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 20, 2024 CO HB 24-1270 Requires Gun Owners to Also Hold Liability Insurance Bill Passed - House (33 - 29)
April 19, 2024 National HR 7888 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 34)
April 19, 2024 IA HF 2693 Appropriates $24 Million in Additional Funding for the Department of Justice and Department of Corrections Bill Passed - House (59 - 32)
April 18, 2024 HI HB 2526 Increases the Penalty for a Third or Subsequent Offense Involving Unauthorized Motor Vehicle Use to a Class C Felony Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 3)
April 18, 2024 National HR 7888 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act Cloture Invoked - Senate (67 - 32)
April 18, 2024 ME LD 2238 Requires a Waiting Period for Certain Firearm Purchases in Maine Bill Passed - House (73 - 70)
April 18, 2024 VT S 209 Prohibiting Unserialized Firearms Bill Passed - House (110 - 31)
April 18, 2024 NE LB 25 Authorizes Claims Involving Child Abuse or Sexual Assault of a Child Under the Political Subdivisions Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 17)
April 18, 2024 CT SB 222 Amends State Paid Family And Medical Leave Statutes Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
April 18, 2024 OK HB 4156 Amends Various State Immigration Laws, Policies, and Restrictions Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
April 18, 2024 OK HB 4156 Amends Various State Immigration Laws, Policies, and Restrictions Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
April 18, 2024 IL HB 4942 Requires Coroners Notify Law Enforcement when Suspiciously High Levels of Fentanyl are Found During an Autopsy Bill Passed - House (78 - 33)
April 18, 2024 NE LB 1092 Requires Online Age Verification Liability Act Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
April 18, 2024 IL HB 4942 Requires Coroners Notify Law Enforcement when Suspiciously High Levels of Fentanyl are Found During an Autopsy Bill Passed - House (78 - 33)
April 18, 2024 IL HB 5239 Expands Abortion Shield Laws so State and Local Authorities are Prohibited from Providing Information for Out-of-State Investigations Bill Passed - House (72 - 37)
April 18, 2024 IL HB 5239 Expands Abortion Shield Laws so State and Local Authorities are Prohibited from Providing Information for Out-of-State Investigations Bill Passed - House (72 - 37)
April 18, 2024 IL HB 5239 Expands Abortion Shield Laws so State and Local Authorities are Prohibited from Providing Information for Out-of-State Investigations Bill Passed - House (72 - 37)
April 18, 2024 TN SB 2770 Authorizes Greater Statutory Penalties for Undocumented Individuals who Commit Felonies Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
April 18, 2024 DE HB 270 Establishes Penalty for Displaying Ammunition that is Accessible to Customer Bill Passed - House (27 - 9)
April 17, 2024 ME LD 2086 Amending Laws Governing the Disposition of Forefeited Firearms Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
April 17, 2024 ME LD 2086 Amending Laws Governing the Disposition of Forefeited Firearms Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 68)
April 17, 2024 ME LD 2224 Increases Maine's Firearm Laws and Mental Health System Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
April 17, 2024 OK SB 1994 Authorizes Property Owners to Ask Sheriffs to Remove Individuals Who are Unlawfully Occupying Bill Passed - House (77 - 16)
April 17, 2024 OK SB 1470 Authorizes Leniency for Criminal Defendants if They Can Show Abuse Contributed to Their Offense Bill Passed - House (84 - 3)
April 17, 2024 VA SB 238 Requires State Health Insurance Plans Cover All F.D.A. Approved Contraception Bill Passed - House (69 - 29)
April 17, 2024 CO SB 24-171 Authorizes the Reintroduction of Wolverines Into the State Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
April 17, 2024 ME LD 2238 Requires a Waiting Period for Certain Firearm Purchases in Maine Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
April 16, 2024 AL HB 152 Establishes the Alabama Gambling Commission and Alabama Lottery Corporation Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 11)
April 16, 2024 ME LD 2086 Amending Laws Governing the Disposition of Forefeited Firearms "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - House (73 - 72)
April 16, 2024 ME LD 2224 Increases Maine's Firearm Laws and Mental Health System Bill Passed - House (75 - 68)
April 16, 2024 IL HB 4867 Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act by Adding Reproductive Health Decisions Bill Passed - House (72 - 39)
April 16, 2024 National HR 4681 Illicit Captagon Trafficking Suppression Act Bill Passed - House (410 - 13)
April 16, 2024 National HR 4681 Illicit Captagon Trafficking Suppression Act Bill Passed - House (410 - 13)
April 16, 2024 LA HB 122 Prohibits K-12 Teachers from Discussing Gender or Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - House (69 - 28)
April 15, 2024 ME LD 1696 Establishes a Cause of Action for Persons Suffering Damages Arising from Illegal Sale of Marketing of Firearms (71 - 69)
April 15, 2024 IA HF 2586 Authorizes School Employees to be Issued Permits to Carry Weapons Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 36)
April 15, 2024 PA HB 1573 Establishes the Historic and Older Building Redevelopment Assistance Grant Program Bill Passed - House (102 - 99)
