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
Feb. 15, 2024 FL HB 1377 Establishes Exemptions From Public Document Requests Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
Feb. 15, 2024 UT HB 249 Prohibits Government Entities from Granting or Recognizing Legal Personhood in Certain Categories of Nonhumans Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 5)
Feb. 15, 2024 UT HB 249 Prohibits Government Entities from Granting or Recognizing Legal Personhood in Certain Categories of Nonhumans Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 5)
Feb. 15, 2024 NH SB 322 Requires a License Authorizing an Individual to Carry a Loaded Handgun in this State to Include Sellers Information "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 9)
Feb. 15, 2024 NH SB 577 Establishes New Waiting Period for Purchase and Delivery of a Firearm "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
Feb. 15, 2024 NH SB 360 Establishes a Procedure for Issuing Extreme Risk Protection Orders "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
Feb. 15, 2024 KY SB 16 Increases Various Corporate Trespass Laws and Penalties and Limits Whistleblowing Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
Feb. 15, 2024 OK SB 1280 Increases State Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Distribution and Manufacture Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 0)
Feb. 15, 2024 OK SB 1280 Increases State Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Distribution and Manufacture Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 0)
Feb. 14, 2024 NM HB 33 Requires Increased Transparency in Prescription Drug Costs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
Feb. 14, 2024 KY SB 20 Amends Previous Law to Try Juveniles as Adults for Gun-Related Felonies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
Feb. 14, 2024 KY SB 20 Amends Previous Law to Try Juveniles as Adults for Gun-Related Felonies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
Feb. 13, 2024 NM HB 239 Establishes Cannabis as Prison Contraband Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
Feb. 13, 2024 WI SB 874 Authorizes Counting Convictions and Findings for the PUrpose of the Sex Offender Registry Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
Feb. 13, 2024 NM SB 96 Increases Criminal Penalties for Attempted Murder Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
Feb. 13, 2024 WA SB 6242 Increases State Funding for Law Enforcement Training Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Feb. 13, 2024 WA SB 5906 Requires the Department of Health to Develop a Drug Overdose Prevention Campaign Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Feb. 12, 2024 NY S 8058 Defines Gender-Affirming Care Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 21)
Feb. 12, 2024 NJ S 1425 Expands Culpability Requirements for Firearms Tracking Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
Feb. 12, 2024 NJ S 1602 Prohibits Discrimination Based On Height and Weight Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
Feb. 10, 2024 NM HB 129 Establishes a Waiting Period for Firearm Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 18)
Feb. 10, 2024 NM SB 241 Requires Background Checks for Employees of the State Aging and Long-Term Services Department Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
Feb. 8, 2024 ID S 1234 Requires Health Benefit Plans to to Cover Prescription Contraception for a 6-Month Supply Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
Feb. 7, 2024 WA SB 5427 Establishes a Statewide Hate Crimes Hotline Within the Attorney General's Office Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
Feb. 7, 2024 GA SB 36 Increases Penalty for Pimping and Pandering Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
Feb. 7, 2024 PA SB 792 Establishes Enhanced Counterterrorism Planning Resources Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Feb. 7, 2024 VA SB 2 Establishes a Class 1 Misdemeanor for the Sale, Manufacture, or Purchase of an Assault Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 6, 2024 IN SB 128 Prohibits Schools from Using Learning Materials for Instruction on Human Sexuality Without Board Approval Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
Feb. 6, 2024 VA SB 57 Prohibits Firearms in Any Restaurant that Serves Alcohol Regardless of a Concealed Carry Permit Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Feb. 6, 2024 IN SB 139 Authorizes Psilocybin Treatment Programs and Research Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 1)
Feb. 6, 2024 GA SB 332 Establishes a Commission to Investigate Complaints Against Prosecutors Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 22)
Feb. 5, 2024 VA SB 99 Prohibits Open Carrying Semi-Automatic Firearms in Public Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Feb. 5, 2024 WV SB 539 Establishes a Cold Case Database of Evidence and Records in the State Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
Feb. 1, 2024 GA SB 63 Amends the List of Offenses Ineligible for No-Cash Bail Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 17)
Feb. 1, 2024 SC H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 15)
Feb. 1, 2024 SC H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 15)
Feb. 1, 2024 MA H 4139 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
