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:
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.
| Date | State | Bill No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| May 29, 2007 | CA | AB 1471 | Crime Gun Identification Act of 2007 | Bill Passed - House (44 - 31) |
| May 23, 2007 | CT | Sub SB 938 | Reporting of Lost or Stolen Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11) |
| May 9, 2007 | IL | SB 1007 | Large Capacity Firearm Magazine Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 26) |
| April 27, 2007 | KS | HB 2528 | Concealed Firearms | Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 10) |
| April 26, 2007 | KS | HB 2528 | Concealed Firearms | Veto Override Passed - House (98 - 26) |
| April 19, 2007 | OK | SB 507 | Comprehensive tort reform-Provide | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 23) |
| April 19, 2007 | NC | HB 573 | Concealed Weapons for Judges | Bill Passed - House (86 - 15) |
| April 18, 2007 | IA | S 3371 | Firearms for Campus Police | Amendment Rejected - Senate (25 - 25) |
| April 17, 2007 | OK | SB 507 | Comprehensive tort reform-Provide | Bill Passed - House (57 - 39) |
| April 4, 2007 | VA | Sub HB 2348 | Extension of "Triggerman Rule" | Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 14) |
| March 28, 2007 | CO | SB 34 | Concealed Weapons Permits | Bill Passed - House (36 - 29) |
| March 27, 2007 | KS | HB 2528 | Concealed Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11) |
| March 21, 2007 | KS | HB 2528 | Concealed Gun Regulations | Bill Passed - House (107 - 17) |
| March 20, 2007 | TX | CSSB 378 | Deadly Force in Self-Defense | Bill Passed - House (133 - 13) |
| March 13, 2007 | OK | SB 507 | Firearm Injury Liability and Tort Reform | Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 5) |
| Feb. 28, 2007 | UT | 2SSB 251 | Concealed Firearms on College Campuses | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 4) |
| Feb. 28, 2007 | UT | 2SSB 251 | Concealed Firearms on College Campuses | Bill Passed - House (52 - 13) |
| Feb. 23, 2007 | UT | SB 78 | Firearm Regulations for Private Property | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 8) |
| Feb. 23, 2007 | CO | SB 34 | Concealed Weapons Permits | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| Feb. 20, 2007 | AZ | SB 1251 | Secure Storage of Guns at Public Establishments | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9) |
| Feb. 20, 2007 | UT | SB 251 | Concealed Firearms on College Campuses | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12) |
| Feb. 14, 2007 | CO | HB 1011 | Deadly Force in Self Defense | Bill Passed - House (34 - 30) |
| Feb. 12, 2007 | ND | HB 1319 | Deadly Force in Self Defense | Bill Passed - House (50 - 44) |
| Feb. 12, 2007 | GA | HB 89 | Concealed Weapons in Motor Vehicles | Bill Passed - House (130 - 38) |
| Sept. 26, 2006 | National | HR 5092 | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives | Bill Passed - House (277 - 131) |
| Aug. 30, 2006 | CA | AB 352 | Microstamping of Bullets Fired from Semi-Automatic Guns | Concurrence Vote Failed - House (40 - 37) |
| Aug. 24, 2006 | CA | AB 352 | Microstamping of Bullets Fired from Semi-Automatic Guns | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18) |
| July 13, 2006 | National | S Amdt 4615 | Firearm Confiscation Prohibition Amendment | Amendment Adopted - Senate (84 - 16) |
| June 28, 2006 | NH | SB 318 | Use of Deadly Force | Veto Override Failed - Senate (11 - 11) |
| June 28, 2006 | National | H Amdt 1156 | Trigger Lock Amendment | Amendment Adopted - House (230 - 191) |
| June 6, 2006 | MI | HB 5143 | "Self-Defense Act" | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10) |
| May 24, 2006 | MI | Sub for HB 5192 | Hunting License Program and Firearms Age Restriction | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9) |
| May 10, 2006 | KS | HB 2118 | Conceal and Carry | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 9) |
| May 10, 2006 | KS | HB 2118 | Conceal and Carry | Conference Report Adopted - House (93 - 24) |
| May 8, 2006 | NY | A 8098 | Drug Law Reform and Drug Treatment | Bill Passed - House (81 - 59) |
| May 4, 2006 | DE | HB 368 | Hunting License Restrictions for Felons | Bill Passed - House (21 - 14) |
| April 27, 2006 | ME | LD 1938 | Notification Requirements for Certain Firearm Purchases | Concurrence Vote Failed - House (68 - 77) |
| April 26, 2006 | AZ | SB 1425 | Prohibition of Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency | Veto Override Failed - Senate (19 - 10) |
| April 26, 2006 | NH | SB 318 | Use of Deadly Force | Bill Passed - House (193 - 134) |
| April 25, 2006 | MI | Sub H-1 | Self Defense Bill/ Deadly Force Bill | Bill Passed - House (90 - 16) |
| April 25, 2006 | OK | HCS HB 2615 | "Stand Your Ground Law" | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 5) |
| April 19, 2006 | VA | HB 1106 | Possession of Concealed Weapons | Veto Override Failed - House (61 - 36) |
| April 12, 2006 | MO | HA 9 | Eminent Domain Amendment | Amendment Rejected - House (23 - 129) |
| April 12, 2006 | AZ | HB 2074 | Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 19) |
| April 11, 2006 | AZ | HB 2649 | Firearms; Possession; Storage | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8) |
| April 6, 2006 | AZ | SB 1425 | Prohibition on Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency | Bill Passed - House (45 - 12) |
