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
April 10, 2021 WA HB 1411 Prohibits the Automatic Disqualification of Individuals with Criminal Records from Providing Care to Vulnerable Adults or Children Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
April 10, 2021 WA HB 1320 Amends Protection Order Laws to include Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, Anti-Harassment, Vulnerable Adult, and Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
April 10, 2021 WA HB 1127 Increases Security and Privacy for COVID-19 Health Data Collected by Private Entities Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
April 9, 2021 WA HB 1267 Establishes the Office of Independent Investigations within the Governor's Office to Investigate Deadly Use of Force Incidents Involving Police Officers Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
April 8, 2021 KS HB 2089 Restructures Firearm Safety Education Training Programs for School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
April 8, 2021 ND HB 1498 Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 10)
April 8, 2021 AL SB 267 Prohibits Implementation of COVID-19 Vaccine Passports Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
April 8, 2021 AL SB 267 Prohibits Implementation of COVID-19 Vaccine Passports Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
April 8, 2021 SC S 177 Prohibits Business from Firing Employees if they Don't Get Vaccinated Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
April 7, 2021 VA HB 2113 Authorizes Criminal Records Expungement Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
April 7, 2021 MD SB 600 Requires Independent Investigation of Police Use of Force Incidents that Result in Death Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
April 7, 2021 MD SB 71 Requires Police to Wear Body Cameras Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
April 7, 2021 OR SB 204 Expands Criminal Justice Agencies to Include Citizen Review Boards Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
April 6, 2021 NV SB 47 Authorizes Borrowing Money for Programs Approved by the State Legislature Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
April 3, 2021 WA HB 1214 Establishes the Category of Safety and Security Staff for K-12 Schools Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
April 1, 2021 AL HB 103 Prohibits the Government Selecting Which Entities Can Remain Open During COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
April 1, 2021 MD HB 670 Repeals the Law Enforcement Officer's Bill of Rights and Replaces it With a Multistep System Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
April 1, 2021 NH SB 141 Rescinds the State Police "Gun Line" "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
April 1, 2021 AL SB 97 Reduces the Power of the Public Health Officer During a Public Health Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
April 1, 2021 AL SB 308 Authorizes Residents to Purchase Lifetime Concealed Carry Permits Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
April 1, 2021 DE SB 6 Prohibits the Sale of Magazines that Hold More than 17 Rounds Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
April 1, 2021 DE SB 3 Establishes that People Must Complete Firearm Training and Acquire a Permit Before Purchasing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
April 1, 2021 OR SB 398 Establishes the Presence of a Noose as a Hate Crime Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
April 1, 2021 OR SB 398 Establishes the Presence of a Noose as a Hate Crime Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
March 30, 2021 DE SB 72 Classifies Discrimination Against Any Person Because of their Religion as Illegal Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
March 30, 2021 RI S 128 Repeals Law that Only Allowed Officers to Issue Verbal Warnings to Adults Who Leave Children in Cars Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
March 30, 2021 NY S 1453 Extends the Utility Shut-Off Moratorium throughout the Duration of the COVID-19 Pandemic State of Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 9)
March 29, 2021 KY HJR 77 Limits the Governor's Emergency Health Orders to 60 Days Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
March 29, 2021 GA HB 218 Requires the State to Recognize Gun Carry Permits from Other States Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 18)
March 29, 2021 AR SB 346 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Charge $15 for Audiovisual Records Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
March 29, 2021 MO SB 53 Prohibits Law Enforcement Officers from Using Chokeholds Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
March 25, 2021 IL SB 72 Authorizes Victims in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Cases to Collect Interest Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
March 25, 2021 GA HB 286 Prohibits Local Police Departments from Reducing Annual Police Budgets Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 15)
March 25, 2021 WY HB 49 Increases 5 State Agency Fees and Establishes a $25 Per Month Fee to Parolees to Appropriate $1.4 Million to General Fund Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
March 25, 2021 IN HB 1485 Establishes it is a Crime for Someone to Refuse to Leave a Polling Place After Directed Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 8)
March 25, 2021 KS HB 2126 Exempts Various Industries from Legal Liability Related to COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
March 25, 2021 IL HB 158 Reduces Racial Disparities in Medical Care Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 16)
March 25, 2021 KS HB 2126 Exempts Various Industries from Legal Liability Related to COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
March 25, 2021 MT HB 121 Repeals the Ability for Health Boards to Implement Rules Surrounding Covid-19 Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
March 25, 2021 NH SB 114 Requires Law Enforcement Training on Multiple Topics Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 0)
March 25, 2021 MI SB 250 Establishes Opening Rules for Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 25, 2021 OR SB 554 Authorizes Local Governments and School Districts to Prohibit Guns on Capital and State Property Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 7)
March 24, 2021 WA HB 1078 Extends Voting Rights to Citizens on Parole Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
March 24, 2021 VT H 315 Appropriates $100 Million for COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery Assistance Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
March 23, 2021 CT HB 6462 Amends Law Related to Police Accountability Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
March 23, 2021 WI SB 183 Increases Legislative Oversight Over Governor Spending of Pandemic Relief Funds Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
