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
Feb. 28, 2023 SD SB 129 Amends Rules Prohibiting Assault Against Teachers Bill Passed - House (40 - 30)
Feb. 28, 2023 WV HB 3042 Establishes the Equal Protection for Religion Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
Feb. 28, 2023 OK HB 2177 Prohibits Gender-Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - House (80 - 18)
Feb. 28, 2023 IN SB 343 Amends Definitions of Machine-Guns for Increased Felony Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
Feb. 28, 2023 AZ SB 1040 Prohibits Students from Using Restrooms that Best Align with Their Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Feb. 28, 2023 SC H 3591 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Repeal the State "Blaine Amendment" Resolution Passed - House (83 - 27)
Feb. 27, 2023 UT HB 208 Amends Criminal Trespass Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 17)
Feb. 27, 2023 SD HB 1135 Establishes Transparency in the Pricing of Prescription Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
Feb. 27, 2023 WV HB 3042 Establishes the Equal Protection for Religion Act Bill Passed - House (86 - 12)
Feb. 27, 2023 SD HB 1017 Authorizes Construction of New Prison Facilities Bill Passed - House (53 - 16)
Feb. 27, 2023 CO HB 23-1100 Prohibits Government Participation in Civil Immigration Detention Bill Passed - House (41 - 22)
Feb. 27, 2023 CO HB 23-1100 Prohibits Government Participation in Civil Immigration Detention Bill Passed - House (41 - 22)
Feb. 27, 2023 GA HB 147 Requires All Schools Submit School Safety Plans and Active Shooter Drills Annually Bill Passed - House (148 - 20)
Feb. 25, 2023 VA HB 2398 Classifies Sexual Extortion as a Class 5 Felony Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 3)
Feb. 25, 2023 VA SB 1188 Classifies Fentanyl as a "Weapons of Terrorism" and a Class 4 Felony Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 5)
Feb. 25, 2023 VA SB 887 Requires Individuals in Solitary Confinement Receive a Minimum of 4 Hours Out of Cell Each Day Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 2)
Feb. 25, 2023 VA SB 1361 Amends Parole Rules in the state of Virginia Bill Passed - House (66 - 23)
Feb. 24, 2023 VA SB 1188 Classifies Fentanyl as a "Weapons of Terrorism" and a Class 4 Felony Conference Report Adopted - House (50 - 42)
Feb. 24, 2023 UT HB 208 Amends Criminal Trespass Laws Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 4)
Feb. 24, 2023 MT HB 359 Prohibits Minors from Attending Drag Shows Bill Passed - House (64 - 32)
Feb. 24, 2023 PA HB 2 Amends State Law to Temporarily Open the 2-Year Window for Survivors to File Civil Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (134 - 67)
Feb. 23, 2023 VA HB 2298 Amends the List of Prohibited Concealed Weapons by Removing Switch Blades and Adding Stiletto Knives Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 32)
Feb. 23, 2023 VA SB 1314 Requires Both Legal Parents be Responsible for Pregnancy and delivery Expenses Bill Passed - House (52 - 41)
Feb. 23, 2023 VA SB 1314 Requires Both Legal Parents be Responsible for Pregnancy and delivery Expenses Bill Passed - House (52 - 41)
Feb. 23, 2023 TN SB 3 Prohibits Minors from Viewing "Prurient" Drag Performances Bill Passed - House (74 - 19)
Feb. 23, 2023 TN SB 1 Prohibits Gender Altering Medical Procedures in Minors Bill Passed - House (77 - 16)
Feb. 23, 2023 KS HB 2238 Requires Transgender Student Athletes Play Against Those of Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (82 - 40)
Feb. 23, 2023 SC H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - House (87 - 26)
Feb. 23, 2023 KS HB 2236 Establishes a Parents Bill of Right's for Students in Public and Private Schools Bill Passed - House (75 - 47)
Feb. 23, 2023 KS SB 233 Prohibits Gender-Affirming Medical Care for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
Feb. 23, 2023 SC H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - House (87 - 26)
Feb. 23, 2023 KS SB 13 Authorizes Certain Local Broadcasters to Provide Broadcast Services of Schools Postseason Activities Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Feb. 22, 2023 VA SB 1455 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Establish a Curfew Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
Feb. 22, 2023 VA SB 1455 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Establish a Curfew Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
Feb. 22, 2023 SC S 153 Classifies the Trafficking of Fentanyl as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
Feb. 22, 2023 KY HB 153 Prohibits Any Federal Ban or Regulation on Firearms Enacted in 2021 or After Bill Passed - House (78 - 19)
Feb. 22, 2023 UT HB 329 Prohibits Minors from Being Present at Adult Events Bill Passed - House (55 - 14)
