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. 12, 2026 KY SB 160 Increases Flexibility for State Agencies that Oversee Kentucky's Childcare Industry Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
Feb. 5, 2026 AL HB 41 Authorizes the Death Penalty for Individuals Convicted of Certain Sex Crimes Against a Minor Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
Feb. 5, 2026 VA HB 871 Requires Firearms to be Locked Away in Homes With Minors or Prohibited Individuals Bill Passed - House (60 - 37)
Feb. 4, 2026 KY HB 4 Establishes Criminal Penalties for Adults who Groom Minors Bill Passed - House (98 - 0)
Feb. 4, 2026 PA HB 144 Establishes Standard Alternatives to Incarceration for Minors Convicted of Non-Violent Offenses Bill Passed - House (153 - 45)
Feb. 2, 2026 National HR 3123 Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act Bill Passed - House (405 - 1)
Jan. 29, 2026 IN SB 88 Requires Public Schools to Incorporate Certain Personal Values into Instruction Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
Jan. 27, 2026 AL HB 41 Authorizes the Death Penalty for Individuals Convicted of Certain Sex Crimes Against a Minor Bill Passed - House (73 - 6)
Jan. 13, 2026 WI AB 677 Establishes a Crime of Grooming a Child for Sexual Activity Bill Passed - House (93 - 6)
Jan. 7, 2026 NH SB 15 Authorizes a Sentence of Hard Labor for Individuals Convicted of Capital Murder or Serious Sexual Assaults on Children "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - House (179 - 159)
Dec. 17, 2025 PA HB 1663 Establishes the Pennsylvania Children's Literacy Program Bill Passed - House (116 - 87)
Dec. 17, 2025 National HR 3492 Protect Children's Innocence Act Bill Passed - House (216 - 211)
Dec. 16, 2025 National HR 4371 To amend the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 and the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance efforts to combat the trafficking of children Bill Passed - House (225 - 201)
Dec. 15, 2025 National S 284 Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act Bill Passed - House (370 - 22)
Dec. 4, 2025 National HR 1069 Promoting Responsible Oversight To Eliminate Communist Teachings (PROTECT) Our Kids Act Bill Passed - House (247 - 164)
Dec. 1, 2025 National HR 5348 Social Security Child Protection Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (386 - 0)
Nov. 19, 2025 PA SB 1050 Requires Mandatory Reporters to Report All Instances of Child Pornography Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
Nov. 18, 2025 WI AB 265 Establishes a Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 Years for Human Trafficking, and 15 Years if the Victim is a Child Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Nov. 18, 2025 WI SB 389 Repeals the Per Pupil Adjustment in the School District Revenue Limit Formula Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Nov. 5, 2025 OH SB 50 Authorizes 14 and 15-Year-Olds to Work Until 9 p.m. Year-Round Bill Passed - House (62 - 30)
Nov. 5, 2025 OH HB 386 Requires Photo Identification When Applying for a Marriage License Bill Passed - House (88 - 2)
Oct. 22, 2025 MA H 4644 Amends Reporting Requirements for the Department of Children and Families and Requires it to Establish a 5-Year Plan Bill Passed - House (159 - 1)
Oct. 22, 2025 MA H 4644 Amends Reporting Requirements for the Department of Children and Families and Requires it to Establish a 5-Year Plan Bill Passed - House (159 - 1)
Oct. 7, 2025 PA HB 414 Establishes Protections for Service Members Against Child Custody Changes Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
Sept. 16, 2025 National HR 5140 To lower the age at which a minor may be tried as an adult for certain criminal offenses in the District of Columbia to 14 years of age. Bill Passed - House (225 - 203)
Sept. 13, 2025 CA SB 848 Establishes Protections for Students Against School Employee Misconduct Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
Sept. 12, 2025 CA SB 258 Expands the Scope of Crime for Rape and Removes the Spousal Clause Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
Sept. 12, 2025 CA SB 848 Establishes Protections for Students Against School Employee Misconduct Bill Passed - House (71 - 0)
Sept. 11, 2025 CA AB 495 Authorizes Undocumented Parents to Appoint a Legal Guardian Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 20)
Sept. 11, 2025 CA SB 243 Requires the Operator of an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot to Disclose that the Chatbot is Artificial Intelligence to Any User that is a Minor and to Maintain a Protocol for Preventing the Production of Suicidal Ideation, Suicide, or Self-Harm Content Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
Sept. 11, 2025 CA AB 1064 Prohibits Individuals or Businesses from Providing "Companion Chatbots" Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 8)
Sept. 10, 2025 CA AB 752 Requires Daycare Centers to be Considered a Residential Use of Property When Colocated with Multifamily Housing Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 1)
