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.


Page 1 of 58
results per page:
Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
Aug. 19, 2026 NH HB 1422 Authorizes Additional Time to Petition for a New Trial in Certain Circumstances Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
Aug. 19, 2026 NH HB 1422 Authorizes Additional Time to Petition for a New Trial in Certain Circumstances Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
Aug. 8, 2026 National PN 1078 Nomination of Todd Blanche, of Florida, to be Attorney General, vice Pamela Bondi Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 49)
July 2, 2026 NC HB 328 Prohibits the Sale of Intoxicating Hemp-Derived Products Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 6)
July 2, 2026 CA AB 2018 Expands Use of the Department of Justice's Missing Persons DNA Program Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
June 30, 2026 NC HB 1173 Specifies Criteria for Identifying and Prosecuting Alleged Gang Activity Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
June 25, 2026 DE HB 368 Prohibits Law Enforcement from Acting on Behalf of Federal Immigration Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
June 25, 2026 PA SB 1212 Amends Statutory Language to Reduce Sexual Assault Evidence Testing Wait Times Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
June 24, 2026 NC HB 437 Prohibits Public Camping and Expands Drug Offenses Near Homeless Services Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 16)
June 24, 2026 NC HB 437 Prohibits Public Camping and Expands Drug Offenses Near Homeless Services Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 16)
June 24, 2026 PA SB 1273 Authorizes Electronic Toll Data to be Provided to Law Enforcement in Amber Alert and Missing Endangered Persons Cases Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 2)
June 23, 2026 PA SB 469 Authorizes $1 Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
June 23, 2026 PA SB 469 Authorizes $1 Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
June 18, 2026 NJ S 1090 Establishes the Crime of Political Violence Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
June 17, 2026 National S Res 616 A resolution requesting information on Honduras's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 Motion Rejected - Senate (44 - 50)
June 15, 2026 CA AB 1948 Extends the Duration of Concealed Carry Licenses from Two to Three Years Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
June 11, 2026 RI S 2047 Reduces the Maximum Prison Sentence for a Misdemeanor to 364 days Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
June 11, 2026 National PN 904-1 Nomination of Brock Dahl, of Maryland, to be Legal Adviser of the Department of State, vice Reed Rubinstein Nomination Confirmed - Senate (49 - 44)
June 5, 2026 National S 1318 Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act Motion Rejected - Senate (47 - 52)
June 5, 2026 National S 2 Secure America Act Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 47)
June 5, 2026 National S 2 Secure America Act Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 47)
June 3, 2026 RI H 7200 Authorizes Expired Civil Claims of Sexual Abuse to be Brought to Court Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
June 3, 2026 RI H 7200 Authorizes Expired Civil Claims of Sexual Abuse to be Brought to Court Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
June 3, 2026 National S 2 Secure America Act Motion Agreed - Senate (53 - 46)
June 3, 2026 National S 2 Secure America Act Motion Agreed - Senate (53 - 46)
June 1, 2026 LA HB 414 Prohibits Those With Criminal Convictions In Another State From Being Hired As Non-licensed Health Professionals Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 8)
May 29, 2026 LA HB 410 Prohibits the Use of Wearable Devices to Record Conversations Without Consent Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
May 20, 2026 LA HB 782 Expands Regulations and Increases Fees for Nicotine Sales Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 0)
May 19, 2026 AK HB 239 Increases the Penalties for Certain Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
May 19, 2026 LA HB 789 Authorizes Seizure of Off-road Vehicles by Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
May 18, 2026 LA HB 568 Increases Penalties for Smoking in School Zones Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
May 18, 2026 LA HB 568 Increases Penalties for Smoking in School Zones Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
May 6, 2026 DE HB 151 Prohibits Government Partnership with Private Detention Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
May 5, 2026 LA HB 102 Establishes the Crime of Second Degree Cruelty to the Elderly and Individuals with Infirmities Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
May 4, 2026 MN SF 4067 Prohibits Assault-Style Weapons and High-Capacity Magazines and Establishes Other Regulations Related to Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 33)
May 3, 2026 IA HF 2787 Prohibits the Operation of Warrant Resolution Clinics Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 12)
May 2, 2026 IA HF 2542 Establishes a Mandatory Minimum Sentence of Seven Years for Individuals Convicted of a Third Felony Offense Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 6)
