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 11, 2025 MT SB 508 Amends Drunk Driving Laws to Include Any Detectable Traces of THC for Individuals Under the Age of 21 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 37)
April 11, 2025 MT SB 437 Amends and Defines Sex as Binary in Montana State Law Concurrence Vote Passed - House (55 - 44)
April 11, 2025 WV SB 154 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Instruction in Schools Bill Passed - House (82 - 17)
April 11, 2025 AR HB 1252 Establishes the Certified Community-Based Doula Certification Act Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
April 11, 2025 WV SB 196 Amends Penalties for Drug Offenses to Match Federal Drug Offenses Penalties Bill Passed - House (98 - 1)
April 11, 2025 ND SB 2137 Authorizes Hunters to Bait Deer on Private Property Bill Passed - House (56 - 34)
April 11, 2025 WA SB 5375 Extends and Expands the List of Mandatory Reporters to Include Clergy Bill Passed - House (64 - 31)
April 11, 2025 ND SB 2137 Authorizes Hunters to Bait Deer on Private Property Bill Passed - House (56 - 34)
April 11, 2025 WA SB 5375 Extends and Expands the List of Mandatory Reporters to Include Clergy Bill Passed - House (64 - 31)
April 11, 2025 AR SB 290 Establishes a Permit Moratorium for Hog Farms in the Buffalo River Watershed Bill Passed - House (70 - 11)
April 11, 2025 NE LB 383 Requires Age Verification for Social Media Accounts Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
April 10, 2025 NH HB 511 Prohibits Sanctuary City Policies in the State "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (211 - 161)
April 10, 2025 HI HB 1194 Establishes Licensing Requirements for Certified Midwives Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 4)
April 10, 2025 ND HB 1600 Establishes an Immigration-Focused Law Clinic at the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
April 10, 2025 ND HB 1181 Defines Gender as Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
April 10, 2025 NH HB 71 Prohibits the Use of Public School Facilities to Provide Shelter to Undocumented Immigrants "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (209 - 162)
April 10, 2025 AR HB 1974 Prohibits State Entities from Employing Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (76 - 20)
April 10, 2025 TN SB 836 Authorizes Schools to Charge Undocumented Students Tuition Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
April 10, 2025 IL SB 42 Prohibits Police from Stopping, Detaining, or Searching a Vehicle Based Solely on the Smell of Cannabis Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
April 10, 2025 IL SB 42 Prohibits Police from Stopping, Detaining, or Searching a Vehicle Based Solely on the Smell of Cannabis Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
April 10, 2025 IL SB 19 Amends and Reforms the State Prisoner Review Board Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
April 10, 2025 AL HB 42 Amends the Alabama Bail Reform Act of 1993 to Authorize Courts to Accept Partial Bail Cash Deposits Bill Passed - House (66 - 32)
April 10, 2025 IL SB 2339 Prohibits Employers from Firing an Immigrant Worker if Their Records Don't Match the Federal E-Verify System Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 21)
April 9, 2025 ND HB 1470 Increases the Price for Hunting and Fishing Licenses Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 32)
April 9, 2025 ND HB 1470 Increases the Price for Hunting and Fishing Licenses Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 32)
April 9, 2025 AZ HB 2099 Requires All Government Employees at Any Level in Arizona Enforce and Cooperate with All immigration Orders Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
April 9, 2025 ND HB 1263 Amends State Criminal Records Sealing Laws Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 1)
April 9, 2025 AR HB 1150 Prohibits Pharmacy Benefit Managers From Obtaining Certain Pharmacy Permits Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
April 9, 2025 MO HB 970 Authorizes the Missouri Lottery to Install Video Gambling Machines at Retail Locations Across the State Bill Passed - House (83 - 73)
April 9, 2025 SC H 3930 Prohibits Payment Card Networks From Identifying Firearm Retailers Via Merchant Category Code (MCC) Bill Passed - House (85 - 10)
April 9, 2025 IL SB 1607 Establishes the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 0)
