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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. 14, 2023 | NM | SB 9 | Appropriates Millions in State Funds for Environment and Cultural Conservation | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 7) |
| Feb. 9, 2023 | HI | SB 432 | Defines Hawaii Coral Reefs as Critical Natural Infrastructure | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 0) |
| Jan. 27, 2023 | MT | SB 85 | Amends Law Regarding Grizzly Bear Population Management | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12) |
| Sept. 28, 2022 | MI | HB 6354 | Amends Law in Regard to Hunting | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10) |
| June 30, 2022 | DE | HB 386 | Prohibits Cat Declawing as Condition of Rental Agreement | Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5) |
| May 11, 2022 | NY | S 1130 | Prohibits the Sale of Cats, Dogs, and Rabbits in Stores | Bill Passed - Senate (57 - 5) |
| May 3, 2022 | HI | SB 2065 | Prohibits Aerial Drones and Vehicles for Fishing Purposes | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 2) |
| May 2, 2022 | AK | SB 33 | Establishes Fisheries Product Development Tax Credit | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 1) |
| April 12, 2022 | NE | LB 829 | Amends State Animal Abuse Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 5) |
| April 7, 2022 | MD | HB 22 | Prohibits Declawing of Cats | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 12) |
| March 23, 2022 | ID | H 720 | Prohibits Non-Human Entities From Being Granted Personhood | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5) |
| Feb. 15, 2022 | IN | HB 1248 | Prohibits Big Cat and Bear Cub Owners from Allowing Public Interaction | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 4) |
| Sept. 10, 2021 | CA | SB 715 | Extends Restrictions on Gun Control Loopholes by Requiring Verification on Hunting Licenses | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 9) |
| June 10, 2021 | MI | SB 486 | Authorizes People From the Upper Peninsula to Sit on a Body to Decide Whether Hunters Can Kill Wolves | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| May 5, 2021 | NY | S 1130 | Prohibits Pet Shops from Selling Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits | Bill Passed - Senate (57 - 6) |
| April 28, 2021 | MT | SB 98 | Reduces Restrictions on Killing/Taking of Grizzly Bears | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 18) |
| April 23, 2021 | MT | SB 306 | Expands the Size of the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 20) |
| April 21, 2021 | ID | S 1211 | Authorizes Removal of 90 Percent of the Wolf Population | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
| March 25, 2021 | CO | SB 21-135 | Prohibits the Use of Certain Animals in Traveling Animal Acts | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13) |
| Feb. 9, 2021 | KY | SB 120 | Authorizes Historical Horse Racing Machines | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15) |
| Feb. 9, 2021 | ND | SB 2211 | Authorizes the Use of Artificial Light While Hunting | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19) |
| Jan. 25, 2021 | ND | SB 2172 | Authorizes 75 Year Olds to Register Twice for the Moose Hunting State Lottery | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20) |
| Jan. 18, 2021 | ND | SB 2144 | Amends Hunting Laws Related to Trespassing | Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 2) |
| Nov. 18, 2020 | PA | HB 2440 | Classifies Shooting Ranges, Sportsman Clubs, Hunting Facilities, and Firearm Businesses as "Life-Sustaining" | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20) |
| Sept. 30, 2020 | MI | HB 4332 | Authorizes Use of Pneumatic Guns | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
| Sept. 15, 2020 | SC | H 4831 | Prohibits the Release of Non-Native Species Into the Wild | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0) |
| July 21, 2020 | NY | S 4234 | Prohibits the Sale of Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits by Retail Pet Shops | Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 13) |
| June 26, 2020 | CA | SB 1175 | Prohibits Importation and Possession of Wild Animals | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8) |
| June 10, 2020 | CO | HB 20-1343 | Requires Colorado Eggs to be Cage-Free by 2025 | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| March 3, 2020 | VA | SB 1030 | Prohibits Dangerous Captive Animal Exhibits | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 14) |
| Feb. 27, 2020 | VA | HB 119 | Requires Milk be Defined as the Lacteal Secretion Obtained by the Complete Milking of a Hooved Animal | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16) |
