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
May 29, 2025 CT SB 7 Requires Emergency Abortion Care for Pregnant Patients Bill Passed - House (92 - 55)
May 29, 2025 CA AB 715 Increases Protections Against Antisemitism and Other Forms of Discrimination in Schools Bill Passed - House (68 - 0)
May 29, 2025 CA AB 65 Requires Schools and Colleges to Pay Teachers During Maternity Leave Bill Passed - House (62 - 0)
May 28, 2025 TX HB 449 Establishes Criminal Penalties for Producing or Distributing Sexually Explicit Deep Fake Media Concurrence Vote Passed - House (134 - 1)
May 28, 2025 TX SB 1596 Repeals Ban on Short-Barrel Firearms Bill Passed - House (87 - 52)
May 28, 2025 CT HB 7231 Authorizes Sunday Hunting on Private Land Bill Passed - House (101 - 45)
May 27, 2025 LA HB 431 Limits the Ability for Individuals to Recover Damages for Injuries Sustained in Accidents for Which They Are Mostly at Fault Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 22)
May 27, 2025 LA HB 436 Prohibits Unauthorized Immigrants from Receiving General Damages Stemming from Auto Accidents Concurrence Vote Passed - House (74 - 24)
May 27, 2025 LA SB 154 Prohibits and Criminalizes Possession or Distribution of Kratom Bill Passed - House (89 - 5)
May 27, 2025 LA SB 154 Prohibits and Criminalizes Possession or Distribution of Kratom Bill Passed - House (89 - 5)
May 27, 2025 CA AB 49 Prohibits School Officials From Allowing an Immigration Authority Onto a Nonpublic School Site Without a Warrant or Court Order Bill Passed - House (62 - 9)
May 26, 2025 TX SB 3070 Specifies Texans Will No Longer Be Able To Buy Their Lottery Tickets Online or Through Apps Known as Couriers Bill Passed - House (112 - 27)
May 26, 2025 NV AB 105 Prohibits Firearm Possession Near Election Sites and Requires Signage Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
May 26, 2025 NV AB 105 Prohibits Firearm Possession Near Election Sites and Requires Signage Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
May 25, 2025 TX SB 10 Requires the 10 Commandments be Displayed in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (82 - 46)
May 24, 2025 TX SB 2111 Amends Legal Proceedings and Representation for Impoverished Defendants Bill Passed - House (87 - 47)
May 23, 2025 TX SB 1188 Authorizes Health Care Practitioners to Use Artificial Intelligence for Diagnostic Purposes, and Requires All Medical Records to Include a Patient's Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (86 - 49)
May 23, 2025 IL SB 2487 Establishes Penalties for Businesses that Violate the Human Rights Act Bill Passed - House (71 - 35)
May 23, 2025 TX SB 965 Authorizes Teachers the Right to Pray While Working in Texas Bill Passed - House (86 - 48)
May 23, 2025 NV SB 89 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Hate Crimes from Purchasing Firearms in Nevada Bill Passed - House (27 - 15)
May 23, 2025 NV SB 89 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Hate Crimes from Purchasing Firearms in Nevada Bill Passed - House (27 - 15)
May 23, 2025 TX SB 11 Requires Schools to Provide Time for Students to Practice Prayer of Any Religion During School Hours Bill Passed - House (88 - 48)
May 23, 2025 NV AB 555 Establishes Price Cap Provisions on Insulin Bill Passed - House (42 - 0)
May 22, 2025 OK SB 20 Requires CDL Holders to Understand English Concurrence Vote Passed - House (71 - 13)
May 22, 2025 NV SB 102 Prohibits a Person from Creating or Serving in a False Slate of Presidential Electors or Conspiring to Create or Serve in a False Slate of Electors Bill Passed - House (27 - 15)
May 22, 2025 DE HB 119 Ensure Books are Not Removed from Public and School Libraries for Identity-Based, Ideological or Religious Reasons Bill Passed - House (27 - 10)
May 22, 2025 MI HB 4066 Prohibits Schools From Allowing Transgender Girls to Participate in Girls' Sports Bill Passed - House (58 - 46)
May 22, 2025 LA HB 393 Authorizes Bystanders or Spectators to Carry Guns at Parades Bill Passed - House (73 - 16)
May 22, 2025 OK HB 1460 Authorizes Removal of Certain Criminal Justice Fees and Court Waivers Bill Passed - House (84 - 3)
