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 31, 2017 CO HB 1242 Increases State Sales Tax Bill Passed - House (41 - 24)
March 30, 2017 ME LD 156 Authorizes National Popular Vote Interstate Compact Bill Failed - House (66 - 73)
March 30, 2017 MO HB 174 Prohibits Local Governments from Enacting Ordinances that Oppose State Law Bill Passed - House (118 - 36)
March 23, 2017 FL HB 7007 Authorizes Health Insurance and Retirement Benefits Bill Passed - House (77 - 37)
March 23, 2017 NJ A 4243 Requires "Whistleblower" Settlements to be Public Record Bill Passed - House (73 - 0)
March 20, 2017 CA AB 18 Authorizes a Ballot Measure to Appropriate $3 Billion to State Parks Bill Passed - House (59 - 19)
March 16, 2017 NJ S 3048 Requires Presidential Candidates to Disclose Tax Returns Bill Passed - House (49 - 25)
March 15, 2017 VT S 79 Prohibits the Disclosure of Personally Identifying Information Bill Passed - House (110 - 24)
March 15, 2017 HI HB 100 Establishes the Budget for 2017-2018 Bill Passed - House (50 - 0)
March 10, 2017 SC H 3643 Requires Public Universities to Adopt Antisemitism Policy Bill Passed - House (103 - 3)
March 9, 2017 IA HF 295 Prohibits Localities from Increasing Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (56 - 41)
March 9, 2017 IA HF 516 Requires Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (59 - 40)
March 8, 2017 NC H 100 Restores Partisan Court Elections Concurrence Vote Passed - House (74 - 43)
March 8, 2017 NC H 100 Restores Partisan Court Elections Concurrence Vote Passed - House (74 - 43)
March 7, 2017 IA HF 517 Authorizes Use of Deadly Force when Deemed Necessary Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
March 1, 2017 National HR 998 Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome Act Bill Passed - House (240 - 185)
March 1, 2017 National HR 998 Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome Act Bill Passed - House (240 - 185)
Feb. 23, 2017 VA HB 2000 Prohibits Establishment of Sanctuary Cities Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 34)
Feb. 22, 2017 NV IP 1 Requires Automatic Voter Registration when Applying for Driver's License Bill Passed - House (27 - 15)
Feb. 21, 2017 UT HB 11 Removes Political Party Affiliation Requirements for Certain State Commissions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (44 - 31)
Feb. 16, 2017 OK HB 1845 Requires REAL ID Compliance Bill Passed - House (78 - 18)
Feb. 7, 2017 VA HB 2000 Prohibits Establishment of Sanctuary Cities Bill Passed - House (63 - 33)
Feb. 2, 2017 National H J Res 40 Providing for congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Social Security Administration relating to Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 Joint Resolution Passed - House (235 - 180)
Feb. 1, 2017 National H J Res 38 Disapproving the Rule Submitted by the Department of the Interior Known as the Stream Protection Rule Joint Resolution Passed - House (228 - 194)
Feb. 1, 2017 UT HB 11 Removes Political Party Affiliation Requirements for Certain State Commissions Bill Passed - House (52 - 21)
Jan. 31, 2017 AR HB 1047 Requires Voters to Provide Identification When Voting Bill Passed - House (74 - 21)
Jan. 27, 2017 VT HB 125 Establishes Budget for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Bill Passed - House (141 - 0)
Jan. 5, 2017 National HR 26 Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2017 Bill Passed - House (237 - 187)
Jan. 5, 2017 National HR 26 Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2017 Bill Passed - House (237 - 187)
Jan. 4, 2017 National HR 21 Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2017 Bill Passed - House (238 - 184)
Jan. 4, 2017 National HR 21 Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2017 Bill Passed - House (238 - 184)
Sept. 14, 2016 MO HB 1870 Reauthorizes Small Business Tax Deductions Veto Override Passed - House (113 - 43)
Sept. 14, 2016 MO HB 1631 Requires Individuals to Present Certain Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - House (115 - 41)
Sept. 14, 2016 National HR 5620 VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016 Bill Passed - House (310 - 116)
Aug. 24, 2016 CA AB 197 Establishes the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 30)
