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 15, 2025 OR SB 1191 Authorizes Individuals to Inform Others of Their Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 1)
April 15, 2025 OR SB 1175 Establishes a Temporary Task Force on Removing Barriers to Jury Service Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
April 15, 2025 OR SB 1191 Authorizes Individuals to Inform Others of Their Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 1)
April 14, 2025 ND HB 1318 Increases the Standard for Proving Liability for Lawsuits Involving Pesticides Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
April 14, 2025 WA HB 1163 Requires New Permits for Gun Ownership Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
April 14, 2025 IA HF 645 Authorizes Immunity to Race Tracks Against Nuisance Claims Brought by Surrounding Property Owners Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
April 12, 2025 WV HB 2880 Requires that Parent Resource Navigators be Included in Key Meetings About the Child's Case Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 1)
April 12, 2025 MT HB 763 Increases the Base Hunting License Fee for All Nonresidents from $15 to $100 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 2)
April 10, 2025 KS HB 2062 Require Child Support Payments to be Calculated from the Point of Conception Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
April 10, 2025 ND HB 1600 Establishes an Immigration-Focused Law Clinic at the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
April 10, 2025 IL SB 42 Prohibits Police from Stopping, Detaining, or Searching a Vehicle Based Solely on the Smell of Cannabis Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
April 10, 2025 IL SB 19 Amends and Reforms the State Prisoner Review Board Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
April 10, 2025 TX SB 36 Establishes a Texas Homeland Security Division Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
April 10, 2025 IL SB 42 Prohibits Police from Stopping, Detaining, or Searching a Vehicle Based Solely on the Smell of Cannabis Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
April 9, 2025 AZ HB 2076 Amends Statutes Related to Life Insurance Policies to Redefine the Term "Illustration" Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 2)
April 9, 2025 ND HB 1263 Amends State Criminal Records Sealing Laws Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 1)
April 9, 2025 AR HB 1150 Prohibits Pharmacy Benefit Managers From Obtaining Certain Pharmacy Permits Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
April 9, 2025 FL SB 168 Increases Mental Health Awareness and Protections for Individuals in Custody Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
April 8, 2025 CO SB 25-129 Establishes Legal Protections for Abortion and Gender Transition Services Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
April 8, 2025 WA HB 1815 Amends Prison Riot Charges Concerning Juveniles Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
April 8, 2025 HI HB 1308 Authorizes Legal Online and Mobile Sports Betting Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 10)
April 7, 2025 MD HB 1222 Prohibits Local Law Enforcement Agencies From Entering Agreements With Federal Immigration Officials Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
April 7, 2025 MD HB 1424 Appropriates State Funding to Assist Laid-Off Federal Workers and Expands Attorney General Power to Pursue Litigation Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
April 7, 2025 IA HF 924 Reduces the Minimum Age for Possessing and Carrying a Firearm from 21 to 18 Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
April 4, 2025 GA HB 651 Authorizes Regulations over Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 3)
April 4, 2025 WA HB 1205 Specifies Knowingly Distributing a Forged Digital Likeness of Another Individual as Criminal Impersonation in the 2nd Degree Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
April 3, 2025 MD HB 853 Authorizes Certain Incarcerated Individuals to Have Early Release Hearings Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
April 2, 2025 ND HB 1470 Increases the Price for Hunting and Fishing Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 3)
April 2, 2025 National PN 12-39 Nomination of Dean Sauer to be Solicitor General of the United States Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 46)
April 2, 2025 National PN 12-11 Nomination of Harmeet Dhillon to be an Assistant Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 45)
April 2, 2025 AR SB 544 Prohibits Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) from Owning Pharmacies and Selling Drugs on Retail Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
April 2, 2025 PA SB 475 Establishes Reforms Intended to Modernize and Strengthen Pennsylvania's Problem Solving Courts Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
April 1, 2025 RI S 280 Increases the 7-Day Waiting Period Exemption for Concealable Firearms to Include the Rhode Island Capitol Police Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
April 1, 2025 WV SB 85 Prohibits Prescribing Abortion Medication Unless the Abortion is Legal Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
March 31, 2025 CO SB 25-001 Establishes Protections for Voters in a Protected Class and Authorizes the Filing of Civil Suits for Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
March 31, 2025 PA SB 490 Prohibits Monetary Bail Release for Individuals With Prior Violent Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
March 28, 2025 CO SB 25-003 Prohibits the Manufacture, Distribution, Transfer, Sale, or Purchase of Specified Semiautomatic Firearms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
