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. 21, 2023 AZ SB 1096 Prohibits Public Contracts of Over $100K that Do Not Include Firearm Protections Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
Feb. 21, 2023 MD SB 54 Repeals Crimes of "Unnatural" or "Perverted" Sex Practices Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
Feb. 21, 2023 UT SB 156 Establishes Requirements for Law Enforcement Use of Voluntary DNA Databases Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 2)
Feb. 16, 2023 UT HB 143 Prohibits Parents Without Visitation Rights from Interfering with the Custody of a Child Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 1)
Feb. 16, 2023 NC SB 41 Expands Conceal Carry Permits in School Zones Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
Feb. 16, 2023 ND SB 2248 Establishes Penalty for an Individual Caught Aiding Injury or Death of Another Caused by Illegal Drug Substances Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
Feb. 16, 2023 ND SB 2248 Establishes Penalty for an Individual Caught Aiding Injury or Death of Another Caused by Illegal Drug Substances Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
Feb. 15, 2023 OR SB 310 Increases Penalty for Antitrust Violations Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
Feb. 13, 2023 SD SB 207 Establishes Penalties for Appropriating Public Funds to Influence an Election Result Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
Feb. 13, 2023 GA SB 44 Increases Penalties for Gang Recruitment Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 22)
Feb. 10, 2023 UT HJR 2 Amends how State Courts can Grant Injunctions Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
Feb. 8, 2023 IA HF 161 Establishes a $1 Million Cap on Noneconomic Damages in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Feb. 8, 2023 FL SB 4-B Authorizes Office of Statewide Prosecution to Investigate Voting-Related Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
Feb. 7, 2023 VA SB 1515 Establishes Civil Liability for or Publishing or Distributing Material Harmful to Minors on the Internet Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
Feb. 6, 2023 VA SB 1361 Amends Parole Rules in the state of Virginia Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
Feb. 1, 2023 WA SB 5028 Amends Process for Legal Name Change Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 3)
Feb. 1, 2023 UT SB 86 Repeals Fentanyl Testing Strips from the List of Drug Paraphernalia Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 1)
Feb. 1, 2023 UT SB 86 Repeals Fentanyl Testing Strips from the List of Drug Paraphernalia Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 1)
Jan. 31, 2023 VA SB 1455 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Establish a Curfew Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
Jan. 31, 2023 VA SB 1455 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Establish a Curfew Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
Jan. 26, 2023 MN HF 37 Prohibits Hair Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 19)
Jan. 25, 2023 NY S 345 Establishes 6-Year Statute of Limitations for Employment Discrimination Claims Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
Jan. 25, 2023 NY S 345 Establishes 6-Year Statute of Limitations for Employment Discrimination Claims Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
Jan. 24, 2023 NY A 1283 Authorizes Constitutional Referendum Prohibiting Discrimination on Basis of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Reproductive Autonomy, Etc. (43 - 20)
Jan. 24, 2023 WV SB 10 Authorizes College Campus Concealed-Carry Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
Jan. 23, 2023 VA SB 888 Prohibits the Required Imposition of Mandatory Consecutive Sentences of Imprisonment Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
Jan. 17, 2023 WI SJR 2 Requires a Defendant's Potential Risk Factors be Considered when Setting Bail Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
Jan. 9, 2023 IL HB 5471 Prohibits the Sale, Manufacture, Delivery and Purchase of Assault Weapons Across the State Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 20)
Dec. 22, 2022 National HR 2617 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (68 - 29)
Dec. 19, 2022 NJ A 4769 Establishes Gun Free Zones Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
Dec. 14, 2022 OH HB 513 Prohibits Local Government Control of Flavored Tobacco Products Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
Dec. 7, 2022 OH HB 286 Requires Legal Challenges for Certain Agency Orders Occur in the County Where a Business or Individual Resides Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 4)
Dec. 1, 2022 IL HB 1095 Amends Previously Passed Criminal Justice Reforms Known as the SAFE-T Act Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 17)
Dec. 1, 2022 National H J Res 100 To provide for a resolution with respect to the unresolved disputes between certain railroads represented by the National Carriers' Conference Committee of the National Railway Labor Conference and certain of their employees. Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (80 - 15)
Dec. 1, 2022 IL HB 4218 Requires Free Underwear and Menstrual Hygiene Products for Prisoners Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