April 9, 2025 IL HB 2772 Amends and Adds Women's Professional Sports to the Types of Sports Facilities the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority can Oversee Bill Passed - House (111 - 0)
April 8, 2025 CO SB 25-129 Establishes Legal Protections for Abortion and Gender Transition Services Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
April 8, 2025 AZ HB 2001 Authorizes a 90-day License Exemption for Individuals who have Graduated from an Accredited Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Addiction Counseling Program Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
April 8, 2025 WA HB 1815 Amends Prison Riot Charges Concerning Juveniles Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
April 8, 2025 HI HB 1308 Authorizes Legal Online and Mobile Sports Betting Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 10)
April 8, 2025 AZ HB 2062 Defines Sex and Gender Terms for Any State Laws, Policies, or Institutions Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
April 8, 2025 IL HB 3527 Prohibit Schools from Using a Name, Logo, or Mascot that is Derogatory or Representative of a Disabled Individual or Group Bill Passed - House (71 - 38)
April 8, 2025 IL HB 2805 Prohibits Insurance Co-Pays for Sexual Assault Exams Bill Passed - House (114 - 0)
April 8, 2025 CO HB 25-1011 Specifies Child Care Centers Owned by Private Equity or Institutional Investment Firms Would've Had to Post Their Prices Online and Notify Parents Before Laying off Staff Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 18)
April 8, 2025 NY S 197 Establishes Tucker's Law and Authorizes Certain Sentencing for Aggravated Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
April 8, 2025 NY S 5014 Prohibits the Importation, Transportation, and Possession of Certain African Wildlife Species and Products Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 8)
April 8, 2025 NY S 3158 Establishes Animal Fighting as a Criminal Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
April 8, 2025 NY S 252 Establishes an Exotic Animal Sale and Ownership Ban Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
April 8, 2025 NY S 3026 Prohibits Surgical Devocalization Procedures on Dogs and Cats Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 0)
April 8, 2025 NY S 3629 Prohibits the Use of Certain Animals in Traveling Animal Acts Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 10)
April 8, 2025 NY S 364 Prohibits Insurance Policy Restrictions Based on Owning Specific Dog Breeds Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
April 7, 2025 ND HB 1231 Authorizes Low-Risk Sex Offenders to Ask the Court to Remove Them from the State Registry Early Concurrence Vote Failed - House (36 - 54)
April 7, 2025 MD HB 1222 Prohibits Local Law Enforcement Agencies From Entering Agreements With Federal Immigration Officials Concurrence Vote Passed - House (101 - 38)
April 7, 2025 MD HB 1222 Prohibits Local Law Enforcement Agencies From Entering Agreements With Federal Immigration Officials Concurrence Vote Passed - House (101 - 38)
April 7, 2025 MD HB 1222 Prohibits Local Law Enforcement Agencies From Entering Agreements With Federal Immigration Officials Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
April 7, 2025 MD HB 1222 Prohibits Local Law Enforcement Agencies From Entering Agreements With Federal Immigration Officials Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
April 7, 2025 IA HF 924 Reduces the Minimum Age for Possessing and Carrying a Firearm from 21 to 18 Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
April 7, 2025 IL HB 2978 Establishes the Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act Bill Passed - House (91 - 7)
April 6, 2025 CO SB 25-129 Establishes Legal Protections for Abortion and Gender Transition Services Bill Passed - House (39 - 20)
April 6, 2025 CO HB 25-1309 Defines "Gender-Affirming Care" Into State Statute and Prohibits Health Insurance Providers from Denying or Limiting Such Care Bill Passed - House (40 - 20)
April 6, 2025 CO HB 25-1312 Establishes Penalties for "Dead-Naming" or "Misgendering" as Discriminatory Actions and Requires Courts to Include Such Claims in Custody Cases Bill Passed - House (36 - 20)
April 5, 2025 MD HB 161 Establishes Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity as its Own Section in the Family Life and Human Sexuality Category Concurrence Vote Passed - House (97 - 38)
