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 5, 2025 National PN 12-5 Nomination of Todd Blanche to be Deputy Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 46)
March 5, 2025 WA SB 5268 Requires 12 Months of Community Custody for Unlawful Possession of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
March 5, 2025 WA SB 5098 Prohibits Firearms in More Public Spaces Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
March 5, 2025 AL SB 199 Establishes an Alabama Public Employee Paid Parental Leave Program Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
March 5, 2025 WA SB 5268 Requires 12 Months of Community Custody for Unlawful Possession of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
March 4, 2025 WY HB 164 Authorizes Prescribers to Prescribe Medications for Off-Label Indication as Specified Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
March 4, 2025 WY HB 32 Establishes Statutory Definitions for "Man", "Woman", and "Biological Sex" Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
March 4, 2025 SD HB 1222 Authorizes Concealed Carry Permit Holders to Keep Their Firearm Inside a Motor Vehicle While on School Property Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
March 4, 2025 GA SB 36 Prohibits State and Local Governments from "Substantially Burdening" an Individual's Religious Freedom Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 23)
March 4, 2025 HI SB 227 Establishes an "Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division" within the Department of Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 2)
March 4, 2025 GA SB 36 Prohibits State and Local Governments from "Substantially Burdening" an Individual's Religious Freedom Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 23)
March 3, 2025 AR SB 208 Requires Canvassers to Request a Photo ID of Potential Signers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
March 3, 2025 WY HB 62 Amends the Crimes of Prostitution and Solicitation of Prostitution to Include Acts of Sexual Contact Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 14)
March 3, 2025 WY HB 207 Establishes the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
March 3, 2025 WY HB 207 Establishes the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
March 3, 2025 WY HB 83 Requires Judges Consider a Parent's Sex-Offender Registration Status when Making Custody Decision Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
March 3, 2025 National S 9 Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (51 - 45)
March 3, 2025 AK SB 43 Establishes March as Women's History Month Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 0)
March 3, 2025 GA SB 30 Prohibits Physicians from Prescribing Puberty-Blocking Drugs to Transgender Youth Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 19)
March 3, 2025 GA SB 74 Authorizes Librarians in Public Libraries, K-12 Schools, and Colleges to be Prosecuted if They Provide "Sexually Explicit Materials" to Minors Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 23)
March 3, 2025 GA SB 185 Prohibits State Funding for Gender-Affirming Care for Prisoners Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 15)
March 3, 2025 WV SB 456 Defines "Men" and "Women" in State Code Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
March 3, 2025 GA SB 185 Prohibits State Funding for Gender-Affirming Care for Prisoners Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 15)
Feb. 28, 2025 WY SF 74 Establishes Immunity for Drug Overdose Reporting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
Feb. 28, 2025 WY SF 74 Establishes Immunity for Drug Overdose Reporting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
Feb. 28, 2025 WA SB 5375 Extends and Expands the List of Mandatory Reporters to Include Clergy Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
Feb. 28, 2025 WA SB 5375 Extends and Expands the List of Mandatory Reporters to Include Clergy Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
Feb. 27, 2025 HI SB 222 Appropriates Funding for the Illegal Fireworks Task Force and Extends the Sunset Date to 2030 Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 2)
Feb. 27, 2025 AZ SB 1467 Amends and Expands the Hours that Liquor can be Served, Drunk or Possessed on a Boat Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
Feb. 27, 2025 IA SF 418 Prohibits the Recognition of Gender Identity as a Protected Class Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
Feb. 27, 2025 MO SB 10 Repeals Expiration Dates from Restrictions on Transgender Youth Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
Feb. 27, 2025 IA SF 418 Prohibits the Recognition of Gender Identity as a Protected Class Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
Feb. 26, 2025 CO HB 25-1002 Requires Health Insurance Companies Cover Behavioral Health, Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
Feb. 26, 2025 SD HB 1236 Extends the Safety Zone from 660 Feet to One-Quarter Mile Bill Failed - Senate (5 - 29)
Feb. 26, 2025 SD HB 1236 Extends the Safety Zone from 660 Feet to One-Quarter Mile Bill Failed - Senate (5 - 29)
Feb. 26, 2025 WY HB 211 Authorizes the Hunting of Wildlife from a Vehicle if the Wildlife does not Require a License or Permit to Take Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