May 22, 2025 MI HB 4469 Authorizes K-12 Schools to Base Students' Eligibility for Athletics on Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (59 - 45)
May 21, 2025 IL SB 1441 Limits Accounts Under the Secure Choice Savings Program Act to IRA Accounts Bill Passed - House (74 - 37)
May 21, 2025 NY A 5448 Requires Institutions of Higher Education to Designate a Title VI Coordinator Bill Passed - House (143 - 1)
May 21, 2025 CT HB 7259 Amends and Strengthens the State's Existing Trust Act which Limits Cooperation Between State and Local Law Enforcement and Federal Immigration Authorities Bill Passed - House (96 - 51)
May 21, 2025 CT HB 7259 Amends and Strengthens the State's Existing Trust Act which Limits Cooperation Between State and Local Law Enforcement and Federal Immigration Authorities Bill Passed - House (96 - 51)
May 21, 2025 NV AB 416 Prohibits Public Schools and Libraries from Restricting Access to Materials Based on Content Bill Passed - House (29 - 13)
May 20, 2025 AK HB 35 Authorizes Tablet Use in Prisons Concurrence Vote Passed - House (28 - 12)
May 20, 2025 TX SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Bill Passed - House (118 - 25)
May 20, 2025 TX SB 40 Amends Bail Bonds and Prohibits the Use of Public Tax Funds to Pay Bail Bonds Bill Passed - House (113 - 30)
May 20, 2025 OR SB 1191 Authorizes Individuals to Inform Others of Their Rights Bill Passed - House (32 - 19)
May 20, 2025 IL SB 19 Amends and Reforms the State Prisoner Review Board Bill Passed - House (74 - 37)
May 20, 2025 ME LD 1655 Requires Municipalities to Permit Backyard Chickens on Residential Property "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (131 - 8)
May 20, 2025 DE HB 154 Authorizes Immunity to Nonprofit Organizations Who Distribute New Secure Gun Storage and Safety Devices Bill Passed - House (31 - 7)
May 20, 2025 LA HB 639 Increases the Tax on Online Gambling to 21% Bill Passed - House (74 - 16)
May 19, 2025 TX SJR 5 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Denial of Bail Under Limited Circumstances Joint Resolution Passed - House (133 - 8)
May 19, 2025 TX SJR 5 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Denial of Bail Under Limited Circumstances Joint Resolution Passed - House (133 - 8)
May 19, 2025 OR SB 599 Prohibits Landlords From Inquiring About the Immigration or Citizenship Status of an Applicant, Tenant, or Other Member of a Household Bill Passed - House (36 - 15)
May 17, 2025 AK SB 95 Establishes a Tax Credit Program that Rewards Companies that Invest in Child Care Programs for Their Workers Bill Passed - House (27 - 12)
May 16, 2025 AK HB 75 Amends Permanent Fund Dividend Division Concurrence Vote Passed - House (30 - 9)
May 16, 2025 AK SB 96 Establishes a New Grant Program for Child Care and Expands the Number of Families Eligible for Child Care Assistance from the State. Bill Passed - House (35 - 4)
May 16, 2025 TX HB 3006 Requires All State Prisons to Install Air Conditioning (AC) Units Bill Passed - House (79 - 39)
May 16, 2025 TX HB 3006 Requires All State Prisons to Install Air Conditioning (AC) Units Bill Passed - House (79 - 39)
May 15, 2025 MO HB 199 Authorizes the Creation of a Special Entertainment District in Downtown St. Louis Concurrence Vote Passed - House (136 - 16)
May 15, 2025 IL SB 1953 Requires Law Enforcement Agencies to have Stricter Hiring Practices Bill Passed - House (101 - 12)
May 15, 2025 National HR 2255 Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (234 - 182)
May 15, 2025 National HR 2255 Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (234 - 182)
May 15, 2025 National HR 2240 Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act Bill Passed - House (403 - 11)
May 15, 2025 CA AB 309 Extends the Authorization for Physicians and Pharmacists to Provide Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Without Prescription or Permit Indefinitely Bill Passed - House (54 - 15)
May 14, 2025 AL HB 202 Extends Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 28)
May 14, 2025 AL HB 202 Extends Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 28)
