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
April 9, 2025 ND HB 1263 Amends State Criminal Records Sealing Laws Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 1)
April 9, 2025 AR HB 1150 Prohibits Pharmacy Benefit Managers From Obtaining Certain Pharmacy Permits Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
April 9, 2025 IL SB 1607 Establishes the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 0)
April 8, 2025 CO SB 25-129 Establishes Legal Protections for Abortion and Gender Transition Services Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
April 8, 2025 AZ HB 2001 Authorizes a 90-day License Exemption for Individuals who have Graduated from an Accredited Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Addiction Counseling Program Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
April 8, 2025 WA HB 1815 Amends Prison Riot Charges Concerning Juveniles Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
April 8, 2025 HI HB 1308 Authorizes Legal Online and Mobile Sports Betting Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 10)
April 8, 2025 AZ HB 2062 Defines Sex and Gender Terms for Any State Laws, Policies, or Institutions Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
April 8, 2025 NY S 364 Prohibits Insurance Policy Restrictions Based on Owning Specific Dog Breeds Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
April 8, 2025 NY S 197 Establishes Tucker's Law and Authorizes Certain Sentencing for Aggravated Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
April 8, 2025 NY S 252 Establishes an Exotic Animal Sale and Ownership Ban Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
April 8, 2025 NY S 5014 Prohibits the Importation, Transportation, and Possession of Certain African Wildlife Species and Products Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 8)
April 8, 2025 NY S 3158 Establishes Animal Fighting as a Criminal Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
April 8, 2025 NY S 3026 Prohibits Surgical Devocalization Procedures on Dogs and Cats Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 0)
April 8, 2025 CO HB 25-1011 Specifies Child Care Centers Owned by Private Equity or Institutional Investment Firms Would've Had to Post Their Prices Online and Notify Parents Before Laying off Staff Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 18)
April 8, 2025 NY S 3629 Prohibits the Use of Certain Animals in Traveling Animal Acts Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 10)
April 7, 2025 MD HB 1222 Prohibits Local Law Enforcement Agencies From Entering Agreements With Federal Immigration Officials Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
April 7, 2025 MD HB 1222 Prohibits Local Law Enforcement Agencies From Entering Agreements With Federal Immigration Officials Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
April 7, 2025 IA HF 924 Reduces the Minimum Age for Possessing and Carrying a Firearm from 21 to 18 Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
April 4, 2025 GA HB 651 Authorizes Regulations over Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 3)
April 4, 2025 WA HB 1205 Specifies Knowingly Distributing a Forged Digital Likeness of Another Individual as Criminal Impersonation in the 2nd Degree Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
April 3, 2025 MD HB 853 Authorizes Certain Incarcerated Individuals to Have Early Release Hearings Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
April 3, 2025 MD HB 161 Establishes Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity as its Own Section in the Family Life and Human Sexuality Category Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12)
April 3, 2025 AR HB 1745 Authorizes Fines for Semi-Truck Drivers Who Cannot Speak English Sufficiently Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
April 3, 2025 IL SB 1441 Limits Accounts Under the Secure Choice Savings Program Act to IRA Accounts Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 6)
April 2, 2025 ND HB 1470 Increases the Price for Hunting and Fishing Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 3)
April 2, 2025 ND HB 1470 Increases the Price for Hunting and Fishing Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 3)
April 2, 2025 National PN 12-11 Nomination of Harmeet Dhillon to be an Assistant Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 45)
April 2, 2025 PA SB 475 Establishes Reforms Intended to Modernize and Strengthen Pennsylvania's Problem Solving Courts Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
April 2, 2025 AR SB 544 Prohibits Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) from Owning Pharmacies and Selling Drugs on Retail Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
April 2, 2025 AR SB 486 Prohibits Individuals from Entering Restrooms, Changing Rooms and Sleeping Quarters Designated for the Opposite Sex Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
April 2, 2025 TX SB 942 Requires Retroactive Child Support from Conception Date Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
April 2, 2025 TX SB 942 Requires Retroactive Child Support from Conception Date Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
April 1, 2025 ID H 135 Prohibits Unauthorized Immigrants From Accessing Publicly Funded Assistance Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
April 1, 2025 TX SB 965 Authorizes Teachers the Right to Pray While Working in Texas Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
April 1, 2025 AR SB 450 Requires the Department of Education to Include a Human Fetal Growth and Development Discussion in the Relevant Standards During the Arkansas Academic Standards Revision Cycle Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
