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
June 9, 2022 NC HB 315 Expands Punishment for Arson Offenses Bill Passed - House (89 - 6)
June 9, 2022 DE HB 450 Amends the Delaware Code Relating to Deadly Weapons Bill Passed - House (22 - 19)
June 8, 2022 MA H 4805 Authorizes State Drivers Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons Veto Override Passed - House (119 - 36)
June 8, 2022 NC SB 448 Reduces Restrictions on Prescribed Controlled Substances, Cannabis Bill Passed - House (92 - 9)
June 8, 2022 National HR 7910 Protecting Our Kids Act Bill Passed - House (223 - 204)
June 8, 2022 PA HB 2125 Exempts and Removes References of Homosexuality from State Criminal Codes Bill Passed - House (198 - 0)
June 7, 2022 RI S 2316 Limits Minors' Access to Dietary Supplements (33 - 4)
June 7, 2022 PA SB 1191 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
June 6, 2022 LA HB 729 Limits the Release and Dissemination of Booking Photos of Arrested Persons Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 27)
June 6, 2022 LA HB 729 Limits the Release and Dissemination of Booking Photos of Arrested Persons Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 27)
June 6, 2022 LA HB 746 Limits Solitary Confinement of Children Conference Report Adopted - House (84 - 11)
June 6, 2022 NC HB 315 Expands Punishment for Arson Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 1)
June 5, 2022 LA HB 8 Authorizes Current and Former Officials to Carry Handguns Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 16)
June 4, 2022 NY S 6443 Requires Judges Inquire About Defendant's Firearm Possession when Protection Orders are Issued Bill Passed - House (113 - 31)
June 3, 2022 NY S 1130 Prohibits the Sale of Cats, Dogs, and Rabbits in Stores Bill Passed - House (134 - 15)
June 3, 2022 NY S 6363 Reduces Judicial Discretion in Certain Firearm Cases Bill Passed - House
June 3, 2022 LA HB 729 Limits the Release and Dissemination of Booking Photos of Arrested Persons Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
June 3, 2022 LA SB 304 Reduces Rate of Diminution of Sentences for People Convicted of Killing a Law Enforcement Officer Bill Passed - House (72 - 24)
June 3, 2022 LA HB 729 Limits the Release and Dissemination of Booking Photos of Arrested Persons Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
June 3, 2022 LA HB 450 Authorizes Access to Original Birth Certificates For Adoptees Over 24 Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
June 3, 2022 NY S 9351 Allows NYC To Award Contracts Up to $1 Million to Minority or Women Business Enterprises (MWBE) Without a Formal Competitive Process Bill Passed - House (111 - 33)
June 3, 2022 NY S 7157 Requires the Release of Individuals from Utility, Phone and Television Contracts in Instances of Domestic Violence. Bill Passed - House (146 - 3)
June 3, 2022 NY S 8922 Establishes Worker Protections for Warehouse Workers Bill Passed - House (119 - 30)
June 2, 2022 LA SB 342 Increases Criminal Penalties and Monetary Fines for Abortion Centers Bill Passed - House (72 - 25)
June 2, 2022 LA HB 1059 Amends Bail Hearing Requirements for Certain Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
June 2, 2022 NY S 9458 Requires License for Possession of Semi-Automatic Firearm Bill Passed - House (102 - 47)
June 2, 2022 NY S 9407 Prohibits Civilian Purchase of Bullet-Resistant Vests Bill Passed - House (105 - 44)
June 2, 2022 NY S 9113 Expands Red Flag Law Relating to Potentially Violent Individuals Bill Passed - House (119 - 30)
June 2, 2022 NY S 9113 Expands Red Flag Law Relating to Potentially Violent Individuals Bill Passed - House (119 - 30)
June 2, 2022 NY A 5278 Amends Retirement and Social Security Laws for Discharged LGBT Veterans Bill Passed - Senate (63 - 0)
June 2, 2022 LA HB 629 Prohibits Use of Marijuana Odor to Justify Warrantless Searches Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
June 2, 2022 NY S 9113 Expands Red Flag Law Relating to Potentially Violent Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 14)
June 2, 2022 NY S 9113 Expands Red Flag Law Relating to Potentially Violent Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 14)
June 2, 2022 NY S 9458 Requires License for Possession of Semi-Automatic Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
June 2, 2022 NY S 9407 Prohibits Civilian Purchase of Bullet-Resistant Vests Bill Passed - Senate (55 - 8)
June 1, 2022 OH SB 156 Expands Definition of "Right to Bear Arms" to Include Knives Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