May 14, 2025 OR SB 959 Establishes that Having a Signal Jammer That Can Disrupt Alarm Systems is a Crime If It's Used to Break Into or Steal From a House or Building Bill Passed - House (47 - 5)
May 14, 2025 OR SB 1175 Establishes a Temporary Task Force on Removing Barriers to Jury Service Bill Passed - House (37 - 15)
May 14, 2025 National HR 2215 Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act Bill Passed - House (382 - 31)
May 14, 2025 National HR 2243 Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) Reform Act Bill Passed - House (229 - 193)
May 14, 2025 National HR 2243 Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) Reform Act Bill Passed - House (229 - 193)
May 14, 2025 National H Res 352 Calling on elected officials and civil society leaders to counter antisemitism and educate the public on the contributions of the Jewish American community. Resolution Passed - House (421 - 1)
May 14, 2025 National H Res 352 Calling on elected officials and civil society leaders to counter antisemitism and educate the public on the contributions of the Jewish American community. Resolution Passed - House (421 - 1)
May 14, 2025 IA HF 1038 Authorizes Appropriations from the Opioid Settlement Fund Bill Passed - House (84 - 1)
May 13, 2025 ME LD 702 Establishes and Designates January 6 as a Day to Remember "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (74 - 65)
May 13, 2025 ME LD 163 Requires Health Insurance Coverage of Nonprescription Oral Contraceptives and Nonprescription Emergency Contraceptives "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (73 - 69)
May 13, 2025 National H Con Res 30 Expressing support for local law enforcement officers. Joint Resolution Passed - House (411 - 1)
May 13, 2025 WI AB 43 Authorizes Pharmacists to Prescribe and Dispense Hormonal Contraceptive Patches Bill Passed - House (87 - 10)
May 13, 2025 TX HB 305 Amends the Time Period for Conducting Pretrial Hearings After a Criminal Defendant Has Been Restored to Competency Bill Passed - House (136 - 4)
May 13, 2025 TX HB 413 Prohibits the Detainment of Pre-Trial Defendants for Longer Than Their Potential Punishment in Texas Bill Passed - House (115 - 23)
May 13, 2025 TX HB 305 Amends the Time Period for Conducting Pretrial Hearings After a Criminal Defendant Has Been Restored to Competency Bill Passed - House (136 - 4)
May 13, 2025 TX HB 413 Prohibits the Detainment of Pre-Trial Defendants for Longer Than Their Potential Punishment in Texas Bill Passed - House (115 - 23)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/29 SB 7 Requires Emergency Abortion Care for Pregnant Patients Bill Passed - House (92 - 55)
5/29 AB 715 Increases Protections Against Antisemitism and Other Forms of Discrimination in Schools Bill Passed - House (68 - 0)
5/29 AB 65 Requires Schools and Colleges to Pay Teachers During Maternity Leave Bill Passed - House (62 - 0)
5/28 HB 449 Establishes Criminal Penalties for Producing or Distributing Sexually Explicit Deep Fake Media Concurrence Vote Passed - House (134 - 1)
5/28 SB 1596 Repeals Ban on Short-Barrel Firearms Bill Passed - House (87 - 52)
5/28 HB 7231 Authorizes Sunday Hunting on Private Land Bill Passed - House (101 - 45)
5/27 HB 431 Limits the Ability for Individuals to Recover Damages for Injuries Sustained in Accidents for Which They Are Mostly at Fault Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 22)
5/27 HB 436 Prohibits Unauthorized Immigrants from Receiving General Damages Stemming from Auto Accidents Concurrence Vote Passed - House (74 - 24)
5/27 SB 154 Prohibits and Criminalizes Possession or Distribution of Kratom Bill Passed - House (89 - 5)
5/27 SB 154 Prohibits and Criminalizes Possession or Distribution of Kratom Bill Passed - House (89 - 5)
5/27 AB 49 Prohibits School Officials From Allowing an Immigration Authority Onto a Nonpublic School Site Without a Warrant or Court Order Bill Passed - House (62 - 9)
5/26 SB 3070 Specifies Texans Will No Longer Be Able To Buy Their Lottery Tickets Online or Through Apps Known as Couriers Bill Passed - House (112 - 27)
5/26 AB 105 Prohibits Firearm Possession Near Election Sites and Requires Signage Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
