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
March 22, 2023 IA SF 547 Increases Distracted Driving Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 3)
March 22, 2023 WI SB 75 Establishes Cash Bail in the State Constitution Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
March 21, 2023 MT HB 356 Prohibits the State from Contracting with Companies that Discriminate Against Firearms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
March 20, 2023 ID H 186 Authorizes Execution by Firing Squad Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
March 20, 2023 IN HB 1365 Prohibits and Criminalizes "Machine-Gun Conversion" Devices Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 4)
March 16, 2023 KY SB 9 Increases Anti-Hazing Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
March 16, 2023 KY HB 262 Amends State Statute Laws to Add the Crime of Vehicular Homicide Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
March 16, 2023 NM HB 306 Prohibits Purchasing a Firearm for Someone Who is Not Allowed or Intends to Use it in a Crime Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
March 16, 2023 NM HB 306 Prohibits Purchasing a Firearm for Someone Who is Not Allowed or Intends to Use it in a Crime Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 76 Requires Safe Firearm Storage, Background Checks on Unlicensed Gun Sales and Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
March 16, 2023 AZ SB 1221 Amends Biometric Laws Regarding Fingerprinting Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 4)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 78 Amends Sentencing Guidelines for Weapons Charges Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 85 Increases Penalties for False Statements in Support of Extreme Risk Protection Rrders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 86 Repeals Fee Requirements for Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 81 Exempts Firearm Safety Devices from the State Sales Tax Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 82 Exempts Firearm Safety Devices from the State Use Tax Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 77 Amends Various State Handgun Laws Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 78 Amends Sentencing Guidelines for Weapons Charges Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 83 Establishes State Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 84 Prohibits Individuals with Extreme Risk Protection Orders from Purchasing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 85 Increases Penalties for False Statements in Support of Extreme Risk Protection Rrders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
March 15, 2023 KY SB 80 Prohibits Registered Sex Offenders from Loitering or Operating a Mobile Business within 1,000 ft. of Schools, Daycares, and Public Playgrounds or Swimming Pools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
March 15, 2023 KY HB 153 Prohibits Any Federal Ban or Regulation on Firearms Enacted in 2021 or After Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
March 14, 2023 NM HB 207 Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of Sex, Sexual Orientation, or Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
March 14, 2023 IA SF 319 Authorizes Drug Testing of Private Sector Employees Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
March 14, 2023 TX SB 2 Classifies Illegal Voting as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
March 13, 2023 GA HB 147 Requires All Schools Submit School Safety Plans and Active Shooter Drills Annually Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 3)
March 13, 2023 AR HB 1307 Requires the State Divest from Financial Companies that Follow Certain Sociopolitical Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
March 13, 2023 CO SB 23-170 Expands Access to Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
March 13, 2023 CO SB 23-169 Increases Legal Age to Buy Firearms to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 13, 2023 CO SB 23-168 Repeals Current Limits on Product Liability Actions Against Firearm Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
March 13, 2023 CO SB 23-168 Repeals Current Limits on Product Liability Actions Against Firearm Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
March 9, 2023 WV HB 2218 Increases Penalties for Distracted Driving Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
March 9, 2023 MD SB 290 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Prosecute Law Enforcement Officers Involved in Incidents Resulting in Death Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
March 9, 2023 MD SB 290 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Prosecute Law Enforcement Officers Involved in Incidents Resulting in Death Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
March 8, 2023 NM HB 4 Expands Various Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 14)
March 8, 2023 National H J Res 26 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Revised Criminal Code Act Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (81 - 14)
March 8, 2023 WA SB 5352 Expands Police Chase Protections for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
March 7, 2023 SD SB 1 Expands Definition of Who Can Access Medical Marijuana Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
March 7, 2023 MS HB 1020 Establishes a Court System of Unelected Judges and Prosecutors for the City of Jackson, Mississippi Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
March 7, 2023 HI SB 1 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 3)
March 7, 2023 HI SB 926 Authorizes Jaywalking if No Danger to Pedestrians Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
March 7, 2023 IA SF 507 Prohibits Investment of Public Funds from Management by Firms that Account for "Environmental, Social and Governance Factors" Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
March 6, 2023 SD SB 4 Amends Court Authority to Commit a Juvenile Habitual Offender to the Department of Corrections Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
March 6, 2023 ID S 1056 Repeals State Law that Prohibits Local Groups from Carrying Firearms in Public Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
March 3, 2023 UT HB 219 Establishes Utah as a Second Amendment Sanctuary State Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
March 3, 2023 NM HB 9 Establishes Negligently Leaving a Firearm Accessible for a Minor as a Crime Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
March 3, 2023 UT HB 374 Repeals and Dissolves the Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake by 2025 Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