Feb. 22, 2023 SC S 153 Classifies the Trafficking of Fentanyl as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
Feb. 22, 2023 IN HB 1334 Increases Restrictions on Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (64 - 28)
Feb. 22, 2023 ID H 66 Establishes False Reports of Child Abuse, Neglect, or Abandonment as a Misdemeanor Bill Passed - House (56 - 12)
Feb. 22, 2023 NM SB 64 Prohibits Life Sentences for Juveniles Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
Feb. 21, 2023 MN HF 28 Expands Voting Rights to Ex-Felons Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 30)
Feb. 21, 2023 MN HF 4 Authorizes Undocumented Residents to Obtain a State Drivers License Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 31)
Feb. 21, 2023 MS HB 1125 Prohibits Hormone Therapy and Puberty-Blocking Drugs to Minors Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
Feb. 21, 2023 MD SB 54 Repeals Crimes of "Unnatural" or "Perverted" Sex Practices Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
Feb. 21, 2023 SD HB 1220 Prohibits Criminal Prosecution of Any Individual Who Receives an Abortion Bill Passed - House (63 - 7)
Feb. 21, 2023 NM HB 7 Establishes State Protections for Gender Affirming Care Bill Passed - House (38 - 31)
Feb. 21, 2023 MD SB 54 Repeals Crimes of "Unnatural" or "Perverted" Sex Practices Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
Feb. 21, 2023 IN HB 1365 Prohibits and Criminalizes "Machine-Gun Conversion" Devices Bill Passed - House (68 - 24)
Feb. 21, 2023 AZ SB 1096 Prohibits Public Contracts of Over $100K that Do Not Include Firearm Protections Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
Feb. 21, 2023 AZ HB 2394 Prohibits Any County or Municipality in Arizona from Enacting New Taxes, Levies or Fees on Firearms or Ammunition Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
Feb. 21, 2023 AZ HB 2523 Requires Students 17 and Younger to Recite the Pledge of Allegiance in School Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
Feb. 21, 2023 NM HB 4 Expands Various Voting Rights Bill Passed - House (41 - 26)
Feb. 21, 2023 UT SB 156 Establishes Requirements for Law Enforcement Use of Voluntary DNA Databases Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 2)
Feb. 20, 2023 MN HF 55 Establishes a State Office to Investigate Cases of Missing Black Women and Girls Bill Passed - House (110 - 119)
Feb. 20, 2023 ND HB 1340 Prohibits Local Governments from Enforcing Stricter Gun Laws then Passed by the State Bill Passed - House (83 - 10)
Feb. 20, 2023 ND HB 1340 Prohibits Local Governments from Enforcing Stricter Gun Laws then Passed by the State Bill Passed - House (83 - 10)
Feb. 20, 2023 MN HF 16 Prohibits Conversion Therapy for Children and Vulnerable Adults Bill Passed - House (81 - 47)
Feb. 17, 2023 VA SB 948 Authorizes Pharmacists to Administer Controlled Substances or Devices for Certain Infections for Adults 18 and Older Bill Passed - House (65 - 34)
Feb. 17, 2023 ND HB 1254 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - House (66 - 25)
Feb. 17, 2023 UT HB 137 Establishes Brine Shrimp as the State Crustacean Bill Passed - House (45 - 24)
Feb. 17, 2023 UT HB 92 Establishes Porcini as the State Mushroom Bill Passed - House (58 - 12)
Feb. 17, 2023 UT HB 297 Requires Law Enforcement Compile Data on Sexual Assault Reports Bill Passed - House (53 - 14)
Feb. 17, 2023 UT HB 374 Repeals and Dissolves the Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake by 2025 Bill Passed - House (57 - 11)
Feb. 16, 2023 VA SB 1135 Classifies the Sale or Possession of a Stolen Catalytic Converter as a Class 6 Felony Bill Passed - House (75 - 24)
Feb. 16, 2023 UT HB 143 Prohibits Parents Without Visitation Rights from Interfering with the Custody of a Child Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 1)
Feb. 16, 2023 VA SB 1492 Exempts Retired and Off-Duty Police Officers from the Prohibition of Firearms in the State Capital Bill Passed - House (59 - 40)
Feb. 16, 2023 VA SB 1492 Exempts Retired and Off-Duty Police Officers from the Prohibition of Firearms in the State Capital Bill Passed - House (59 - 40)
Feb. 16, 2023 AZ SB 1005 Authorizes Litigation Against Schools that Provide LGBTQ+ Affirming Spaces Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
Feb. 16, 2023 ND SB 2248 Establishes Penalty for an Individual Caught Aiding Injury or Death of Another Caused by Illegal Drug Substances Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
Feb. 16, 2023 ND SB 2360 Prohibits the Display of "Sexually Explicit Material" in Places Where Minors are Present Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
Feb. 16, 2023 MD HB 279 Establishes a Prescription Drug Affordability Board Bill Passed - House (97 - 38)
