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
March 10, 2021 IA SF 534 Increases Penalties for Assaulting Law Enforcement and Unlawful Assembly Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 17)
March 10, 2021 CO SB 21-078 Requires Gun Owners Report Stolen or Lost Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 10, 2021 MI HB 4220 Authorizes First-Time DUI Offenders to Apply for Expungement from a Judge Bill Passed - House (93 - 17)
March 9, 2021 OK HB 1643 Authorizes Law Enforcement and Other Officials to Make Certain Personal Information Confidential Bill Passed - House (82 - 17)
March 9, 2021 CO HB 21-1106 Requires Gun Owners to Securely Store their Firearms Bill Passed - House (40 - 25)
March 9, 2021 HI HB 891 Establishes Regulations for the Use and Sale of Electric Guns and Cartridges Bill Passed - House (45 - 6)
March 9, 2021 OK HB 1674 Establishes Protections for Drivers that Hit Protesters Bill Passed - House (79 - 18)
March 9, 2021 SC S 571 Expands Availability of Naloxone (Narcan) Prescriptions to Patients Under Certain Circumstances Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
March 8, 2021 MS SB 2107 Prohibits Cities and Counties from Creating Rental Agreements that Restrict Firearm Access Bill Passed - House (82 - 34)
March 8, 2021 SD HB 1217 Prohibits Athletes from Participating on Sports Teams that do not Match Their Birth Sex Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 8, 2021 SD HB 1217 Prohibits Athletes from Participating on Sports Teams that do not Match Their Birth Sex Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 8, 2021 MO HB 52 Establishes That Those With Concealed Carry Permits May Bring Their Guns On Public Transportation Bill Passed - House (124 - 32)
March 6, 2021 National S Amdt 1386 Prohibits funds made available under title II to States, local educational agencies, and institutions of higher education that permit any student whose biological sex is male to participate in an athletic program or activity designated for women or girls. Amendment Rejected - Senate (49 - 50)
March 5, 2021 GA SB 200 Authorizes Businesses and Religious Operations to Continue During the Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
March 4, 2021 SD HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 20)
March 4, 2021 SD HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 20)
March 4, 2021 WV SB 11 Prohibits Work Stoppages or Strikes by Public Employees Bill Passed - House (55 - 44)
March 4, 2021 MI SB 11 Limits Emergency Gun Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 4, 2021 OK HB 1602 Establishes Computer Data Privacy Protections Bill Passed - House (85 - 11)
March 3, 2021 AZ HB 2309 Establishes Penalties for Violent and Disorderly Assembly Bill Passed - House (31 - 27)
March 3, 2021 MD SB 178 Authorizes Certain Officer Misconduct Records to be Available to the Public Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
March 3, 2021 AZ SB 1007 Repeals Parent-Child Relationships if There is a Legitimate Interest Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
March 3, 2021 MD SB 626 Establishes a Statewide Use of Force Policy Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
March 3, 2021 AZ HB 2550 Prohibits False Complaints Against a Peace Officer Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
March 3, 2021 AZ SB 1007 Repeals Parent-Child Relationships if There is a Legitimate Interest Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
March 3, 2021 AZ SB 1382 Classifies Gun Stores as Essential Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
March 3, 2021 AZ SB 1456 Requires Schools to Receive Parental Consent When Teaching Sex Education Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
March 3, 2021 AZ HB 2840 Authorizes Individuals to Bring Loaded Weapons on School Campuses Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
March 3, 2021 OK HB 2648 Specifies the Free Exercise of Religion During an Emergency Bill Passed - House (80 - 18)
March 3, 2021 National HR 1280 George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (220 - 212)
March 3, 2021 National HR 1 For the People Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (220 - 210)
March 3, 2021 National HR 1280 George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (220 - 212)
March 2, 2021 MT SB 283 Specifies Response to Guns in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
March 2, 2021 WA HB 1214 Establishes the Category of Safety and Security Staff for K-12 Schools Bill Passed - House (67 - 30)
March 2, 2021 AL HB 103 Prohibits the Government Selecting Which Entities Can Remain Open During COVID-19 Bill Passed - House (75 - 22)