Feb. 26, 2025 WY HB 211 Authorizes the Hunting of Wildlife from a Vehicle if the Wildlife does not Require a License or Permit to Take Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
Feb. 26, 2025 OH SB 56 Amends and Modifies Cannabis Regulations and Prohibits Smoking in Public Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
Feb. 26, 2025 AZ SB 1268 Require Hospitals to Question Patients on Legal Status in the United States Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
Feb. 26, 2025 NM SB 175 Expands the State Free Childcare Program to All Families Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Feb. 25, 2025 SC H 3523 Amends State Law on Organized Retail Crime and Retail Theft Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 0)
Feb. 25, 2025 ND SB 2128 Increases State Mandatory Minimum Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 18)
Feb. 25, 2025 SD SB 193 Authorizes an Applicant to have an Interpreter Present During the Driving Portion of a Driver License Exam Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
Feb. 25, 2025 NM SB 92 Establishes the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority and Jockey and Exercise Rider Insurance Fund Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
Feb. 25, 2025 WA SB 5128 Amends Medical Services for Individuals in Juvenile Detention Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
Feb. 25, 2025 RI S 63 Reduces Max Misdemeanor Sentences from One Year to 364 Days Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
Feb. 25, 2025 AL SB 118 Amends Judges' Authority to Deny Bail Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
Feb. 25, 2025 AL SB 116 Prohibits the Use of Machine Gun Conversion Devices Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
Feb. 25, 2025 NJ S 2886 Requires Pharmacies to Share Information on Insulin Assistance Programs Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
Feb. 25, 2025 RI S 63 Reduces Max Misdemeanor Sentences from One Year to 364 Days Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
Feb. 21, 2025 VA SB 746 Expands the Definition of Felony Homicide to Include Fentanyl Distributors in Lethal Overdoses Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 3)
Feb. 21, 2025 VA SB 746 Expands the Definition of Felony Homicide to Include Fentanyl Distributors in Lethal Overdoses Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 3)
Feb. 21, 2025 VA HB 2657 Authorizes Fentanyl Dealers to be Charged with Felony Involuntary Manslaughter if Their Drugs Sold Result in a Minors Death Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
Feb. 21, 2025 VA HB 2657 Authorizes Fentanyl Dealers to be Charged with Felony Involuntary Manslaughter if Their Drugs Sold Result in a Minors Death Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
Feb. 21, 2025 WY HB 234 Increases Sportsmen's Credit Card Purchase Privacy Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 17)
Feb. 21, 2025 NM HB 8 Establishes Enhanced Penalties for Several Crimes and Criminal Competency Provisions Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 3)
Feb. 21, 2025 WV SB 460 Authorizes Religious and Philosophical Exemptions for School Vaccinations Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
Feb. 21, 2025 GA SB 68 Establishes New Guidelines for Personal Injury Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 21)
Feb. 20, 2025 MO SB 167 Requires the Protection of the First Person to Call 911 in Incidents Involving Hazing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
Feb. 20, 2025 TX SJR 5 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Denial of Bail Under Limited Circumstances Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
Feb. 20, 2025 MO SB 60 Amends Existing Law Making Manufacturing or Possessing Meth an Act of Child Endangerment Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
Feb. 20, 2025 MO SB 105 Amends and Modifies Provisions Relating to Invasive Plants Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
Feb. 20, 2025 TX SJR 5 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Denial of Bail Under Limited Circumstances Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
Feb. 20, 2025 AL SB 40 Authorizes Firearm Hold Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
Feb. 20, 2025 IN SB 197 Establishes a Class C Misdemeanor to Use Public Land for Long-Term Shelter Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
Feb. 20, 2025 CO SB 25-004 Authorizes Parents to Request Refunds on Fees from Childcare Centers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Feb. 19, 2025 TX SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 2)
Feb. 19, 2025 TX SB 40 Amends Bail Bonds and Prohibits the Use of Public Tax Funds to Pay Bail Bonds Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
Feb. 19, 2025 KS SB 89 Authorizes the Kansas Department of Agriculture to Assess a Participant Fee for Poultry Producers Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
Feb. 19, 2025 KS SB 67 Authorizes Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists to Prescribe and Administer Drugs Consistent with Registered Nurse Anesthetist's Education and Qualifications Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 4)
Feb. 19, 2025 KS SB 79 Limits SNAP Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
