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 4, 2010 IN HB 1065 Authorizing Firearms at Workplace Conference Report Adopted - House (75 - 20)
March 4, 2010 IN HB 1065 Authorizing Firearms at Workplace Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 9)
March 3, 2010 WY HB 95 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 20)
March 3, 2010 FL SB 1158 Prohibiting Gun Licensing Trust Fund to Budget Stabilization Fund Transfers Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
March 2, 2010 VA SB 334 Authorizing Concealed Handguns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (72 - 27)
March 2, 2010 VA SB 408 Gun Regulation Modifications Bill Passed - House (74 - 25)
Feb. 24, 2010 AZ HB 2307 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - House (35 - 23)
Feb. 22, 2010 WY HB 113 Authorizing Concealed Weapons Without a Permit Bill Passed - House (42 - 15)
Feb. 18, 2010 NM SB 40 Authorizing Concealed Weapons in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (54 - 12)
Feb. 16, 2010 VA SB 334 Authorizing Concealed Handguns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Feb. 16, 2010 VA SB 408 Gun Regulation Modifications Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Feb. 12, 2010 NM SB 40 Authorizing Concealed Weapons in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 15)
Feb. 10, 2010 UT SB 11 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - House (56 - 17)
Feb. 3, 2010 UT SB 11 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
Feb. 1, 2010 OK SB 1685 Regarding Gun Rights (28 - 16)
Jan. 25, 2010 KY SB 3 Omnibus Constitutional Amendment Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 0)
Dec. 22, 2009 National S Amdt 3276 Senate Health Care Bill Amendments Amendment Adopted - Senate (60 - 39)
July 22, 2009 National S Amdt 1618 Authorizing Concealed Firearms Across State Lines Amendment Rejected - Senate (58 - 39)
June 26, 2009 NJ A 339 Handgun Purchasing Limitations Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
June 16, 2009 AZ SB 1113 Handguns in Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
June 9, 2009 WI SB 167 Decreasing the Minimum Hunting Age Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
June 4, 2009 TN HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
June 3, 2009 TN HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Veto Override Passed - House (69 - 27)
May 20, 2009 National HR 627 Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (279 - 147)
May 12, 2009 National S Amdt 1067 Allowing Loaded Guns in National Parks Amendment Adopted - Senate (67 - 29)
May 4, 2009 TN HB 959 Close Handgun Permit Records Bill Passed - House (83 - 12)
April 28, 2009 NY A 6468 Microstamping Requirement for Semiautomatic Pistols Bill Passed - House (94 - 47)
April 28, 2009 NY A 801 Renewal Requirement for Pistol and Revolver Licenses Bill Passed - House (87 - 58)
April 16, 2009 TN HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
April 16, 2009 MO HB 668 Firearm Regulation Amendments Bill Passed - House (105 - 50)
April 9, 2009 MT HB 228 Amending Concealed Weapons and Self-Defense Statutes Conference Report Adopted - House (85 - 14)
April 9, 2009 MT HB 228 Amending Concealed Weapons and Self-Defense Statutes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 10)
April 6, 2009 MD HB 302 Allowing Judges to Confiscate Firearms from Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
April 6, 2009 TN HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (70 - 26)
March 19, 2009 TN HB 390 Allowing Loaded "Long Guns" in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (82 - 10)
March 17, 2009 MD HB 302 Allowing Judges to Confiscate Firearms from Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - House (92 - 45)
March 17, 2009 MD HB 359 Handgun Permit Eligibility for Domestic Abuse Victims Bill Failed - House (51 - 86)
March 12, 2009 TN HB 254 Eliminating Thumbprint Requirement for Gun Purchases Bill Passed - House (82 - 11)
Feb. 26, 2009 National S 160 Washington DC Voting Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
Feb. 25, 2009 VA SB 1035 Allowing Guns in Alcohol-Serving Establishments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
Feb. 24, 2009 VA SB 1035 Allowing Guns in Alcohol-Serving Establishments Bill Passed - House (66 - 33)
Feb. 18, 2009 ND HB 1348 Allowing Concealed Firearms on Campuses Bill Passed - House (48 - 46)
Feb. 17, 2009 SD HB 1278 Ban on Local Firearm Restrictions Bill Passed - House (46 - 20)
Feb. 11, 2009 AR HB 1237 Allowing Concealed Weapons in Churches Bill Passed - House (57 - 42)
Feb. 10, 2009 MT HB 228 Amending Concealed Weapons and Self-Defense Statutes Bill Passed - House (60 - 40)
Feb. 4, 2009 VA SB 1257 Background Checks for Gun Show Purchases Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 21)