March 2, 2021 KS HB 2264 Authorizes College Athletes to Receive Compensation for the Use of their Likeness Bill Passed - House (95 - 29)
March 2, 2021 WA HB 1117 Amends the States Comprehensive Planning Network to Improve Salmon Recovery Bill Passed - House (58 - 38)
March 2, 2021 SD HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Passed - House (62 - 7)
March 2, 2021 AL SB 10 Prohibits Gender Change Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 4)
March 2, 2021 SD HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Passed - House (62 - 7)
March 1, 2021 NJ S 3456 Rescinds Mandatory Minimum Terms of Imprisonment Bill Passed - House (46 - 20)
March 1, 2021 MT SB 220 Increases Penalties for Assaulting a Peace or Judicial Officer Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
March 1, 2021 WA SB 5164 Authorizes Resentencing of Certain Individuals Charged With Robbery Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
March 1, 2021 WA HB 1411 Prohibits the Automatic Disqualification of Individuals with Criminal Records from Providing Care to Vulnerable Adults or Children Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
March 1, 2021 ID H 187 Authorizes Fish and Game Officers to Enforce Motorized Vehicle Restrictions Bill Passed - House (50 - 19)
March 1, 2021 MT SB 215 Limits State and Local Governmental Authority Over a Religious Activity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
March 1, 2021 MT SB 215 Limits State and Local Governmental Authority Over a Religious Activity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
March 1, 2021 TN SB 228 Requires Transgender Student Athletes Play Against Those of Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
March 1, 2021 NC SB 43 Establishes Churches With Schools Have the Right to Bear Arms Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
March 1, 2021 NC SB 43 Establishes Churches With Schools Have the Right to Bear Arms Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA HB 2004 Requires Releasing Records From Closed Criminal Investigations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 15)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA SJ 272 Amends the Qualifications to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA HB 1909 Establishes Gun-Free Zones on School Board Property Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA HJ 555 Extends Voting Rights to Citizens on Parole Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA HJ 555 Extends Voting Rights to Citizens on Parole Conference Report Adopted - House (56 - 40)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA SJ 272 Amends the Qualifications to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (56 - 40)
Feb. 27, 2021 WA HB 1054 Prohibits Chokeholds, No-Knock Warrants, and Other Police Tactics Bill Passed - House (54 - 43)
Feb. 26, 2021 MD SB 218 Extends the Earned Income Tax Credit to Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (91 - 44)
Feb. 25, 2021 NH HB 197 Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (206 - 144)
Feb. 25, 2021 MT HB 427 Prohibits Gender Transition Medical Procedures for Transgender Minors Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
Feb. 25, 2021 National HR 5 Equality Act Bill Passed - House (224 - 206)
Feb. 25, 2021 National HR 5 Equality Act Bill Passed - House (224 - 206)
Feb. 25, 2021 GA HB 218 Requires the State to Recognize Gun Carry Permits from Other States Bill Passed - House (103 - 69)
Feb. 25, 2021 WA SB 5051 Expands the Role of the State's Law Enforcement Oversight Agency Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 19)
Feb. 25, 2021 SD HB 1075 Repeals Any Federal or State Court Action Reducing Firearm or Ammunition Rights Bill Passed - House (59 - 7)
Feb. 25, 2021 OH HB 9 Prohibits Selling Dextromethorphan Without a Prescription Bill Passed - House (87 - 7)
Feb. 25, 2021 WA SB 5038 Prohibits Open Carry Near the State Capitol or Public Demonstrations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
Feb. 25, 2021 CA AB 133 Expands Medi-Cal Eligibility to Low-Income Adults Regardless of Immigration Status Bill Passed - House (56 - 18)
Feb. 24, 2021 AR SB 24 Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws Bill Passed - House (72 - 23)
Feb. 24, 2021 CT HB 6515 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Hairstyle Bill Passed - House (138 - 9)
Feb. 24, 2021 NY S 830 Extends Voting Rights to Convicted Felons on Parole Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
Feb. 24, 2021 NY S 830 Extends Voting Rights to Convicted Felons on Parole Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