| Jan. 23, 2020 | DE | SB 139 | Establishes Requirements for the Treatment of Dogs in Cold Weather | Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5) |
| Nov. 13, 2019 | MI | HB 4687 | Repeals Prohibition of Deer-Baiting | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14) |
| Nov. 7, 2019 | MI | SB 174 | Extends Deadline for 100 Percent Cage-Free Eggs Requirement | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 3) |
| Oct. 24, 2019 | MI | SB 174 | Extends Deadline for 100 Percent Cage-Free Eggs Requirement | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17) |
| Sept. 10, 2019 | CA | AB 44 | Prohibits the Sale and Manufacturing of Fur Products | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8) |
| Sept. 9, 2019 | CA | AB 1254 | Prohibits Hunting of Bobcats | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8) |
| Sept. 3, 2019 | CA | AB 454 | Establishes Protections for Migratory Birds | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9) |
| Aug. 12, 2019 | CA | AB 273 | Prohibits Recreational and Commercial Fur Trapping Licenses | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9) |
| June 4, 2019 | NY | S 5532 | Prohibits Declawing Cats | Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 12) |
| May 23, 2019 | CA | SB 627 | Authorizes Prescription of Medical Cannabis for Animals | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0) |
| April 30, 2019 | NY | S 5098 | Prohibits the Sale of Anything Made from "Vulnerable Species", Including Giraffe Products | Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 14) |
| April 10, 2019 | WA | HB 1579 | Increases Catch Limits for Bass, Walleye, and Catfish | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20) |
| April 10, 2019 | MT | HB 291 | Establishes a Voluntary Wolf Mitigation Account | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20) |
| March 26, 2019 | MD | HB 298 | Establishes Oyster Sanctuaries | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14) |
| Feb. 19, 2019 | ND | SB 2315 | Establishes Hunters Access Advisory Group | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 18) |
| June 6, 2018 | OH | HB 506 | Amends Laws Related to High-Volume Dog Breeding | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1) |
| June 6, 2018 | NY | S 7415 | Prohibits Leasing Plans for Pets | Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 0) |
| May 14, 2018 | LA | SB 236 | Amends Laws Concerning Sexual Abuse of Animals | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 1) |
| April 19, 2018 | MN | HF 3157 | Prohibits Misrepresentation of a Service Animal | Bill Passed - Senate (67 - 0) |
| April 12, 2018 | MI | SB 741 | Prohibits Breed-Specific Ordinances | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13) |
| March 22, 2018 | NH | SB 569 | Amends Pet Vendor Regulations | "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 5) |
| Jan. 31, 2018 | MI | SB 660 | Extends the Deadline for 100 Percent Cage-Free Eggs to 2025 | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5) |
| June 14, 2017 | WI | SB 68 | Amends Prohibition on Baiting and Feeding Deer | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13) |
| April 3, 2017 | TN | SB 0519 | Provides Certain Health Coverage for Retail Purchased Dogs | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11) |
| March 21, 2017 | National | H J Res 69 | Providing for congressional disapproval of the final rule of the Department of the Interior relating to Non-Subsistence Take of Wildlife, and Public Participation and Closure Procedures, on National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (52 - 47) |
| Aug. 26, 2016 | CA | SB 839 | Prohibits Orca Captivity and Breeding | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 13) |
| May 25, 2016 | OH | SB 331 | Establishes Regulations for Dog Sales | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11) |
| March 2, 2016 | OR | HB 4040 | Authorizes Removal of Gray Wolf from Endangered Species List | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11) |
| Feb. 25, 2016 | IA | SF 2289 | Expands Criminal Offenses for Animal Mistreatment | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16) |
| Feb. 22, 2016 | HI | SB 2647 | Prohibits Sale of Endangered Species Parts or Products | Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 7) |
| Sept. 2, 2015 | CA | AB 96 | Prohibits Sale of Ivory and Rhino Horn | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13) |
| April 28, 2015 | OR | SB 913 | Prohibits Sale of Ivory and Rhino Horn | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11) |
| April 21, 2015 | MT | SB 284 | Requires County Commissioners to Approve Bison Relocations | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 18) |
