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
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 245 Authorizes Post-Season Elk Hunting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
April 21, 2015 MT SB 284 Requires County Commissioners to Approve Bison Relocations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
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)
Feb. 26, 2013 WY HB 41 Reduces Limitations on Hunting Bison Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Feb. 18, 2013 NM SB 73 Amends Game and Fish License Suspension Periods Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Feb. 14, 2013 MI SB 48 Authorizes Businesses to Allow Contact Between Customers and Small Bears Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
Feb. 11, 2013 IN SJR 7 Guarantees Right to Hunt and Fish Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
Jan. 28, 2013 WY SF 132 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
Aug. 27, 2012 CA SB 1221 Prohibits the Use of Dogs to Hunt Bears or Bobcats Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
May 24, 2012 National S Amdt 2108 Prohibits FDA Approval of Genetically Engineered Fish Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 50)
May 21, 2012 CA SB 1221 Prohibits the Use of Dogs to Hunt Bears or Bobcats Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
April 28, 2012 MN HF 2171 Increases Hunting and Fishing Fees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 28)
April 5, 2012 AZ HB 2780 Exempts Ranch Dogs from Animal Cruelty Laws Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
March 28, 2012 ID S 1256 Authorizes the Auction of Big-Game Tags Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
March 26, 2012 ID H 542 Prohibits the State from Limiting the Use of Motorized Vehicles on Public Land Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 20)
Feb. 24, 2012 ID S 1256 Authorizes the Auction of Big-Game Tags Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
Feb. 7, 2012 OR SB 1510 Establishes Marine Reserves Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
Sept. 6, 2011 CA AB 376 Prohibiting the Sale of Shark Fins Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
June 23, 2011 DE SB 129 Removes Protected Wildlife Designation from Coyotes Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
April 20, 2011 WA SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
March 22, 2011 IA SF 464 Establishment of an Open Season for Hunting Mourning Doves Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
March 10, 2011 MO SB 113 Regulating Animal Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
Jan. 27, 2011 WY SF 100 Cruelty to Animals Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
Jan. 19, 2011 MT SB 112 Authorizes the Use of Hand-Thrown Spears Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
June 20, 2010 LA SB 381 Establishing "Crime Against Nature by Solicitation" Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
May 10, 2010 CO HB 1238 Increasing Fines for Moving Traffic Violations in Wildlife Crossing Zones Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
April 29, 2010 AZ SB 1307 Treatment of Human Embryos Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/19 HF 3157 Prohibits Misrepresentation of a Service Animal Bill Passed - Senate (67 - 0)
4/12 SB 741 Prohibits Breed-Specific Ordinances Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
3/22 SB 569 Amends Pet Vendor Regulations "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 5)
1/31 SB 660 Extends the Deadline for 100 Percent Cage-Free Eggs to 2025 Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
6/14 SB 68 Amends Prohibition on Baiting and Feeding Deer Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
4/03 SB 0519 Provides Certain Health Coverage for Retail Purchased Dogs Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
3/21 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)
8/26 SB 839 Prohibits Orca Captivity and Breeding Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
5/25 SB 331 Establishes Regulations for Dog Sales Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
3/02 HB 4040 Authorizes Removal of Gray Wolf from Endangered Species List Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
2/25 SF 2289 Expands Criminal Offenses for Animal Mistreatment Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
2/22 SB 2647 Prohibits Sale of Endangered Species Parts or Products Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 7)
9/02 AB 96 Prohibits Sale of Ivory and Rhino Horn Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
4/28 SB 913 Prohibits Sale of Ivory and Rhino Horn Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
4/21 SB 245 Authorizes Post-Season Elk Hunting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
4/21 SB 284 Requires County Commissioners to Approve Bison Relocations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
4/14 HB 1453 Authorizes Deer Hunting Preserves Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 27)
3/23 HB 2150 Amends Animal Cruelty Laws Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
3/09 HB 212 Amends Definitions of Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
2/24 SJR 12 Authorizes the Use of Diverse Farming and Ranching Practices Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (22 - 28)
2/13 SB 253 Prohibits Coyote Hunting Contests Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
12/09 HB 234 Authorizes Noise Suppressors on Certain Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
10/15 HB 1750 Prohibits Pigeon Shoots Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
9/10 SB 506 Expands and Establishes Certain Agricultural Programs Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