June 1, 2022 NC HB 755 Prohibits K-3 Classroom Instruction of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (28 - 18)
June 1, 2022 NC HB 755 Prohibits K-3 Classroom Instruction of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (28 - 18)
June 1, 2022 OH SB 156 Expands Definition of "Right to Bear Arms" to Include Knives Bill Passed - House (59 - 32)
June 1, 2022 OH HB 99 Reduces Training for Armed School Employees Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
June 1, 2022 LA HB 745 Increases Police Whistleblower Protections Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
June 1, 2022 NY S 8922 Establishes Worker Protections for Warehouse Workers Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 18)
June 1, 2022 NY S 1553 Authorizes Sealing of Criminal Records Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 25)
June 1, 2022 OH HB 151 Authorizes a "Verification" Process for Enforcing Transgender Student Athlete Bans Bill Passed - House (57 - 30)
June 1, 2022 NY S 8884 Establishes Transgender and Gender Non-Binary Wellness and Equity Program Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 20)
May 31, 2022 LA SB 379 Prohibits Felons Convicted of Gun-Related Offenses at 16 or 17 From Carrying a Firearm Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
May 31, 2022 LA SB 379 Prohibits Felons Convicted of Gun-Related Offenses at 16 or 17 From Carrying a Firearm Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
May 31, 2022 NY S 9039 Prohibits Interference with Protected Rights Bill Passed - House (100 - 49)
May 31, 2022 NY A 7748 Authorizes Certain Crime Victims to Make Voter Information Confidential Bill Passed - Senate (63 - 0)
May 31, 2022 NY A 8869 Requires Insurance Companies to Accommodate Hate Crime Victims Bill Passed - Senate (63 - 0)
May 31, 2022 NY S 9077 Establishes Legal Protections for Abortion Providers from Out of State Laws Bill Passed - House (100 - 49)
May 31, 2022 NY S 9384 Establishes Address Confidentiality to Protect Reproductive Health Care Workers Bill Passed - House (135 - 14)
May 31, 2022 NY S 9384 Establishes Address Confidentiality to Protect Reproductive Health Care Workers Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 9)
May 31, 2022 NY S 9039 Prohibits Interference with Protected Rights Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 22)
May 31, 2022 NY S 9077 Establishes Legal Protections for Abortion Providers from Out of State Laws Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 17)
May 26, 2022 MA H 4805 Authorizes State Drivers Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons Bill Passed - House (117 - 36)
May 26, 2022 MA H 4805 Authorizes State Drivers Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons (32 - 8)
May 26, 2022 CA AB 1594 Authorizes Lawsuits Against Gun Industry Bill Passed - House (50 - 20)
May 26, 2022 CA AB 2223 Expands Protections for Reproductive Care Bill Passed - House (48 - 21)
May 26, 2022 National S J Res 46 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security relating to "Procedures for Credible Fear Screening and Consideration of Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and CAT Protection Claims by Asylum Officers". Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (46 - 48)
May 25, 2022 LA SB 290 Establishes Sports Betting Regulations Bill Passed - House (90 - 3)
May 25, 2022 CA AB 2156 Establishes New Requirements for Firearm Manufacturer Licenses Bill Passed - House (54 - 16)
May 25, 2022 CA AB 1769 Prohibits the Sale of Firearms by the 31st District Agricultural Association Bill Passed - House (53 - 19)
May 24, 2022 IN HB 1041 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
May 24, 2022 IN HB 1041 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Veto Override Passed - House (67 - 28)
May 24, 2022 RI H 7593 Authorizes Recreational Use of Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
May 24, 2022 RI S 2430 Authorizes Recreational Use of Cannabis/Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 16)
May 24, 2022 RI H 7593 Authorizes Recreational Use of Marijuana (55 - 16)
May 24, 2022 RI S 2430 Authorizes Recreational Use of Cannabis/Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate
May 24, 2022 CA SB 1327 Authorizes Individuals to Sue Firearm Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
May 23, 2022 IA SF 529 Prohibits Fraud in Assisted Reproduction Concurrence Vote Passed - House (83 - 1)
May 23, 2022 IA SF 529 Prohibits Fraud in Assisted Reproduction Concurrence Vote Passed - House (83 - 1)