Dec. 11, 2008 MI SB 505 Authorizing Judges to Carry Concealed Weapons in Courtrooms Bill Passed - House (80 - 18)
Sept. 17, 2008 National HR 6842 Repealing Portions of the D.C. Firearm Ban Bill Passed - House (266 - 152)
Aug. 19, 2008 CA SB 1171 Expanding Loaded Firearm Restrictions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Aug. 13, 2008 CA SB 1171 Expanding Loaded Firearm Restrictions Bill Passed - House (45 - 32)
July 29, 2008 MA Peterson Amdt to H 5022 Reducing Firearm Licensing Fee Amendment Adopted - House (97 - 59)
June 27, 2008 AZ HB 2389 Involving Gun Owners' Rights Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 21)
June 27, 2008 AZ HB 2389 Involving Gun Owners' Rights Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 5)
June 23, 2008 NJ A 339 Handgun Purchasing Limitations Bill Passed - House (47 - 28)
June 20, 2008 LA SB 51 Guns in Parked Locked Cars Bill Passed - House (66 - 35)
May 29, 2008 OH SB 184 Lethal Force Against Intruders Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
May 29, 2008 CA AB 2062 Regulation Of Ammunition Sales Bill Passed - House (42 - 32)
May 28, 2008 OH SB 184 Lethal Force Against Intruders Bill Passed - House (73 - 23)
May 21, 2008 AZ HB 2629 Legalizing the Defensive Display of a Firearm Concurrence Vote Passed - House (34 - 26)
May 21, 2008 LA SB 51 Guns in Parked Locked Cars Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 4)
May 19, 2008 AZ HB 2389 Involving Gun Owners' Rights Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 9)
May 12, 2008 AZ HB 2629 Legalizing the Defensive Display of a Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 7)
May 7, 2008 IL HB 4139 Peace Officer Firearms Bill Passed - House (91 - 18)
April 30, 2008 IL HB 5191 Parental Responsibility for Gun Accessibility Bill Passed - House (74 - 36)
April 23, 2008 AZ HB 2630 Illegally Concealed Weapon Penalty Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 10)
April 9, 2008 FL HB 503 Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
April 3, 2008 AZ SB 1132 Allowing Pistols in Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
April 2, 2008 GA HB 257 Limiting Concealed Weapon Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
April 1, 2008 PA A 6178 to HB 1845 Reporting Missing Firearms Amendment Rejected - House (75 - 128)
March 31, 2008 MS HB 1089 Legalizing Deer Baiting Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 51)
March 27, 2008 AZ HB 2788 Relaxing Concealed Weapon Restrictions Bill Passed - House (51 - 5)
March 26, 2008 FL HB 503 Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (72 - 42)
March 19, 2008 MS HB 1089 Legalizing Deer Baiting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 24)
March 19, 2008 ID S 1441 Prohibiting Local Gun Ordinances Bill Passed - House (60 - 9)
March 12, 2008 MD SB 42 Temporary Confiscation of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
March 11, 2008 AZ HB 2389 Involving Gun Owners' Rights Bill Passed - House (37 - 22)
March 6, 2008 WY HB 137 Deadly Force in Self Defense Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 2)
March 5, 2008 WY HB 137 Deadly Force in Self Defense Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1)
March 4, 2008 AZ HB 2630 Illegally Concealed Weapon Penalty Reduction Bill Passed - House (36 - 24)
March 3, 2008 UT AM 1 Mandating the Concealment of Firearms on Campus Amendment Adopted - House (41 - 29)
March 3, 2008 UT HB 473 Campus Gun Restrictions Bill Passed - House (60 - 11)
Feb. 28, 2008 WI AB 581 Gun Possession During Emergencies Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
Feb. 26, 2008 WI AR 13 Supporting the Individual's Right to Bear Arms Resolution Passed - House (78 - 18)
Feb. 25, 2008 National S Amdt 4070 Prohibiting Funds in the Bill S 1200 from Being Used to Decrease Gun Ownership Amendment Adopted - Senate (78 - 11)
Feb. 25, 2008 WY HB 137 Deadly Force in Self Defense Bill Passed - House (54 - 4)
Feb. 21, 2008 VA SB 436 Concealed Weapons in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (69 - 29)
Feb. 21, 2008 MS HB 1089 Legalizing Deer Baiting Bill Passed - House (74 - 47)
Feb. 21, 2008 VA SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
Feb. 12, 2008 VA SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
Feb. 11, 2008 VA SB 436 Concealed Weapons in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Feb. 4, 2008 SD HB 1261 Firearm Possession on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (63 - 3)
Jan. 31, 2008 GA HB 89 Concealed Weapons in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (111 - 58)
Jan. 17, 2008 GA HB 89 Concealed Weapons in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 15)
Jan. 16, 2008 TN SB 23 Allowing Guns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