5/26 AB 105 Prohibits Firearm Possession Near Election Sites and Requires Signage Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
5/25 SB 10 Requires the 10 Commandments be Displayed in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (82 - 46)
5/24 SB 2111 Amends Legal Proceedings and Representation for Impoverished Defendants Bill Passed - House (87 - 47)
5/23 SB 1188 Authorizes Health Care Practitioners to Use Artificial Intelligence for Diagnostic Purposes, and Requires All Medical Records to Include a Patient's Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (86 - 49)
5/23 SB 2487 Establishes Penalties for Businesses that Violate the Human Rights Act Bill Passed - House (71 - 35)
5/23 SB 965 Authorizes Teachers the Right to Pray While Working in Texas Bill Passed - House (86 - 48)
5/23 SB 89 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Hate Crimes from Purchasing Firearms in Nevada Bill Passed - House (27 - 15)
5/23 SB 89 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Hate Crimes from Purchasing Firearms in Nevada Bill Passed - House (27 - 15)
5/23 SB 11 Requires Schools to Provide Time for Students to Practice Prayer of Any Religion During School Hours Bill Passed - House (88 - 48)
5/23 AB 555 Establishes Price Cap Provisions on Insulin Bill Passed - House (42 - 0)
5/22 SB 20 Requires CDL Holders to Understand English Concurrence Vote Passed - House (71 - 13)
5/22 SB 102 Prohibits a Person from Creating or Serving in a False Slate of Presidential Electors or Conspiring to Create or Serve in a False Slate of Electors Bill Passed - House (27 - 15)
5/22 HB 119 Ensure Books are Not Removed from Public and School Libraries for Identity-Based, Ideological or Religious Reasons Bill Passed - House (27 - 10)
5/22 HB 4066 Prohibits Schools From Allowing Transgender Girls to Participate in Girls' Sports Bill Passed - House (58 - 46)
5/22 HB 393 Authorizes Bystanders or Spectators to Carry Guns at Parades Bill Passed - House (73 - 16)
5/22 HB 1460 Authorizes Removal of Certain Criminal Justice Fees and Court Waivers Bill Passed - House (84 - 3)
5/22 HB 4469 Authorizes K-12 Schools to Base Students' Eligibility for Athletics on Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (59 - 45)
5/21 SB 1441 Limits Accounts Under the Secure Choice Savings Program Act to IRA Accounts Bill Passed - House (74 - 37)
5/21 A 5448 Requires Institutions of Higher Education to Designate a Title VI Coordinator Bill Passed - House (143 - 1)
5/21 HB 7259 Amends and Strengthens the State's Existing Trust Act which Limits Cooperation Between State and Local Law Enforcement and Federal Immigration Authorities Bill Passed - House (96 - 51)
5/21 HB 7259 Amends and Strengthens the State's Existing Trust Act which Limits Cooperation Between State and Local Law Enforcement and Federal Immigration Authorities Bill Passed - House (96 - 51)
5/21 AB 416 Prohibits Public Schools and Libraries from Restricting Access to Materials Based on Content Bill Passed - House (29 - 13)
5/20 HB 35 Authorizes Tablet Use in Prisons Concurrence Vote Passed - House (28 - 12)
5/20 SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Bill Passed - House (118 - 25)
5/20 SB 40 Amends Bail Bonds and Prohibits the Use of Public Tax Funds to Pay Bail Bonds Bill Passed - House (113 - 30)
5/20 SB 1191 Authorizes Individuals to Inform Others of Their Rights Bill Passed - House (32 - 19)
5/20 SB 19 Amends and Reforms the State Prisoner Review Board Bill Passed - House (74 - 37)
5/20 LD 1655 Requires Municipalities to Permit Backyard Chickens on Residential Property "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (131 - 8)
5/20 HB 154 Authorizes Immunity to Nonprofit Organizations Who Distribute New Secure Gun Storage and Safety Devices Bill Passed - House (31 - 7)
5/20 HB 639 Increases the Tax on Online Gambling to 21% Bill Passed - House (74 - 16)
5/19 SJR 5 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Denial of Bail Under Limited Circumstances Joint Resolution Passed - House (133 - 8)
