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
Jan. 23, 2025 ND HB 1231 Authorizes Low-Risk Sex Offenders to Ask the Court to Remove Them from the State Registry Early Bill Passed - House (62 - 29)
Jan. 23, 2025 SD SB 2 Increases Civil Penalties for Commercial Driver Violations Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
Jan. 23, 2025 CA SB 2 Appropriates $25 Million for the State Department of Justice to Pay for Legal Battles Involving the Federal Government Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
Jan. 22, 2025 WY SF 53 Authorizes the Secretary of State to Administratively Cancel Trademarks Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Jan. 14, 2025 NY A 693 Requires District Attorneys Give Crime Victims Information about the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's Victim Assistance Office Bill Passed - House (148 - 1)
Jan. 7, 2025 IL HB 5164 Amends the Clerks of the Court Act to Reduce State Requirements for Name Changes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (71 - 38)
Jan. 5, 2025 IL HB 5164 Amends the Clerks of the Court Act to Reduce State Requirements for Name Changes Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
Dec. 20, 2024 MI HB 4485 Amends Criminal Procedures for Indictments to be Filed Within 15 Years of a Crime or by the Victim's 42nd Birthday Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
Dec. 19, 2024 NJ A 4603 Authorizes Commercial Farmers to be Awarded Legal Fees for Defending Against Bad Faith Complaints Bill Passed - House (73 - 0)
Dec. 18, 2024 OH SB 63 Requires Individuals that Have Been Exposed to Asbestos to File Specific Types of Disclosures Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
Dec. 18, 2024 OH SB 63 Requires Individuals that Have Been Exposed to Asbestos to File Specific Types of Disclosures Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
Dec. 13, 2024 MI HB 5302 Repeals Name Change Barriers on Personal Identification Cards Bill Passed - House (56 - 0)
Dec. 12, 2024 National S 4199 Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved (JUDGES) Act Bill Passed - House (236 - 173)
Dec. 11, 2024 MI HB 5742 Amends the State Good Samaritan Law to Add Bleeding Control Measures Bill Passed - House (99 - 10)
Dec. 11, 2024 MI HB 5743 Authorizes Immunity for Individuals Rendering Emergency Services Who Apply Bleeding Control Bill Passed - House (105 - 4)
Dec. 10, 2024 OH SB 63 Requires Individuals that Have Been Exposed to Asbestos to File Specific Types of Disclosures Bill Passed - House (74 - 16)
Dec. 10, 2024 OH SB 63 Requires Individuals that Have Been Exposed to Asbestos to File Specific Types of Disclosures Bill Passed - House (74 - 16)
Dec. 4, 2024 OH HB 111 Increases the Criminal Sentence Range for 3rd-Degree Felony Domestic Violence Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
Oct. 30, 2024 MI HB 5328 Extends Retirement Fund for Judges and Civil Servants Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
Oct. 21, 2024 PA HB 1509 Authorizes Various Criminal Sentencing Regulations and Parole Guideline Reforms Concurrence Vote Passed - House (113 - 89)
Oct. 9, 2024 PA HB 1509 Authorizes Various Criminal Sentencing Regulations and Parole Guideline Reforms Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
Oct. 9, 2024 PA SB 1118 Authorizes Suspended Drivers to Pay Fines with Community Service Bill Passed - House (199 - 3)
Oct. 9, 2024 PA HB 1700 Prohibits the Public Release of Any Personal Information of Federal Judges Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Sept. 26, 2024 NJ S 3201 Amends and Increases Penalties for Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
Sept. 25, 2024 MI HB 5429 Establishes a Court-Appointed Special Advocate Program for Children Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
Sept. 25, 2024 MI HB 5429 Establishes a Court-Appointed Special Advocate Program for Children Concurrence Vote Passed - House (96 - 13)
Sept. 25, 2024 MI HB 5393 Increases the Maximum Time for a Juvenile to Complete the Terms of a Consent Calendar Case Plan Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Sept. 25, 2024 MI SB 935 Repeals Sections of The Social Welfare Act of 1939 that Required Reimbursement for Juvenile Justice Services Bill Passed - House (58 - 51)
Sept. 25, 2024 MI HB 5328 Extends Retirement Fund for Judges and Civil Servants Bill Passed - House (61 - 46)
Sept. 9, 2024 NC SB 445 Amends the Recording of Court-Filed Documents Veto Override Passed - Senate (27 - 17)
Aug. 31, 2024 CA AB 1836 Establishes New Regulations and Civil Liabilities for Unauthorized Usage of Deceased Person's Likeness Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 8)
