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
May 25, 2023 CA SB 399 Prohibits an Employer from Requiring an Employee to Come to Certain Political Meetings or Religious Outings Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
May 25, 2023 CA SB 14 Defines Child Trafficking as a Serious Felony Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
May 25, 2023 CA SB 2 Amends Penal Code Related to Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
May 24, 2023 CA SB 58 Amends Laws and Statutes Concerning the Decriminalization of Certain Hallucinogens Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
May 24, 2023 CA SB 58 Amends Laws and Statutes Concerning the Decriminalization of Certain Hallucinogens Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
May 23, 2023 OK SB 674 Authorizes the Creation of an Oklahoma Organized Retail Crime Task Force Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 6)
May 23, 2023 NV AB 101 Requires Prosecutors Using Jailhouse Informants to Disclose Their Criminal History Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
May 23, 2023 NV AB 101 Requires Prosecutors Using Jailhouse Informants to Disclose Their Criminal History Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
May 23, 2023 MI SB 90 Prohibits Hair Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
May 22, 2023 NY S 1042 Classifies "Deep Fakes" as Unlawful Dissemination or Publication of an Intimate Image Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 0)
May 19, 2023 OK SB 475 Amends Registration Suspension and Revocation Guidelines to Prohibit Fraudulent Businesses Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 3)
May 18, 2023 IL HB 3751 Authorizes DACA Recipients to Become Law enforcement Officers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 20)
May 18, 2023 IL HB 2826 Prohibits the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation From Requiring Self-Disclosure of a Criminal Background Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
May 18, 2023 IL HB 218 Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to Include Firearm Industry Members Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 22)
May 17, 2023 DE SB 99 Prohibits Municipalities from Requiring Landlords Evict Tenants Based on Their Involvement in the Justice System Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 4)
May 17, 2023 MN SF 37 Authorizes Minnesota Voters to Vote On a Constitutional Amendment Providing For Equality Under the Law Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 23)
May 16, 2023 MN SF 2744 Establishes New Protections Over Prescription Drug Costs Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 32)
May 16, 2023 AK HB 61 Limits State Restrictions on Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
May 16, 2023 National H J Res 42 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022. Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (56 - 43)
May 16, 2023 WA SB 5536 Establishes Possession of a Controlled Substance as a Gross Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
May 16, 2023 WA SB 5536 Establishes Possession of a Controlled Substance as a Gross Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
May 16, 2023 AK SB 89 Increases the Minimum Age to Buy Tobacco and Vaping Products to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
May 15, 2023 NV AB 354 Prohibits Firearms Within 100 Feet of Election Locations Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
May 15, 2023 NV AB 355 Increases Age to Purchase an Assault Weapon to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
May 11, 2023 ME LD 53 Repeals Intentional Torts from Workers Compensation Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
May 11, 2023 CA SB 403 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Ancestry Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
May 10, 2023 MO SB 40 Requires Background Checks for Students 18 and Older Reenrolling in High School Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
May 10, 2023 AZ HB 2482 Expands Arizona Criminal Justice Commission's Automated Crime Victim Notification System Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
May 10, 2023 IL HB 3026 Amends the Illinois Code of Corrections Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 1)
May 10, 2023 IL HB 1155 Authorizes Individuals Injured by an Impaired Minor to Sue the Individual Who Supplied the Drugs or Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
May 10, 2023 IL HB 1155 Authorizes Individuals Injured by an Impaired Minor to Sue the Individual Who Supplied the Drugs or Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
May 10, 2023 PA SB 245 Establishes New Rules Regarding Eligibility for Welfare Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
May 10, 2023 OH SB 53 Reduces the Minimum Name to be a Police Officer from 21 to 18 Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
May 10, 2023 MO SB 189 Amends Certain Provisions on Criminal Laws Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
May 8, 2023 AK SB 53 Amends Statutes Regarding Competency to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate
May 8, 2023 AK SB 53 Amends Statutes Regarding Competency to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate
May 5, 2023 MO SB 106 Requires Patient Approval before Doctors Give Prostate, Anal, or Pelvic Exams to Unconscious Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
May 5, 2023 FL HB 1285 Authorizes the Creation of a Specialized State Guard as a Part of State Law Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 11)
May 4, 2023 SC S 120 Authorizes the State to Buy Lethal Injection Drugs Without Disclosing Manufacturer Company Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
May 4, 2023 CO HB 23-1307 Establishes Enhancede Supports for Youth Who are in Detention Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
May 4, 2023 IL HB 3762 Repeals the Death Penalty for First Degree Murder Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
May 4, 2023 IL HB 3762 Repeals the Death Penalty for First Degree Murder Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
May 4, 2023 IL HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
May 3, 2023 FL SB 170 Amends Laws Concerning Local Ordinances and Legal Suits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
May 3, 2023 DE SB 2 Prohibits Handgun Ownership Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
May 2, 2023 VT H 230 Establishes New Restrictions on Firearm Purchase to Prevent Suicide Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
May 2, 2023 FL HB 931 Prohibits Public Institutions from Requiring Students, Faculty, or Staff Take Political Loyalty Tests Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
May 2, 2023 HI SB 1079 Requires Courts Expunge Records of OWI Convictions if the Sentencing Occurred Before 1998 Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 1)