Feb. 18, 2025 KS SB 63 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Feb. 18, 2025 VA SB 1105 Establishes the Right to Access and Use FDA-Approved Contraceptives Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 18, 2025 WY HB 45 Repeals and Removes Otters from the List of Protected Animals for Hunting Purposes Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
Feb. 18, 2025 WY HB 45 Repeals and Removes Otters from the List of Protected Animals for Hunting Purposes Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/05 PN 12-5 Nomination of Todd Blanche to be Deputy Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 46)
3/05 SB 5268 Requires 12 Months of Community Custody for Unlawful Possession of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
3/05 SB 5098 Prohibits Firearms in More Public Spaces Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
3/05 SB 199 Establishes an Alabama Public Employee Paid Parental Leave Program Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
3/05 SB 5268 Requires 12 Months of Community Custody for Unlawful Possession of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
3/04 HB 164 Authorizes Prescribers to Prescribe Medications for Off-Label Indication as Specified Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
3/04 HB 32 Establishes Statutory Definitions for "Man", "Woman", and "Biological Sex" Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
3/04 HB 1222 Authorizes Concealed Carry Permit Holders to Keep Their Firearm Inside a Motor Vehicle While on School Property Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
3/04 SB 36 Prohibits State and Local Governments from "Substantially Burdening" an Individual's Religious Freedom Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 23)
3/04 SB 227 Establishes an "Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Division" within the Department of Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 2)
3/04 SB 36 Prohibits State and Local Governments from "Substantially Burdening" an Individual's Religious Freedom Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 23)
3/03 SB 208 Requires Canvassers to Request a Photo ID of Potential Signers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
3/03 HB 62 Amends the Crimes of Prostitution and Solicitation of Prostitution to Include Acts of Sexual Contact Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 14)
3/03 HB 207 Establishes the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
3/03 HB 207 Establishes the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
3/03 HB 83 Requires Judges Consider a Parent's Sex-Offender Registration Status when Making Custody Decision Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
3/03 S 9 Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (51 - 45)
3/03 SB 43 Establishes March as Women's History Month Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 0)
3/03 SB 30 Prohibits Physicians from Prescribing Puberty-Blocking Drugs to Transgender Youth Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 19)
3/03 SB 74 Authorizes Librarians in Public Libraries, K-12 Schools, and Colleges to be Prosecuted if They Provide "Sexually Explicit Materials" to Minors Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 23)
3/03 SB 185 Prohibits State Funding for Gender-Affirming Care for Prisoners Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 15)
3/03 SB 456 Defines "Men" and "Women" in State Code Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
3/03 SB 185 Prohibits State Funding for Gender-Affirming Care for Prisoners Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 15)
2/28 SF 74 Establishes Immunity for Drug Overdose Reporting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
2/28 SF 74 Establishes Immunity for Drug Overdose Reporting Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
2/28 SB 5375 Extends and Expands the List of Mandatory Reporters to Include Clergy Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
2/28 SB 5375 Extends and Expands the List of Mandatory Reporters to Include Clergy Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
2/27 SB 222 Appropriates Funding for the Illegal Fireworks Task Force and Extends the Sunset Date to 2030 Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 2)
2/27 SB 1467 Amends and Expands the Hours that Liquor can be Served, Drunk or Possessed on a Boat Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
2/27 SF 418 Prohibits the Recognition of Gender Identity as a Protected Class Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
2/27 SB 10 Repeals Expiration Dates from Restrictions on Transgender Youth Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
2/27 SF 418 Prohibits the Recognition of Gender Identity as a Protected Class Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
2/26 HB 25-1002 Requires Health Insurance Companies Cover Behavioral Health, Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
2/26 HB 1236 Extends the Safety Zone from 660 Feet to One-Quarter Mile Bill Failed - Senate (5 - 29)
2/26 HB 1236 Extends the Safety Zone from 660 Feet to One-Quarter Mile Bill Failed - Senate (5 - 29)
2/26 HB 211 Authorizes the Hunting of Wildlife from a Vehicle if the Wildlife does not Require a License or Permit to Take Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
2/26 HB 211 Authorizes the Hunting of Wildlife from a Vehicle if the Wildlife does not Require a License or Permit to Take Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