March 3, 2023 UT HB 195 Requires School Employees Who are Under Criminal Investigation To Be Put On Paid Leave Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 14)
March 3, 2023 KY SB 129 Prohibits Selling Data Obtained by Automated License Plate Readers Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
March 2, 2023 MO SB 186 Establishes a Loan Forgiveness Fund for Police Officers who take Required Training and Work in the State for a Year Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
March 2, 2023 GA SB 92 Establishes Provisions Regarding Prosecuting Attorneys Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 24)
March 2, 2023 MT SB 450 Authorizes Religious or Conscience Exemptions for Certain Vaccines Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
March 2, 2023 MT SB 361 Prohibits Firearm Discrimination By Any Individual or Business Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
March 2, 2023 MT SB 333 Establishes Drone Trespassing as a Crime Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
March 1, 2023 UT HB 107 Repeals Fees for Conceal Carry Permits for School Employees Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
March 1, 2023 UT HB 297 Requires Law Enforcement Compile Data on Sexual Assault Reports Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 6)
March 1, 2023 NC SB 3 Authorizes the Use of Medical Cannabis for Those Who Qualify Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 10)
March 1, 2023 AZ SB 1428 Prohibits Local Municipalities from Preventing Gun Shows Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
March 1, 2023 MI SB 4 Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
March 1, 2023 WA SB 5120 Establishes 23-Hour Mental Health and Substance Use Crisis Relief Centers Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
Feb. 28, 2023 IN SB 343 Amends Definitions of Machine-Guns for Increased Felony Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
Feb. 27, 2023 SD HB 1135 Establishes Transparency in the Pricing of Prescription Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
Feb. 25, 2023 VA HB 2398 Classifies Sexual Extortion as a Class 5 Felony Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 3)
Feb. 25, 2023 VA SB 1188 Classifies Fentanyl as a "Weapons of Terrorism" and a Class 4 Felony Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 5)
Feb. 25, 2023 VA SB 1188 Classifies Fentanyl as a "Weapons of Terrorism" and a Class 4 Felony Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 5)
Feb. 25, 2023 VA SB 887 Requires Individuals in Solitary Confinement Receive a Minimum of 4 Hours Out of Cell Each Day Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 2)
Feb. 24, 2023 SD HB 1090 Authorizes Protections for Farmers and Agricultural Operations from Frivolous Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
Feb. 24, 2023 UT HB 208 Amends Criminal Trespass Laws Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 4)
Feb. 24, 2023 UT HB 208 Amends Criminal Trespass Laws Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 4)
Feb. 22, 2023 SC S 153 Classifies the Trafficking of Fentanyl as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
Feb. 22, 2023 NM SB 64 Prohibits Life Sentences for Juveniles Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
Feb. 22, 2023 SC S 153 Classifies the Trafficking of Fentanyl as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
Feb. 22, 2023 IA SF 228 Limits Employee Liability in Commercial Vehicle Crashes Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
Feb. 21, 2023 MN HF 28 Expands Voting Rights to Ex-Felons Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 30)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/22 SF 547 Increases Distracted Driving Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 3)
3/22 SB 75 Establishes Cash Bail in the State Constitution Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
3/21 HB 356 Prohibits the State from Contracting with Companies that Discriminate Against Firearms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
3/20 H 186 Authorizes Execution by Firing Squad Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
3/20 HB 1365 Prohibits and Criminalizes "Machine-Gun Conversion" Devices Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 4)
3/16 SB 9 Increases Anti-Hazing Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
3/16 HB 262 Amends State Statute Laws to Add the Crime of Vehicular Homicide Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
3/16 HB 306 Prohibits Purchasing a Firearm for Someone Who is Not Allowed or Intends to Use it in a Crime Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
3/16 HB 306 Prohibits Purchasing a Firearm for Someone Who is Not Allowed or Intends to Use it in a Crime Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
3/16 SB 76 Requires Safe Firearm Storage, Background Checks on Unlicensed Gun Sales and Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
3/16 SB 1221 Amends Biometric Laws Regarding Fingerprinting Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 4)
3/16 SB 78 Amends Sentencing Guidelines for Weapons Charges Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
3/16 SB 85 Increases Penalties for False Statements in Support of Extreme Risk Protection Rrders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
3/16 SB 86 Repeals Fee Requirements for Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
3/16 SB 81 Exempts Firearm Safety Devices from the State Sales Tax Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
3/16 SB 82 Exempts Firearm Safety Devices from the State Use Tax Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
3/16 SB 77 Amends Various State Handgun Laws Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
3/16 SB 78 Amends Sentencing Guidelines for Weapons Charges Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
3/16 SB 83 Establishes State Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
3/16 SB 84 Prohibits Individuals with Extreme Risk Protection Orders from Purchasing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
3/16 SB 85 Increases Penalties for False Statements in Support of Extreme Risk Protection Rrders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
3/15 SB 80 Prohibits Registered Sex Offenders from Loitering or Operating a Mobile Business within 1,000 ft. of Schools, Daycares, and Public Playgrounds or Swimming Pools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
3/15 HB 153 Prohibits Any Federal Ban or Regulation on Firearms Enacted in 2021 or After Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