March 28, 2025 ND HB 1231 Authorizes Low-Risk Sex Offenders to Ask the Court to Remove Them from the State Registry Early Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 3)
March 27, 2025 KY SB 84 Prohibits Courts from Deferring to a State Agency's Interpretation When Dealing With Ambiguity in Statute Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
March 27, 2025 KY HB 399 Establishes Criminal Penalties for Interfering with a Legislative Proceeding Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
March 27, 2025 KY HB 399 Establishes Criminal Penalties for Interfering with a Legislative Proceeding Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
March 27, 2025 KS HB 2056 Requires Specific Intent as an Element of the Crime of False Representation of an Election Official Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 6)
March 27, 2025 KS HB 2062 Require Child Support Payments to be Calculated from the Point of Conception Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 9)
March 27, 2025 GA HB 428 Amends the Official Code of Georgia to Codify Access to In Vitro Fertilization Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 1)
March 27, 2025 KS HB 2164 Authorizes Individuals Who Are 20 Years of Age or Older to Apply for Certification as a Police Officer Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 4)
March 27, 2025 OK SB 870 Increases Accountability and Reporting Mechanisms for Incidents of Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Juveniles in State-Run Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
March 26, 2025 KS SB 9 Limits and Restricts Foreign Land Ownership Around Military Bases and Prohibits the Purchase of Drones Manufactured in Certain Countries Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 1)
March 26, 2025 National PN 12-37 Nomination of Aaron Reitz to be an Assistant Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 46)
March 26, 2025 KS HB 2228 Requires that Political Subdivisions Hold an Open Meeting to Discuss a Contingency Fee Contract for Legal Services Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
March 26, 2025 ID H 96 Prohibits Government Entities from Displaying Certain Flags Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
March 26, 2025 National PN 12-37 Nomination of Aaron Reitz to be an Assistant Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 45)
March 26, 2025 CO SB 25-071 Prohibits Pharmaceutical Companies from Restricting Hospitals' Use of the Federal 340B Prescription Drug Discount Program Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
March 26, 2025 TX SB 990 Authorizes the Death Penalty for Individuals Convicted of Killing Children Aged 10-15 Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
March 26, 2025 SC S 244 Amends Liability Rules, Damage Awards, and Insurance Requirements for Bars, Restaurants, and Nonprofit Organizations Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 7)
March 26, 2025 IA SF 394 Increases Pesticide Liability Immunity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
March 25, 2025 CO HB 25-1238 Establishes Various New Rules for Gun and Firearm Shows Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
March 25, 2025 CO HB 25-1133 Requires Individuals Delivering Ammunition to Confirm Age of Purchaser Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
March 25, 2025 KS HCR 5004 Amends Constitutional Citizenship Requirement for Voting Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
March 25, 2025 IA SF 473 Establishes Protections for Religious and Moral Beliefs of Foster and Adoptive Parents Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
March 24, 2025 IN HB 1393 Requires Law Enforcement to Report Arrestees for Suspected Illegal Immigration Status Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 10)
March 24, 2025 ID H 270 Increases Indecent Exposure Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
March 24, 2025 ID H 380 Authorizes the Death Penalty for Individuals Convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
March 24, 2025 ID H 380 Authorizes the Death Penalty for Individuals Convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
March 24, 2025 ID H 270 Increases Indecent Exposure Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
March 24, 2025 NJ S 1400 Establishes an Alternative Process for Handling Court Proceedings Regarding Inherited Property Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
March 24, 2025 WV SB 579 Prohibits Municipalities Participating in the Home Rule Program from Establishing Nondiscrimination Ordinances Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
March 21, 2025 GA SB 68 Establishes New Guidelines for Personal Injury Lawsuits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 21)
March 21, 2025 GA SB 68 Establishes New Guidelines for Personal Injury Lawsuits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 21)
March 21, 2025 NM HB 78 Prohibits Discrimination Against 340B Entities Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
March 20, 2025 KS HB 2052 Amends the Process for an Individual with a Provisional Concealed Carry License to Request a Standard License Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
March 20, 2025 KS HB 2109 Exempts Public Utilities from Civil Liability to the Attachment, Access, Operation, Maintenance or Removal of Law Enforcement Equipment Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
March 20, 2025 KS HB 2109 Exempts Public Utilities from Civil Liability to the Attachment, Access, Operation, Maintenance or Removal of Law Enforcement Equipment Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