May 2, 2023 IA SF 563 Appropriates Funding for State Judicial Spending and Requires Courts Obtain Consent of Non-Contract Attorneys Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
May 2, 2023 PA SB 140 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Appoint a Special Prosecutor for South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
May 1, 2023 FL HB 1359 Increases Penalties for Fentanyl Dealers and Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
May 1, 2023 OR HB 3076 Extends Safe Surrender Period for Anonymously Leaving Infant at Authorized Facility to 60 days Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 13)
May 1, 2023 FL HB 1359 Increases Penalties for Fentanyl Dealers and Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
April 28, 2023 MT HB 479 Appropriates $5 Million for Law Enforcement Services on the Flathead Indian Reservation Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
April 28, 2023 FL SB 266 Prohibits Higher Education Institutions from Spending Federal or State Funds on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
April 28, 2023 CO SB 23-279 Prohibits the Sale of Unserialized Firearms Commonly Known as "Ghost Guns" Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
April 27, 2023 IN SB 187 Requires State Police Departments Conduct Background Checks on Police Reserve Officers Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 7)
April 27, 2023 KS SB 174 Exempts and Decriminalizes Fentanyl Testing Strips from the List of Drug Paraphernalia Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
April 27, 2023 KS SB 174 Exempts and Decriminalizes Fentanyl Testing Strips from the List of Drug Paraphernalia Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
April 27, 2023 IN SB 8 Authorizes Pharmacy Benefit Managers to Negotiate Prices for Drugs Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 9)
April 27, 2023 TX SB 2209 Prohibits Civilian Oversight of Police Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
April 26, 2023 IN HB 1177 Authorizes Teachers to Keep Firearms in Classrooms Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 8)
April 26, 2023 IN HB 1016 Establishes a Merit System for Police and Fire Departments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 18)
April 26, 2023 FL HB 1627 Authorizes Pretrial Detention for DUI Manslaughter, Fentanyl Trafficking, and Extortion Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
April 26, 2023 OH SB 58 Exempts Firearms from Liability Insurance or Fee Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 133 Establishes Falsifying Presidential Elector Signatures as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 391 Prohibits Local Government Use of "Sundown Sirens" Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
April 25, 2023 LA SB 49 Establishes New Penalties for the Operation of a Fentanyl Producing Laboratory Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
April 25, 2023 LA SB 49 Establishes New Penalties for the Operation of a Fentanyl Producing Laboratory Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 35 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possession Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 35 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possession Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 155 Authorizes Homeless Individuals who Committed Misdemeanors to be Deferred to a Specialty Court Program Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 243 Increases Criminal Penalties for Catalytic Converter Theft Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 1)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 294 Requires Licensed Gun Dealers Provide a Locking Device with Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
April 21, 2023 TN SB 807 Exempts Those Convicted of Criminal Exposure to HIV from Having to Register as a Sex Offender Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/25 SB 399 Prohibits an Employer from Requiring an Employee to Come to Certain Political Meetings or Religious Outings Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
5/25 SB 14 Defines Child Trafficking as a Serious Felony Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
5/25 SB 2 Amends Penal Code Related to Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
5/24 SB 58 Amends Laws and Statutes Concerning the Decriminalization of Certain Hallucinogens Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
5/24 SB 58 Amends Laws and Statutes Concerning the Decriminalization of Certain Hallucinogens Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
5/23 SB 674 Authorizes the Creation of an Oklahoma Organized Retail Crime Task Force Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 6)
5/23 AB 101 Requires Prosecutors Using Jailhouse Informants to Disclose Their Criminal History Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
5/23 AB 101 Requires Prosecutors Using Jailhouse Informants to Disclose Their Criminal History Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
5/23 SB 90 Prohibits Hair Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
5/22 S 1042 Classifies "Deep Fakes" as Unlawful Dissemination or Publication of an Intimate Image Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 0)
5/19 SB 475 Amends Registration Suspension and Revocation Guidelines to Prohibit Fraudulent Businesses Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 3)
5/18 HB 3751 Authorizes DACA Recipients to Become Law enforcement Officers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 20)
5/18 HB 2826 Prohibits the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation From Requiring Self-Disclosure of a Criminal Background Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
5/18 HB 218 Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to Include Firearm Industry Members Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 22)
5/17 SB 99 Prohibits Municipalities from Requiring Landlords Evict Tenants Based on Their Involvement in the Justice System Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 4)
5/17 SF 37 Authorizes Minnesota Voters to Vote On a Constitutional Amendment Providing For Equality Under the Law Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 23)
5/16 SF 2744 Establishes New Protections Over Prescription Drug Costs Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 32)
5/16 HB 61 Limits State Restrictions on Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
5/16 H J Res 42 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022. Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (56 - 43)
5/16 SB 5536 Establishes Possession of a Controlled Substance as a Gross Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
5/16 SB 5536 Establishes Possession of a Controlled Substance as a Gross Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
5/16 SB 89 Increases the Minimum Age to Buy Tobacco and Vaping Products to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
5/15 AB 354 Prohibits Firearms Within 100 Feet of Election Locations Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