Aug. 23, 2016 CA AB 1887 Prohibits State-Funded Travel to Certain States Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 21)
July 7, 2016 National HR 4361 Government Reform and Improvement Act of 2016 Bill Passed - House (241 - 181)
June 9, 2016 National HR 5278 Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) Bill Passed - House (297 - 127)
June 2, 2016 CA AB 2002 Requires Coastal Commission Members to Disclose Private Meetings Bill Passed - House (54 - 23)
May 31, 2016 CA AB 2466 Expands Voting Rights for Certain Convicted Felons Bill Passed - House (41 - 37)
May 25, 2016 OH SB 296 Requires Bond for Extended Polling Hours Bill Passed - House (64 - 32)
May 4, 2016 MO HB 1631 Requires Individuals to Present Certain Identification to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - House (112 - 38)
May 3, 2016 MO SCR 46 Prohibits a Wage Range Increase for Personal Care Attendants Veto Override Passed - House (119 - 36)
April 27, 2016 LA HB 598 Amends Voter Registration Policies for Convicted Felons Bill Failed - House (37 - 60)
April 20, 2016 TN HB 615 Establishes the Bible as the Official State Book Veto Override Failed - House (43 - 50)
April 18, 2016 TN SJR 467 Urges Attorney General to File Lawsuit in Relation to Refugee Resettlement Program Bill Passed - House (69 - 25)
April 14, 2016 National HR 3340 Financial Stability Oversight Council Reform Act Bill Passed - House (239 - 179)
April 7, 2016 ME LD 1600 Requires Legislative Approval for National Monument Designations Bill Passed - House (77 - 73)
April 7, 2016 AK HB 222 Limits Governor's Ability to Accept Federal Funds Bill Passed - House (26 - 13)
April 7, 2016 AK HB 222 Limits Governor's Ability to Accept Federal Funds Bill Passed - House (26 - 13)
April 6, 2016 AZ SB 1248 Prohibits Pet Stores from Selling Commercially Bred Animals Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
March 29, 2016 AZ SB 1516 Repeals Certain Campaign Finance Reforms Bill Passed - House (31 - 27)
March 21, 2016 MD HB 1007 Establishes Electronic Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (93 - 43)
March 17, 2016 National H Res 639 Authorizing the Speaker to Appear as Amicus Curiae on Behalf of the House of Representatives in the Matter of United States, et al. v. Texas, et al., No. 15-674 Resolution Passed - House (234 - 186)
March 14, 2016 KY HB 290 Authorizes In-Person Absentee Voting Bill Passed - House (57 - 37)
March 14, 2016 TN HB 779 Authorizes Voters to Petition for De-annexation Elections Bill Passed - House (68 - 25)
March 3, 2016 OR SB 1573 Authorizes City Property Annexation without Voter Authorization Bill Passed - House (32 - 28)
March 3, 2016 OK HB 3162 Amends Nomination Procedure for Appellate Judges Bill Passed - House (58 - 34)
March 3, 2016 MS HB 989 Establishes the Mississippi Achievement School District Bill Passed - House (82 - 38)
March 3, 2016 SC H 4701 Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Restrictions on Firearms Bill Passed - House (64 - 30)
March 1, 2016 MS HB 738 Amends Attorney General Hiring and Filing Oversight Processes Bill Passed - House (61 - 60)
Feb. 29, 2016 MS HB 782 Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Law Relating to Firearms Bill Passed - House (75 - 46)
Feb. 29, 2016 AZ HB 2403 Limits Property Deed Recording Fee to $500 Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
Feb. 24, 2016 MS HB 868 Amends State Supreme Court District Boundaries Bill Passed - House (71 - 50)
Feb. 22, 2016 KS HCR 5010 Establishes State Commitment to a Proposed Constitutional Convention Bill Failed - House (77 - 47)
Feb. 19, 2016 NC SB 2 Amends Congressional Districts Bill Passed - House (65 - 43)
Feb. 19, 2016 ID H 463 Prohibits Local Governments from Increasing Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (55 - 14)
Feb. 19, 2016 WV HB 4013 Requires Certain Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (64 - 34)
Feb. 18, 2016 WI SB 707 Prohibits a Legislator from Holding Office as County Executive Bill Passed - House (53 - 40)
Feb. 16, 2016 AL HB 174 Prohibits Local Governments from Establishing Wage or Employee Benefits Requirements Bill Passed - House (71 - 31)
Feb. 15, 2016 WA HB 2682 Establishes Automatic Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