April 4, 2025 GA HB 651 Authorizes Regulations over Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 3)
April 4, 2025 GA SB 204 Prohibits Local Regulation on Gun Storage for Legal Gun Owners Bill Passed - House (99 - 74)
April 4, 2025 GA SB 204 Prohibits Local Regulation on Gun Storage for Legal Gun Owners Bill Passed - House (99 - 74)
April 4, 2025 HI SB 401 Authorizes Possession of an Assault Rifle, Assault Shotgun, or Detachable Magazine with a Capacity Greater than 10 Rounds for Certain Individuals Bill Passed - House (40 - 8)
April 4, 2025 HI SB 401 Authorizes Possession of an Assault Rifle, Assault Shotgun, or Detachable Magazine with a Capacity Greater than 10 Rounds for Certain Individuals Bill Passed - House (40 - 8)
April 4, 2025 WA HB 1205 Specifies Knowingly Distributing a Forged Digital Likeness of Another Individual as Criminal Impersonation in the 2nd Degree Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
April 3, 2025 MD HB 853 Authorizes Certain Incarcerated Individuals to Have Early Release Hearings Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
April 3, 2025 MD HB 853 Authorizes Certain Incarcerated Individuals to Have Early Release Hearings Concurrence Vote Passed - House (89 - 47)
April 3, 2025 MD HB 161 Establishes Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity as its Own Section in the Family Life and Human Sexuality Category Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12)
April 3, 2025 AR HB 1745 Authorizes Fines for Semi-Truck Drivers Who Cannot Speak English Sufficiently Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
April 3, 2025 ND SB 2128 Increases State Mandatory Minimum Sentences Bill Failed - House (41 - 52)
April 3, 2025 GA SB 185 Prohibits State Funding for Gender-Affirming Care for Prisoners Bill Passed - House (100 - 2)
April 3, 2025 GA SB 185 Prohibits State Funding for Gender-Affirming Care for Prisoners Bill Passed - House (100 - 2)
April 3, 2025 IL SB 1441 Limits Accounts Under the Secure Choice Savings Program Act to IRA Accounts Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 6)
April 3, 2025 MN HF 341 Establishes Driving Without a License and Causing an Accident as a Gross Misdemeanor Violation Bill Passed - House (120 - 14)
April 3, 2025 FL HB 355 Authorizes Public Schools to Purchase FDA-Approved Emergency Opioid Antagonists Bill Passed - House (107 - 0)
April 2, 2025 VA HB 1876 Authorizes Public Colleges and Universities to Prohibit Guns on School Property Veto Override Failed - House (50 - 46)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/11 SB 508 Amends Drunk Driving Laws to Include Any Detectable Traces of THC for Individuals Under the Age of 21 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 37)
4/11 SB 437 Amends and Defines Sex as Binary in Montana State Law Concurrence Vote Passed - House (55 - 44)
4/11 SB 154 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Instruction in Schools Bill Passed - House (82 - 17)
4/11 HB 1252 Establishes the Certified Community-Based Doula Certification Act Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
4/11 SB 196 Amends Penalties for Drug Offenses to Match Federal Drug Offenses Penalties Bill Passed - House (98 - 1)
4/11 SB 2137 Authorizes Hunters to Bait Deer on Private Property Bill Passed - House (56 - 34)
4/11 SB 5375 Extends and Expands the List of Mandatory Reporters to Include Clergy Bill Passed - House (64 - 31)
4/11 SB 2137 Authorizes Hunters to Bait Deer on Private Property Bill Passed - House (56 - 34)
4/11 SB 5375 Extends and Expands the List of Mandatory Reporters to Include Clergy Bill Passed - House (64 - 31)
4/11 SB 290 Establishes a Permit Moratorium for Hog Farms in the Buffalo River Watershed Bill Passed - House (70 - 11)
4/11 LB 383 Requires Age Verification for Social Media Accounts Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
4/10 HB 511 Prohibits Sanctuary City Policies in the State "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (211 - 161)
4/10 HB 1194 Establishes Licensing Requirements for Certified Midwives Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 4)
4/10 HB 1600 Establishes an Immigration-Focused Law Clinic at the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