5/15 AB 355 Increases Age to Purchase an Assault Weapon to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
5/11 LD 53 Repeals Intentional Torts from Workers Compensation Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
5/11 SB 403 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Ancestry Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
5/10 SB 40 Requires Background Checks for Students 18 and Older Reenrolling in High School Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
5/10 HB 2482 Expands Arizona Criminal Justice Commission's Automated Crime Victim Notification System Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
5/10 HB 3026 Amends the Illinois Code of Corrections Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 1)
5/10 HB 1155 Authorizes Individuals Injured by an Impaired Minor to Sue the Individual Who Supplied the Drugs or Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
5/10 HB 1155 Authorizes Individuals Injured by an Impaired Minor to Sue the Individual Who Supplied the Drugs or Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
5/10 SB 245 Establishes New Rules Regarding Eligibility for Welfare Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
5/10 SB 53 Reduces the Minimum Name to be a Police Officer from 21 to 18 Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
5/10 SB 189 Amends Certain Provisions on Criminal Laws Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
5/08 SB 53 Amends Statutes Regarding Competency to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate
5/08 SB 53 Amends Statutes Regarding Competency to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate
5/05 SB 106 Requires Patient Approval before Doctors Give Prostate, Anal, or Pelvic Exams to Unconscious Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
5/05 HB 1285 Authorizes the Creation of a Specialized State Guard as a Part of State Law Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 11)
5/04 S 120 Authorizes the State to Buy Lethal Injection Drugs Without Disclosing Manufacturer Company Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
5/04 HB 23-1307 Establishes Enhancede Supports for Youth Who are in Detention Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
5/04 HB 3762 Repeals the Death Penalty for First Degree Murder Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
5/04 HB 3762 Repeals the Death Penalty for First Degree Murder Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
5/04 HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
5/03 SB 170 Amends Laws Concerning Local Ordinances and Legal Suits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
5/03 SB 2 Prohibits Handgun Ownership Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
5/02 H 230 Establishes New Restrictions on Firearm Purchase to Prevent Suicide Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
5/02 HB 931 Prohibits Public Institutions from Requiring Students, Faculty, or Staff Take Political Loyalty Tests Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
5/02 SB 1079 Requires Courts Expunge Records of OWI Convictions if the Sentencing Occurred Before 1998 Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 1)
5/02 SF 563 Appropriates Funding for State Judicial Spending and Requires Courts Obtain Consent of Non-Contract Attorneys Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
5/02 SB 140 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Appoint a Special Prosecutor for South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
5/01 HB 1359 Increases Penalties for Fentanyl Dealers and Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
5/01 HB 3076 Extends Safe Surrender Period for Anonymously Leaving Infant at Authorized Facility to 60 days Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 13)
5/01 HB 1359 Increases Penalties for Fentanyl Dealers and Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
4/28 HB 479 Appropriates $5 Million for Law Enforcement Services on the Flathead Indian Reservation Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
4/28 SB 266 Prohibits Higher Education Institutions from Spending Federal or State Funds on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
4/28 SB 23-279 Prohibits the Sale of Unserialized Firearms Commonly Known as "Ghost Guns" Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
4/27 SB 187 Requires State Police Departments Conduct Background Checks on Police Reserve Officers Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 7)
4/27 SB 174 Exempts and Decriminalizes Fentanyl Testing Strips from the List of Drug Paraphernalia Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
4/27 SB 174 Exempts and Decriminalizes Fentanyl Testing Strips from the List of Drug Paraphernalia Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
4/27 SB 8 Authorizes Pharmacy Benefit Managers to Negotiate Prices for Drugs Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 9)
4/27 SB 2209 Prohibits Civilian Oversight of Police Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
4/26 HB 1177 Authorizes Teachers to Keep Firearms in Classrooms Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 8)
4/26 HB 1016 Establishes a Merit System for Police and Fire Departments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 18)
4/26 HB 1627 Authorizes Pretrial Detention for DUI Manslaughter, Fentanyl Trafficking, and Extortion Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
4/26 SB 58 Exempts Firearms from Liability Insurance or Fee Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
4/25 SB 133 Establishes Falsifying Presidential Elector Signatures as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
4/25 SB 391 Prohibits Local Government Use of "Sundown Sirens" Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
4/25 SB 49 Establishes New Penalties for the Operation of a Fentanyl Producing Laboratory Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
4/25 SB 49 Establishes New Penalties for the Operation of a Fentanyl Producing Laboratory Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
4/25 SB 35 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possession Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
4/25 SB 35 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possession Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
4/25 SB 155 Authorizes Homeless Individuals who Committed Misdemeanors to be Deferred to a Specialty Court Program Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
4/25 SB 243 Increases Criminal Penalties for Catalytic Converter Theft Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 1)
4/25 SB 294 Requires Licensed Gun Dealers Provide a Locking Device with Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
4/21 SB 807 Exempts Those Convicted of Criminal Exposure to HIV from Having to Register as a Sex Offender Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 2)

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