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. 24, 2021 AZ HB 2551 Authorizes Individuals with Concealed Carry Permits to Enter Most Buildings with Firearms Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
Feb. 23, 2021 IN SB 200 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Appoint a Special Prosecutor for Crimes County Prosecutors Decide not to Charge Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Feb. 23, 2021 AZ HB 2152 Amends Arizona Revised Statues in Regards to Disclosure of Law Enforcement Body Camera Footage Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
Feb. 23, 2021 AZ HB 2152 Amends Arizona Revised Statues in Regards to Disclosure of Law Enforcement Body Camera Footage Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
Feb. 23, 2021 IN SB 69 Increases Penalties for School Bus Stop Arm Violations Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
Feb. 23, 2021 MT SB 99 Establishes Parameters for K-12 Sexual Education Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
Feb. 23, 2021 AL HB 23 Authorizes Judges to Use Their Discretion When Determining Sentences Bill Passed - House (84 - 18)
Feb. 23, 2021 AL HB 73 Requires the Judicial Circuit to Create Diversion Programs Bill Passed - House (88 - 9)
Feb. 23, 2021 AZ SB 1294 Authorizes Job Applicants Nondisclosure Status of Sealed Criminal Records Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
Feb. 23, 2021 MO SB 51 Establishes Protections for Various Organizations from COVID-19 Related Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
Feb. 23, 2021 ID H 140 Prohibits Imposing Vaccine Mandates for State Contractors Bill Passed - House (49 - 21)
Feb. 23, 2021 WA HB 1090 Prohibits the State from Contracting with Private For-Profit Prisons and Detention Facilities Bill Passed - House (76 - 21)
Feb. 22, 2021 VA SB 1165 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - House (57 - 43)
Feb. 22, 2021 WV SB 11 Prohibits Work Stoppages or Strikes by Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Feb. 22, 2021 NJ S 3456 Rescinds Mandatory Minimum Terms of Imprisonment Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
Feb. 22, 2021 IN HB 1369 Authorizes Carrying a Firearm Without a Permit Bill Passed - House (65 - 31)
Feb. 19, 2021 MD SB 218 Extends the Earned Income Tax Credit to Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
Feb. 19, 2021 UT HB 258 Establishes High School Gun Safety Courses Bill Passed - House (47 - 21)
Feb. 19, 2021 MT HB 218 Prohibits "Free Speech Zones" on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (96 - 3)
Feb. 18, 2021 VA HB 2081 Prohibits the Possession of Firearms Within 40 Feet of a Polling Place Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 18, 2021 ND HB 1287 Establishes Harsher Punishments for Drug Dealers Bill Passed - House (77 - 16)
Feb. 17, 2021 UT SB 102 Authorizes Lawful Permanent Residents to Apply to Become Peace Officers or Dispatchers Bill Passed - House (65 - 4)
Feb. 17, 2021 UT SB 102 Authorizes Lawful Permanent Residents to Apply to Become Peace Officers or Dispatchers Bill Passed - House (65 - 4)
Feb. 17, 2021 WA SB 5140 Prohibits Hospital Policies that Restrict Necessary Miscarriage Treatment Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Feb. 17, 2021 ND HB 1272 Prohibits the Distribution of all Guns, Accessories, and Ammunition Made in North Dakota Outside the State Bill Passed - House (69 - 23)
Feb. 17, 2021 UT HB 302 Requires Transgender Student Athletes Play Against Those of Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (50 - 23)
Feb. 16, 2021 NM HB 4 Repeals Qualified Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - House (39 - 29)
Feb. 16, 2021 IN SB 198 Increases Penalties for Attendees of "Riots" or "Unlawful Assemblies" Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
Feb. 16, 2021 IN SB 198 Increases Penalties for Attendees of "Riots" or "Unlawful Assemblies" Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
Feb. 16, 2021 UT HB 248 Appropriates $1 Million to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Resources. Bill Passed - House (61 - 11)
Feb. 16, 2021 NM HB 4 Repeals Qualified Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - House (39 - 29)
Feb. 15, 2021 VA SB 1387 Expands Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (58 - 42)
Feb. 15, 2021 VA HB 2128 Increases the Amount of Time for the State Department to Complete Firearm Background Checks Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
Feb. 15, 2021 MT HB 202 Specifies Hunting Permits are Once-in-a-Lifetime Bill Passed - House (54 - 45)
Feb. 12, 2021 WA HB 1072 Repeals Restrictions on Legal Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (56 - 40)