April 29, 2026 National PN 730-14 Nomination of Robert Cekada, of Florida, to be Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, vice Steven M. Dettelbach, resigned Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 39)
April 29, 2026 OK HB 3834 Authorizes Clinical Trials for Ibogaine Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 9)
April 27, 2026 National PN 730-14 Nomination of Robert Cekada, of Florida, to be Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, vice Steven M. Dettelbach, resigned Cloture Invoked - Senate (54 - 37)
April 22, 2026 CO SB 26-036 Authorizes Advanced Release of Some Inmates When Overcrowding Occurs in Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
April 20, 2026 OK HB 1933 Prohibits the Use of Nitrous Oxide for the Purpose of Intoxication Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
April 14, 2026 KY HB 312 Authorizes Provisional Concealed Carry Licenses for 18 to 20 Year Olds Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
April 14, 2026 VT H 849 Authorizes Citizens to Sue Federal Officials for Constitutional Rights Violations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
April 14, 2026 VT H 849 Authorizes Citizens to Sue Federal Officials for Constitutional Rights Violations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
April 14, 2026 CT SB 397 Authorizes Residents to Sue Federal Law Enforcement in State Court Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
April 13, 2026 MD SB 791 Prohibits Correctional Facilities from Taking Certain Actions Related to Immigration Enforcement Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
April 10, 2026 MD SB 791 Prohibits Correctional Facilities from Taking Certain Actions Related to Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 13)
April 9, 2026 KS HB 2333 Establishes Protections for Political Speech on College Campuses Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
April 8, 2026 ME LD 2106 Prohibits Immigration Enforcement from Entering Certain Public Places Without a Warrant Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
April 2, 2026 TN HB 1971 Repeals Individuals' Ability to Sue the State for Claims of Unconstitutional Laws in Certain Circumstances Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
April 1, 2026 MS SB 2409 Establishes a Natural Disaster Mitigation Grant Program for Homeowners Conference Report Adopted - Senate (52 - 0)
April 1, 2026 KY SB 251 Authorizes the Department of Corrections to Establish Internal Rules for Implementing the Death Penalty Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
April 1, 2026 AZ HB 2223 Requires Disclosure and Notification When a Registered Sex Offender Requests a Legal Name Change Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 0)
April 1, 2026 VT S 193 Establishes a Facility for Individuals Charged With Violent Crimes Found Temporarily Incompetent to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1)
April 1, 2026 VT S 193 Establishes a Facility for Individuals Charged With Violent Crimes Found Temporarily Incompetent to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1)
March 30, 2026 MS HB 1444 Requires the Department of Corrections to Provide Protective Equipment to Inmates Handling Cleaning Chemicals Conference Report Adopted - Senate (51 - 0)
March 26, 2026 National HR 7147 Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 47)
March 26, 2026 OK SB 2139 Requires County Clerks to Remove Discriminatory Language from Existing Plats Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 0)
March 25, 2026 National HR 7147 Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 46)
March 24, 2026 National PN 786-9 Nomination of Colin McDonald, of California, to be an Assistant Attorney General, vice Todd Sunhwae Kim Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 47)
March 24, 2026 ID H 570 Increases the Penalty for Excessive Speeding in a School Zone Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
March 24, 2026 IA HF 2527 Limits the Liability of Defendants for Damages Caused by Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
March 24, 2026 OK SB 346 Amends the Background Check Process for Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
March 23, 2026 National PN 858 Nomination of Markwayne Mullin, of Oklahoma, to be Secretary of Homeland Security, vice Kristi Noem (54 - 45)
March 23, 2026 NJ A 4071 Prohibits State and Local Law Enforcement from Assisting with Federal Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
March 23, 2026 National PN 786-9 Nomination of Colin McDonald, of California, to be an Assistant Attorney General, vice Todd Sunhwae Kim Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 45)
March 23, 2026 NJ S 3114 Prohibits Law Enforcement Officers from Wearing Masks While Interacting with the Public Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
March 22, 2026 National PN 858 Nomination of Markwayne Mullin, of Oklahoma, to be Secretary of Homeland Security, vice Kristi Noem Cloture Invoked - Senate (54 - 37)
March 20, 2026 National HR 7147 Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (47 - 37)
March 19, 2026 KS HB 2444 Amends Certain Provisions Related to Criminal Sentencing and Release Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