Feb. 24, 2021 AZ HB 2551 Authorizes Individuals with Concealed Carry Permits to Enter Most Buildings with Firearms Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
Feb. 24, 2021 AZ HB 2551 Authorizes Individuals with Concealed Carry Permits to Enter Most Buildings with Firearms Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
Feb. 24, 2021 WA HB 1078 Extends Voting Rights to Citizens on Parole Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/10 SF 534 Increases Penalties for Assaulting Law Enforcement and Unlawful Assembly Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 17)
3/10 SB 21-078 Requires Gun Owners Report Stolen or Lost Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/10 HB 4220 Authorizes First-Time DUI Offenders to Apply for Expungement from a Judge Bill Passed - House (93 - 17)
3/09 HB 1643 Authorizes Law Enforcement and Other Officials to Make Certain Personal Information Confidential Bill Passed - House (82 - 17)
3/09 HB 21-1106 Requires Gun Owners to Securely Store their Firearms Bill Passed - House (40 - 25)
3/09 HB 891 Establishes Regulations for the Use and Sale of Electric Guns and Cartridges Bill Passed - House (45 - 6)
3/09 HB 1674 Establishes Protections for Drivers that Hit Protesters Bill Passed - House (79 - 18)
3/09 S 571 Expands Availability of Naloxone (Narcan) Prescriptions to Patients Under Certain Circumstances Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
3/08 SB 2107 Prohibits Cities and Counties from Creating Rental Agreements that Restrict Firearm Access Bill Passed - House (82 - 34)
3/08 HB 1217 Prohibits Athletes from Participating on Sports Teams that do not Match Their Birth Sex Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/08 HB 1217 Prohibits Athletes from Participating on Sports Teams that do not Match Their Birth Sex Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/08 HB 52 Establishes That Those With Concealed Carry Permits May Bring Their Guns On Public Transportation Bill Passed - House (124 - 32)
3/06 S Amdt 1386 Prohibits funds made available under title II to States, local educational agencies, and institutions of higher education that permit any student whose biological sex is male to participate in an athletic program or activity designated for women or girls. Amendment Rejected - Senate (49 - 50)
3/05 SB 200 Authorizes Businesses and Religious Operations to Continue During the Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
3/04 HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 20)
3/04 HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 20)
3/04 SB 11 Prohibits Work Stoppages or Strikes by Public Employees Bill Passed - House (55 - 44)
3/04 SB 11 Limits Emergency Gun Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/04 HB 1602 Establishes Computer Data Privacy Protections Bill Passed - House (85 - 11)
3/03 HB 2309 Establishes Penalties for Violent and Disorderly Assembly Bill Passed - House (31 - 27)
3/03 SB 178 Authorizes Certain Officer Misconduct Records to be Available to the Public Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
3/03 SB 1007 Repeals Parent-Child Relationships if There is a Legitimate Interest Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
3/03 SB 626 Establishes a Statewide Use of Force Policy Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
3/03 HB 2550 Prohibits False Complaints Against a Peace Officer Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
3/03 SB 1007 Repeals Parent-Child Relationships if There is a Legitimate Interest Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
3/03 SB 1382 Classifies Gun Stores as Essential Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
3/03 SB 1456 Requires Schools to Receive Parental Consent When Teaching Sex Education Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
3/03 HB 2840 Authorizes Individuals to Bring Loaded Weapons on School Campuses Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
3/03 HB 2648 Specifies the Free Exercise of Religion During an Emergency Bill Passed - House (80 - 18)
3/03 HR 1280 George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (220 - 212)
3/03 HR 1 For the People Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (220 - 210)
3/03 HR 1280 George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (220 - 212)
3/02 SB 283 Specifies Response to Guns in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
3/02 HB 1214 Establishes the Category of Safety and Security Staff for K-12 Schools Bill Passed - House (67 - 30)
3/02 HB 103 Prohibits the Government Selecting Which Entities Can Remain Open During COVID-19 Bill Passed - House (75 - 22)