Feb. 11, 2021 KY SB 120 Authorizes Historical Horse Racing Machines Bill Passed - House (55 - 38)
Feb. 11, 2021 KY SB 120 Authorizes Historical Horse Racing Machines Bill Passed - House (55 - 38)
Feb. 11, 2021 MO HB 574 Limits Law Enforcement and Regulators Ability to Inspect Farm and Dog Breeding Operations Bill Passed - House (109 - 43)
Feb. 11, 2021 MS HB 1030 Requires Paying Student Athletes if Their Likeness is Used in Advertising Bill Passed - House (93 - 19)
Feb. 11, 2021 ND HB 1298 Requires Transgender Athletes to Play Sports on Teams Made for Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (65 - 26)
Feb. 11, 2021 ND HB 1298 Requires Transgender Athletes to Play Sports on Teams Made for Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (65 - 26)
Feb. 11, 2021 MS SB 2536 Requires Transgender Student Athletes Play Against Those of Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9)
Feb. 11, 2021 MO HB 574 Limits Law Enforcement and Regulators Ability to Inspect Farm and Dog Breeding Operations Bill Passed - House (109 - 43)
Feb. 10, 2021 WA HB 1089 Authorizes the State Auditor to Audit Deadly Force Investigations Bill Passed - House (80 - 18)
Feb. 10, 2021 NY S 13 Increases Penalties and Regulations for Guns Without Serial Numbers Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
Feb. 10, 2021 WA HB 1088 Amends Requirements for Law Enforcement Potential Impeachment Disclosures Bill Passed - House (61 - 37)
Feb. 10, 2021 KS HB 2030 Extends Terminal Medical Release to Inmates Likely to Die within 120 Days Bill Passed - House (96 - 29)
Feb. 10, 2021 AR SB 289 Authorizes Denial of Healthcare on the Basis of Religious Principles Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
Feb. 10, 2021 AR SB 289 Authorizes Denial of Healthcare on the Basis of Religious Principles Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
Feb. 9, 2021 ND SB 2211 Authorizes the Use of Artificial Light While Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
Feb. 9, 2021 MS SB 2107 Prohibits Cities and Counties from Creating Rental Agreements that Restrict Firearm Access Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 16)
Feb. 9, 2021 AL HB 17 Authorizes Deploying Wiretaps for Drug Related Offenses Bill Passed - House (80 - 14)
Feb. 9, 2021 AL HB 24 Amends Sentencing Guidelines for State Prisoners Bill Passed - House (63 - 33)
Feb. 9, 2021 KY SB 120 Authorizes Historical Horse Racing Machines Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
Feb. 9, 2021 KY SB 120 Authorizes Historical Horse Racing Machines Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
Feb. 5, 2021 VA SB 1339 Requires an Individual Petition a Court for Permission to have Their Criminal Records Sealed Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 5, 2021 VT HR 7 Rescinds the Governor's Executive Order on State-Level Public Safety and Law Enforcement Divisions Bill Passed - House (108 - 40)
Feb. 5, 2021 VA HB 2132 Repeals the "Gay Panic" Murder Defense Bill Passed - House (58 - 42)
Feb. 4, 2021 MO HB 85 Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Gun Laws Bill Passed - House (103 - 43)
Feb. 4, 2021 WY HB 49 Increases 5 State Agency Fees and Establishes a $25 Per Month Fee to Parolees to Appropriate $1.4 Million to General Fund Bill Passed - House (40 - 18)
Feb. 4, 2021 VA HB 2004 Requires Releasing Records From Closed Criminal Investigations Bill Passed - House (56 - 44)
Feb. 3, 2021 MT HB 102 Authorizes Carrying Concealed Firearms in Public Settings Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
Feb. 3, 2021 WY HB 48 Limits Funding for Juvenile Justice Programs Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
Feb. 3, 2021 VA HB 2113 Authorizes Criminal Records Expungement Bill Passed - House (60 - 39)
Feb. 3, 2021 VA SB 1165 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
Feb. 3, 2021 ND SB 2308 Authorizes Public Schools to Display the 10 Commandments in Classrooms Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
Feb. 2, 2021 KY HB 1 Authorizes Businesses, Organizations, and Schools to Remain Open if they are Following CDC Guidelines Regardless of Governor Mandate Veto Override Passed - House (72 - 22)
Feb. 2, 2021 NY S 1351 Repeals Previous Law Prohibiting Loitering While Engaging in Sex Work Bill Passed - House (104 - 45)
Feb. 2, 2021 NY S 1351 Repeals Previous Law Prohibiting Loitering While Engaging in Sex Work Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
Feb. 2, 2021 UT HB 102 Requires Giving Prisoner Access to Contraception Medication Bill Passed - House (53 - 19)
Feb. 2, 2021 IA HF 228 Prohibits Open Enrollment Rejections Via Diversity Plans Bill Passed - House (56 - 32)