March 20, 2025 NH HB 592 Requires that Individuals Charged a Serious Offense be Held Behind Bars Until Being Arraigned by a Court Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 0)
March 20, 2025 AL SB 252 Establishes New Regulations on Reimbursements and Fees Pharmacy Benefit Managers Charge to Pharmacies Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
March 20, 2025 NC SB 50 Establishes State Constitutional Concealed Carry Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 18)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/15 SB 1191 Authorizes Individuals to Inform Others of Their Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 1)
4/15 SB 1175 Establishes a Temporary Task Force on Removing Barriers to Jury Service Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
4/15 SB 1191 Authorizes Individuals to Inform Others of Their Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 1)
4/14 HB 1318 Increases the Standard for Proving Liability for Lawsuits Involving Pesticides Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
4/14 HB 1163 Requires New Permits for Gun Ownership Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
4/14 HF 645 Authorizes Immunity to Race Tracks Against Nuisance Claims Brought by Surrounding Property Owners Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
4/12 HB 2880 Requires that Parent Resource Navigators be Included in Key Meetings About the Child's Case Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 1)
4/12 HB 763 Increases the Base Hunting License Fee for All Nonresidents from $15 to $100 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 2)
4/10 HB 2062 Require Child Support Payments to be Calculated from the Point of Conception Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
4/10 HB 1600 Establishes an Immigration-Focused Law Clinic at the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
4/10 SB 42 Prohibits Police from Stopping, Detaining, or Searching a Vehicle Based Solely on the Smell of Cannabis Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
4/10 SB 19 Amends and Reforms the State Prisoner Review Board Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
4/10 SB 36 Establishes a Texas Homeland Security Division Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
4/10 SB 42 Prohibits Police from Stopping, Detaining, or Searching a Vehicle Based Solely on the Smell of Cannabis Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
4/09 HB 2076 Amends Statutes Related to Life Insurance Policies to Redefine the Term "Illustration" Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 2)
4/09 HB 1263 Amends State Criminal Records Sealing Laws Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 1)
4/09 HB 1150 Prohibits Pharmacy Benefit Managers From Obtaining Certain Pharmacy Permits Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
4/09 SB 168 Increases Mental Health Awareness and Protections for Individuals in Custody Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
4/08 SB 25-129 Establishes Legal Protections for Abortion and Gender Transition Services Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
4/08 HB 1815 Amends Prison Riot Charges Concerning Juveniles Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
4/08 HB 1308 Authorizes Legal Online and Mobile Sports Betting Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 10)
4/07 HB 1222 Prohibits Local Law Enforcement Agencies From Entering Agreements With Federal Immigration Officials Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
4/07 HB 1424 Appropriates State Funding to Assist Laid-Off Federal Workers and Expands Attorney General Power to Pursue Litigation Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
4/07 HF 924 Reduces the Minimum Age for Possessing and Carrying a Firearm from 21 to 18 Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
4/04 HB 651 Authorizes Regulations over Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 3)
4/04 HB 1205 Specifies Knowingly Distributing a Forged Digital Likeness of Another Individual as Criminal Impersonation in the 2nd Degree Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
4/03 HB 853 Authorizes Certain Incarcerated Individuals to Have Early Release Hearings Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
4/02 HB 1470 Increases the Price for Hunting and Fishing Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 3)
4/02 PN 12-39 Nomination of Dean Sauer to be Solicitor General of the United States Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 46)
4/02 PN 12-11 Nomination of Harmeet Dhillon to be an Assistant Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 45)
4/02 SB 544 Prohibits Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) from Owning Pharmacies and Selling Drugs on Retail Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
4/02 SB 475 Establishes Reforms Intended to Modernize and Strengthen Pennsylvania's Problem Solving Courts Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
4/01 S 280 Increases the 7-Day Waiting Period Exemption for Concealable Firearms to Include the Rhode Island Capitol Police Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
4/01 SB 85 Prohibits Prescribing Abortion Medication Unless the Abortion is Legal Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
3/31 SB 25-001 Establishes Protections for Voters in a Protected Class and Authorizes the Filing of Civil Suits for Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
3/31 SB 490 Prohibits Monetary Bail Release for Individuals With Prior Violent Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
3/28 SB 25-003 Prohibits the Manufacture, Distribution, Transfer, Sale, or Purchase of Specified Semiautomatic Firearms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