5/19 SJR 5 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Denial of Bail Under Limited Circumstances Joint Resolution Passed - House (133 - 8)
5/19 SB 599 Prohibits Landlords From Inquiring About the Immigration or Citizenship Status of an Applicant, Tenant, or Other Member of a Household Bill Passed - House (36 - 15)
5/17 SB 95 Establishes a Tax Credit Program that Rewards Companies that Invest in Child Care Programs for Their Workers Bill Passed - House (27 - 12)
5/16 HB 75 Amends Permanent Fund Dividend Division Concurrence Vote Passed - House (30 - 9)
5/16 SB 96 Establishes a New Grant Program for Child Care and Expands the Number of Families Eligible for Child Care Assistance from the State. Bill Passed - House (35 - 4)
5/16 HB 3006 Requires All State Prisons to Install Air Conditioning (AC) Units Bill Passed - House (79 - 39)
5/16 HB 3006 Requires All State Prisons to Install Air Conditioning (AC) Units Bill Passed - House (79 - 39)
5/15 HB 199 Authorizes the Creation of a Special Entertainment District in Downtown St. Louis Concurrence Vote Passed - House (136 - 16)
5/15 SB 1953 Requires Law Enforcement Agencies to have Stricter Hiring Practices Bill Passed - House (101 - 12)
5/15 HR 2255 Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (234 - 182)
5/15 HR 2255 Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (234 - 182)
5/15 HR 2240 Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act Bill Passed - House (403 - 11)
5/15 AB 309 Extends the Authorization for Physicians and Pharmacists to Provide Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Without Prescription or Permit Indefinitely Bill Passed - House (54 - 15)
5/14 HB 202 Extends Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 28)
5/14 HB 202 Extends Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 28)
5/14 SB 959 Establishes that Having a Signal Jammer That Can Disrupt Alarm Systems is a Crime If It's Used to Break Into or Steal From a House or Building Bill Passed - House (47 - 5)
5/14 SB 1175 Establishes a Temporary Task Force on Removing Barriers to Jury Service Bill Passed - House (37 - 15)
5/14 HR 2215 Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act Bill Passed - House (382 - 31)
5/14 HR 2243 Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) Reform Act Bill Passed - House (229 - 193)
5/14 HR 2243 Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) Reform Act Bill Passed - House (229 - 193)
5/14 H Res 352 Calling on elected officials and civil society leaders to counter antisemitism and educate the public on the contributions of the Jewish American community. Resolution Passed - House (421 - 1)
5/14 H Res 352 Calling on elected officials and civil society leaders to counter antisemitism and educate the public on the contributions of the Jewish American community. Resolution Passed - House (421 - 1)
5/14 HF 1038 Authorizes Appropriations from the Opioid Settlement Fund Bill Passed - House (84 - 1)
5/13 LD 702 Establishes and Designates January 6 as a Day to Remember "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (74 - 65)
5/13 LD 163 Requires Health Insurance Coverage of Nonprescription Oral Contraceptives and Nonprescription Emergency Contraceptives "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (73 - 69)
5/13 H Con Res 30 Expressing support for local law enforcement officers. Joint Resolution Passed - House (411 - 1)
5/13 AB 43 Authorizes Pharmacists to Prescribe and Dispense Hormonal Contraceptive Patches Bill Passed - House (87 - 10)
5/13 HB 305 Amends the Time Period for Conducting Pretrial Hearings After a Criminal Defendant Has Been Restored to Competency Bill Passed - House (136 - 4)
5/13 HB 413 Prohibits the Detainment of Pre-Trial Defendants for Longer Than Their Potential Punishment in Texas Bill Passed - House (115 - 23)
5/13 HB 305 Amends the Time Period for Conducting Pretrial Hearings After a Criminal Defendant Has Been Restored to Competency Bill Passed - House (136 - 4)
5/13 HB 413 Prohibits the Detainment of Pre-Trial Defendants for Longer Than Their Potential Punishment in Texas Bill Passed - House (115 - 23)

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