Feb. 1, 2024 WA SB 5985 Amends Firearms Background Check Program Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Feb. 1, 2024 WA SB 5841 Requires Individuals Convicted Driving Under the Influence to Pay Financial Support to Minor Children Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Jan. 31, 2024 WV HB 4252 Establishes a Framework by Which Canadian Domestic Violence Orders can be Recognized and Enforced by Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
Jan. 31, 2024 WV SB 402 Authorizes the U.S. Concealed Carry Association to Provide Concealed Carry Classes in West Virginia Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
Jan. 31, 2024 WV SB 474 Establishes a Critical Incident Review Team in the Department of Human Services to Review Cases that Result in Death Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
Jan. 30, 2024 NM SB 5 Prohibits Fireams at State Drop Boxes and Polling Places Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 16)
Jan. 30, 2024 NY S 4786 Reduces the Costs of Prescription Drugs and Repeals Cost-Sharing for Insulin Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 10)
Jan. 30, 2024 CA SB 254 Authorizes Representatives of News Media Organizations Access to Department of Corrections Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
Jan. 29, 2024 IN SB 14 Authorizes Handgun Usage in the State Capitol Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
Jan. 26, 2024 NE LB 307 Authorizes Exceptions for Penalties of Drug Paraphernalia under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 2)
Jan. 25, 2024 GA HB 30 Defines "Antisemitism" into State Law Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 6)
Jan. 25, 2024 ID S 1220 Defines "Domestic Terrorism" in Idaho as Activities Done in Cooperation with Foreign Groups Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
Jan. 25, 2024 MI SB 517 Prohibits a Victim or Witness Necessary for Prosecution in a Human Trafficking Case from being Excused from Testifying if Evidence would Degrade or Incriminate Them Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
Jan. 25, 2024 MI SB 516 Authorizes Evidence of a Defendant's Prior Commission of Commercial Sexual Activity, Human Trafficking, or Prostitution be Admissible in Court Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
Jan. 25, 2024 MI SB 515 Authorizes a Statement Concerning Prostitution or Human Trafficking to be Admissible as Evidence Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
Jan. 25, 2024 RI S 2096 Amends the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
Jan. 23, 2024 SD SB 57 Prohibits Professional Agencies from Denying Convicted Felons from Obtaining Trade Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Jan. 22, 2024 SD SB 71 Repeals Prohibition on Law Enforcement Ability to Inspect, Search, Seize, and Prosecute Cannabis Dispensaries Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Jan. 19, 2024 LA HB 17 Authorizes Certain Offices to Conduct Closed Party Primary Elections and Amends Election Codes Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
Jan. 18, 2024 DE SB 276 Amends Penalties for Possession of a Weapon in a Safe School and Recreation Zone Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
Jan. 18, 2024 MA S 2551 Repeals Certain Language in Several State Laws Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Jan. 16, 2024 WI SB 466 Prohibits Credit Card Companies from Requiring a Merchant Category Code that Identifies Firearms Retailers Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
Jan. 16, 2024 WI SB 789 Authorizes Law Enforcement and Corrections Agencies to Charge a Requester a Fee for the Actual, Necessary, and Direct Cost for Redacting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
Jan. 8, 2024 NJ S 723 Establishes a Domestic Bill of Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
Nov. 9, 2023 TX SB 4 Amends State Criminal Code to Establish Illegal Entry Across the Border as a Class B Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
Nov. 7, 2023 MI HB 4956 Repeals and Expunges Individual Criminal Records Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
Nov. 7, 2023 MI HB 4951 Repeals Previously Established Felony Criminal Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
Oct. 18, 2023 MI SB 351 Prohibits Discriminatory Practices in Public Places Against Breastfeeding or Breast Pumping Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
Oct. 12, 2023 TX SB 4 Increases Criminal Penalties for Immigrant Smuggling or Operating a Stash House Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
Sept. 13, 2023 CA AB 352 Requires Information on Fertility and Menstrual Tracking Apps Be Subject to Medical Privacy Laws Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
Sept. 13, 2023 CA AB 280 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement in California State Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Sept. 13, 2023 CA AB 280 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement in California State Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Sept. 12, 2023 CA SB 2 Amends Penal Code Related to Firearms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
Sept. 12, 2023 CA AB 33 Establishes a Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