Feb. 16, 2023 ND SB 2248 Establishes Penalty for an Individual Caught Aiding Injury or Death of Another Caused by Illegal Drug Substances Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
Feb. 16, 2023 AR HB 1307 Requires the State Divest from Financial Companies that Follow Certain Sociopolitical Guidelines Bill Passed - House (79 - 12)
Feb. 16, 2023 MT HB 356 Prohibits the State from Contracting with Companies that Discriminate Against Firearms Bill Passed - House (67 - 31)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/28 SB 129 Amends Rules Prohibiting Assault Against Teachers Bill Passed - House (40 - 30)
2/28 HB 3042 Establishes the Equal Protection for Religion Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3)
2/28 HB 2177 Prohibits Gender-Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - House (80 - 18)
2/28 SB 343 Amends Definitions of Machine-Guns for Increased Felony Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
2/28 SB 1040 Prohibits Students from Using Restrooms that Best Align with Their Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
2/28 H 3591 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Repeal the State "Blaine Amendment" Resolution Passed - House (83 - 27)
2/27 HB 208 Amends Criminal Trespass Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 17)
2/27 HB 1135 Establishes Transparency in the Pricing of Prescription Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
2/27 HB 3042 Establishes the Equal Protection for Religion Act Bill Passed - House (86 - 12)
2/27 HB 1017 Authorizes Construction of New Prison Facilities Bill Passed - House (53 - 16)
2/27 HB 23-1100 Prohibits Government Participation in Civil Immigration Detention Bill Passed - House (41 - 22)
2/27 HB 23-1100 Prohibits Government Participation in Civil Immigration Detention Bill Passed - House (41 - 22)
2/27 HB 147 Requires All Schools Submit School Safety Plans and Active Shooter Drills Annually Bill Passed - House (148 - 20)
2/25 HB 2398 Classifies Sexual Extortion as a Class 5 Felony Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 3)
2/25 SB 1188 Classifies Fentanyl as a "Weapons of Terrorism" and a Class 4 Felony Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 5)
2/25 SB 887 Requires Individuals in Solitary Confinement Receive a Minimum of 4 Hours Out of Cell Each Day Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 2)
2/25 SB 1361 Amends Parole Rules in the state of Virginia Bill Passed - House (66 - 23)
2/24 SB 1188 Classifies Fentanyl as a "Weapons of Terrorism" and a Class 4 Felony Conference Report Adopted - House (50 - 42)
2/24 HB 208 Amends Criminal Trespass Laws Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 4)
2/24 HB 359 Prohibits Minors from Attending Drag Shows Bill Passed - House (64 - 32)
2/24 HB 2 Amends State Law to Temporarily Open the 2-Year Window for Survivors to File Civil Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (134 - 67)
2/23 HB 2298 Amends the List of Prohibited Concealed Weapons by Removing Switch Blades and Adding Stiletto Knives Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 32)
2/23 SB 1314 Requires Both Legal Parents be Responsible for Pregnancy and delivery Expenses Bill Passed - House (52 - 41)
2/23 SB 1314 Requires Both Legal Parents be Responsible for Pregnancy and delivery Expenses Bill Passed - House (52 - 41)
2/23 SB 3 Prohibits Minors from Viewing "Prurient" Drag Performances Bill Passed - House (74 - 19)
2/23 SB 1 Prohibits Gender Altering Medical Procedures in Minors Bill Passed - House (77 - 16)
2/23 HB 2238 Requires Transgender Student Athletes Play Against Those of Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (82 - 40)
2/23 H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - House (87 - 26)
2/23 HB 2236 Establishes a Parents Bill of Right's for Students in Public and Private Schools Bill Passed - House (75 - 47)
2/23 SB 233 Prohibits Gender-Affirming Medical Care for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
2/23 H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - House (87 - 26)
2/23 SB 13 Authorizes Certain Local Broadcasters to Provide Broadcast Services of Schools Postseason Activities Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
2/22 SB 1455 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Establish a Curfew Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
2/22 SB 1455 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Establish a Curfew Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
2/22 S 153 Classifies the Trafficking of Fentanyl as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
2/22 HB 153 Prohibits Any Federal Ban or Regulation on Firearms Enacted in 2021 or After Bill Passed - House (78 - 19)
2/22 HB 329 Prohibits Minors from Being Present at Adult Events Bill Passed - House (55 - 14)