Feb. 2, 2021 UT HB 102 Requires Giving Prisoner Access to Contraception Medication Bill Passed - House (53 - 19)
Feb. 1, 2021 VA SB 1387 Expands Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 29, 2021 WY HB 48 Limits Funding for Juvenile Justice Programs Bill Passed - House (54 - 5)
Jan. 28, 2021 IA SJR 7 Authorizes Referendum as to Keeping and Bearing of Arms (58 - 41)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/24 HB 2551 Authorizes Individuals with Concealed Carry Permits to Enter Most Buildings with Firearms Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
2/23 SB 200 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Appoint a Special Prosecutor for Crimes County Prosecutors Decide not to Charge Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
2/23 HB 2152 Amends Arizona Revised Statues in Regards to Disclosure of Law Enforcement Body Camera Footage Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
2/23 HB 2152 Amends Arizona Revised Statues in Regards to Disclosure of Law Enforcement Body Camera Footage Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
2/23 SB 69 Increases Penalties for School Bus Stop Arm Violations Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
2/23 SB 99 Establishes Parameters for K-12 Sexual Education Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
2/23 HB 23 Authorizes Judges to Use Their Discretion When Determining Sentences Bill Passed - House (84 - 18)
2/23 HB 73 Requires the Judicial Circuit to Create Diversion Programs Bill Passed - House (88 - 9)
2/23 SB 1294 Authorizes Job Applicants Nondisclosure Status of Sealed Criminal Records Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
2/23 SB 51 Establishes Protections for Various Organizations from COVID-19 Related Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
2/23 H 140 Prohibits Imposing Vaccine Mandates for State Contractors Bill Passed - House (49 - 21)
2/23 HB 1090 Prohibits the State from Contracting with Private For-Profit Prisons and Detention Facilities Bill Passed - House (76 - 21)
2/22 SB 1165 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - House (57 - 43)
2/22 SB 11 Prohibits Work Stoppages or Strikes by Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
2/22 S 3456 Rescinds Mandatory Minimum Terms of Imprisonment Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
2/22 HB 1369 Authorizes Carrying a Firearm Without a Permit Bill Passed - House (65 - 31)
2/19 SB 218 Extends the Earned Income Tax Credit to Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
2/19 HB 258 Establishes High School Gun Safety Courses Bill Passed - House (47 - 21)
2/19 HB 218 Prohibits "Free Speech Zones" on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (96 - 3)
2/18 HB 2081 Prohibits the Possession of Firearms Within 40 Feet of a Polling Place Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/18 HB 1287 Establishes Harsher Punishments for Drug Dealers Bill Passed - House (77 - 16)
2/17 SB 102 Authorizes Lawful Permanent Residents to Apply to Become Peace Officers or Dispatchers Bill Passed - House (65 - 4)
2/17 SB 102 Authorizes Lawful Permanent Residents to Apply to Become Peace Officers or Dispatchers Bill Passed - House (65 - 4)
2/17 SB 5140 Prohibits Hospital Policies that Restrict Necessary Miscarriage Treatment Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
2/17 HB 1272 Prohibits the Distribution of all Guns, Accessories, and Ammunition Made in North Dakota Outside the State Bill Passed - House (69 - 23)
2/17 HB 302 Requires Transgender Student Athletes Play Against Those of Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (50 - 23)
2/16 HB 4 Repeals Qualified Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - House (39 - 29)
2/16 SB 198 Increases Penalties for Attendees of "Riots" or "Unlawful Assemblies" Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
2/16 SB 198 Increases Penalties for Attendees of "Riots" or "Unlawful Assemblies" Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
2/16 HB 248 Appropriates $1 Million to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Resources. Bill Passed - House (61 - 11)
2/16 HB 4 Repeals Qualified Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - House (39 - 29)
2/15 SB 1387 Expands Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (58 - 42)
2/15 HB 2128 Increases the Amount of Time for the State Department to Complete Firearm Background Checks Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
2/15 HB 202 Specifies Hunting Permits are Once-in-a-Lifetime Bill Passed - House (54 - 45)
2/12 HB 1072 Repeals Restrictions on Legal Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (56 - 40)
