded Gun Buyback Programs Bill Passed - House (66 - 26)
Feb. 18, 2019 IN HB 1253 Authorizes Firearm Training for Teachers and School Staff Bill Passed - House (72 - 25)
Feb. 15, 2019 NV SB 143 Expands Background Checks for Private Gun Sales Bill Passed - House (28 - 13)
Feb. 14, 2019 NH HB 253 Prohibits Employers from Asking Job Applicants About Criminal History "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (213 - 142)
Feb. 14, 2019 IN HB 1615 Increases Penalties for Animal Abuse Bill Passed - House (81 - 13)
Feb. 13, 2019 OK HB 2597 Authorizes State Constitutional Carry Bill Passed - House (70 - 30)
Feb. 11, 2019 OK HB 2591 Requires Healthcare Providers Report Statutory Rape Bill Passed - House (79 - 20)
Feb. 8, 2019 NM HB 8 Requires Background Checks for Gun Sales Bill Passed - House (41 - 25)
Jan. 31, 2019 NJ A 4135 Establishes Procedures for Digital Parking Meters and a Fund for Encouraging Designated Drivers Bill Passed - House (55 - 20)
Jan. 29, 2019 NY S 101 Prohibits Firearms on School Campuses Bill Passed - House (104 - 40)
Jan. 29, 2019 NY S 2374 Amends Background Check Regulations Bill Passed - House (85 - 52)
Jan. 29, 2019 NY S 2451 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - House (100 - 37)
Jan. 29, 2019 NY S 2451 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - House (100 - 37)
Jan. 29, 2019 SD SB 47 Authorizes Concealed Carry to Individuals Without a Permit Bill Passed - House (47 - 23)
Jan. 29, 2019 NY S 2449 Establishes a Firearm Buyback Program Bill Passed - House (108 - 36)
Jan. 15, 2019 NY S 1047 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Expression Bill Passed - House (105 - 43)
Jan. 15, 2019 National H Res 41 Rejecting White Nationalism and White Supremacy Bill Passed - House (424 - 1)
Jan. 10, 2019 DE HB 1 Establishes an Equal Rights Amendment in the State Constitution Bill Passed - House (35 - 6)
Dec. 27, 2018 OH HB 228 Establishes New Self-Defense and Firearm Handling Rules Veto Override Passed - House (67 - 22)
Dec. 20, 2018 National S 756 First Step Act of 2018 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (358 - 36)
Dec. 17, 2018 NJ S 1036 Requires Attorney General to Appoint an Independent Prosecutor Bill Passed - House (41 - 34)
Dec. 17, 2018 NJ S 1036 Requires Attorney General to Appoint an Independent Prosecutor Bill Passed - House (41 - 34)
Dec. 6, 2018 OH HB 228 Establishes New Self-Defense and Firearm Handling Rules Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 22)
Dec. 4, 2018 MI SB 1175 Amends Laws Regarding State Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave Bill Passed - House (60 - 48)
Nov. 27, 2018 IL SB 3136 Authorizes More Discretion by the State Police in Positive Cannabis Testing Terminations Veto Override Passed - House (86 - 24)
Nov. 14, 2018 OH HB 228 Establishes New Self-Defense and Firearm Handling Rules Bill Passed - House (65 - 32)
Sept. 27, 2018 NJ A 2762 Amends Temporary Disability Leave Law Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 8)
Sept. 26, 2018 PA HB 2060 Requires Surrender of Firearms in Protection Abuse Situations Bill Passed - House (131 - 62)
Sept. 26, 2018 PA HB 2060 Requires Surrender of Firearms in Protection Abuse Situations Bill Passed - House (131 - 62)
Sept. 26, 2018 MI HB 5548 Establishes Online Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (107 - 0)
Sept. 25, 2018 PA SB 261 Increases the Statute of Limitations for Victims of Sexual Abuse Bill Passed - House (173 - 21)
Sept. 7, 2018 National HR 6691 Community Safety and Security Act of 2018 Bill Passed - House (247 - 152)
Aug. 23, 2018 CA SB 820 Prohibits Non-Disclosure Agreements in Sexual Assault, Harassment, or Discrimination Cases Bill Passed - House (56 - 19)
Aug. 20, 2018 CA SB 10 Establishes New Provisions for the Criminal Justice System Bill Passed - House (42 - 31)
July 26, 2018 National HR 5515 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 Conference Report Adopted - House (359 - 54)
June 28, 2018 MA H 4670 Authorizes Temporary Firearm Removal to Those Deemed a Threat Concurrence Vote Passed - House (132 - 15)
June 27, 2018 OH SB 66 Authorizes Judges to Sentence Individuals to "Community Control" Facilities (90 - 2)
June 27, 2018 OH SB 81 Amends Renewal Procedures for Veteran Concealed Carry Permits Bill Passed - House (84 - 7)
June 27, 2018 OH HB 349 Establishes Criminal Penalties for Mistreatment of Search and Rescue Animals Bill Passed - House (78 - 15)
June 27, 2018 OH HB 36 Exempts Licensed Ministers From Preforming Marriage Ceremonies Against Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - House (61 - 30)
June 25, 2018 PA HB 1037 Limits Punitive Damages in Certain Medical Lawsuits Bill Failed - House (91 - 103)