April 12, 2024 KY SB 299 Requires the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission be an Independent Organization Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
April 12, 2024 KY HB 5 Increases Penalties for Violent Crimes and Camping on Public Property Without Permission Veto Override Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
April 12, 2024 KY HB 5 Increases Penalties for Violent Crimes and Camping on Public Property Without Permission Veto Override Passed - House (73 - 22)
April 12, 2024 KY SB 299 Requires the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission be an Independent Organization Veto Override Passed - House (57 - 38)
April 12, 2024 ME LD 2119 Establish the Task Force to Study the Creation of a System to Allow for the Voluntary Waiver of Firearm Rights "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 12)
April 12, 2024 ME LD 227 Establishes State Protections for Abortion, In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and Gender-Affirming Health Care "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 13)
April 12, 2024 IL SB 3779 Authorizes Social Workers to Carry and Administer Opioid Antagonists such as Naloxone Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
April 12, 2024 National HR 7888 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act Bill Passed - House (273 - 147)
April 12, 2024 ME LD 2086 Amending Laws Governing the Disposition of Forefeited Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
April 12, 2024 IL SB 3779 Authorizes Social Workers to Carry and Administer Opioid Antagonists such as Naloxone Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
April 12, 2024 IL SB 3762 Establishes the Language and Access Act Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 8)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 631 Expands the Board of Parole in Nebraska Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 4)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 631 Expands the Board of Parole in Nebraska Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 4)
April 11, 2024 IA HF 2556 Requires Enforcement Mechanisms for Firearms Regulation Compliance by Political Subdivisions Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 5)
April 11, 2024 ME LD 2119 Establish the Task Force to Study the Creation of a System to Allow for the Voluntary Waiver of Firearm Rights "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - House (82 - 66)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 20 Authorizes Restoration of Felon Voting Rights Upon Sentence Completion Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 6)
April 11, 2024 National HR 2560 Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2023 Bill Passed - House (332 - 82)
April 11, 2024 MO SB 767 Prohibits Individuals Under 18 from Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 1)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 1200 Requires Coordination Between 911 and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 1035 Establishes a Prescription Drug Donation Program Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 1035 Establishes a Prescription Drug Donation Program Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 910 Authorizes Emergency Medical Services and Transportation for K-9s Injured While on Duty Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 910 Authorizes Emergency Medical Services and Transportation for K-9s Injured While on Duty Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 253 Establishes State Alternatives to Prosecution and Incarceration for Veterans Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 0)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 870 Requires Law Enforcement Notify Sexual Assault Survivors at least 6 Weeks Before Destruction or Disposal Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
April 11, 2024 RI H 7630 Increases Range of Penalties for All Driving Offenses Which Result in Serious Bodily Injury or Death Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
April 11, 2024 RI H 7631 Extends Statute of Limitations for Repeat Offenses Bill Passed - House (65 - 3)
April 11, 2024 IL SB 2979 Amends Liability Laws for Biometric Data Violations Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 13)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 1167 Amends Provisions Relating to Individuals Arrested Without a Warrant Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 1)
April 11, 2024 LA HB 608 Requires Students Use the Same Restroom that Aligns with Their Sex at Birth Bill Passed - House (80 - 17)
April 10, 2024 IA HF 2586 Authorizes School Employees to be Issued Permits to Carry Weapons Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 14)
April 10, 2024 AZ HB 2623 Authorizes Individuals Convicted of Prostitution to Vacate the Charge if They are Victims of Sex Trafficking Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
April 10, 2024 ID H 421 Amends Existing Law to Define Terms and Revise Definitions for "Sex"and "Gender" Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
April 10, 2024 ID H 421 Amends Existing Law to Define Terms and Revise Definitions for "Sex"and "Gender" Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