March 23, 2021 MI SB 257 Prohibits Banning Family Gatherings During the Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 23, 2021 MI SB 257 Prohibits Banning Family Gatherings During the Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 22, 2021 IA HF 756 Specifies Guidelines for Acquisition and Possession of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 17)
March 22, 2021 IA HF 621 Establishes Which Legal Actions can be Brought Against Firearm Manufacturers and Distributors Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 17)
March 22, 2021 IA HF 621 Establishes Which Legal Actions can be Brought Against Firearm Manufacturers and Distributors Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 17)
March 22, 2021 NV SB 103 Prohibits Insurance Companies from Discriminating Based on a Dog's Breed Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 3)
March 18, 2021 NY A 2277 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 21)
March 18, 2021 NH SB 155 Authorizes Codifying Provisions Included in Emergency Orders Issued by the Governor "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 1)
March 18, 2021 VT S 30 Establishes A Ban On Firearms In Hospitals Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
March 18, 2021 FL SB 72 Specifies Requirements for COVID-Related Civil Actions Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
March 18, 2021 TN SB 765 Authorizes Individuals 21 Years Old and Older to Either Openly Carry or Carry a Concealed Handgun Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
March 17, 2021 GA HB 112 Establishes COVID-19 Liability Protections for Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 17)
March 17, 2021 GA HB 112 Establishes COVID-19 Liability Protections for Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 17)
March 17, 2021 MI SB 209 Rescinds the Physician from Civil Liability for Providing Medical Exemptions for Seat Belts Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 17, 2021 IA SF 361 Establishes Guidelines for Drug Testing Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
March 16, 2021 IN HB 1006 Increases Police Accountability Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
March 16, 2021 WI SJR 20 Establishes February 2021 as Black History Month and Honors Black Legislators Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (11 - 20)
March 15, 2021 MN SF 4 Requires the Governor to Seek Approval Before Extending an Emergency Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 29)
March 12, 2021 MD SB 525 Requires the Baltimore City Centralized Booking Facility Provide a Secure Designated Ballot Drop Box Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
March 12, 2021 ID S 1136 Establishes Restrictions on the Governor's Authority During an Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
March 11, 2021 KY SB 3 Amends Laws Related to Declaring an Emergency Related to the Agricultural Industry Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
March 11, 2021 ME LD 2 Requires the State Legislature to Assess the Racial Impact of Pending Legislation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
March 11, 2021 ME LD 1 Establishes a COVID-19 Patient Bill of Rights Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
March 11, 2021 NC SB 101 Requires Sheriffs to Cooperate with ICE Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
March 11, 2021 MI SR 26 Authorizes the Senate Majority Leader to Sue the Governor Resolution Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
March 11, 2021 KY SB 211 Establishes Penalties for Individuals Convicted of Certain Crimes Committed During a Riot Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
March 11, 2021 MD SB 10 Prohibits Individuals from Possessing a Firearm Within 100 Feet of a Polling Site Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
March 10, 2021 National PN 78-7 Nomination of Merrick Garland as Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (70 - 30)
March 10, 2021 CO SB 21-078 Requires Gun Owners Report Stolen or Lost Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/10 HB 1411 Prohibits the Automatic Disqualification of Individuals with Criminal Records from Providing Care to Vulnerable Adults or Children Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
4/10 HB 1320 Amends Protection Order Laws to include Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, Anti-Harassment, Vulnerable Adult, and Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
4/10 HB 1127 Increases Security and Privacy for COVID-19 Health Data Collected by Private Entities Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
4/09 HB 1267 Establishes the Office of Independent Investigations within the Governor's Office to Investigate Deadly Use of Force Incidents Involving Police Officers Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
4/08 HB 2089 Restructures Firearm Safety Education Training Programs for School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
4/08 HB 1498 Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 10)
4/08 SB 267 Prohibits Implementation of COVID-19 Vaccine Passports Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
4/08 SB 267 Prohibits Implementation of COVID-19 Vaccine Passports Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
4/08 S 177 Prohibits Business from Firing Employees if they Don't Get Vaccinated Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
4/07 HB 2113 Authorizes Criminal Records Expungement Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
4/07 SB 600 Requires Independent Investigation of Police Use of Force Incidents that Result in Death Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
4/07 SB 71 Requires Police to Wear Body Cameras Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
4/07 SB 204 Expands Criminal Justice Agencies to Include Citizen Review Boards Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
4/06 SB 47 Authorizes Borrowing Money for Programs Approved by the State Legislature Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
4/03 HB 1214 Establishes the Category of Safety and Security Staff for K-12 Schools Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
4/01 HB 103 Prohibits the Government Selecting Which Entities Can Remain Open During COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
4/01 HB 670 Repeals the Law Enforcement Officer's Bill of Rights and Replaces it With a Multistep System Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
4/01 SB 141 Rescinds the State Police "Gun Line" "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
4/01 SB 97 Reduces the Power of the Public Health Officer During a Public Health Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
4/01 SB 308 Authorizes Residents to Purchase Lifetime Concealed Carry Permits Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
4/01 SB 6 Prohibits the Sale of Magazines that Hold More than 17 Rounds Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
4/01 SB 3 Establishes that People Must Complete Firearm Training and Acquire a Permit Before Purchasing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