Dec. 1, 2022 National H Con Res 119 Providing for a Correction in the enrollment of H.J. Res. 100. Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (52 - 43)
Nov. 30, 2022 OH SB 288 Amends Various Codes and Regulations related to the States Criminal-Justice System Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
Nov. 15, 2022 National S J Res 63 A joint resolution relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020. Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (62 - 36)
Oct. 26, 2022 PA HB 1393 Defines Testing of Fentanyl Test Strips and Other Compounds in Relation to Controlled Substances Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
Oct. 25, 2022 PA HB 1546 Prohibits "Endangerment" of Public Safety Officials Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
Sept. 28, 2022 MI HB 6354 Amends Law in Regard to Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
Aug. 25, 2022 CA AB 2147 Limits Police Enforcement of Prohibition on Pedestrian Jaywalking Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
Aug. 24, 2022 CA AB 2658 Prohibits Excessive Electronic Monitoring of Minors in Home Detention Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Aug. 24, 2022 CA AB 2658 Prohibits Excessive Electronic Monitoring of Minors in Home Detention Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Aug. 23, 2022 CA AB 485 Amends the California Penal Code on Hate Crimes for Transparency of Police Departments Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Aug. 23, 2022 CA AB 485 Amends the California Penal Code on Hate Crimes for Transparency of Police Departments Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Aug. 18, 2022 CA AB 2799 Requires Criminal Courts Consider Potential Prejudice when Weighing Music Lyrics as Evidence Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
Aug. 18, 2022 CA AB 2799 Requires Criminal Courts Consider Potential Prejudice when Weighing Music Lyrics as Evidence Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
Aug. 16, 2022 CA SB 1384 Requires Firearm Dealers to Use Video Surveillance Systems Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
Aug. 1, 2022 CA SB 57 Establishes Safe Injection Sites Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
July 6, 2022 PA SB 1183 Limits Use of Off-Road Vehicles; Authorizes Forfeiture Thereof Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 2)
July 6, 2022 PA HB 146 Prohibits Premature Release of an Individual who has Committed a Violent Offense while Imprisoned Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 9)
July 1, 2022 NC SB 101 Requires Sheriffs to Cooperate with ICE Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 19)
July 1, 2022 DE HB 432 Amends Delaware Code to Prohibit Minors from Executing Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
July 1, 2022 NY S 51001 Requires Social Media Account Disclosure for Individuals Applying for a Handgun License Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
June 30, 2022 NC HB 252 Amends Existing Laws Governing Bail Bonds and Other Legal Processes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 0)
June 30, 2022 NC HB 252 Amends Existing Laws Governing Bail Bonds and Other Legal Processes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 0)
June 30, 2022 MI HB 4698 Prohibits Making False Threats of Mass Shootings Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
June 30, 2022 NC HB 49 Repeals Concealed Carry Firearms Safety Training Requirement in Some Cases Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
June 30, 2022 MI HB 4698 Prohibits Making False Threats of Mass Shootings Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
June 30, 2022 MA S 2988 Limits Use of Asset Forfeiture Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
June 30, 2022 MA S 2987 Prohibits Juvenile Diversion Under Certain Circumstances Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
June 29, 2022 CA AB 2571 Prohibits Marketing of Firearms to Minors; Authorizes Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
June 29, 2022 CA AB 2551 Establishes Procedures to Notify Law Enforcement About Firearm Violations Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
June 29, 2022 DE HB 380 Establishes Public Attorney Student Loan Repayment Program Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
June 29, 2022 NJ A 4370 Requires Gun Owners to Obtain a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
June 29, 2022 DE HB 276 Authorizes Medical Marijuana Patients to Possess Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
June 29, 2022 DE SB 8 Prohibits Devices That Convert Handguns Into Automatic Weapons Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
June 29, 2022 NJ A 3974 Prohibits Extradition for Reproductive Services Lawful in State Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
June 29, 2022 CA AB 2156 Establishes New Requirements for Firearm Manufacturer Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
June 29, 2022 CA AB 1769 Prohibits the Sale of Firearms by the 31st District Agricultural Association Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
June 29, 2022 NJ S 2846 Amends Firearm Manufacturing Violations from Third to Second Degree Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6)