Sept. 7, 2023 CA SB 58 Amends Laws and Statutes Concerning the Decriminalization of Certain Hallucinogens Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Sept. 7, 2023 CA SB 58 Amends Laws and Statutes Concerning the Decriminalization of Certain Hallucinogens Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Sept. 7, 2023 CA AB 1078 Prohibits School Book Bans Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Sept. 7, 2023 CA AB 28 Establishes an 11% Tax on Firearm and Ammunition Purchases in California Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/15 HB 1377 Establishes Exemptions From Public Document Requests Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
2/15 HB 249 Prohibits Government Entities from Granting or Recognizing Legal Personhood in Certain Categories of Nonhumans Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 5)
2/15 HB 249 Prohibits Government Entities from Granting or Recognizing Legal Personhood in Certain Categories of Nonhumans Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 5)
2/15 SB 322 Requires a License Authorizing an Individual to Carry a Loaded Handgun in this State to Include Sellers Information "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 9)
2/15 SB 577 Establishes New Waiting Period for Purchase and Delivery of a Firearm "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
2/15 SB 360 Establishes a Procedure for Issuing Extreme Risk Protection Orders "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
2/15 SB 16 Increases Various Corporate Trespass Laws and Penalties and Limits Whistleblowing Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
2/15 SB 1280 Increases State Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Distribution and Manufacture Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 0)
2/15 SB 1280 Increases State Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Distribution and Manufacture Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 0)
2/14 HB 33 Requires Increased Transparency in Prescription Drug Costs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
2/14 SB 20 Amends Previous Law to Try Juveniles as Adults for Gun-Related Felonies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
2/14 SB 20 Amends Previous Law to Try Juveniles as Adults for Gun-Related Felonies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
2/13 HB 239 Establishes Cannabis as Prison Contraband Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
2/13 SB 874 Authorizes Counting Convictions and Findings for the PUrpose of the Sex Offender Registry Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
2/13 SB 96 Increases Criminal Penalties for Attempted Murder Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
2/13 SB 6242 Increases State Funding for Law Enforcement Training Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
2/13 SB 5906 Requires the Department of Health to Develop a Drug Overdose Prevention Campaign Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
2/12 S 8058 Defines Gender-Affirming Care Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 21)
2/12 S 1425 Expands Culpability Requirements for Firearms Tracking Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
2/12 S 1602 Prohibits Discrimination Based On Height and Weight Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
2/10 HB 129 Establishes a Waiting Period for Firearm Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 18)
2/10 SB 241 Requires Background Checks for Employees of the State Aging and Long-Term Services Department Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
2/08 S 1234 Requires Health Benefit Plans to to Cover Prescription Contraception for a 6-Month Supply Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
2/07 SB 5427 Establishes a Statewide Hate Crimes Hotline Within the Attorney General's Office Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
2/07 SB 36 Increases Penalty for Pimping and Pandering Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
2/07 SB 792 Establishes Enhanced Counterterrorism Planning Resources Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
2/07 SB 2 Establishes a Class 1 Misdemeanor for the Sale, Manufacture, or Purchase of an Assault Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/06 SB 128 Prohibits Schools from Using Learning Materials for Instruction on Human Sexuality Without Board Approval Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
2/06 SB 57 Prohibits Firearms in Any Restaurant that Serves Alcohol Regardless of a Concealed Carry Permit Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
2/06 SB 139 Authorizes Psilocybin Treatment Programs and Research Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 1)
2/06 SB 332 Establishes a Commission to Investigate Complaints Against Prosecutors Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 22)
2/05 SB 99 Prohibits Open Carrying Semi-Automatic Firearms in Public Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
2/05 SB 539 Establishes a Cold Case Database of Evidence and Records in the State Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
2/01 SB 63 Amends the List of Offenses Ineligible for No-Cash Bail Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 17)
2/01 H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 15)
2/01 H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 15)
2/01 H 4139 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
2/01 SB 5985 Amends Firearms Background Check Program Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
