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
Jan. 30, 2025 NH SB 14 Establishes Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Individuals Convicted on Fentanyl Charges "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2025 NH SB 14 Establishes Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Individuals Convicted on Fentanyl Charges "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2025 ID S 1019 Prohibits Making False Emergency Reports (Swatting) Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
Jan. 30, 2025 SD SB 64 Amends Rules about Setting Parole Dates Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
Jan. 29, 2025 ND SB 2137 Authorizes Hunters to Bait Deer on Private Property Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
Jan. 29, 2025 TN SB 6002 Establishes Class E Felony Criminal Penalties for Officials Who Adopt Sanctuary City Policies Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Jan. 28, 2025 NY A 434 Requires Car Makers and Dealers Allow Domestic Violence Victims to Block Third-Party Access to Their Vehicle's Tracking or Control System Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 0)
Jan. 28, 2025 VA SB 1182 Authorizes Public Universities to Ban Firearms and Explosive Materials in Their Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 28, 2025 VA SB 1134 Requires Secure Storage of Firearms in Households with Minors Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 28, 2025 VA SB 886 Prohibits the Use of Trigger Activators in Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 28, 2025 VA SB 880 Prohibits Carrying Assault-Style Weapons in Public Areas Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 27, 2025 ID S 1001 Establishes the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
Jan. 27, 2025 VA SB 1110 Prohibits Weapons in Hospitals that Provide Mental Health Services Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Jan. 27, 2025 VA SB 1110 Prohibits Weapons in Hospitals that Provide Mental Health Services Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Jan. 27, 2025 VA SB 891 Requires a 5-Day Waiting Period for Firearm Sales Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Jan. 27, 2025 VA SB 881 Prohibits the Manufacturing and Sale of Unserialized Firearms (Ghost Guns) Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Jan. 27, 2025 VA SB 1181 Limits the Sale of Assault-Style Firearm Weapons to Individuals 21 or Older Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Jan. 25, 2025 National PN 11-11 Nomination of Kristi Noem to be Secretary of Homeland Security Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 34)
Jan. 24, 2025 National PN 11-11 Nomination of Kristi Noem to be Secretary of Homeland Security Cloture Invoked - Senate (61 - 39)
Jan. 24, 2025 SD SB 41 Specifies the Minimum Age Requirements for a Hunting License Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
Jan. 23, 2025 SD SB 2 Increases Civil Penalties for Commercial Driver Violations Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
Jan. 22, 2025 WY SF 53 Authorizes the Secretary of State to Administratively Cancel Trademarks Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Jan. 21, 2025 NY S 36 Authorizes Pharmacists to Print the Name of a Healthcare Practice on Prescription Labels for Mifepristone and Misoprostol Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 20)
Jan. 20, 2025 National S 5 Laken Riley Act Bill Passed - Senate (64 - 35)
Jan. 17, 2025 National S 5 Laken Riley Act Cloture Invoked - Senate (61 - 35)
Jan. 13, 2025 National S 5 Laken Riley Act Motion Agreed - Senate (82 - 10)
Jan. 8, 2025 National S 5 Laken Riley Act Cloture Invoked - Senate (84 - 9)
Jan. 6, 2025 IL HB 4144 Requires Police to Take Guns After Orders of Protection Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 10)
Jan. 6, 2025 IL HB 4144 Requires Police to Take Guns After Orders of Protection Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 10)
Dec. 20, 2024 MI HB 4173 Establishes the "Michigan Sentencing Commission" in the Legislative Council Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
Dec. 20, 2024 MI HB 6046 Expands Access to Violence Prevention Services and Support Victims of Violence Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Dec. 20, 2024 MI HB 5400 Amends The Term "Ethnic Intimidation" to "Hate Crime" in the Civil Rights Chapter of the State Penal Code Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Dec. 20, 2024 MI HB 6145 Amends Various Public Regulations Relating to Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Dec. 20, 2024 MI HB 4485 Amends Criminal Procedures for Indictments to be Filed Within 15 Years of a Crime or by the Victim's 42nd Birthday Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
Dec. 20, 2024 MI HB 4485 Amends Criminal Procedures for Indictments to be Filed Within 15 Years of a Crime or by the Victim's 42nd Birthday Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
Dec. 19, 2024 MI HB 5450 Requires that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Create a Notice in English, Spanish and Arabic Regarding the Safe Storage of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Dec. 19, 2024 MI HB 5451 Requires the Safe Firearm Storage Notice Created by MDHHS be Distributed Parents and Legal Guardians of Students Yearly Beginning October 1, 2025 Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Dec. 18, 2024 OH SB 58 Exempts Firearms from Liability Insurance or Fee Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