April 10, 2024 ME LD 227 Establishes State Protections for Abortion, In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and Gender-Affirming Health Care "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (80 - 70)
April 10, 2024 LA HB 71 Requires that Public Schools Display the Ten Commandments in Every Classroom Bill Passed - House (82 - 19)
April 10, 2024 LA HB 334 Authorizes Schools to Bring in Chaplains to Work with Students Bill Passed - House (86 - 6)
April 10, 2024 IL SB 3350 Establishes a State Program to Distribute Fentanyl Test Strips Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/20 HB 24-1270 Requires Gun Owners to Also Hold Liability Insurance Bill Passed - House (33 - 29)
4/19 HR 7888 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 34)
4/19 HF 2693 Appropriates $24 Million in Additional Funding for the Department of Justice and Department of Corrections Bill Passed - House (59 - 32)
4/18 HB 2526 Increases the Penalty for a Third or Subsequent Offense Involving Unauthorized Motor Vehicle Use to a Class C Felony Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 3)
4/18 HR 7888 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act Cloture Invoked - Senate (67 - 32)
4/18 LD 2238 Requires a Waiting Period for Certain Firearm Purchases in Maine Bill Passed - House (73 - 70)
4/18 S 209 Prohibiting Unserialized Firearms Bill Passed - House (110 - 31)
4/18 LB 25 Authorizes Claims Involving Child Abuse or Sexual Assault of a Child Under the Political Subdivisions Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 17)
4/18 SB 222 Amends State Paid Family And Medical Leave Statutes Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
4/18 HB 4156 Amends Various State Immigration Laws, Policies, and Restrictions Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
4/18 HB 4156 Amends Various State Immigration Laws, Policies, and Restrictions Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
4/18 HB 4942 Requires Coroners Notify Law Enforcement when Suspiciously High Levels of Fentanyl are Found During an Autopsy Bill Passed - House (78 - 33)
4/18 LB 1092 Requires Online Age Verification Liability Act Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
4/18 HB 4942 Requires Coroners Notify Law Enforcement when Suspiciously High Levels of Fentanyl are Found During an Autopsy Bill Passed - House (78 - 33)
4/18 HB 5239 Expands Abortion Shield Laws so State and Local Authorities are Prohibited from Providing Information for Out-of-State Investigations Bill Passed - House (72 - 37)
4/18 HB 5239 Expands Abortion Shield Laws so State and Local Authorities are Prohibited from Providing Information for Out-of-State Investigations Bill Passed - House (72 - 37)
4/18 HB 5239 Expands Abortion Shield Laws so State and Local Authorities are Prohibited from Providing Information for Out-of-State Investigations Bill Passed - House (72 - 37)
4/18 SB 2770 Authorizes Greater Statutory Penalties for Undocumented Individuals who Commit Felonies Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
4/18 HB 270 Establishes Penalty for Displaying Ammunition that is Accessible to Customer Bill Passed - House (27 - 9)
4/17 LD 2086 Amending Laws Governing the Disposition of Forefeited Firearms Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
4/17 LD 2086 Amending Laws Governing the Disposition of Forefeited Firearms Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 68)
4/17 LD 2224 Increases Maine's Firearm Laws and Mental Health System Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
4/17 SB 1994 Authorizes Property Owners to Ask Sheriffs to Remove Individuals Who are Unlawfully Occupying Bill Passed - House (77 - 16)
4/17 SB 1470 Authorizes Leniency for Criminal Defendants if They Can Show Abuse Contributed to Their Offense Bill Passed - House (84 - 3)
4/17 SB 238 Requires State Health Insurance Plans Cover All F.D.A. Approved Contraception Bill Passed - House (69 - 29)
4/17 SB 24-171 Authorizes the Reintroduction of Wolverines Into the State Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
4/17 LD 2238 Requires a Waiting Period for Certain Firearm Purchases in Maine Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
4/16 HB 152 Establishes the Alabama Gambling Commission and Alabama Lottery Corporation Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 11)
4/16 LD 2086 Amending Laws Governing the Disposition of Forefeited Firearms "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - House (73 - 72)
4/16 LD 2224 Increases Maine's Firearm Laws and Mental Health System Bill Passed - House (75 - 68)
4/16 HB 4867 Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act by Adding Reproductive Health Decisions Bill Passed - House (72 - 39)
4/16 HR 4681 Illicit Captagon Trafficking Suppression Act Bill Passed - House (410 - 13)
4/16 HR 4681 Illicit Captagon Trafficking Suppression Act Bill Passed - House (410 - 13)
4/16 HB 122 Prohibits K-12 Teachers from Discussing Gender or Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - House (69 - 28)
4/15 LD 1696 Establishes a Cause of Action for Persons Suffering Damages Arising from Illegal Sale of Marketing of Firearms (71 - 69)
4/15 HF 2586 Authorizes School Employees to be Issued Permits to Carry Weapons Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 36)
4/15 HB 1573 Establishes the Historic and Older Building Redevelopment Assistance Grant Program Bill Passed - House (102 - 99)