Sept. 10, 2025 CA SB 590 Expands Eligibility for Benefits Under the State's Paid Family Leave Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Sept. 10, 2025 CA AB 495 Authorizes Undocumented Parents to Appoint a Legal Guardian Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
Sept. 10, 2025 CA SB 243 Requires the Operator of an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot to Disclose that the Chatbot is Artificial Intelligence to Any User that is a Minor and to Maintain a Protocol for Preventing the Production of Suicidal Ideation, Suicide, or Self-Harm Content Bill Passed - House (59 - 1)
Sept. 10, 2025 CA AB 1064 Prohibits Individuals or Businesses from Providing "Companion Chatbots" Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
Sept. 9, 2025 CA AB 752 Requires Daycare Centers to be Considered a Residential Use of Property When Colocated with Multifamily Housing Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Sept. 9, 2025 CA SB 590 Expands Eligibility for Benefits Under the State's Paid Family Leave Program Bill Passed - House (76 - 0)
Sept. 4, 2025 MI HB 4517 Amends and Modifies the Amber Alert Activation Criteria and Distribution Processes Bill Passed - House (104 - 1)
Sept. 4, 2025 MI HB 4518 Expands Activation Requirements Under the Michigan Amber Alert Act Bill Passed - House (104 - 1)
Aug. 21, 2025 TX HB 1 (2nd Special Session) Requires Youth Camps to Submit Disaster Emergency Preparedness Plans Bill Passed - House (135 - 1)
Aug. 12, 2025 TX SB 8 (Special Session) Repeals the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Assessment Program Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
July 17, 2025 MA S 2550 Amends Various Laws Relating to Child Custody in Massachusetts Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
July 17, 2025 MA S 2550 Amends Various Laws Relating to Child Custody in Massachusetts Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
July 14, 2025 CA AB 379 Increases Penalties for Prostitution Violations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
July 9, 2025 PA HB 1577 Requires Institutions to Use Safe and Humane Restraints on Children Bill Passed - House (108 - 95)
July 9, 2025 PA HB 1576 Requires the State to Compensate Counties for Certain Expenses Incurred While Children are in Their Care Bill Passed - House (106 - 97)
June 27, 2025 CA SB 120 Appropriates Funds for Early Childhood Education and Childcare Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
June 27, 2025 OR SB 690 Authorizes Delays in Civil Nonpayment Actions Against Parents Who Meet Certain Criteria of Social Need Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
June 27, 2025 CA SB 120 Appropriates Funds for Early Childhood Education and Childcare Bill Passed - House (69 - 1)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/12 SB 160 Increases Flexibility for State Agencies that Oversee Kentucky's Childcare Industry Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
2/05 HB 41 Authorizes the Death Penalty for Individuals Convicted of Certain Sex Crimes Against a Minor Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
2/05 HB 871 Requires Firearms to be Locked Away in Homes With Minors or Prohibited Individuals Bill Passed - House (60 - 37)
2/04 HB 4 Establishes Criminal Penalties for Adults who Groom Minors Bill Passed - House (98 - 0)
2/04 HB 144 Establishes Standard Alternatives to Incarceration for Minors Convicted of Non-Violent Offenses Bill Passed - House (153 - 45)
2/02 HR 3123 Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act Bill Passed - House (405 - 1)
1/29 SB 88 Requires Public Schools to Incorporate Certain Personal Values into Instruction Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
1/27 HB 41 Authorizes the Death Penalty for Individuals Convicted of Certain Sex Crimes Against a Minor Bill Passed - House (73 - 6)
1/13 AB 677 Establishes a Crime of Grooming a Child for Sexual Activity Bill Passed - House (93 - 6)
1/07 SB 15 Authorizes a Sentence of Hard Labor for Individuals Convicted of Capital Murder or Serious Sexual Assaults on Children "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - House (179 - 159)
12/17 HB 1663 Establishes the Pennsylvania Children's Literacy Program Bill Passed - House (116 - 87)
12/17 HR 3492 Protect Children's Innocence Act Bill Passed - House (216 - 211)
12/16 HR 4371 To amend the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 and the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance efforts to combat the trafficking of children Bill Passed - House (225 - 201)
12/15 S 284 Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act Bill Passed - House (370 - 22)
12/04 HR 1069 Promoting Responsible Oversight To Eliminate Communist Teachings (PROTECT) Our Kids Act Bill Passed - House (247 - 164)
12/01 HR 5348 Social Security Child Protection Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (386 - 0)
11/19 SB 1050 Requires Mandatory Reporters to Report All Instances of Child Pornography Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