4/01 SB 398 Establishes the Presence of a Noose as a Hate Crime Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
4/01 SB 398 Establishes the Presence of a Noose as a Hate Crime Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
3/30 SB 72 Classifies Discrimination Against Any Person Because of their Religion as Illegal Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
3/30 S 128 Repeals Law that Only Allowed Officers to Issue Verbal Warnings to Adults Who Leave Children in Cars Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
3/30 S 1453 Extends the Utility Shut-Off Moratorium throughout the Duration of the COVID-19 Pandemic State of Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 9)
3/29 HJR 77 Limits the Governor's Emergency Health Orders to 60 Days Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
3/29 HB 218 Requires the State to Recognize Gun Carry Permits from Other States Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 18)
3/29 SB 346 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Charge $15 for Audiovisual Records Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
3/29 SB 53 Prohibits Law Enforcement Officers from Using Chokeholds Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
3/25 SB 72 Authorizes Victims in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Cases to Collect Interest Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
3/25 HB 286 Prohibits Local Police Departments from Reducing Annual Police Budgets Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 15)
3/25 HB 49 Increases 5 State Agency Fees and Establishes a $25 Per Month Fee to Parolees to Appropriate $1.4 Million to General Fund Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
3/25 HB 1485 Establishes it is a Crime for Someone to Refuse to Leave a Polling Place After Directed Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 8)
3/25 HB 2126 Exempts Various Industries from Legal Liability Related to COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
3/25 HB 158 Reduces Racial Disparities in Medical Care Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 16)
3/25 HB 2126 Exempts Various Industries from Legal Liability Related to COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
3/25 HB 121 Repeals the Ability for Health Boards to Implement Rules Surrounding Covid-19 Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
3/25 SB 114 Requires Law Enforcement Training on Multiple Topics Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 0)
3/25 SB 250 Establishes Opening Rules for Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/25 SB 554 Authorizes Local Governments and School Districts to Prohibit Guns on Capital and State Property Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 7)
3/24 HB 1078 Extends Voting Rights to Citizens on Parole Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
3/24 H 315 Appropriates $100 Million for COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery Assistance Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
3/23 HB 6462 Amends Law Related to Police Accountability Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
3/23 SB 183 Increases Legislative Oversight Over Governor Spending of Pandemic Relief Funds Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
3/23 SB 257 Prohibits Banning Family Gatherings During the Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/23 SB 257 Prohibits Banning Family Gatherings During the Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/22 HF 756 Specifies Guidelines for Acquisition and Possession of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 17)
3/22 HF 621 Establishes Which Legal Actions can be Brought Against Firearm Manufacturers and Distributors Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 17)
3/22 HF 621 Establishes Which Legal Actions can be Brought Against Firearm Manufacturers and Distributors Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 17)
3/22 SB 103 Prohibits Insurance Companies from Discriminating Based on a Dog's Breed Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 3)
3/18 A 2277 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 21)
3/18 SB 155 Authorizes Codifying Provisions Included in Emergency Orders Issued by the Governor "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 1)
3/18 S 30 Establishes A Ban On Firearms In Hospitals Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
3/18 SB 72 Specifies Requirements for COVID-Related Civil Actions Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
3/18 SB 765 Authorizes Individuals 21 Years Old and Older to Either Openly Carry or Carry a Concealed Handgun Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
3/17 HB 112 Establishes COVID-19 Liability Protections for Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 17)
3/17 HB 112 Establishes COVID-19 Liability Protections for Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 17)
3/17 SB 209 Rescinds the Physician from Civil Liability for Providing Medical Exemptions for Seat Belts Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/17 SF 361 Establishes Guidelines for Drug Testing Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
3/16 HB 1006 Increases Police Accountability Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
3/16 SJR 20 Establishes February 2021 as Black History Month and Honors Black Legislators Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (11 - 20)
3/15 SF 4 Requires the Governor to Seek Approval Before Extending an Emergency Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 29)
3/12 SB 525 Requires the Baltimore City Centralized Booking Facility Provide a Secure Designated Ballot Drop Box Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
3/12 S 1136 Establishes Restrictions on the Governor's Authority During an Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
3/11 SB 3 Amends Laws Related to Declaring an Emergency Related to the Agricultural Industry Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
3/11 LD 2 Requires the State Legislature to Assess the Racial Impact of Pending Legislation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
3/11 LD 1 Establishes a COVID-19 Patient Bill of Rights Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
3/11 SB 101 Requires Sheriffs to Cooperate with ICE Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
3/11 SR 26 Authorizes the Senate Majority Leader to Sue the Governor Resolution Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
3/11 SB 211 Establishes Penalties for Individuals Convicted of Certain Crimes Committed During a Riot Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
3/11 SB 10 Prohibits Individuals from Possessing a Firearm Within 100 Feet of a Polling Site Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
3/10 PN 78-7 Nomination of Merrick Garland as Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (70 - 30)
3/10 SB 21-078 Requires Gun Owners Report Stolen or Lost Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)

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