3/02 HB 2264 Authorizes College Athletes to Receive Compensation for the Use of their Likeness Bill Passed - House (95 - 29)
3/02 HB 1117 Amends the States Comprehensive Planning Network to Improve Salmon Recovery Bill Passed - House (58 - 38)
3/02 HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Passed - House (62 - 7)
3/02 SB 10 Prohibits Gender Change Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 4)
3/02 HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Passed - House (62 - 7)
3/01 S 3456 Rescinds Mandatory Minimum Terms of Imprisonment Bill Passed - House (46 - 20)
3/01 SB 220 Increases Penalties for Assaulting a Peace or Judicial Officer Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
3/01 SB 5164 Authorizes Resentencing of Certain Individuals Charged With Robbery Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
3/01 HB 1411 Prohibits the Automatic Disqualification of Individuals with Criminal Records from Providing Care to Vulnerable Adults or Children Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
3/01 H 187 Authorizes Fish and Game Officers to Enforce Motorized Vehicle Restrictions Bill Passed - House (50 - 19)
3/01 SB 215 Limits State and Local Governmental Authority Over a Religious Activity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
3/01 SB 215 Limits State and Local Governmental Authority Over a Religious Activity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
3/01 SB 228 Requires Transgender Student Athletes Play Against Those of Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
3/01 SB 43 Establishes Churches With Schools Have the Right to Bear Arms Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
3/01 SB 43 Establishes Churches With Schools Have the Right to Bear Arms Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
2/27 HB 2004 Requires Releasing Records From Closed Criminal Investigations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 15)
2/27 SJ 272 Amends the Qualifications to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
2/27 HB 1909 Establishes Gun-Free Zones on School Board Property Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
2/27 HJ 555 Extends Voting Rights to Citizens on Parole Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 18)
2/27 HJ 555 Extends Voting Rights to Citizens on Parole Conference Report Adopted - House (56 - 40)
2/27 SJ 272 Amends the Qualifications to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (56 - 40)
2/27 HB 1054 Prohibits Chokeholds, No-Knock Warrants, and Other Police Tactics Bill Passed - House (54 - 43)
2/26 SB 218 Extends the Earned Income Tax Credit to Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (91 - 44)
2/25 HB 197 Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (206 - 144)
2/25 HB 427 Prohibits Gender Transition Medical Procedures for Transgender Minors Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
2/25 HR 5 Equality Act Bill Passed - House (224 - 206)
2/25 HR 5 Equality Act Bill Passed - House (224 - 206)
2/25 HB 218 Requires the State to Recognize Gun Carry Permits from Other States Bill Passed - House (103 - 69)
2/25 SB 5051 Expands the Role of the State's Law Enforcement Oversight Agency Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 19)
2/25 HB 1075 Repeals Any Federal or State Court Action Reducing Firearm or Ammunition Rights Bill Passed - House (59 - 7)
2/25 HB 9 Prohibits Selling Dextromethorphan Without a Prescription Bill Passed - House (87 - 7)
2/25 SB 5038 Prohibits Open Carry Near the State Capitol or Public Demonstrations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
2/25 AB 133 Expands Medi-Cal Eligibility to Low-Income Adults Regardless of Immigration Status Bill Passed - House (56 - 18)
2/24 SB 24 Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws Bill Passed - House (72 - 23)
2/24 HB 6515 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Hairstyle Bill Passed - House (138 - 9)
2/24 S 830 Extends Voting Rights to Convicted Felons on Parole Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
2/24 S 830 Extends Voting Rights to Convicted Felons on Parole Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
2/24 HB 2551 Authorizes Individuals with Concealed Carry Permits to Enter Most Buildings with Firearms Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
2/24 HB 2551 Authorizes Individuals with Concealed Carry Permits to Enter Most Buildings with Firearms Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
2/24 HB 1078 Extends Voting Rights to Citizens on Parole Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)

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