Dec. 11, 2007 WI AB 581 Gun Possession During Emergencies Bill Passed - House (84 - 13)
June 14, 2007 DE HB 175 Emergency Power to Seize Private Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 3)
June 6, 2007 SC H 3964 Concealed Firearms in Schools Motion Agreed - House (47 - 41)
June 5, 2007 CT Sub SB 938 Reporting of Lost or Stolen Firearms Bill Passed - House (94 - 56)
June 4, 2007 AZ SB 1251 Secure Storage of Guns at Public Establishments Bill Passed - House (32 - 23)
May 31, 2007 TN SB 2143 Legalization of Handguns in State Parks Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/04 HB 1065 Authorizing Firearms at Workplace Conference Report Adopted - House (75 - 20)
3/04 HB 1065 Authorizing Firearms at Workplace Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 9)
3/03 HB 95 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 20)
3/03 SB 1158 Prohibiting Gun Licensing Trust Fund to Budget Stabilization Fund Transfers Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
3/02 SB 334 Authorizing Concealed Handguns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (72 - 27)
3/02 SB 408 Gun Regulation Modifications Bill Passed - House (74 - 25)
2/24 HB 2307 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - House (35 - 23)
2/22 HB 113 Authorizing Concealed Weapons Without a Permit Bill Passed - House (42 - 15)
2/18 SB 40 Authorizing Concealed Weapons in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (54 - 12)
2/16 SB 334 Authorizing Concealed Handguns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
2/16 SB 408 Gun Regulation Modifications Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
2/12 SB 40 Authorizing Concealed Weapons in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 15)
2/10 SB 11 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - House (56 - 17)
2/03 SB 11 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
2/01 SB 1685 Regarding Gun Rights (28 - 16)
1/25 SB 3 Omnibus Constitutional Amendment Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 0)
12/22 S Amdt 3276 Senate Health Care Bill Amendments Amendment Adopted - Senate (60 - 39)
7/22 S Amdt 1618 Authorizing Concealed Firearms Across State Lines Amendment Rejected - Senate (58 - 39)
6/26 A 339 Handgun Purchasing Limitations Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
6/16 SB 1113 Handguns in Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
6/09 SB 167 Decreasing the Minimum Hunting Age Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
6/04 HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
6/03 HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Veto Override Passed - House (69 - 27)
5/20 HR 627 Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (279 - 147)
5/12 S Amdt 1067 Allowing Loaded Guns in National Parks Amendment Adopted - Senate (67 - 29)
5/04 HB 959 Close Handgun Permit Records Bill Passed - House (83 - 12)
4/28 A 6468 Microstamping Requirement for Semiautomatic Pistols Bill Passed - House (94 - 47)
4/28 A 801 Renewal Requirement for Pistol and Revolver Licenses Bill Passed - House (87 - 58)
4/16 HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
4/16 HB 668 Firearm Regulation Amendments Bill Passed - House (105 - 50)
4/09 HB 228 Amending Concealed Weapons and Self-Defense Statutes Conference Report Adopted - House (85 - 14)
4/09 HB 228 Amending Concealed Weapons and Self-Defense Statutes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 10)
4/06 HB 302 Allowing Judges to Confiscate Firearms from Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
4/06 HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (70 - 26)
3/19 HB 390 Allowing Loaded "Long Guns" in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (82 - 10)
3/17 HB 302 Allowing Judges to Confiscate Firearms from Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - House (92 - 45)
3/17 HB 359 Handgun Permit Eligibility for Domestic Abuse Victims Bill Failed - House (51 - 86)
3/12 HB 254 Eliminating Thumbprint Requirement for Gun Purchases Bill Passed - House (82 - 11)
2/26 S 160 Washington DC Voting Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37)
2/25 SB 1035 Allowing Guns in Alcohol-Serving Establishments Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
2/24 SB 1035 Allowing Guns in Alcohol-Serving Establishments Bill Passed - House (66 - 33)
2/18 HB 1348 Allowing Concealed Firearms on Campuses Bill Passed - House (48 - 46)
2/17 HB 1278 Ban on Local Firearm Restrictions Bill Passed - House (46 - 20)
2/11 HB 1237 Allowing Concealed Weapons in Churches Bill Passed - House (57 - 42)
2/10 HB 228 Amending Concealed Weapons and Self-Defense Statutes Bill Passed - House (60 - 40)
2/04 SB 1257 Background Checks for Gun Show Purchases Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 21)