May 23, 2022 LA SB 44 Limits Participation in Women's Sports on Basis of One's Sex Assigned at Birth Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
May 23, 2022 NY S 6363 Reduces Judicial Discretion in Certain Firearm Cases Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 15)
May 18, 2022 AK HB 291 Establishes the Alaska Criminal Justice Data Analysis Commission Concurrence Vote Passed - House (21 - 18)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/09 HB 315 Expands Punishment for Arson Offenses Bill Passed - House (89 - 6)
6/09 HB 450 Amends the Delaware Code Relating to Deadly Weapons Bill Passed - House (22 - 19)
6/08 H 4805 Authorizes State Drivers Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons Veto Override Passed - House (119 - 36)
6/08 SB 448 Reduces Restrictions on Prescribed Controlled Substances, Cannabis Bill Passed - House (92 - 9)
6/08 HR 7910 Protecting Our Kids Act Bill Passed - House (223 - 204)
6/08 HB 2125 Exempts and Removes References of Homosexuality from State Criminal Codes Bill Passed - House (198 - 0)
6/07 S 2316 Limits Minors' Access to Dietary Supplements (33 - 4)
6/07 SB 1191 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
6/06 HB 729 Limits the Release and Dissemination of Booking Photos of Arrested Persons Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 27)
6/06 HB 729 Limits the Release and Dissemination of Booking Photos of Arrested Persons Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 27)
6/06 HB 746 Limits Solitary Confinement of Children Conference Report Adopted - House (84 - 11)
6/06 HB 315 Expands Punishment for Arson Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 1)
6/05 HB 8 Authorizes Current and Former Officials to Carry Handguns Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 16)
6/04 S 6443 Requires Judges Inquire About Defendant's Firearm Possession when Protection Orders are Issued Bill Passed - House (113 - 31)
6/03 S 1130 Prohibits the Sale of Cats, Dogs, and Rabbits in Stores Bill Passed - House (134 - 15)
6/03 S 6363 Reduces Judicial Discretion in Certain Firearm Cases Bill Passed - House
6/03 HB 729 Limits the Release and Dissemination of Booking Photos of Arrested Persons Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
6/03 SB 304 Reduces Rate of Diminution of Sentences for People Convicted of Killing a Law Enforcement Officer Bill Passed - House (72 - 24)
6/03 HB 729 Limits the Release and Dissemination of Booking Photos of Arrested Persons Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
6/03 HB 450 Authorizes Access to Original Birth Certificates For Adoptees Over 24 Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
6/03 S 9351 Allows NYC To Award Contracts Up to $1 Million to Minority or Women Business Enterprises (MWBE) Without a Formal Competitive Process Bill Passed - House (111 - 33)
6/03 S 7157 Requires the Release of Individuals from Utility, Phone and Television Contracts in Instances of Domestic Violence. Bill Passed - House (146 - 3)
6/03 S 8922 Establishes Worker Protections for Warehouse Workers Bill Passed - House (119 - 30)
6/02 SB 342 Increases Criminal Penalties and Monetary Fines for Abortion Centers Bill Passed - House (72 - 25)
6/02 HB 1059 Amends Bail Hearing Requirements for Certain Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
6/02 S 9458 Requires License for Possession of Semi-Automatic Firearm Bill Passed - House (102 - 47)
6/02 S 9407 Prohibits Civilian Purchase of Bullet-Resistant Vests Bill Passed - House (105 - 44)
6/02 S 9113 Expands Red Flag Law Relating to Potentially Violent Individuals Bill Passed - House (119 - 30)
6/02 S 9113 Expands Red Flag Law Relating to Potentially Violent Individuals Bill Passed - House (119 - 30)
6/02 A 5278 Amends Retirement and Social Security Laws for Discharged LGBT Veterans Bill Passed - Senate (63 - 0)
6/02 HB 629 Prohibits Use of Marijuana Odor to Justify Warrantless Searches Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
6/02 S 9113 Expands Red Flag Law Relating to Potentially Violent Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 14)
6/02 S 9113 Expands Red Flag Law Relating to Potentially Violent Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 14)
6/02 S 9458 Requires License for Possession of Semi-Automatic Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
6/02 S 9407 Prohibits Civilian Purchase of Bullet-Resistant Vests Bill Passed - Senate (55 - 8)
6/01 SB 156 Expands Definition of "Right to Bear Arms" to Include Knives Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