| April 4, 2006 | AZ | HB 2074 | Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7) |
| March 30, 2006 | NE | LB 454 | Concealed Handgun Permit Act | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12) |
| March 28, 2006 | ID | H 630 | School Grounds - Violence | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4) |
| March 24, 2006 | GA | SCS SB 396 | Use of Deadly Force | Bill Passed - House (115 - 42) |
| Date | No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| 5/29 | AB 1471 | Crime Gun Identification Act of 2007 | Bill Passed - House (44 - 31) |
| 5/23 | Sub SB 938 | Reporting of Lost or Stolen Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11) |
| 5/09 | SB 1007 | Large Capacity Firearm Magazine Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 26) |
| 4/27 | HB 2528 | Concealed Firearms | Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 10) |
| 4/26 | HB 2528 | Concealed Firearms | Veto Override Passed - House (98 - 26) |
| 4/19 | SB 507 | Comprehensive tort reform-Provide | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 23) |
| 4/19 | HB 573 | Concealed Weapons for Judges | Bill Passed - House (86 - 15) |
| 4/18 | S 3371 | Firearms for Campus Police | Amendment Rejected - Senate (25 - 25) |
| 4/17 | SB 507 | Comprehensive tort reform-Provide | Bill Passed - House (57 - 39) |
| 4/04 | Sub HB 2348 | Extension of "Triggerman Rule" | Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 14) |
| 3/28 | SB 34 | Concealed Weapons Permits | Bill Passed - House (36 - 29) |
| 3/27 | HB 2528 | Concealed Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11) |
| 3/21 | HB 2528 | Concealed Gun Regulations | Bill Passed - House (107 - 17) |
| 3/20 | CSSB 378 | Deadly Force in Self-Defense | Bill Passed - House (133 - 13) |
| 3/13 | SB 507 | Firearm Injury Liability and Tort Reform | Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 5) |
| 2/28 | 2SSB 251 | Concealed Firearms on College Campuses | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 4) |
| 2/28 | 2SSB 251 | Concealed Firearms on College Campuses | Bill Passed - House (52 - 13) |
| 2/23 | SB 78 | Firearm Regulations for Private Property | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 8) |
| 2/23 | SB 34 | Concealed Weapons Permits | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| 2/20 | SB 1251 | Secure Storage of Guns at Public Establishments | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9) |
| 2/20 | SB 251 | Concealed Firearms on College Campuses | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12) |
| 2/14 | HB 1011 | Deadly Force in Self Defense | Bill Passed - House (34 - 30) |
| 2/12 | HB 1319 | Deadly Force in Self Defense | Bill Passed - House (50 - 44) |
| 2/12 | HB 89 | Concealed Weapons in Motor Vehicles | Bill Passed - House (130 - 38) |
| 9/26 | HR 5092 | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives | Bill Passed - House (277 - 131) |
| 8/30 | AB 352 | Microstamping of Bullets Fired from Semi-Automatic Guns | Concurrence Vote Failed - House (40 - 37) |
| 8/24 | AB 352 | Microstamping of Bullets Fired from Semi-Automatic Guns | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18) |
| 7/13 | S Amdt 4615 | Firearm Confiscation Prohibition Amendment | Amendment Adopted - Senate (84 - 16) |
| 6/28 | SB 318 | Use of Deadly Force | Veto Override Failed - Senate (11 - 11) |
| 6/28 | H Amdt 1156 | Trigger Lock Amendment | Amendment Adopted - House (230 - 191) |
| 6/06 | HB 5143 | "Self-Defense Act" | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10) |
| 5/24 | Sub for HB 5192 | Hunting License Program and Firearms Age Restriction | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9) |
| 5/10 | HB 2118 | Conceal and Carry | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 9) |
| 5/10 | HB 2118 | Conceal and Carry | Conference Report Adopted - House (93 - 24) |
| 5/08 | A 8098 | Drug Law Reform and Drug Treatment | Bill Passed - House (81 - 59) |
| 5/04 | HB 368 | Hunting License Restrictions for Felons | Bill Passed - House (21 - 14) |
| 4/27 | LD 1938 | Notification Requirements for Certain Firearm Purchases | Concurrence Vote Failed - House (68 - 77) |
| 4/26 | SB 1425 | Prohibition of Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency | Veto Override Failed - Senate (19 - 10) |
| 4/26 | SB 318 | Use of Deadly Force | Bill Passed - House (193 - 134) |
| 4/25 | Sub H-1 | Self Defense Bill/ Deadly Force Bill | Bill Passed - House (90 - 16) |
| 4/25 | HCS HB 2615 | "Stand Your Ground Law" | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 5) |
| 4/19 | HB 1106 | Possession of Concealed Weapons | Veto Override Failed - House (61 - 36) |
| 4/12 | HA 9 | Eminent Domain Amendment | Amendment Rejected - House (23 - 129) |
| 4/12 | HB 2074 | Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 19) |
| 4/11 | HB 2649 | Firearms; Possession; Storage | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8) |
| 4/06 | SB 1425 | Prohibition on Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency | Bill Passed - House (45 - 12) |
| 4/04 | HB 2074 | Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7) |
| 3/30 | LB 454 | Concealed Handgun Permit Act | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12) |
| 3/28 | H 630 | School Grounds - Violence | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4) |
| 3/24 | SCS SB 396 | Use of Deadly Force | Bill Passed - House (115 - 42) |