2/11 SB 120 Authorizes Historical Horse Racing Machines Bill Passed - House (55 - 38)
2/11 SB 120 Authorizes Historical Horse Racing Machines Bill Passed - House (55 - 38)
2/11 HB 574 Limits Law Enforcement and Regulators Ability to Inspect Farm and Dog Breeding Operations Bill Passed - House (109 - 43)
2/11 HB 1030 Requires Paying Student Athletes if Their Likeness is Used in Advertising Bill Passed - House (93 - 19)
2/11 HB 1298 Requires Transgender Athletes to Play Sports on Teams Made for Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (65 - 26)
2/11 HB 1298 Requires Transgender Athletes to Play Sports on Teams Made for Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (65 - 26)
2/11 SB 2536 Requires Transgender Student Athletes Play Against Those of Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9)
2/11 HB 574 Limits Law Enforcement and Regulators Ability to Inspect Farm and Dog Breeding Operations Bill Passed - House (109 - 43)
2/10 HB 1089 Authorizes the State Auditor to Audit Deadly Force Investigations Bill Passed - House (80 - 18)
2/10 S 13 Increases Penalties and Regulations for Guns Without Serial Numbers Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
2/10 HB 1088 Amends Requirements for Law Enforcement Potential Impeachment Disclosures Bill Passed - House (61 - 37)
2/10 HB 2030 Extends Terminal Medical Release to Inmates Likely to Die within 120 Days Bill Passed - House (96 - 29)
2/10 SB 289 Authorizes Denial of Healthcare on the Basis of Religious Principles Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
2/10 SB 289 Authorizes Denial of Healthcare on the Basis of Religious Principles Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
2/09 SB 2211 Authorizes the Use of Artificial Light While Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
2/09 SB 2107 Prohibits Cities and Counties from Creating Rental Agreements that Restrict Firearm Access Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 16)
2/09 HB 17 Authorizes Deploying Wiretaps for Drug Related Offenses Bill Passed - House (80 - 14)
2/09 HB 24 Amends Sentencing Guidelines for State Prisoners Bill Passed - House (63 - 33)
2/09 SB 120 Authorizes Historical Horse Racing Machines Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
2/09 SB 120 Authorizes Historical Horse Racing Machines Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
2/05 SB 1339 Requires an Individual Petition a Court for Permission to have Their Criminal Records Sealed Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/05 HR 7 Rescinds the Governor's Executive Order on State-Level Public Safety and Law Enforcement Divisions Bill Passed - House (108 - 40)
2/05 HB 2132 Repeals the "Gay Panic" Murder Defense Bill Passed - House (58 - 42)
2/04 HB 85 Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Gun Laws Bill Passed - House (103 - 43)
2/04 HB 49 Increases 5 State Agency Fees and Establishes a $25 Per Month Fee to Parolees to Appropriate $1.4 Million to General Fund Bill Passed - House (40 - 18)
2/04 HB 2004 Requires Releasing Records From Closed Criminal Investigations Bill Passed - House (56 - 44)
2/03 HB 102 Authorizes Carrying Concealed Firearms in Public Settings Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
2/03 HB 48 Limits Funding for Juvenile Justice Programs Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
2/03 HB 2113 Authorizes Criminal Records Expungement Bill Passed - House (60 - 39)
2/03 SB 1165 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
2/03 SB 2308 Authorizes Public Schools to Display the 10 Commandments in Classrooms Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
2/02 HB 1 Authorizes Businesses, Organizations, and Schools to Remain Open if they are Following CDC Guidelines Regardless of Governor Mandate Veto Override Passed - House (72 - 22)
2/02 S 1351 Repeals Previous Law Prohibiting Loitering While Engaging in Sex Work Bill Passed - House (104 - 45)
2/02 S 1351 Repeals Previous Law Prohibiting Loitering While Engaging in Sex Work Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
2/02 HB 102 Requires Giving Prisoner Access to Contraception Medication Bill Passed - House (53 - 19)
2/02 HF 228 Prohibits Open Enrollment Rejections Via Diversity Plans Bill Passed - House (56 - 32)
2/02 HB 102 Requires Giving Prisoner Access to Contraception Medication Bill Passed - House (53 - 19)
2/01 SB 1387 Expands Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/29 HB 48 Limits Funding for Juvenile Justice Programs Bill Passed - House (54 - 5)
1/28 SJR 7 Authorizes Referendum as to Keeping and Bearing of Arms (58 - 41)

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