Feb. 11, 2016 AL HB 37 Prohibits Requiring Employees to Join or Pay Unions Bill Failed - House (60 - 24)
Feb. 10, 2016 MO SCR 46 Prohibits a Wage Range Increase for Personal Care Attendants Joint Resolution Passed - House (125 - 34)
Feb. 10, 2016 AZ HB 2131 Prohibits Local Governments from Taxing Disposable Bags Bill Passed - House (35 - 24)
Feb. 10, 2016 VA HB 1371 Prohibits Cities from Increasing Minimum Wage or Benefits Bill Passed - House (65 - 34)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/31 HB 1242 Increases State Sales Tax Bill Passed - House (41 - 24)
3/30 LD 156 Authorizes National Popular Vote Interstate Compact Bill Failed - House (66 - 73)
3/30 HB 174 Prohibits Local Governments from Enacting Ordinances that Oppose State Law Bill Passed - House (118 - 36)
3/23 HB 7007 Authorizes Health Insurance and Retirement Benefits Bill Passed - House (77 - 37)
3/23 A 4243 Requires "Whistleblower" Settlements to be Public Record Bill Passed - House (73 - 0)
3/20 AB 18 Authorizes a Ballot Measure to Appropriate $3 Billion to State Parks Bill Passed - House (59 - 19)
3/16 S 3048 Requires Presidential Candidates to Disclose Tax Returns Bill Passed - House (49 - 25)
3/15 S 79 Prohibits the Disclosure of Personally Identifying Information Bill Passed - House (110 - 24)
3/15 HB 100 Establishes the Budget for 2017-2018 Bill Passed - House (50 - 0)
3/10 H 3643 Requires Public Universities to Adopt Antisemitism Policy Bill Passed - House (103 - 3)
3/09 HF 295 Prohibits Localities from Increasing Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (56 - 41)
3/09 HF 516 Requires Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (59 - 40)
3/08 H 100 Restores Partisan Court Elections Concurrence Vote Passed - House (74 - 43)
3/08 H 100 Restores Partisan Court Elections Concurrence Vote Passed - House (74 - 43)
3/07 HF 517 Authorizes Use of Deadly Force when Deemed Necessary Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
3/01 HR 998 Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome Act Bill Passed - House (240 - 185)
3/01 HR 998 Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome Act Bill Passed - House (240 - 185)
2/23 HB 2000 Prohibits Establishment of Sanctuary Cities Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 34)
2/22 IP 1 Requires Automatic Voter Registration when Applying for Driver's License Bill Passed - House (27 - 15)
2/21 HB 11 Removes Political Party Affiliation Requirements for Certain State Commissions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (44 - 31)
2/16 HB 1845 Requires REAL ID Compliance Bill Passed - House (78 - 18)
2/07 HB 2000 Prohibits Establishment of Sanctuary Cities Bill Passed - House (63 - 33)
2/02 H J Res 40 Providing for congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Social Security Administration relating to Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 Joint Resolution Passed - House (235 - 180)
2/01 H J Res 38 Disapproving the Rule Submitted by the Department of the Interior Known as the Stream Protection Rule Joint Resolution Passed - House (228 - 194)
2/01 HB 11 Removes Political Party Affiliation Requirements for Certain State Commissions Bill Passed - House (52 - 21)
1/31 HB 1047 Requires Voters to Provide Identification When Voting Bill Passed - House (74 - 21)
1/27 HB 125 Establishes Budget for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Bill Passed - House (141 - 0)
1/05 HR 26 Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2017 Bill Passed - House (237 - 187)
1/05 HR 26 Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2017 Bill Passed - House (237 - 187)
1/04 HR 21 Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2017 Bill Passed - House (238 - 184)
1/04 HR 21 Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2017 Bill Passed - House (238 - 184)
9/14 HB 1870 Reauthorizes Small Business Tax Deductions Veto Override Passed - House (113 - 43)
9/14 HB 1631 Requires Individuals to Present Certain Identification to Vote Veto Override Passed - House (115 - 41)
9/14 HR 5620 VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016 Bill Passed - House (310 - 116)
8/24 AB 197 Establishes the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 30)