Aug. 31, 2024 CA AB 1836 Establishes New Regulations and Civil Liabilities for Unauthorized Usage of Deceased Person's Likeness Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
Aug. 28, 2024 CA AB 3283 Limits Claimants Ability to Claim Exemption for Certain Civil Judgments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 15)
Aug. 28, 2024 CA SB 940 Amends Certain Procedures Regarding Civil Disputes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
Aug. 27, 2024 CA SB 940 Amends Certain Procedures Regarding Civil Disputes Bill Passed - House (56 - 16)
Aug. 27, 2024 CA AB 3283 Limits Claimants Ability to Claim Exemption for Certain Civil Judgments Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Aug. 26, 2024 CA AB 3234 Requires Clear and Conspicuous Posting of Findings of Voluntary Social Compliance Audit Concurrence Vote Passed - House (77 - 0)
Aug. 20, 2024 NE LB 3 Appropriates $22 Million for Cash Fund Transfers and Increased Fees Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 9)
July 23, 2024 National S 3706 Victims' VOICES Act Bill Passed - House (408 - 2)
July 23, 2024 National S 227 Improving Access to Our Courts Act Bill Passed - House (404 - 3)
July 23, 2024 National S 227 Improving Access to Our Courts Act Bill Passed - House (404 - 3)
July 22, 2024 National HR 1631 Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes (Pro Codes) Act Bill Failed - House (248 - 127)
July 18, 2024 NM HB 1 Appropriates Funding for Flood and Fire Response, Pilot Projects, Healthcare, Court Resources, and Fentanyl Trafficking Prevention Bill Passed - House (57 - 7)
July 9, 2024 PA HB 1466 Increases Pennsylvanians' Freedom of Speech and Those Subject to Frivolous Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
July 9, 2024 PA HB 2473 Amends the Pennsylvania Election Code and Outlines the Process for Appeals to the Court and County Board Membership Bill Passed - House (105 - 97)
July 9, 2024 PA HB 2473 Amends the Pennsylvania Election Code and Outlines the Process for Appeals to the Court and County Board Membership Bill Passed - House (105 - 97)
June 27, 2024 MI HB 4332 Increases Penalties for Certain Blight Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 41)
June 27, 2024 MI SB 150 Authorizes the Small Claims Division of the Michigan Tax Tribunal to Have Virtual Hearings Bill Passed - House (104 - 6)
June 27, 2024 MI HB 4485 Amends Criminal Procedures for Indictments to be Filed Within 15 Years of a Crime or by the Victim's 42nd Birthday Bill Passed - House (57 - 53)
June 26, 2024 OH SB 94 Establishes the CAMPUS Act Bill Passed - House (80 - 14)
Date No. Title Outcome
1/23 HB 1231 Authorizes Low-Risk Sex Offenders to Ask the Court to Remove Them from the State Registry Early Bill Passed - House (62 - 29)
1/23 SB 2 Increases Civil Penalties for Commercial Driver Violations Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
1/23 SB 2 Appropriates $25 Million for the State Department of Justice to Pay for Legal Battles Involving the Federal Government Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
1/22 SF 53 Authorizes the Secretary of State to Administratively Cancel Trademarks Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
1/14 A 693 Requires District Attorneys Give Crime Victims Information about the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's Victim Assistance Office Bill Passed - House (148 - 1)
1/07 HB 5164 Amends the Clerks of the Court Act to Reduce State Requirements for Name Changes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (71 - 38)
1/05 HB 5164 Amends the Clerks of the Court Act to Reduce State Requirements for Name Changes Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
12/20 HB 4485 Amends Criminal Procedures for Indictments to be Filed Within 15 Years of a Crime or by the Victim's 42nd Birthday Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
12/19 A 4603 Authorizes Commercial Farmers to be Awarded Legal Fees for Defending Against Bad Faith Complaints Bill Passed - House (73 - 0)
12/18 SB 63 Requires Individuals that Have Been Exposed to Asbestos to File Specific Types of Disclosures Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
12/18 SB 63 Requires Individuals that Have Been Exposed to Asbestos to File Specific Types of Disclosures Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
12/13 HB 5302 Repeals Name Change Barriers on Personal Identification Cards Bill Passed - House (56 - 0)
12/12 S 4199 Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved (JUDGES) Act Bill Passed - House (236 - 173)
12/11 HB 5742 Amends the State Good Samaritan Law to Add Bleeding Control Measures Bill Passed - House (99 - 10)