4/12 SB 299 Requires the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission be an Independent Organization Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
4/12 HB 5 Increases Penalties for Violent Crimes and Camping on Public Property Without Permission Veto Override Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
4/12 HB 5 Increases Penalties for Violent Crimes and Camping on Public Property Without Permission Veto Override Passed - House (73 - 22)
4/12 SB 299 Requires the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission be an Independent Organization Veto Override Passed - House (57 - 38)
4/12 LD 2119 Establish the Task Force to Study the Creation of a System to Allow for the Voluntary Waiver of Firearm Rights "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 12)
4/12 LD 227 Establishes State Protections for Abortion, In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and Gender-Affirming Health Care "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 13)
4/12 SB 3779 Authorizes Social Workers to Carry and Administer Opioid Antagonists such as Naloxone Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
4/12 HR 7888 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act Bill Passed - House (273 - 147)
4/12 LD 2086 Amending Laws Governing the Disposition of Forefeited Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
4/12 SB 3779 Authorizes Social Workers to Carry and Administer Opioid Antagonists such as Naloxone Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
4/12 SB 3762 Establishes the Language and Access Act Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 8)
4/11 LB 631 Expands the Board of Parole in Nebraska Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 4)
4/11 LB 631 Expands the Board of Parole in Nebraska Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 4)
4/11 HF 2556 Requires Enforcement Mechanisms for Firearms Regulation Compliance by Political Subdivisions Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 5)
4/11 LD 2119 Establish the Task Force to Study the Creation of a System to Allow for the Voluntary Waiver of Firearm Rights "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - House (82 - 66)
4/11 LB 20 Authorizes Restoration of Felon Voting Rights Upon Sentence Completion Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 6)
4/11 HR 2560 Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2023 Bill Passed - House (332 - 82)
4/11 SB 767 Prohibits Individuals Under 18 from Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 1)
4/11 LB 1200 Requires Coordination Between 911 and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
4/11 LB 1035 Establishes a Prescription Drug Donation Program Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
4/11 LB 1035 Establishes a Prescription Drug Donation Program Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
4/11 LB 910 Authorizes Emergency Medical Services and Transportation for K-9s Injured While on Duty Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
4/11 LB 910 Authorizes Emergency Medical Services and Transportation for K-9s Injured While on Duty Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
4/11 LB 253 Establishes State Alternatives to Prosecution and Incarceration for Veterans Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 0)
4/11 LB 870 Requires Law Enforcement Notify Sexual Assault Survivors at least 6 Weeks Before Destruction or Disposal Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
4/11 H 7630 Increases Range of Penalties for All Driving Offenses Which Result in Serious Bodily Injury or Death Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
4/11 H 7631 Extends Statute of Limitations for Repeat Offenses Bill Passed - House (65 - 3)
4/11 SB 2979 Amends Liability Laws for Biometric Data Violations Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 13)
4/11 LB 1167 Amends Provisions Relating to Individuals Arrested Without a Warrant Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 1)
4/11 HB 608 Requires Students Use the Same Restroom that Aligns with Their Sex at Birth Bill Passed - House (80 - 17)
4/10 HF 2586 Authorizes School Employees to be Issued Permits to Carry Weapons Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 14)
4/10 HB 2623 Authorizes Individuals Convicted of Prostitution to Vacate the Charge if They are Victims of Sex Trafficking Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
4/10 H 421 Amends Existing Law to Define Terms and Revise Definitions for "Sex"and "Gender" Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
4/10 H 421 Amends Existing Law to Define Terms and Revise Definitions for "Sex"and "Gender" Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
4/10 LD 227 Establishes State Protections for Abortion, In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and Gender-Affirming Health Care "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (80 - 70)
4/10 HB 71 Requires that Public Schools Display the Ten Commandments in Every Classroom Bill Passed - House (82 - 19)
4/10 HB 334 Authorizes Schools to Bring in Chaplains to Work with Students Bill Passed - House (86 - 6)
4/10 SB 3350 Establishes a State Program to Distribute Fentanyl Test Strips Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)

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