8/23 AB 1887 Prohibits State-Funded Travel to Certain States Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 21)
7/07 HR 4361 Government Reform and Improvement Act of 2016 Bill Passed - House (241 - 181)
6/09 HR 5278 Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) Bill Passed - House (297 - 127)
6/02 AB 2002 Requires Coastal Commission Members to Disclose Private Meetings Bill Passed - House (54 - 23)
5/31 AB 2466 Expands Voting Rights for Certain Convicted Felons Bill Passed - House (41 - 37)
5/25 SB 296 Requires Bond for Extended Polling Hours Bill Passed - House (64 - 32)
5/04 HB 1631 Requires Individuals to Present Certain Identification to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - House (112 - 38)
5/03 SCR 46 Prohibits a Wage Range Increase for Personal Care Attendants Veto Override Passed - House (119 - 36)
4/27 HB 598 Amends Voter Registration Policies for Convicted Felons Bill Failed - House (37 - 60)
4/20 HB 615 Establishes the Bible as the Official State Book Veto Override Failed - House (43 - 50)
4/18 SJR 467 Urges Attorney General to File Lawsuit in Relation to Refugee Resettlement Program Bill Passed - House (69 - 25)
4/14 HR 3340 Financial Stability Oversight Council Reform Act Bill Passed - House (239 - 179)
4/07 LD 1600 Requires Legislative Approval for National Monument Designations Bill Passed - House (77 - 73)
4/07 HB 222 Limits Governor's Ability to Accept Federal Funds Bill Passed - House (26 - 13)
4/07 HB 222 Limits Governor's Ability to Accept Federal Funds Bill Passed - House (26 - 13)
4/06 SB 1248 Prohibits Pet Stores from Selling Commercially Bred Animals Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
3/29 SB 1516 Repeals Certain Campaign Finance Reforms Bill Passed - House (31 - 27)
3/21 HB 1007 Establishes Electronic Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (93 - 43)
3/17 H Res 639 Authorizing the Speaker to Appear as Amicus Curiae on Behalf of the House of Representatives in the Matter of United States, et al. v. Texas, et al., No. 15-674 Resolution Passed - House (234 - 186)
3/14 HB 290 Authorizes In-Person Absentee Voting Bill Passed - House (57 - 37)
3/14 HB 779 Authorizes Voters to Petition for De-annexation Elections Bill Passed - House (68 - 25)
3/03 SB 1573 Authorizes City Property Annexation without Voter Authorization Bill Passed - House (32 - 28)
3/03 HB 3162 Amends Nomination Procedure for Appellate Judges Bill Passed - House (58 - 34)
3/03 HB 989 Establishes the Mississippi Achievement School District Bill Passed - House (82 - 38)
3/03 H 4701 Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Restrictions on Firearms Bill Passed - House (64 - 30)
3/01 HB 738 Amends Attorney General Hiring and Filing Oversight Processes Bill Passed - House (61 - 60)
2/29 HB 782 Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Law Relating to Firearms Bill Passed - House (75 - 46)
2/29 HB 2403 Limits Property Deed Recording Fee to $500 Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
2/24 HB 868 Amends State Supreme Court District Boundaries Bill Passed - House (71 - 50)
2/22 HCR 5010 Establishes State Commitment to a Proposed Constitutional Convention Bill Failed - House (77 - 47)
2/19 SB 2 Amends Congressional Districts Bill Passed - House (65 - 43)
2/19 H 463 Prohibits Local Governments from Increasing Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (55 - 14)
2/19 HB 4013 Requires Certain Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (64 - 34)
2/18 SB 707 Prohibits a Legislator from Holding Office as County Executive Bill Passed - House (53 - 40)
2/16 HB 174 Prohibits Local Governments from Establishing Wage or Employee Benefits Requirements Bill Passed - House (71 - 31)
2/15 HB 2682 Establishes Automatic Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
2/11 HB 37 Prohibits Requiring Employees to Join or Pay Unions Bill Failed - House (60 - 24)
2/10 SCR 46 Prohibits a Wage Range Increase for Personal Care Attendants Joint Resolution Passed - House (125 - 34)
2/10 HB 2131 Prohibits Local Governments from Taxing Disposable Bags Bill Passed - House (35 - 24)
2/10 HB 1371 Prohibits Cities from Increasing Minimum Wage or Benefits Bill Passed - House (65 - 34)

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