March 19, 2026 KS HB 2444 Amends Certain Provisions Related to Criminal Sentencing and Release Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
March 19, 2026 KS HB 2593 Limits Local Governments' Authority to Contract Legal Services Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
March 17, 2026 ID H 724 Establishes Rights for Foster Children Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
March 16, 2026 OK SB 1213 Amends Inmate Earned Credit Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
Date No. Title Outcome
8/19 HB 1422 Authorizes Additional Time to Petition for a New Trial in Certain Circumstances Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
8/19 HB 1422 Authorizes Additional Time to Petition for a New Trial in Certain Circumstances Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
8/08 PN 1078 Nomination of Todd Blanche, of Florida, to be Attorney General, vice Pamela Bondi Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 49)
7/02 HB 328 Prohibits the Sale of Intoxicating Hemp-Derived Products Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 6)
7/02 AB 2018 Expands Use of the Department of Justice's Missing Persons DNA Program Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
6/30 HB 1173 Specifies Criteria for Identifying and Prosecuting Alleged Gang Activity Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
6/25 HB 368 Prohibits Law Enforcement from Acting on Behalf of Federal Immigration Authorities Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
6/25 SB 1212 Amends Statutory Language to Reduce Sexual Assault Evidence Testing Wait Times Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
6/24 HB 437 Prohibits Public Camping and Expands Drug Offenses Near Homeless Services Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 16)
6/24 HB 437 Prohibits Public Camping and Expands Drug Offenses Near Homeless Services Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 16)
6/24 SB 1273 Authorizes Electronic Toll Data to be Provided to Law Enforcement in Amber Alert and Missing Endangered Persons Cases Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 2)
6/23 SB 469 Authorizes $1 Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
6/23 SB 469 Authorizes $1 Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
6/18 S 1090 Establishes the Crime of Political Violence Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
6/17 S Res 616 A resolution requesting information on Honduras's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 Motion Rejected - Senate (44 - 50)
6/15 AB 1948 Extends the Duration of Concealed Carry Licenses from Two to Three Years Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
6/11 S 2047 Reduces the Maximum Prison Sentence for a Misdemeanor to 364 days Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
6/11 PN 904-1 Nomination of Brock Dahl, of Maryland, to be Legal Adviser of the Department of State, vice Reed Rubinstein Nomination Confirmed - Senate (49 - 44)
6/05 S 1318 Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act Motion Rejected - Senate (47 - 52)
6/05 S 2 Secure America Act Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 47)
6/05 S 2 Secure America Act Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 47)
6/03 H 7200 Authorizes Expired Civil Claims of Sexual Abuse to be Brought to Court Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
6/03 H 7200 Authorizes Expired Civil Claims of Sexual Abuse to be Brought to Court Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
6/03 S 2 Secure America Act Motion Agreed - Senate (53 - 46)
6/03 S 2 Secure America Act Motion Agreed - Senate (53 - 46)
6/01 HB 414 Prohibits Those With Criminal Convictions In Another State From Being Hired As Non-licensed Health Professionals Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 8)
5/29 HB 410 Prohibits the Use of Wearable Devices to Record Conversations Without Consent Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
5/20 HB 782 Expands Regulations and Increases Fees for Nicotine Sales Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 0)
5/19 HB 239 Increases the Penalties for Certain Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
5/19 HB 789 Authorizes Seizure of Off-road Vehicles by Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
5/18 HB 568 Increases Penalties for Smoking in School Zones Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
5/18 HB 568 Increases Penalties for Smoking in School Zones Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
5/06 HB 151 Prohibits Government Partnership with Private Detention Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
5/05 HB 102 Establishes the Crime of Second Degree Cruelty to the Elderly and Individuals with Infirmities Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
5/04 SF 4067 Prohibits Assault-Style Weapons and High-Capacity Magazines and Establishes Other Regulations Related to Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 33)
5/03 HF 2787 Prohibits the Operation of Warrant Resolution Clinics Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 12)
5/02 HF 2542 Establishes a Mandatory Minimum Sentence of Seven Years for Individuals Convicted of a Third Felony Offense Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 6)