Dec. 18, 2024 OH SB 63 Requires Individuals that Have Been Exposed to Asbestos to File Specific Types of Disclosures Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
Dec. 18, 2024 OH HB 206 Increases School Suspension to a Year for Students that Make Online Dangerous Threats Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
Dec. 11, 2024 OH SB 109 Increases the Authority of the State Medical Board of Ohio to Hold Sexually Abusive Medical Professionals Accountable Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
Dec. 4, 2024 OH HB 111 Increases the Criminal Sentence Range for 3rd-Degree Felony Domestic Violence Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
Dec. 4, 2024 OH HB 111 Increases the Criminal Sentence Range for 3rd-Degree Felony Domestic Violence Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
Nov. 13, 2024 PA HB 1210 Authorizes Animals to be Included in Protection from Abuse Orders Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 1)
Oct. 30, 2024 MI SB 167 Authorizes Corrections, Conservation, and Others to Become Members of the Michigan State Police Hybrid Retirement System Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
Oct. 30, 2024 MI SB 166 Transfers Certain Law Enforcement Officers to the Michigan State Police Retirement System Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
Oct. 30, 2024 MI SB 165 Amends Retirement System Membership for Certain Law Enforcement Officers Hired After Enactment Date Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
Oct. 24, 2024 NC SB 743 Appropriates Emergency Funding for the Disaster Recovery Act Part II Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 0)
Oct. 9, 2024 PA HB 1509 Authorizes Various Criminal Sentencing Regulations and Parole Guideline Reforms Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
Oct. 9, 2024 PA HB 1700 Prohibits the Public Release of Any Personal Information of Federal Judges Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Oct. 9, 2024 PA HB 2266 Increases Fines for Street Racing Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
Oct. 8, 2024 WV SB 2028 Authorizes Development of an Opioid Treatment Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 2)
Oct. 8, 2024 WV SB 2028 Authorizes Development of an Opioid Treatment Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 2)
Sept. 26, 2024 NJ S 3201 Amends and Increases Penalties for Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
Sept. 26, 2024 NJ S 3201 Amends and Increases Penalties for Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
Sept. 25, 2024 MI HB 5503 Establishes a Tip Line for Students to Anonymously Report Improperly Stored Firearms Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 15)
Sept. 20, 2024 CA AB 3206 Authorizes Alcohol Beverage Sales to Occur between 2 and 4 AM in Certain Fully Enclosed Sports Arenas Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Sept. 17, 2024 PA SB 173 Establishes a Safe Exchange Zone Program Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
Sept. 17, 2024 PA SB 169 Amends Juvenile Statutes in Pennsylvania Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Sept. 17, 2024 PA SB 170 Amends Criminal Statutes Governing the Duties of Probation Officers Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
Sept. 9, 2024 NC SB 445 Amends the Recording of Court-Filed Documents Veto Override Passed - Senate (27 - 17)
Aug. 31, 2024 CA SB 399 Prohibits an Employer from Requiring an Employee to Come to Certain Political Meetings or Religious Outings Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Aug. 31, 2024 CA AB 1836 Establishes New Regulations and Civil Liabilities for Unauthorized Usage of Deceased Person's Likeness Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
Aug. 30, 2024 CA SB 1340 Amends State Definitions of Discrimination Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Aug. 30, 2024 CA AB 1008 Extends Privacy Laws to AI Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
Aug. 29, 2024 CA SB 1089 Requires Grocery Stores and Pharmacies Provide Advance Notice to the Community and Workers Before Closures Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
Aug. 29, 2024 CA AB 1954 Amends Certain Sections of the Welfare and Institutions Code Relating to Sexually Violent Predators. Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Aug. 28, 2024 CA SB 940 Amends Certain Procedures Regarding Civil Disputes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
Aug. 28, 2024 CA AB 3089 Authorizes Apology for State's Role in Slavery Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
Aug. 27, 2024 CA AB 3283 Limits Claimants Ability to Claim Exemption for Certain Civil Judgments Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Aug. 27, 2024 CA AB 1877 Requires a California Court to Seal Juvenile Records if a Person Has not Been Found Guilty of a Crime During that Time Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
Aug. 27, 2024 CA AB 2499 Expands Paid Sick Leave Requirements and Amends Unlawful Employment Practices to Include New Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