4/10 HB 1181 Defines Gender as Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
4/10 HB 71 Prohibits the Use of Public School Facilities to Provide Shelter to Undocumented Immigrants "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (209 - 162)
4/10 HB 1974 Prohibits State Entities from Employing Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (76 - 20)
4/10 SB 836 Authorizes Schools to Charge Undocumented Students Tuition Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
4/10 SB 42 Prohibits Police from Stopping, Detaining, or Searching a Vehicle Based Solely on the Smell of Cannabis Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
4/10 SB 42 Prohibits Police from Stopping, Detaining, or Searching a Vehicle Based Solely on the Smell of Cannabis Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
4/10 SB 19 Amends and Reforms the State Prisoner Review Board Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
4/10 HB 42 Amends the Alabama Bail Reform Act of 1993 to Authorize Courts to Accept Partial Bail Cash Deposits Bill Passed - House (66 - 32)
4/10 SB 2339 Prohibits Employers from Firing an Immigrant Worker if Their Records Don't Match the Federal E-Verify System Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 21)
4/09 HB 1470 Increases the Price for Hunting and Fishing Licenses Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 32)
4/09 HB 1470 Increases the Price for Hunting and Fishing Licenses Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 32)
4/09 HB 2099 Requires All Government Employees at Any Level in Arizona Enforce and Cooperate with All immigration Orders Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
4/09 HB 1263 Amends State Criminal Records Sealing Laws Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 1)
4/09 HB 1150 Prohibits Pharmacy Benefit Managers From Obtaining Certain Pharmacy Permits Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
4/09 HB 970 Authorizes the Missouri Lottery to Install Video Gambling Machines at Retail Locations Across the State Bill Passed - House (83 - 73)
4/09 H 3930 Prohibits Payment Card Networks From Identifying Firearm Retailers Via Merchant Category Code (MCC) Bill Passed - House (85 - 10)
4/09 SB 1607 Establishes the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 0)
4/09 HB 2772 Amends and Adds Women's Professional Sports to the Types of Sports Facilities the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority can Oversee Bill Passed - House (111 - 0)
4/08 SB 25-129 Establishes Legal Protections for Abortion and Gender Transition Services Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
4/08 HB 2001 Authorizes a 90-day License Exemption for Individuals who have Graduated from an Accredited Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Addiction Counseling Program Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
4/08 HB 1815 Amends Prison Riot Charges Concerning Juveniles Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
4/08 HB 1308 Authorizes Legal Online and Mobile Sports Betting Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 10)
4/08 HB 2062 Defines Sex and Gender Terms for Any State Laws, Policies, or Institutions Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
4/08 HB 3527 Prohibit Schools from Using a Name, Logo, or Mascot that is Derogatory or Representative of a Disabled Individual or Group Bill Passed - House (71 - 38)
4/08 HB 2805 Prohibits Insurance Co-Pays for Sexual Assault Exams Bill Passed - House (114 - 0)
4/08 HB 25-1011 Specifies Child Care Centers Owned by Private Equity or Institutional Investment Firms Would've Had to Post Their Prices Online and Notify Parents Before Laying off Staff Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 18)
4/08 S 197 Establishes Tucker's Law and Authorizes Certain Sentencing for Aggravated Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
4/08 S 5014 Prohibits the Importation, Transportation, and Possession of Certain African Wildlife Species and Products Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 8)
4/08 S 3158 Establishes Animal Fighting as a Criminal Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
4/08 S 252 Establishes an Exotic Animal Sale and Ownership Ban Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
4/08 S 3026 Prohibits Surgical Devocalization Procedures on Dogs and Cats Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 0)