June 22, 2018 National HR 6 Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 Bill Passed - House (396 - 14)
June 21, 2018 NJ A 3861 Amends Unemployment Insurance Law (48 - 25)
June 20, 2018 OH SB 4 Authorizes Expunged Convictions for Victims of Human Trafficking Bill Passed - House (81 - 12)
June 20, 2018 OH HB 365 Amends Prison Parole and Sentencing Laws Bill Passed - House (90 - 3)
June 15, 2018 National HR 2851 SITSA Act Bill Passed - House (239 - 142)
June 14, 2018 DE HB 300 Prohibits Bump Stocks Conference Report Adopted - House (36 - 2)
June 14, 2018 RI H 7715 Classifies Delivery a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death as a Crime Bill Passed - House (55 - 14)
June 14, 2018 RI H 7715 Classifies Delivery a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death as a Crime Bill Passed - House (55 - 14)
June 14, 2018 National HR 5735 THRIVE Act Bill Passed - House (230 - 173)
June 13, 2018 NC SB 768 Amends Law to Include Person-First Lanugage Bill Passed - House (109 - 2)
June 13, 2018 NC SB 616 Establishes Heroin And Opioid Prevention and Enforcement Act Bill Passed - House (87 - 25)
June 13, 2018 NC SB 616 Establishes Heroin And Opioid Prevention and Enforcement Act Bill Passed - House (87 - 25)
June 13, 2018 NY A 6823 Amends Sex Trafficking Definition Bill Passed - House (137 - 0)
June 13, 2018 NY A 11148 Authorizes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - House (108 - 30)
June 7, 2018 NJ A 2761 Prohibits Firearm Magazines with More than 10 Rounds Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 20)
June 7, 2018 NJ A 1217 Authorizes Extreme Risk Protective Orders Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 11)
June 7, 2018 DE SB 65 Prohibits the Practice of Conversion Therapy Bill Passed - House (24 - 14)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/04 H 180 Authorizes Syringe and Needle Exchange Program Bill Passed - House (47 - 20)
3/04 HB 2693 Repeals Requirement that Firearms be Unloaded on School Grounds Bill Passed - House (31 - 27)
3/04 HB 19-1177 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - House (38 - 25)
3/01 SB 150 Authorizes Constitutional Carry Bill Passed - House (60 - 37)
3/01 HB 498 Authorizes Parolee Use of Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - House (60 - 39)
2/28 SB 19-1025 Prohibits Employers from Asking About Employee Criminal History Bill Passed - House (42 - 22)
2/28 HR 1112 Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (228 - 198)
2/27 HB 2167 Establishes System for Transfer of Certain Deer Hunting Permits to Nonresidents Bill Passed - House (63 - 60)
2/27 HB 2519 Authorizes Concealed Carry on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (59 - 41)
2/27 HR 8 Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (240 - 190)
2/27 HB 86 Amends Regulations for Firearm Length Bill Passed - House (76 - 20)
2/26 HB 19-1119 Requires Law Enforcement Internal Investigations to Become Public Bill Passed - House (33 - 29)
2/26 H J Res 46 Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, 2019 Bill Passed - House (245 - 182)
2/24 HB 564 Amends Probation and Parole Procedures Bill Passed - House (51 - 16)
2/20 HF 262 Prohibits Pyramid Promotional Schemes Bill Passed - House (88 - 10)
2/20 HB 1074 Increases the Smoking and Vaping Age to 21 Bill Passed - House (66 - 30)
2/19 HB 19-1148 Reduces Maximum Criminal Penalty for Certain Crimes to 364 Days Bill Passed - House (41 - 21)
2/19 HB 1381 Prohibits Government Funded Gun Buyback Programs Bill Passed - House (66 - 26)
2/18 HB 1253 Authorizes Firearm Training for Teachers and School Staff Bill Passed - House (72 - 25)
2/15 SB 143 Expands Background Checks for Private Gun Sales Bill Passed - House (28 - 13)
2/14 HB 253 Prohibits Employers from Asking Job Applicants About Criminal History "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (213 - 142)
2/14 HB 1615 Increases Penalties for Animal Abuse Bill Passed - House (81 - 13)
2/13 HB 2597 Authorizes State Constitutional Carry Bill Passed - House (70 - 30)
2/11 HB 2591 Requires Healthcare Providers Report Statutory Rape Bill Passed - House (79 - 20)
2/08 HB 8 Requires Background Checks for Gun Sales Bill Passed - House (41 - 25)
1/31 A 4135 Establishes Procedures for Digital Parking Meters and a Fund for Encouraging Designated Drivers Bill Passed - House (55 - 20)
1/29 S 101 Prohibits Firearms on School Campuses Bill Passed - House (104 - 40)
1/29 S 2374 Amends Background Check Regulations Bill Passed - House (85 - 52)
1/29 S 2451 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - House (100 - 37)