2/22 S 153 Classifies the Trafficking of Fentanyl as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
2/22 HB 1334 Increases Restrictions on Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (64 - 28)
2/22 H 66 Establishes False Reports of Child Abuse, Neglect, or Abandonment as a Misdemeanor Bill Passed - House (56 - 12)
2/22 SB 64 Prohibits Life Sentences for Juveniles Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
2/21 HF 28 Expands Voting Rights to Ex-Felons Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 30)
2/21 HF 4 Authorizes Undocumented Residents to Obtain a State Drivers License Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 31)
2/21 HB 1125 Prohibits Hormone Therapy and Puberty-Blocking Drugs to Minors Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
2/21 SB 54 Repeals Crimes of "Unnatural" or "Perverted" Sex Practices Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
2/21 HB 1220 Prohibits Criminal Prosecution of Any Individual Who Receives an Abortion Bill Passed - House (63 - 7)
2/21 HB 7 Establishes State Protections for Gender Affirming Care Bill Passed - House (38 - 31)
2/21 SB 54 Repeals Crimes of "Unnatural" or "Perverted" Sex Practices Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
2/21 HB 1365 Prohibits and Criminalizes "Machine-Gun Conversion" Devices Bill Passed - House (68 - 24)
2/21 SB 1096 Prohibits Public Contracts of Over $100K that Do Not Include Firearm Protections Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
2/21 HB 2394 Prohibits Any County or Municipality in Arizona from Enacting New Taxes, Levies or Fees on Firearms or Ammunition Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
2/21 HB 2523 Requires Students 17 and Younger to Recite the Pledge of Allegiance in School Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
2/21 HB 4 Expands Various Voting Rights Bill Passed - House (41 - 26)
2/21 SB 156 Establishes Requirements for Law Enforcement Use of Voluntary DNA Databases Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 2)
2/20 HF 55 Establishes a State Office to Investigate Cases of Missing Black Women and Girls Bill Passed - House (110 - 119)
2/20 HB 1340 Prohibits Local Governments from Enforcing Stricter Gun Laws then Passed by the State Bill Passed - House (83 - 10)
2/20 HB 1340 Prohibits Local Governments from Enforcing Stricter Gun Laws then Passed by the State Bill Passed - House (83 - 10)
2/20 HF 16 Prohibits Conversion Therapy for Children and Vulnerable Adults Bill Passed - House (81 - 47)
2/17 SB 948 Authorizes Pharmacists to Administer Controlled Substances or Devices for Certain Infections for Adults 18 and Older Bill Passed - House (65 - 34)
2/17 HB 1254 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - House (66 - 25)
2/17 HB 137 Establishes Brine Shrimp as the State Crustacean Bill Passed - House (45 - 24)
2/17 HB 92 Establishes Porcini as the State Mushroom Bill Passed - House (58 - 12)
2/17 HB 297 Requires Law Enforcement Compile Data on Sexual Assault Reports Bill Passed - House (53 - 14)
2/17 HB 374 Repeals and Dissolves the Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake by 2025 Bill Passed - House (57 - 11)
2/16 SB 1135 Classifies the Sale or Possession of a Stolen Catalytic Converter as a Class 6 Felony Bill Passed - House (75 - 24)
2/16 HB 143 Prohibits Parents Without Visitation Rights from Interfering with the Custody of a Child Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 1)
2/16 SB 1492 Exempts Retired and Off-Duty Police Officers from the Prohibition of Firearms in the State Capital Bill Passed - House (59 - 40)
2/16 SB 1492 Exempts Retired and Off-Duty Police Officers from the Prohibition of Firearms in the State Capital Bill Passed - House (59 - 40)
2/16 SB 1005 Authorizes Litigation Against Schools that Provide LGBTQ+ Affirming Spaces Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
2/16 SB 2248 Establishes Penalty for an Individual Caught Aiding Injury or Death of Another Caused by Illegal Drug Substances Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
2/16 SB 2360 Prohibits the Display of "Sexually Explicit Material" in Places Where Minors are Present Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
2/16 HB 279 Establishes a Prescription Drug Affordability Board Bill Passed - House (97 - 38)
2/16 SB 2248 Establishes Penalty for an Individual Caught Aiding Injury or Death of Another Caused by Illegal Drug Substances Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
2/16 HB 1307 Requires the State Divest from Financial Companies that Follow Certain Sociopolitical Guidelines Bill Passed - House (79 - 12)
2/16 HB 356 Prohibits the State from Contracting with Companies that Discriminate Against Firearms Bill Passed - House (67 - 31)

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