12/11 SB 505 Authorizing Judges to Carry Concealed Weapons in Courtrooms Bill Passed - House (80 - 18)
9/17 HR 6842 Repealing Portions of the D.C. Firearm Ban Bill Passed - House (266 - 152)
8/19 SB 1171 Expanding Loaded Firearm Restrictions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
8/13 SB 1171 Expanding Loaded Firearm Restrictions Bill Passed - House (45 - 32)
7/29 Peterson Amdt to H 5022 Reducing Firearm Licensing Fee Amendment Adopted - House (97 - 59)
6/27 HB 2389 Involving Gun Owners' Rights Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 21)
6/27 HB 2389 Involving Gun Owners' Rights Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 5)
6/23 A 339 Handgun Purchasing Limitations Bill Passed - House (47 - 28)
6/20 SB 51 Guns in Parked Locked Cars Bill Passed - House (66 - 35)
5/29 SB 184 Lethal Force Against Intruders Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
5/29 AB 2062 Regulation Of Ammunition Sales Bill Passed - House (42 - 32)
5/28 SB 184 Lethal Force Against Intruders Bill Passed - House (73 - 23)
5/21 HB 2629 Legalizing the Defensive Display of a Firearm Concurrence Vote Passed - House (34 - 26)
5/21 SB 51 Guns in Parked Locked Cars Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 4)
5/19 HB 2389 Involving Gun Owners' Rights Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 9)
5/12 HB 2629 Legalizing the Defensive Display of a Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 7)
5/07 HB 4139 Peace Officer Firearms Bill Passed - House (91 - 18)
4/30 HB 5191 Parental Responsibility for Gun Accessibility Bill Passed - House (74 - 36)
4/23 HB 2630 Illegally Concealed Weapon Penalty Reduction Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 10)
4/09 HB 503 Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
4/03 SB 1132 Allowing Pistols in Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
4/02 HB 257 Limiting Concealed Weapon Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
4/01 A 6178 to HB 1845 Reporting Missing Firearms Amendment Rejected - House (75 - 128)
3/31 HB 1089 Legalizing Deer Baiting Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 51)
3/27 HB 2788 Relaxing Concealed Weapon Restrictions Bill Passed - House (51 - 5)
3/26 HB 503 Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (72 - 42)
3/19 HB 1089 Legalizing Deer Baiting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 24)
3/19 S 1441 Prohibiting Local Gun Ordinances Bill Passed - House (60 - 9)
3/12 SB 42 Temporary Confiscation of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
3/11 HB 2389 Involving Gun Owners' Rights Bill Passed - House (37 - 22)
3/06 HB 137 Deadly Force in Self Defense Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 2)
3/05 HB 137 Deadly Force in Self Defense Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1)
3/04 HB 2630 Illegally Concealed Weapon Penalty Reduction Bill Passed - House (36 - 24)
3/03 AM 1 Mandating the Concealment of Firearms on Campus Amendment Adopted - House (41 - 29)
3/03 HB 473 Campus Gun Restrictions Bill Passed - House (60 - 11)
2/28 AB 581 Gun Possession During Emergencies Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
2/26 AR 13 Supporting the Individual's Right to Bear Arms Resolution Passed - House (78 - 18)
2/25 S Amdt 4070 Prohibiting Funds in the Bill S 1200 from Being Used to Decrease Gun Ownership Amendment Adopted - Senate (78 - 11)
2/25 HB 137 Deadly Force in Self Defense Bill Passed - House (54 - 4)
2/21 SB 436 Concealed Weapons in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (69 - 29)
2/21 HB 1089 Legalizing Deer Baiting Bill Passed - House (74 - 47)
2/21 SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
2/12 SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
2/11 SB 436 Concealed Weapons in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
2/04 HB 1261 Firearm Possession on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (63 - 3)
1/31 HB 89 Concealed Weapons in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (111 - 58)
1/17 HB 89 Concealed Weapons in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 15)
1/16 SB 23 Allowing Guns in Establishments that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
12/11 AB 581 Gun Possession During Emergencies Bill Passed - House (84 - 13)
6/14 HB 175 Emergency Power to Seize Private Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 3)
6/06 H 3964 Concealed Firearms in Schools Motion Agreed - House (47 - 41)
6/05 Sub SB 938 Reporting of Lost or Stolen Firearms Bill Passed - House (94 - 56)
6/04 SB 1251 Secure Storage of Guns at Public Establishments Bill Passed - House (32 - 23)
5/31 SB 2143 Legalization of Handguns in State Parks Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)

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