Aug. 27, 2024 CA AB 2099 Increases Penalties for Crimes Against Reproductive Health Services Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Aug. 27, 2024 CA AB 1986 Requires List of Banned Book in Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Aug. 26, 2024 CA SB 1022 Amend Sections Regarding the Enforcement of Civil Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Date No. Title Outcome
1/30 SB 14 Establishes Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Individuals Convicted on Fentanyl Charges "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
1/30 SB 14 Establishes Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Individuals Convicted on Fentanyl Charges "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
1/30 S 1019 Prohibits Making False Emergency Reports (Swatting) Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
1/30 SB 64 Amends Rules about Setting Parole Dates Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
1/29 SB 2137 Authorizes Hunters to Bait Deer on Private Property Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
1/29 SB 6002 Establishes Class E Felony Criminal Penalties for Officials Who Adopt Sanctuary City Policies Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
1/28 A 434 Requires Car Makers and Dealers Allow Domestic Violence Victims to Block Third-Party Access to Their Vehicle's Tracking or Control System Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 0)
1/28 SB 1182 Authorizes Public Universities to Ban Firearms and Explosive Materials in Their Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/28 SB 1134 Requires Secure Storage of Firearms in Households with Minors Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/28 SB 886 Prohibits the Use of Trigger Activators in Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/28 SB 880 Prohibits Carrying Assault-Style Weapons in Public Areas Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/27 S 1001 Establishes the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
1/27 SB 1110 Prohibits Weapons in Hospitals that Provide Mental Health Services Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
1/27 SB 1110 Prohibits Weapons in Hospitals that Provide Mental Health Services Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
1/27 SB 891 Requires a 5-Day Waiting Period for Firearm Sales Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
1/27 SB 881 Prohibits the Manufacturing and Sale of Unserialized Firearms (Ghost Guns) Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
1/27 SB 1181 Limits the Sale of Assault-Style Firearm Weapons to Individuals 21 or Older Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
1/25 PN 11-11 Nomination of Kristi Noem to be Secretary of Homeland Security Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 34)
1/24 PN 11-11 Nomination of Kristi Noem to be Secretary of Homeland Security Cloture Invoked - Senate (61 - 39)
1/24 SB 41 Specifies the Minimum Age Requirements for a Hunting License Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
1/23 SB 2 Increases Civil Penalties for Commercial Driver Violations Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
1/22 SF 53 Authorizes the Secretary of State to Administratively Cancel Trademarks Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
1/21 S 36 Authorizes Pharmacists to Print the Name of a Healthcare Practice on Prescription Labels for Mifepristone and Misoprostol Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 20)
1/20 S 5 Laken Riley Act Bill Passed - Senate (64 - 35)
1/17 S 5 Laken Riley Act Cloture Invoked - Senate (61 - 35)
1/13 S 5 Laken Riley Act Motion Agreed - Senate (82 - 10)
1/08 S 5 Laken Riley Act Cloture Invoked - Senate (84 - 9)
1/06 HB 4144 Requires Police to Take Guns After Orders of Protection Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 10)
1/06 HB 4144 Requires Police to Take Guns After Orders of Protection Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 10)
12/20 HB 4173 Establishes the "Michigan Sentencing Commission" in the Legislative Council Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
12/20 HB 6046 Expands Access to Violence Prevention Services and Support Victims of Violence Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
12/20 HB 5400 Amends The Term "Ethnic Intimidation" to "Hate Crime" in the Civil Rights Chapter of the State Penal Code Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
12/20 HB 6145 Amends Various Public Regulations Relating to Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
12/20 HB 4485 Amends Criminal Procedures for Indictments to be Filed Within 15 Years of a Crime or by the Victim's 42nd Birthday Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
12/20 HB 4485 Amends Criminal Procedures for Indictments to be Filed Within 15 Years of a Crime or by the Victim's 42nd Birthday Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
12/19 HB 5450 Requires that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Create a Notice in English, Spanish and Arabic Regarding the Safe Storage of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
12/19 HB 5451 Requires the Safe Firearm Storage Notice Created by MDHHS be Distributed Parents and Legal Guardians of Students Yearly Beginning October 1, 2025 Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