June 28, 2022 DE HB 451 Increases the Minimum Age to Handle and Purchase Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
June 28, 2022 DE HB 404 Amends Codes Relating to Professional Licensing Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
June 27, 2022 CA AB 2239 Expands the List of People Prohibited from Possessing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/21 SB 1096 Prohibits Public Contracts of Over $100K that Do Not Include Firearm Protections Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
2/21 SB 54 Repeals Crimes of "Unnatural" or "Perverted" Sex Practices Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
2/21 SB 156 Establishes Requirements for Law Enforcement Use of Voluntary DNA Databases Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 2)
2/16 HB 143 Prohibits Parents Without Visitation Rights from Interfering with the Custody of a Child Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 1)
2/16 SB 41 Expands Conceal Carry Permits in School Zones Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
2/16 SB 2248 Establishes Penalty for an Individual Caught Aiding Injury or Death of Another Caused by Illegal Drug Substances Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
2/16 SB 2248 Establishes Penalty for an Individual Caught Aiding Injury or Death of Another Caused by Illegal Drug Substances Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
2/15 SB 310 Increases Penalty for Antitrust Violations Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
2/13 SB 207 Establishes Penalties for Appropriating Public Funds to Influence an Election Result Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
2/13 SB 44 Increases Penalties for Gang Recruitment Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 22)
2/10 HJR 2 Amends how State Courts can Grant Injunctions Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
2/08 HF 161 Establishes a $1 Million Cap on Noneconomic Damages in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
2/08 SB 4-B Authorizes Office of Statewide Prosecution to Investigate Voting-Related Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
2/07 SB 1515 Establishes Civil Liability for or Publishing or Distributing Material Harmful to Minors on the Internet Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
2/06 SB 1361 Amends Parole Rules in the state of Virginia Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
2/01 SB 5028 Amends Process for Legal Name Change Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 3)
2/01 SB 86 Repeals Fentanyl Testing Strips from the List of Drug Paraphernalia Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 1)
2/01 SB 86 Repeals Fentanyl Testing Strips from the List of Drug Paraphernalia Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 1)
1/31 SB 1455 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Establish a Curfew Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
1/31 SB 1455 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Establish a Curfew Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
1/26 HF 37 Prohibits Hair Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 19)
1/25 S 345 Establishes 6-Year Statute of Limitations for Employment Discrimination Claims Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
1/25 S 345 Establishes 6-Year Statute of Limitations for Employment Discrimination Claims Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
1/24 A 1283 Authorizes Constitutional Referendum Prohibiting Discrimination on Basis of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Reproductive Autonomy, Etc. (43 - 20)
1/24 SB 10 Authorizes College Campus Concealed-Carry Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
1/23 SB 888 Prohibits the Required Imposition of Mandatory Consecutive Sentences of Imprisonment Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
1/17 SJR 2 Requires a Defendant's Potential Risk Factors be Considered when Setting Bail Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
1/09 HB 5471 Prohibits the Sale, Manufacture, Delivery and Purchase of Assault Weapons Across the State Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 20)
12/22 HR 2617 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (68 - 29)
12/19 A 4769 Establishes Gun Free Zones Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
12/14 HB 513 Prohibits Local Government Control of Flavored Tobacco Products Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
12/07 HB 286 Requires Legal Challenges for Certain Agency Orders Occur in the County Where a Business or Individual Resides Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 4)
12/01 HB 1095 Amends Previously Passed Criminal Justice Reforms Known as the SAFE-T Act Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 17)
12/01 H J Res 100 To provide for a resolution with respect to the unresolved disputes between certain railroads represented by the National Carriers' Conference Committee of the National Railway Labor Conference and certain of their employees. Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (80 - 15)
12/01 HB 4218 Requires Free Underwear and Menstrual Hygiene Products for Prisoners Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