2/01 SB 5841 Requires Individuals Convicted Driving Under the Influence to Pay Financial Support to Minor Children Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
1/31 HB 4252 Establishes a Framework by Which Canadian Domestic Violence Orders can be Recognized and Enforced by Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
1/31 SB 402 Authorizes the U.S. Concealed Carry Association to Provide Concealed Carry Classes in West Virginia Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
1/31 SB 474 Establishes a Critical Incident Review Team in the Department of Human Services to Review Cases that Result in Death Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
1/30 SB 5 Prohibits Fireams at State Drop Boxes and Polling Places Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 16)
1/30 S 4786 Reduces the Costs of Prescription Drugs and Repeals Cost-Sharing for Insulin Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 10)
1/30 SB 254 Authorizes Representatives of News Media Organizations Access to Department of Corrections Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
1/29 SB 14 Authorizes Handgun Usage in the State Capitol Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
1/26 LB 307 Authorizes Exceptions for Penalties of Drug Paraphernalia under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 2)
1/25 HB 30 Defines "Antisemitism" into State Law Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 6)
1/25 S 1220 Defines "Domestic Terrorism" in Idaho as Activities Done in Cooperation with Foreign Groups Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
1/25 SB 517 Prohibits a Victim or Witness Necessary for Prosecution in a Human Trafficking Case from being Excused from Testifying if Evidence would Degrade or Incriminate Them Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
1/25 SB 516 Authorizes Evidence of a Defendant's Prior Commission of Commercial Sexual Activity, Human Trafficking, or Prostitution be Admissible in Court Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
1/25 SB 515 Authorizes a Statement Concerning Prostitution or Human Trafficking to be Admissible as Evidence Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
1/25 S 2096 Amends the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
1/23 SB 57 Prohibits Professional Agencies from Denying Convicted Felons from Obtaining Trade Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
1/22 SB 71 Repeals Prohibition on Law Enforcement Ability to Inspect, Search, Seize, and Prosecute Cannabis Dispensaries Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
1/19 HB 17 Authorizes Certain Offices to Conduct Closed Party Primary Elections and Amends Election Codes Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
1/18 SB 276 Amends Penalties for Possession of a Weapon in a Safe School and Recreation Zone Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
1/18 S 2551 Repeals Certain Language in Several State Laws Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
1/16 SB 466 Prohibits Credit Card Companies from Requiring a Merchant Category Code that Identifies Firearms Retailers Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
1/16 SB 789 Authorizes Law Enforcement and Corrections Agencies to Charge a Requester a Fee for the Actual, Necessary, and Direct Cost for Redacting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
1/08 S 723 Establishes a Domestic Bill of Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
11/09 SB 4 Amends State Criminal Code to Establish Illegal Entry Across the Border as a Class B Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
11/07 HB 4956 Repeals and Expunges Individual Criminal Records Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
11/07 HB 4951 Repeals Previously Established Felony Criminal Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
10/18 SB 351 Prohibits Discriminatory Practices in Public Places Against Breastfeeding or Breast Pumping Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
10/12 SB 4 Increases Criminal Penalties for Immigrant Smuggling or Operating a Stash House Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
9/13 AB 352 Requires Information on Fertility and Menstrual Tracking Apps Be Subject to Medical Privacy Laws Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
9/13 AB 280 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement in California State Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
9/13 AB 280 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement in California State Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
9/12 SB 2 Amends Penal Code Related to Firearms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
9/12 AB 33 Establishes a Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
9/07 SB 58 Amends Laws and Statutes Concerning the Decriminalization of Certain Hallucinogens Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
9/07 SB 58 Amends Laws and Statutes Concerning the Decriminalization of Certain Hallucinogens Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
9/07 AB 1078 Prohibits School Book Bans Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
9/07 AB 28 Establishes an 11% Tax on Firearm and Ammunition Purchases in California Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)

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