1/29 S 2451 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - House (100 - 37)
1/29 SB 47 Authorizes Concealed Carry to Individuals Without a Permit Bill Passed - House (47 - 23)
1/29 S 2449 Establishes a Firearm Buyback Program Bill Passed - House (108 - 36)
1/15 S 1047 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Expression Bill Passed - House (105 - 43)
1/15 H Res 41 Rejecting White Nationalism and White Supremacy Bill Passed - House (424 - 1)
1/10 HB 1 Establishes an Equal Rights Amendment in the State Constitution Bill Passed - House (35 - 6)
12/27 HB 228 Establishes New Self-Defense and Firearm Handling Rules Veto Override Passed - House (67 - 22)
12/20 S 756 First Step Act of 2018 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (358 - 36)
12/17 S 1036 Requires Attorney General to Appoint an Independent Prosecutor Bill Passed - House (41 - 34)
12/17 S 1036 Requires Attorney General to Appoint an Independent Prosecutor Bill Passed - House (41 - 34)
12/06 HB 228 Establishes New Self-Defense and Firearm Handling Rules Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 22)
12/04 SB 1175 Amends Laws Regarding State Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave Bill Passed - House (60 - 48)
11/27 SB 3136 Authorizes More Discretion by the State Police in Positive Cannabis Testing Terminations Veto Override Passed - House (86 - 24)
11/14 HB 228 Establishes New Self-Defense and Firearm Handling Rules Bill Passed - House (65 - 32)
9/27 A 2762 Amends Temporary Disability Leave Law Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 8)
9/26 HB 2060 Requires Surrender of Firearms in Protection Abuse Situations Bill Passed - House (131 - 62)
9/26 HB 2060 Requires Surrender of Firearms in Protection Abuse Situations Bill Passed - House (131 - 62)
9/26 HB 5548 Establishes Online Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (107 - 0)
9/25 SB 261 Increases the Statute of Limitations for Victims of Sexual Abuse Bill Passed - House (173 - 21)
9/07 HR 6691 Community Safety and Security Act of 2018 Bill Passed - House (247 - 152)
8/23 SB 820 Prohibits Non-Disclosure Agreements in Sexual Assault, Harassment, or Discrimination Cases Bill Passed - House (56 - 19)
8/20 SB 10 Establishes New Provisions for the Criminal Justice System Bill Passed - House (42 - 31)
7/26 HR 5515 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 Conference Report Adopted - House (359 - 54)
6/28 H 4670 Authorizes Temporary Firearm Removal to Those Deemed a Threat Concurrence Vote Passed - House (132 - 15)
6/27 SB 66 Authorizes Judges to Sentence Individuals to "Community Control" Facilities (90 - 2)
6/27 SB 81 Amends Renewal Procedures for Veteran Concealed Carry Permits Bill Passed - House (84 - 7)
6/27 HB 349 Establishes Criminal Penalties for Mistreatment of Search and Rescue Animals Bill Passed - House (78 - 15)
6/27 HB 36 Exempts Licensed Ministers From Preforming Marriage Ceremonies Against Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - House (61 - 30)
6/25 HB 1037 Limits Punitive Damages in Certain Medical Lawsuits Bill Failed - House (91 - 103)
6/22 HR 6 Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 Bill Passed - House (396 - 14)
6/21 A 3861 Amends Unemployment Insurance Law (48 - 25)
6/20 SB 4 Authorizes Expunged Convictions for Victims of Human Trafficking Bill Passed - House (81 - 12)
6/20 HB 365 Amends Prison Parole and Sentencing Laws Bill Passed - House (90 - 3)
6/15 HR 2851 SITSA Act Bill Passed - House (239 - 142)
6/14 HB 300 Prohibits Bump Stocks Conference Report Adopted - House (36 - 2)
6/14 H 7715 Classifies Delivery a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death as a Crime Bill Passed - House (55 - 14)
6/14 H 7715 Classifies Delivery a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death as a Crime Bill Passed - House (55 - 14)
6/14 HR 5735 THRIVE Act Bill Passed - House (230 - 173)
6/13 SB 768 Amends Law to Include Person-First Lanugage Bill Passed - House (109 - 2)
6/13 SB 616 Establishes Heroin And Opioid Prevention and Enforcement Act Bill Passed - House (87 - 25)
6/13 SB 616 Establishes Heroin And Opioid Prevention and Enforcement Act Bill Passed - House (87 - 25)
6/13 A 6823 Amends Sex Trafficking Definition Bill Passed - House (137 - 0)
6/13 A 11148 Authorizes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - House (108 - 30)
6/07 A 2761 Prohibits Firearm Magazines with More than 10 Rounds Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 20)
6/07 A 1217 Authorizes Extreme Risk Protective Orders Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 11)
6/07 SB 65 Prohibits the Practice of Conversion Therapy Bill Passed - House (24 - 14)

arrow_upward