12/01 H Con Res 119 Providing for a Correction in the enrollment of H.J. Res. 100. Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (52 - 43)
11/30 SB 288 Amends Various Codes and Regulations related to the States Criminal-Justice System Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
11/15 S J Res 63 A joint resolution relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020. Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (62 - 36)
10/26 HB 1393 Defines Testing of Fentanyl Test Strips and Other Compounds in Relation to Controlled Substances Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
10/25 HB 1546 Prohibits "Endangerment" of Public Safety Officials Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
9/28 HB 6354 Amends Law in Regard to Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
8/25 AB 2147 Limits Police Enforcement of Prohibition on Pedestrian Jaywalking Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
8/24 AB 2658 Prohibits Excessive Electronic Monitoring of Minors in Home Detention Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
8/24 AB 2658 Prohibits Excessive Electronic Monitoring of Minors in Home Detention Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
8/23 AB 485 Amends the California Penal Code on Hate Crimes for Transparency of Police Departments Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
8/23 AB 485 Amends the California Penal Code on Hate Crimes for Transparency of Police Departments Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
8/18 AB 2799 Requires Criminal Courts Consider Potential Prejudice when Weighing Music Lyrics as Evidence Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
8/18 AB 2799 Requires Criminal Courts Consider Potential Prejudice when Weighing Music Lyrics as Evidence Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
8/16 SB 1384 Requires Firearm Dealers to Use Video Surveillance Systems Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
8/01 SB 57 Establishes Safe Injection Sites Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
7/06 SB 1183 Limits Use of Off-Road Vehicles; Authorizes Forfeiture Thereof Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 2)
7/06 HB 146 Prohibits Premature Release of an Individual who has Committed a Violent Offense while Imprisoned Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 9)
7/01 SB 101 Requires Sheriffs to Cooperate with ICE Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 19)
7/01 HB 432 Amends Delaware Code to Prohibit Minors from Executing Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
7/01 S 51001 Requires Social Media Account Disclosure for Individuals Applying for a Handgun License Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
6/30 HB 252 Amends Existing Laws Governing Bail Bonds and Other Legal Processes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 0)
6/30 HB 252 Amends Existing Laws Governing Bail Bonds and Other Legal Processes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 0)
6/30 HB 4698 Prohibits Making False Threats of Mass Shootings Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
6/30 HB 49 Repeals Concealed Carry Firearms Safety Training Requirement in Some Cases Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
6/30 HB 4698 Prohibits Making False Threats of Mass Shootings Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
6/30 S 2988 Limits Use of Asset Forfeiture Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
6/30 S 2987 Prohibits Juvenile Diversion Under Certain Circumstances Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
6/29 AB 2571 Prohibits Marketing of Firearms to Minors; Authorizes Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
6/29 AB 2551 Establishes Procedures to Notify Law Enforcement About Firearm Violations Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
6/29 HB 380 Establishes Public Attorney Student Loan Repayment Program Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
6/29 A 4370 Requires Gun Owners to Obtain a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
6/29 HB 276 Authorizes Medical Marijuana Patients to Possess Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
6/29 SB 8 Prohibits Devices That Convert Handguns Into Automatic Weapons Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
6/29 A 3974 Prohibits Extradition for Reproductive Services Lawful in State Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
6/29 AB 2156 Establishes New Requirements for Firearm Manufacturer Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
6/29 AB 1769 Prohibits the Sale of Firearms by the 31st District Agricultural Association Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
6/29 S 2846 Amends Firearm Manufacturing Violations from Third to Second Degree Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6)
6/28 HB 451 Increases the Minimum Age to Handle and Purchase Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
6/28 HB 404 Amends Codes Relating to Professional Licensing Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
6/27 AB 2239 Expands the List of People Prohibited from Possessing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)

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