4/08 S 3629 Prohibits the Use of Certain Animals in Traveling Animal Acts Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 10)
4/08 S 364 Prohibits Insurance Policy Restrictions Based on Owning Specific Dog Breeds Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
4/07 HB 1231 Authorizes Low-Risk Sex Offenders to Ask the Court to Remove Them from the State Registry Early Concurrence Vote Failed - House (36 - 54)
4/07 HB 1222 Prohibits Local Law Enforcement Agencies From Entering Agreements With Federal Immigration Officials Concurrence Vote Passed - House (101 - 38)
4/07 HB 1222 Prohibits Local Law Enforcement Agencies From Entering Agreements With Federal Immigration Officials Concurrence Vote Passed - House (101 - 38)
4/07 HB 1222 Prohibits Local Law Enforcement Agencies From Entering Agreements With Federal Immigration Officials Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
4/07 HB 1222 Prohibits Local Law Enforcement Agencies From Entering Agreements With Federal Immigration Officials Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
4/07 HF 924 Reduces the Minimum Age for Possessing and Carrying a Firearm from 21 to 18 Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
4/07 HB 2978 Establishes the Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act Bill Passed - House (91 - 7)
4/06 SB 25-129 Establishes Legal Protections for Abortion and Gender Transition Services Bill Passed - House (39 - 20)
4/06 HB 25-1309 Defines "Gender-Affirming Care" Into State Statute and Prohibits Health Insurance Providers from Denying or Limiting Such Care Bill Passed - House (40 - 20)
4/06 HB 25-1312 Establishes Penalties for "Dead-Naming" or "Misgendering" as Discriminatory Actions and Requires Courts to Include Such Claims in Custody Cases Bill Passed - House (36 - 20)
4/05 HB 161 Establishes Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity as its Own Section in the Family Life and Human Sexuality Category Concurrence Vote Passed - House (97 - 38)
4/04 HB 651 Authorizes Regulations over Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 3)
4/04 SB 204 Prohibits Local Regulation on Gun Storage for Legal Gun Owners Bill Passed - House (99 - 74)
4/04 SB 204 Prohibits Local Regulation on Gun Storage for Legal Gun Owners Bill Passed - House (99 - 74)
4/04 SB 401 Authorizes Possession of an Assault Rifle, Assault Shotgun, or Detachable Magazine with a Capacity Greater than 10 Rounds for Certain Individuals Bill Passed - House (40 - 8)
4/04 SB 401 Authorizes Possession of an Assault Rifle, Assault Shotgun, or Detachable Magazine with a Capacity Greater than 10 Rounds for Certain Individuals Bill Passed - House (40 - 8)
4/04 HB 1205 Specifies Knowingly Distributing a Forged Digital Likeness of Another Individual as Criminal Impersonation in the 2nd Degree Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
4/03 HB 853 Authorizes Certain Incarcerated Individuals to Have Early Release Hearings Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
4/03 HB 853 Authorizes Certain Incarcerated Individuals to Have Early Release Hearings Concurrence Vote Passed - House (89 - 47)
4/03 HB 161 Establishes Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity as its Own Section in the Family Life and Human Sexuality Category Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12)
4/03 HB 1745 Authorizes Fines for Semi-Truck Drivers Who Cannot Speak English Sufficiently Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
4/03 SB 2128 Increases State Mandatory Minimum Sentences Bill Failed - House (41 - 52)
4/03 SB 185 Prohibits State Funding for Gender-Affirming Care for Prisoners Bill Passed - House (100 - 2)
4/03 SB 185 Prohibits State Funding for Gender-Affirming Care for Prisoners Bill Passed - House (100 - 2)
4/03 SB 1441 Limits Accounts Under the Secure Choice Savings Program Act to IRA Accounts Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 6)
4/03 HF 341 Establishes Driving Without a License and Causing an Accident as a Gross Misdemeanor Violation Bill Passed - House (120 - 14)
4/03 HB 355 Authorizes Public Schools to Purchase FDA-Approved Emergency Opioid Antagonists Bill Passed - House (107 - 0)
4/02 HB 1876 Authorizes Public Colleges and Universities to Prohibit Guns on School Property Veto Override Failed - House (50 - 46)

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