8/13 Initiation of Legislation Authorizes Natural Resources Commission to Manage the Taking of Game Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
5/21 HB 1091 Prohibits the Transportation of Dogs in the Bed of a Pickup Truck on Interstates Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
4/07 S Amdt 2081 Authorizes "Chicken Boxing" under Certain Conditions Amendment Rejected - Senate (8 - 29)
4/03 LB 671 Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions Veto Override Failed - Senate (28 - 21)
4/02 LB 671 Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 21)
3/28 HB 222 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
3/24 LB 671 Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 13)
2/18 HB 1237 Authorizes Hunting on Sundays Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
2/14 S 1337 Prohibits Recording of Agricultural Operations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
2/04 SB 404 Establishes Regulations for High-Fence Hunting Preserves Bill Failed - Senate (25 - 23)
2/04 SB 75 Prohibits a Local Government From Establishing a Dog Breed-Specific Regulation Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
1/29 SB 76 Amends Self Defense Against a Mountain Lion Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
9/11 SB 9 Amends Animal Abuse and Neglect Laws Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
9/09 AB 711 Prohibits Lead Ammunition for Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
7/01 SB 6 Amends Animal Welfare Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
5/01 SB 1639 Requires Reimbursement for the Sale of Unhealthy Pets Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
4/25 SJR S Establishes a Constitutional Authorization for Individuals to Hunt and Fish Amendment Adopted - Senate (25 - 11)
4/25 SB 288 Authorizes the Natural Resources Commission to Designate Huntable Game Species Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
4/25 SB 201 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 16)
4/23 SB 256 Requires the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Organization to be Liable for Damage Caused by Wild Buffalo Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 20)
4/16 SB 835 Prohibits Horse Tripping in Rodeos Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
4/16 SB 1248 Requires Disclosure of Photographic Evidence of Animal Abuse Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
3/26 HB 1999 Authorizes the Slaughter of Horses Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
3/21 HB 247 Authorizes Salvage of Game Killed By Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
3/19 SB 644 Amends the Definition of "Wild Animal" Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
3/12 SB 48 Authorizes Businesses to Allow Contact Between Customers and Small Bears Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
3/08 SB 5187 Authorizes Livestock Owners to Dispatch Gray Wolves Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 23)
2/26 HB 41 Reduces Limitations on Hunting Bison Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
2/18 SB 73 Amends Game and Fish License Suspension Periods Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
2/14 SB 48 Authorizes Businesses to Allow Contact Between Customers and Small Bears Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
2/11 SJR 7 Guarantees Right to Hunt and Fish Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
1/28 SF 132 Authorizes the Use of Silencers While Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
8/27 SB 1221 Prohibits the Use of Dogs to Hunt Bears or Bobcats Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
5/24 S Amdt 2108 Prohibits FDA Approval of Genetically Engineered Fish Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 50)
5/21 SB 1221 Prohibits the Use of Dogs to Hunt Bears or Bobcats Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
4/28 HF 2171 Increases Hunting and Fishing Fees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 28)
4/05 HB 2780 Exempts Ranch Dogs from Animal Cruelty Laws Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
3/28 S 1256 Authorizes the Auction of Big-Game Tags Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
3/26 H 542 Prohibits the State from Limiting the Use of Motorized Vehicles on Public Land Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 20)
2/24 S 1256 Authorizes the Auction of Big-Game Tags Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
2/07 SB 1510 Establishes Marine Reserves Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
9/06 AB 376 Prohibiting the Sale of Shark Fins Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
6/23 SB 129 Removes Protected Wildlife Designation from Coyotes Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
4/20 SB 5622 Recreation Access on State Lands Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
3/22 SF 464 Establishment of an Open Season for Hunting Mourning Doves Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
3/10 SB 113 Regulating Animal Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
1/27 SF 100 Cruelty to Animals Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
1/19 SB 112 Authorizes the Use of Hand-Thrown Spears Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
6/20 SB 381 Establishing "Crime Against Nature by Solicitation" Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
5/10 HB 1238 Increasing Fines for Moving Traffic Violations in Wildlife Crossing Zones Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
4/29 SB 1307 Treatment of Human Embryos Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 12)

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