11/18 AB 265 Establishes a Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 Years for Human Trafficking, and 15 Years if the Victim is a Child Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
11/18 SB 389 Repeals the Per Pupil Adjustment in the School District Revenue Limit Formula Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
11/05 SB 50 Authorizes 14 and 15-Year-Olds to Work Until 9 p.m. Year-Round Bill Passed - House (62 - 30)
11/05 HB 386 Requires Photo Identification When Applying for a Marriage License Bill Passed - House (88 - 2)
10/22 H 4644 Amends Reporting Requirements for the Department of Children and Families and Requires it to Establish a 5-Year Plan Bill Passed - House (159 - 1)
10/22 H 4644 Amends Reporting Requirements for the Department of Children and Families and Requires it to Establish a 5-Year Plan Bill Passed - House (159 - 1)
10/07 HB 414 Establishes Protections for Service Members Against Child Custody Changes Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
9/16 HR 5140 To lower the age at which a minor may be tried as an adult for certain criminal offenses in the District of Columbia to 14 years of age. Bill Passed - House (225 - 203)
9/13 SB 848 Establishes Protections for Students Against School Employee Misconduct Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
9/12 SB 258 Expands the Scope of Crime for Rape and Removes the Spousal Clause Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
9/12 SB 848 Establishes Protections for Students Against School Employee Misconduct Bill Passed - House (71 - 0)
9/11 AB 495 Authorizes Undocumented Parents to Appoint a Legal Guardian Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 20)
9/11 SB 243 Requires the Operator of an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot to Disclose that the Chatbot is Artificial Intelligence to Any User that is a Minor and to Maintain a Protocol for Preventing the Production of Suicidal Ideation, Suicide, or Self-Harm Content Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
9/11 AB 1064 Prohibits Individuals or Businesses from Providing "Companion Chatbots" Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 8)
9/10 AB 752 Requires Daycare Centers to be Considered a Residential Use of Property When Colocated with Multifamily Housing Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 1)
9/10 SB 590 Expands Eligibility for Benefits Under the State's Paid Family Leave Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
9/10 AB 495 Authorizes Undocumented Parents to Appoint a Legal Guardian Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
9/10 SB 243 Requires the Operator of an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot to Disclose that the Chatbot is Artificial Intelligence to Any User that is a Minor and to Maintain a Protocol for Preventing the Production of Suicidal Ideation, Suicide, or Self-Harm Content Bill Passed - House (59 - 1)
9/10 AB 1064 Prohibits Individuals or Businesses from Providing "Companion Chatbots" Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
9/09 AB 752 Requires Daycare Centers to be Considered a Residential Use of Property When Colocated with Multifamily Housing Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
9/09 SB 590 Expands Eligibility for Benefits Under the State's Paid Family Leave Program Bill Passed - House (76 - 0)
9/04 HB 4517 Amends and Modifies the Amber Alert Activation Criteria and Distribution Processes Bill Passed - House (104 - 1)
9/04 HB 4518 Expands Activation Requirements Under the Michigan Amber Alert Act Bill Passed - House (104 - 1)
8/21 HB 1 (2nd Special Session) Requires Youth Camps to Submit Disaster Emergency Preparedness Plans Bill Passed - House (135 - 1)
8/12 SB 8 (Special Session) Repeals the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Assessment Program Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
7/17 S 2550 Amends Various Laws Relating to Child Custody in Massachusetts Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
7/17 S 2550 Amends Various Laws Relating to Child Custody in Massachusetts Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
7/14 AB 379 Increases Penalties for Prostitution Violations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
7/09 HB 1577 Requires Institutions to Use Safe and Humane Restraints on Children Bill Passed - House (108 - 95)
7/09 HB 1576 Requires the State to Compensate Counties for Certain Expenses Incurred While Children are in Their Care Bill Passed - House (106 - 97)
6/27 SB 120 Appropriates Funds for Early Childhood Education and Childcare Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
6/27 SB 690 Authorizes Delays in Civil Nonpayment Actions Against Parents Who Meet Certain Criteria of Social Need Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
6/27 SB 120 Appropriates Funds for Early Childhood Education and Childcare Bill Passed - House (69 - 1)

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