2/26 SB 56 Amends and Modifies Cannabis Regulations and Prohibits Smoking in Public Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
2/26 SB 1268 Require Hospitals to Question Patients on Legal Status in the United States Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
2/26 SB 175 Expands the State Free Childcare Program to All Families Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
2/25 H 3523 Amends State Law on Organized Retail Crime and Retail Theft Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 0)
2/25 SB 2128 Increases State Mandatory Minimum Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 18)
2/25 SB 193 Authorizes an Applicant to have an Interpreter Present During the Driving Portion of a Driver License Exam Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
2/25 SB 92 Establishes the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority and Jockey and Exercise Rider Insurance Fund Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
2/25 SB 5128 Amends Medical Services for Individuals in Juvenile Detention Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
2/25 S 63 Reduces Max Misdemeanor Sentences from One Year to 364 Days Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
2/25 SB 118 Amends Judges' Authority to Deny Bail Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
2/25 SB 116 Prohibits the Use of Machine Gun Conversion Devices Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
2/25 S 2886 Requires Pharmacies to Share Information on Insulin Assistance Programs Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
2/25 S 63 Reduces Max Misdemeanor Sentences from One Year to 364 Days Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
2/21 SB 746 Expands the Definition of Felony Homicide to Include Fentanyl Distributors in Lethal Overdoses Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 3)
2/21 SB 746 Expands the Definition of Felony Homicide to Include Fentanyl Distributors in Lethal Overdoses Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 3)
2/21 HB 2657 Authorizes Fentanyl Dealers to be Charged with Felony Involuntary Manslaughter if Their Drugs Sold Result in a Minors Death Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
2/21 HB 2657 Authorizes Fentanyl Dealers to be Charged with Felony Involuntary Manslaughter if Their Drugs Sold Result in a Minors Death Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
2/21 HB 234 Increases Sportsmen's Credit Card Purchase Privacy Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 17)
2/21 HB 8 Establishes Enhanced Penalties for Several Crimes and Criminal Competency Provisions Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 3)
2/21 SB 460 Authorizes Religious and Philosophical Exemptions for School Vaccinations Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
2/21 SB 68 Establishes New Guidelines for Personal Injury Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 21)
2/20 SB 167 Requires the Protection of the First Person to Call 911 in Incidents Involving Hazing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
2/20 SJR 5 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Denial of Bail Under Limited Circumstances Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
2/20 SB 60 Amends Existing Law Making Manufacturing or Possessing Meth an Act of Child Endangerment Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
2/20 SB 105 Amends and Modifies Provisions Relating to Invasive Plants Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
2/20 SJR 5 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Denial of Bail Under Limited Circumstances Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
2/20 SB 40 Authorizes Firearm Hold Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
2/20 SB 197 Establishes a Class C Misdemeanor to Use Public Land for Long-Term Shelter Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
2/20 SB 25-004 Authorizes Parents to Request Refunds on Fees from Childcare Centers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
2/19 SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 2)
2/19 SB 40 Amends Bail Bonds and Prohibits the Use of Public Tax Funds to Pay Bail Bonds Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
2/19 SB 89 Authorizes the Kansas Department of Agriculture to Assess a Participant Fee for Poultry Producers Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
2/19 SB 67 Authorizes Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists to Prescribe and Administer Drugs Consistent with Registered Nurse Anesthetist's Education and Qualifications Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 4)
2/19 SB 79 Limits SNAP Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
2/18 SB 63 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
2/18 SB 1105 Establishes the Right to Access and Use FDA-Approved Contraceptives Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/18 HB 45 Repeals and Removes Otters from the List of Protected Animals for Hunting Purposes Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
2/18 HB 45 Repeals and Removes Otters from the List of Protected Animals for Hunting Purposes Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)

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