| April 21, 2015 | MT | SB 245 | Authorizes Post-Season Elk Hunting | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 17) |
| April 14, 2015 | IN | HB 1453 | Authorizes Deer Hunting Preserves | Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 27) |
| March 23, 2015 | AZ | HB 2150 | Amends Animal Cruelty Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12) |
| March 9, 2015 | MT | HB 212 | Amends Definitions of Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21) |
| Feb. 24, 2015 | IN | SJR 12 | Authorizes the Use of Diverse Farming and Ranching Practices | Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (22 - 28) |
| Feb. 13, 2015 | NM | SB 253 | Prohibits Coyote Hunting Contests | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13) |
| Dec. 9, 2014 | OH | HB 234 | Authorizes Noise Suppressors on Certain Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6) |
| Oct. 15, 2014 | PA | HB 1750 | Prohibits Pigeon Shoots | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12) |
| Sept. 10, 2014 | MO | SB 506 | Expands and Establishes Certain Agricultural Programs | Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 7) |
| Aug. 13, 2014 | MI | Initiation of Legislation | Authorizes Natural Resources Commission to Manage the Taking of Game | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
| May 21, 2014 | LA | HB 1091 | Prohibits the Transportation of Dogs in the Bed of a Pickup Truck on Interstates | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7) |
| April 7, 2014 | LA | S Amdt 2081 | Authorizes "Chicken Boxing" under Certain Conditions | Amendment Rejected - Senate (8 - 29) |
| April 3, 2014 | NE | LB 671 | Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions | Veto Override Failed - Senate (28 - 21) |
| April 2, 2014 | NE | LB 671 | Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions | Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 21) |
| March 28, 2014 | KY | HB 222 | Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6) |
| March 24, 2014 | NE | LB 671 | Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 13) |
| Feb. 18, 2014 | VA | HB 1237 | Authorizes Hunting on Sundays | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11) |
| Feb. 14, 2014 | ID | S 1337 | Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
| Feb. 4, 2014 | IN | SB 404 | Establishes Regulations for High-Fence Hunting Preserves | Bill Failed - Senate (25 - 23) |
| Feb. 4, 2014 | SD | SB 75 | Prohibits a Local Government From Establishing a Dog Breed-Specific Regulation | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| Jan. 29, 2014 | SD | SB 76 | Amends Self Defense Against a Mountain Lion | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13) |
| Sept. 11, 2013 | MO | SB 9 | Amends Animal Abuse and Neglect Laws | Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
| Sept. 9, 2013 | CA | AB 711 | Prohibits Lead Ammunition for Hunting | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
| July 1, 2013 | OR | SB 6 | Amends Animal Welfare Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12) |
| May 1, 2013 | IL | SB 1639 | Requires Reimbursement for the Sale of Unhealthy Pets | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18) |
| April 25, 2013 | MI | SJR S | Establishes a Constitutional Authorization for Individuals to Hunt and Fish | Amendment Adopted - Senate (25 - 11) |
| April 25, 2013 | MI | SB 288 | Authorizes the Natural Resources Commission to Designate Huntable Game Species | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11) |
| April 25, 2013 | NC | SB 201 | Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 16) |
| April 23, 2013 | MT | SB 256 | Requires the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Organization to be Liable for Damage Caused by Wild Buffalo | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 20) |
| April 16, 2013 | OR | SB 835 | Prohibits Horse Tripping in Rodeos | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6) |
| April 16, 2013 | TN | SB 1248 | Requires Disclosure of Photographic Evidence of Animal Abuse | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9) |
| March 26, 2013 | OK | HB 1999 | Authorizes the Slaughter of Horses | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14) |
| March 21, 2013 | MT | HB 247 | Authorizes Salvage of Game Killed By Vehicles | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20) |
| March 19, 2013 | PA | SB 644 | Amends the Definition of "Wild Animal" | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18) |
| March 12, 2013 | MI | SB 48 | Authorizes Businesses to Allow Contact Between Customers and Small Bears | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8) |
| March 8, 2013 | WA | SB 5187 | Authorizes Livestock Owners to Dispatch Gray Wolves | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 23) |