3/28 HB 1231 Authorizes Low-Risk Sex Offenders to Ask the Court to Remove Them from the State Registry Early Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 3)
3/27 SB 84 Prohibits Courts from Deferring to a State Agency's Interpretation When Dealing With Ambiguity in Statute Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
3/27 HB 399 Establishes Criminal Penalties for Interfering with a Legislative Proceeding Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
3/27 HB 399 Establishes Criminal Penalties for Interfering with a Legislative Proceeding Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
3/27 HB 2056 Requires Specific Intent as an Element of the Crime of False Representation of an Election Official Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 6)
3/27 HB 2062 Require Child Support Payments to be Calculated from the Point of Conception Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 9)
3/27 HB 428 Amends the Official Code of Georgia to Codify Access to In Vitro Fertilization Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 1)
3/27 HB 2164 Authorizes Individuals Who Are 20 Years of Age or Older to Apply for Certification as a Police Officer Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 4)
3/27 SB 870 Increases Accountability and Reporting Mechanisms for Incidents of Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Juveniles in State-Run Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
3/26 SB 9 Limits and Restricts Foreign Land Ownership Around Military Bases and Prohibits the Purchase of Drones Manufactured in Certain Countries Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 1)
3/26 PN 12-37 Nomination of Aaron Reitz to be an Assistant Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 46)
3/26 HB 2228 Requires that Political Subdivisions Hold an Open Meeting to Discuss a Contingency Fee Contract for Legal Services Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
3/26 H 96 Prohibits Government Entities from Displaying Certain Flags Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
3/26 PN 12-37 Nomination of Aaron Reitz to be an Assistant Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 45)
3/26 SB 25-071 Prohibits Pharmaceutical Companies from Restricting Hospitals' Use of the Federal 340B Prescription Drug Discount Program Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
3/26 SB 990 Authorizes the Death Penalty for Individuals Convicted of Killing Children Aged 10-15 Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
3/26 S 244 Amends Liability Rules, Damage Awards, and Insurance Requirements for Bars, Restaurants, and Nonprofit Organizations Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 7)
3/26 SF 394 Increases Pesticide Liability Immunity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
3/25 HB 25-1238 Establishes Various New Rules for Gun and Firearm Shows Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
3/25 HB 25-1133 Requires Individuals Delivering Ammunition to Confirm Age of Purchaser Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
3/25 HCR 5004 Amends Constitutional Citizenship Requirement for Voting Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
3/25 SF 473 Establishes Protections for Religious and Moral Beliefs of Foster and Adoptive Parents Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
3/24 HB 1393 Requires Law Enforcement to Report Arrestees for Suspected Illegal Immigration Status Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 10)
3/24 H 270 Increases Indecent Exposure Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
3/24 H 380 Authorizes the Death Penalty for Individuals Convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
3/24 H 380 Authorizes the Death Penalty for Individuals Convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
3/24 H 270 Increases Indecent Exposure Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
3/24 S 1400 Establishes an Alternative Process for Handling Court Proceedings Regarding Inherited Property Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
3/24 SB 579 Prohibits Municipalities Participating in the Home Rule Program from Establishing Nondiscrimination Ordinances Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
3/21 SB 68 Establishes New Guidelines for Personal Injury Lawsuits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 21)
3/21 SB 68 Establishes New Guidelines for Personal Injury Lawsuits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 21)
3/21 HB 78 Prohibits Discrimination Against 340B Entities Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
3/20 HB 2052 Amends the Process for an Individual with a Provisional Concealed Carry License to Request a Standard License Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 6)
3/20 HB 2109 Exempts Public Utilities from Civil Liability to the Attachment, Access, Operation, Maintenance or Removal of Law Enforcement Equipment Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
3/20 HB 2109 Exempts Public Utilities from Civil Liability to the Attachment, Access, Operation, Maintenance or Removal of Law Enforcement Equipment Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
3/20 HB 592 Requires that Individuals Charged a Serious Offense be Held Behind Bars Until Being Arraigned by a Court Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 0)
3/20 SB 252 Establishes New Regulations on Reimbursements and Fees Pharmacy Benefit Managers Charge to Pharmacies Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
3/20 SB 50 Establishes State Constitutional Concealed Carry Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 18)

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