4/29 PN 730-14 Nomination of Robert Cekada, of Florida, to be Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, vice Steven M. Dettelbach, resigned Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 39)
4/29 HB 3834 Authorizes Clinical Trials for Ibogaine Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 9)
4/27 PN 730-14 Nomination of Robert Cekada, of Florida, to be Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, vice Steven M. Dettelbach, resigned Cloture Invoked - Senate (54 - 37)
4/22 SB 26-036 Authorizes Advanced Release of Some Inmates When Overcrowding Occurs in Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
4/20 HB 1933 Prohibits the Use of Nitrous Oxide for the Purpose of Intoxication Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
4/14 HB 312 Authorizes Provisional Concealed Carry Licenses for 18 to 20 Year Olds Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
4/14 H 849 Authorizes Citizens to Sue Federal Officials for Constitutional Rights Violations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
4/14 H 849 Authorizes Citizens to Sue Federal Officials for Constitutional Rights Violations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
4/14 SB 397 Authorizes Residents to Sue Federal Law Enforcement in State Court Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
4/13 SB 791 Prohibits Correctional Facilities from Taking Certain Actions Related to Immigration Enforcement Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
4/10 SB 791 Prohibits Correctional Facilities from Taking Certain Actions Related to Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 13)
4/09 HB 2333 Establishes Protections for Political Speech on College Campuses Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
4/08 LD 2106 Prohibits Immigration Enforcement from Entering Certain Public Places Without a Warrant Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
4/02 HB 1971 Repeals Individuals' Ability to Sue the State for Claims of Unconstitutional Laws in Certain Circumstances Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
4/01 SB 2409 Establishes a Natural Disaster Mitigation Grant Program for Homeowners Conference Report Adopted - Senate (52 - 0)
4/01 SB 251 Authorizes the Department of Corrections to Establish Internal Rules for Implementing the Death Penalty Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
4/01 HB 2223 Requires Disclosure and Notification When a Registered Sex Offender Requests a Legal Name Change Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 0)
4/01 S 193 Establishes a Facility for Individuals Charged With Violent Crimes Found Temporarily Incompetent to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1)
4/01 S 193 Establishes a Facility for Individuals Charged With Violent Crimes Found Temporarily Incompetent to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1)
3/30 HB 1444 Requires the Department of Corrections to Provide Protective Equipment to Inmates Handling Cleaning Chemicals Conference Report Adopted - Senate (51 - 0)
3/26 HR 7147 Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 47)
3/26 SB 2139 Requires County Clerks to Remove Discriminatory Language from Existing Plats Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 0)
3/25 HR 7147 Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 46)
3/24 PN 786-9 Nomination of Colin McDonald, of California, to be an Assistant Attorney General, vice Todd Sunhwae Kim Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 47)
3/24 H 570 Increases the Penalty for Excessive Speeding in a School Zone Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
3/24 HF 2527 Limits the Liability of Defendants for Damages Caused by Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
3/24 SB 346 Amends the Background Check Process for Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
3/23 PN 858 Nomination of Markwayne Mullin, of Oklahoma, to be Secretary of Homeland Security, vice Kristi Noem (54 - 45)
3/23 A 4071 Prohibits State and Local Law Enforcement from Assisting with Federal Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
3/23 PN 786-9 Nomination of Colin McDonald, of California, to be an Assistant Attorney General, vice Todd Sunhwae Kim Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 45)
3/23 S 3114 Prohibits Law Enforcement Officers from Wearing Masks While Interacting with the Public Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
3/22 PN 858 Nomination of Markwayne Mullin, of Oklahoma, to be Secretary of Homeland Security, vice Kristi Noem Cloture Invoked - Senate (54 - 37)
3/20 HR 7147 Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (47 - 37)
3/19 HB 2444 Amends Certain Provisions Related to Criminal Sentencing and Release Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
3/19 HB 2444 Amends Certain Provisions Related to Criminal Sentencing and Release Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
3/19 HB 2593 Limits Local Governments' Authority to Contract Legal Services Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
3/17 H 724 Establishes Rights for Foster Children Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
3/16 SB 1213 Amends Inmate Earned Credit Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)

Page 1 of 58
arrow_upward