12/11 HB 5743 Authorizes Immunity for Individuals Rendering Emergency Services Who Apply Bleeding Control Bill Passed - House (105 - 4)
12/10 SB 63 Requires Individuals that Have Been Exposed to Asbestos to File Specific Types of Disclosures Bill Passed - House (74 - 16)
12/10 SB 63 Requires Individuals that Have Been Exposed to Asbestos to File Specific Types of Disclosures Bill Passed - House (74 - 16)
12/04 HB 111 Increases the Criminal Sentence Range for 3rd-Degree Felony Domestic Violence Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
10/30 HB 5328 Extends Retirement Fund for Judges and Civil Servants Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
10/21 HB 1509 Authorizes Various Criminal Sentencing Regulations and Parole Guideline Reforms Concurrence Vote Passed - House (113 - 89)
10/09 HB 1509 Authorizes Various Criminal Sentencing Regulations and Parole Guideline Reforms Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
10/09 SB 1118 Authorizes Suspended Drivers to Pay Fines with Community Service Bill Passed - House (199 - 3)
10/09 HB 1700 Prohibits the Public Release of Any Personal Information of Federal Judges Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
9/26 S 3201 Amends and Increases Penalties for Assaulting Law Enforcement Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
9/25 HB 5429 Establishes a Court-Appointed Special Advocate Program for Children Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
9/25 HB 5429 Establishes a Court-Appointed Special Advocate Program for Children Concurrence Vote Passed - House (96 - 13)
9/25 HB 5393 Increases the Maximum Time for a Juvenile to Complete the Terms of a Consent Calendar Case Plan Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
9/25 SB 935 Repeals Sections of The Social Welfare Act of 1939 that Required Reimbursement for Juvenile Justice Services Bill Passed - House (58 - 51)
9/25 HB 5328 Extends Retirement Fund for Judges and Civil Servants Bill Passed - House (61 - 46)
9/09 SB 445 Amends the Recording of Court-Filed Documents Veto Override Passed - Senate (27 - 17)
8/31 AB 1836 Establishes New Regulations and Civil Liabilities for Unauthorized Usage of Deceased Person's Likeness Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 8)
8/31 AB 1836 Establishes New Regulations and Civil Liabilities for Unauthorized Usage of Deceased Person's Likeness Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
8/28 AB 3283 Limits Claimants Ability to Claim Exemption for Certain Civil Judgments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 15)
8/28 SB 940 Amends Certain Procedures Regarding Civil Disputes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
8/27 SB 940 Amends Certain Procedures Regarding Civil Disputes Bill Passed - House (56 - 16)
8/27 AB 3283 Limits Claimants Ability to Claim Exemption for Certain Civil Judgments Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
8/26 AB 3234 Requires Clear and Conspicuous Posting of Findings of Voluntary Social Compliance Audit Concurrence Vote Passed - House (77 - 0)
8/20 LB 3 Appropriates $22 Million for Cash Fund Transfers and Increased Fees Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 9)
7/23 S 3706 Victims' VOICES Act Bill Passed - House (408 - 2)
7/23 S 227 Improving Access to Our Courts Act Bill Passed - House (404 - 3)
7/23 S 227 Improving Access to Our Courts Act Bill Passed - House (404 - 3)
7/22 HR 1631 Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes (Pro Codes) Act Bill Failed - House (248 - 127)
7/18 HB 1 Appropriates Funding for Flood and Fire Response, Pilot Projects, Healthcare, Court Resources, and Fentanyl Trafficking Prevention Bill Passed - House (57 - 7)
7/09 HB 1466 Increases Pennsylvanians' Freedom of Speech and Those Subject to Frivolous Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
7/09 HB 2473 Amends the Pennsylvania Election Code and Outlines the Process for Appeals to the Court and County Board Membership Bill Passed - House (105 - 97)
7/09 HB 2473 Amends the Pennsylvania Election Code and Outlines the Process for Appeals to the Court and County Board Membership Bill Passed - House (105 - 97)
6/27 HB 4332 Increases Penalties for Certain Blight Offenders Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 41)
6/27 SB 150 Authorizes the Small Claims Division of the Michigan Tax Tribunal to Have Virtual Hearings Bill Passed - House (104 - 6)
6/27 HB 4485 Amends Criminal Procedures for Indictments to be Filed Within 15 Years of a Crime or by the Victim's 42nd Birthday Bill Passed - House (57 - 53)
6/26 SB 94 Establishes the CAMPUS Act Bill Passed - House (80 - 14)

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