3/14 HB 207 Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of Sex, Sexual Orientation, or Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
3/14 SF 319 Authorizes Drug Testing of Private Sector Employees Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
3/14 SB 2 Classifies Illegal Voting as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
3/13 HB 147 Requires All Schools Submit School Safety Plans and Active Shooter Drills Annually Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 3)
3/13 HB 1307 Requires the State Divest from Financial Companies that Follow Certain Sociopolitical Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
3/13 SB 23-170 Expands Access to Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
3/13 SB 23-169 Increases Legal Age to Buy Firearms to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/13 SB 23-168 Repeals Current Limits on Product Liability Actions Against Firearm Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
3/13 SB 23-168 Repeals Current Limits on Product Liability Actions Against Firearm Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
3/09 HB 2218 Increases Penalties for Distracted Driving Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
3/09 SB 290 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Prosecute Law Enforcement Officers Involved in Incidents Resulting in Death Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
3/09 SB 290 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Prosecute Law Enforcement Officers Involved in Incidents Resulting in Death Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
3/08 HB 4 Expands Various Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 14)
3/08 H J Res 26 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Revised Criminal Code Act Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (81 - 14)
3/08 SB 5352 Expands Police Chase Protections for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
3/07 SB 1 Expands Definition of Who Can Access Medical Marijuana Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
3/07 HB 1020 Establishes a Court System of Unelected Judges and Prosecutors for the City of Jackson, Mississippi Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
3/07 SB 1 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 3)
3/07 SB 926 Authorizes Jaywalking if No Danger to Pedestrians Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
3/07 SF 507 Prohibits Investment of Public Funds from Management by Firms that Account for "Environmental, Social and Governance Factors" Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
3/06 SB 4 Amends Court Authority to Commit a Juvenile Habitual Offender to the Department of Corrections Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
3/06 S 1056 Repeals State Law that Prohibits Local Groups from Carrying Firearms in Public Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
3/03 HB 219 Establishes Utah as a Second Amendment Sanctuary State Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
3/03 HB 9 Establishes Negligently Leaving a Firearm Accessible for a Minor as a Crime Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
3/03 HB 374 Repeals and Dissolves the Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake by 2025 Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
3/03 HB 195 Requires School Employees Who are Under Criminal Investigation To Be Put On Paid Leave Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 14)
3/03 SB 129 Prohibits Selling Data Obtained by Automated License Plate Readers Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
3/02 SB 186 Establishes a Loan Forgiveness Fund for Police Officers who take Required Training and Work in the State for a Year Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
3/02 SB 92 Establishes Provisions Regarding Prosecuting Attorneys Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 24)
3/02 SB 450 Authorizes Religious or Conscience Exemptions for Certain Vaccines Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
3/02 SB 361 Prohibits Firearm Discrimination By Any Individual or Business Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
3/02 SB 333 Establishes Drone Trespassing as a Crime Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
3/01 HB 107 Repeals Fees for Conceal Carry Permits for School Employees Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
3/01 HB 297 Requires Law Enforcement Compile Data on Sexual Assault Reports Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 6)
3/01 SB 3 Authorizes the Use of Medical Cannabis for Those Who Qualify Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 10)
3/01 SB 1428 Prohibits Local Municipalities from Preventing Gun Shows Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
3/01 SB 4 Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
3/01 SB 5120 Establishes 23-Hour Mental Health and Substance Use Crisis Relief Centers Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
2/28 SB 343 Amends Definitions of Machine-Guns for Increased Felony Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
2/27 HB 1135 Establishes Transparency in the Pricing of Prescription Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
2/25 HB 2398 Classifies Sexual Extortion as a Class 5 Felony Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 3)
2/25 SB 1188 Classifies Fentanyl as a "Weapons of Terrorism" and a Class 4 Felony Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 5)
2/25 SB 1188 Classifies Fentanyl as a "Weapons of Terrorism" and a Class 4 Felony Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 5)
2/25 SB 887 Requires Individuals in Solitary Confinement Receive a Minimum of 4 Hours Out of Cell Each Day Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 2)
2/24 HB 1090 Authorizes Protections for Farmers and Agricultural Operations from Frivolous Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
2/24 HB 208 Amends Criminal Trespass Laws Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 4)
2/24 HB 208 Amends Criminal Trespass Laws Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 4)
2/22 S 153 Classifies the Trafficking of Fentanyl as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
2/22 SB 64 Prohibits Life Sentences for Juveniles Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
2/22 S 153 Classifies the Trafficking of Fentanyl as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
2/22 SF 228 Limits Employee Liability in Commercial Vehicle Crashes Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
2/21 HF 28 Expands Voting Rights to Ex-Felons Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 30)

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