6/01 HB 755 Prohibits K-3 Classroom Instruction of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (28 - 18)
6/01 HB 755 Prohibits K-3 Classroom Instruction of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (28 - 18)
6/01 SB 156 Expands Definition of "Right to Bear Arms" to Include Knives Bill Passed - House (59 - 32)
6/01 HB 99 Reduces Training for Armed School Employees Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
6/01 HB 745 Increases Police Whistleblower Protections Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
6/01 S 8922 Establishes Worker Protections for Warehouse Workers Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 18)
6/01 S 1553 Authorizes Sealing of Criminal Records Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 25)
6/01 HB 151 Authorizes a "Verification" Process for Enforcing Transgender Student Athlete Bans Bill Passed - House (57 - 30)
6/01 S 8884 Establishes Transgender and Gender Non-Binary Wellness and Equity Program Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 20)
5/31 SB 379 Prohibits Felons Convicted of Gun-Related Offenses at 16 or 17 From Carrying a Firearm Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
5/31 SB 379 Prohibits Felons Convicted of Gun-Related Offenses at 16 or 17 From Carrying a Firearm Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
5/31 S 9039 Prohibits Interference with Protected Rights Bill Passed - House (100 - 49)
5/31 A 7748 Authorizes Certain Crime Victims to Make Voter Information Confidential Bill Passed - Senate (63 - 0)
5/31 A 8869 Requires Insurance Companies to Accommodate Hate Crime Victims Bill Passed - Senate (63 - 0)
5/31 S 9077 Establishes Legal Protections for Abortion Providers from Out of State Laws Bill Passed - House (100 - 49)
5/31 S 9384 Establishes Address Confidentiality to Protect Reproductive Health Care Workers Bill Passed - House (135 - 14)
5/31 S 9384 Establishes Address Confidentiality to Protect Reproductive Health Care Workers Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 9)
5/31 S 9039 Prohibits Interference with Protected Rights Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 22)
5/31 S 9077 Establishes Legal Protections for Abortion Providers from Out of State Laws Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 17)
5/26 H 4805 Authorizes State Drivers Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons Bill Passed - House (117 - 36)
5/26 H 4805 Authorizes State Drivers Licenses for Certain Undocumented Persons (32 - 8)
5/26 AB 1594 Authorizes Lawsuits Against Gun Industry Bill Passed - House (50 - 20)
5/26 AB 2223 Expands Protections for Reproductive Care Bill Passed - House (48 - 21)
5/26 S J Res 46 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security relating to "Procedures for Credible Fear Screening and Consideration of Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and CAT Protection Claims by Asylum Officers". Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (46 - 48)
5/25 SB 290 Establishes Sports Betting Regulations Bill Passed - House (90 - 3)
5/25 AB 2156 Establishes New Requirements for Firearm Manufacturer Licenses Bill Passed - House (54 - 16)
5/25 AB 1769 Prohibits the Sale of Firearms by the 31st District Agricultural Association Bill Passed - House (53 - 19)
5/24 HB 1041 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
5/24 HB 1041 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Veto Override Passed - House (67 - 28)
5/24 H 7593 Authorizes Recreational Use of Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
5/24 S 2430 Authorizes Recreational Use of Cannabis/Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 16)
5/24 H 7593 Authorizes Recreational Use of Marijuana (55 - 16)
5/24 S 2430 Authorizes Recreational Use of Cannabis/Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate
5/24 SB 1327 Authorizes Individuals to Sue Firearm Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
5/23 SF 529 Prohibits Fraud in Assisted Reproduction Concurrence Vote Passed - House (83 - 1)
5/23 SF 529 Prohibits Fraud in Assisted Reproduction Concurrence Vote Passed - House (83 - 1)
5/23 SB 44 Limits Participation in Women's Sports on Basis of One's Sex Assigned at Birth Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
5/23 S 6363 Reduces Judicial Discretion in Certain Firearm Cases Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 15)
5/18 HB 291 Establishes the Alaska Criminal Justice Data Analysis Commission Concurrence Vote Passed - House (21 - 18)

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