12/18 SB 58 Exempts Firearms from Liability Insurance or Fee Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
12/18 SB 63 Requires Individuals that Have Been Exposed to Asbestos to File Specific Types of Disclosures Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
12/18 HB 206 Increases School Suspension to a Year for Students that Make Online Dangerous Threats Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
12/11 SB 109 Increases the Authority of the State Medical Board of Ohio to Hold Sexually Abusive Medical Professionals Accountable Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
12/04 HB 111 Increases the Criminal Sentence Range for 3rd-Degree Felony Domestic Violence Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
12/04 HB 111 Increases the Criminal Sentence Range for 3rd-Degree Felony Domestic Violence Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
11/13 HB 1210 Authorizes Animals to be Included in Protection from Abuse Orders Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 1)
10/30 SB 167 Authorizes Corrections, Conservation, and Others to Become Members of the Michigan State Police Hybrid Retirement System Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
10/30 SB 166 Transfers Certain Law Enforcement Officers to the Michigan State Police Retirement System Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
10/30 SB 165 Amends Retirement System Membership for Certain Law Enforcement Officers Hired After Enactment Date Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
10/24 SB 743 Appropriates Emergency Funding for the Disaster Recovery Act Part II Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 0)
10/09 HB 1509 Authorizes Various Criminal Sentencing Regulations and Parole Guideline Reforms Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
10/09 HB 1700 Prohibits the Public Release of Any Personal Information of Federal Judges Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
10/09 HB 2266 Increases Fines for Street Racing Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
10/08 SB 2028 Authorizes Development of an Opioid Treatment Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 2)
10/08 SB 2028 Authorizes Development of an Opioid Treatment Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 2)
9/26 S 3201 Amends and Increases Penalties for Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
9/26 S 3201 Amends and Increases Penalties for Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
9/25 HB 5503 Establishes a Tip Line for Students to Anonymously Report Improperly Stored Firearms Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 15)
9/20 AB 3206 Authorizes Alcohol Beverage Sales to Occur between 2 and 4 AM in Certain Fully Enclosed Sports Arenas Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
9/17 SB 173 Establishes a Safe Exchange Zone Program Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
9/17 SB 169 Amends Juvenile Statutes in Pennsylvania Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
9/17 SB 170 Amends Criminal Statutes Governing the Duties of Probation Officers Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
9/09 SB 445 Amends the Recording of Court-Filed Documents Veto Override Passed - Senate (27 - 17)
8/31 SB 399 Prohibits an Employer from Requiring an Employee to Come to Certain Political Meetings or Religious Outings Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
8/31 AB 1836 Establishes New Regulations and Civil Liabilities for Unauthorized Usage of Deceased Person's Likeness Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
8/30 SB 1340 Amends State Definitions of Discrimination Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
8/30 AB 1008 Extends Privacy Laws to AI Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
8/29 SB 1089 Requires Grocery Stores and Pharmacies Provide Advance Notice to the Community and Workers Before Closures Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
8/29 AB 1954 Amends Certain Sections of the Welfare and Institutions Code Relating to Sexually Violent Predators. Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
8/28 SB 940 Amends Certain Procedures Regarding Civil Disputes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
8/28 AB 3089 Authorizes Apology for State's Role in Slavery Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
8/27 AB 3283 Limits Claimants Ability to Claim Exemption for Certain Civil Judgments Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
8/27 AB 1877 Requires a California Court to Seal Juvenile Records if a Person Has not Been Found Guilty of a Crime During that Time Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
8/27 AB 2499 Expands Paid Sick Leave Requirements and Amends Unlawful Employment Practices to Include New Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
8/27 AB 2099 Increases Penalties for Crimes Against Reproductive Health Services Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
8/27 AB 1986 Requires List of Banned Book in Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
8/26 SB 1022 Amend Sections Regarding the Enforcement of Civil Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 9)

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