April 1, 2025 TX SB 16 Requires Proof of Citizenship to Register to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
April 1, 2025 TX SB 8 Requires Local Law Enforcement Assist the Federal Government in Deportation Efforts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
April 1, 2025 RI S 280 Increases the 7-Day Waiting Period Exemption for Concealable Firearms to Include the Rhode Island Capitol Police Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
March 31, 2025 GA SB 1 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 20)
March 31, 2025 OR SB 1098 Prohibits Schools and Library districts from Removing Books with Stories about Religion, Disability, LGBTQ+ Issues, or Other Characteristics of a Protected Class Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
March 31, 2025 OR SB 854 Authorizes the Oregon Racing Commission to Impose Civil Penalties for Unauthorized Wagers on Animal Racing Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 7)
March 31, 2025 PA SB 490 Prohibits Monetary Bail Release for Individuals With Prior Violent Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
March 31, 2025 OR SB 854 Authorizes the Oregon Racing Commission to Impose Civil Penalties for Unauthorized Wagers on Animal Racing Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 7)
March 31, 2025 CO SB 25-001 Establishes Protections for Voters in a Protected Class and Authorizes the Filing of Civil Suits for Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
March 31, 2025 OR SB 855 Requires the Oregon Racing Commission to Establish Civil Penalties for Failure to Comply With Laws and Rules of Racing Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
March 28, 2025 CO SB 25-003 Prohibits the Manufacture, Distribution, Transfer, Sale, or Purchase of Specified Semiautomatic Firearms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
March 28, 2025 ND HB 1231 Authorizes Low-Risk Sex Offenders to Ask the Court to Remove Them from the State Registry Early Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 3)
March 28, 2025 CO HB 25-1005 Establishes a $34 Million Filming Tax Credit Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
March 27, 2025 KY HB 90 Establishes Free-Standing Birthing Centers Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/09 HB 1263 Amends State Criminal Records Sealing Laws Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 1)
4/09 HB 1150 Prohibits Pharmacy Benefit Managers From Obtaining Certain Pharmacy Permits Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
4/09 SB 1607 Establishes the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 0)
4/08 SB 25-129 Establishes Legal Protections for Abortion and Gender Transition Services Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
4/08 HB 2001 Authorizes a 90-day License Exemption for Individuals who have Graduated from an Accredited Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Addiction Counseling Program Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
4/08 HB 1815 Amends Prison Riot Charges Concerning Juveniles Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
4/08 HB 1308 Authorizes Legal Online and Mobile Sports Betting Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 10)
4/08 HB 2062 Defines Sex and Gender Terms for Any State Laws, Policies, or Institutions Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
4/08 S 364 Prohibits Insurance Policy Restrictions Based on Owning Specific Dog Breeds Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
4/08 S 197 Establishes Tucker's Law and Authorizes Certain Sentencing for Aggravated Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
4/08 S 252 Establishes an Exotic Animal Sale and Ownership Ban Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
4/08 S 5014 Prohibits the Importation, Transportation, and Possession of Certain African Wildlife Species and Products Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 8)
4/08 S 3158 Establishes Animal Fighting as a Criminal Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
4/08 S 3026 Prohibits Surgical Devocalization Procedures on Dogs and Cats Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 0)
4/08 HB 25-1011 Specifies Child Care Centers Owned by Private Equity or Institutional Investment Firms Would've Had to Post Their Prices Online and Notify Parents Before Laying off Staff Bill Failed - Senate (16 - 18)
4/08 S 3629 Prohibits the Use of Certain Animals in Traveling Animal Acts Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 10)
4/07 HB 1222 Prohibits Local Law Enforcement Agencies From Entering Agreements With Federal Immigration Officials Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
4/07 HB 1222 Prohibits Local Law Enforcement Agencies From Entering Agreements With Federal Immigration Officials Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
4/07 HF 924 Reduces the Minimum Age for Possessing and Carrying a Firearm from 21 to 18 Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
4/04 HB 651 Authorizes Regulations over Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 3)
4/04 HB 1205 Specifies Knowingly Distributing a Forged Digital Likeness of Another Individual as Criminal Impersonation in the 2nd Degree Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
4/03 HB 853 Authorizes Certain Incarcerated Individuals to Have Early Release Hearings Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
4/03 HB 161 Establishes Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity as its Own Section in the Family Life and Human Sexuality Category Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12)
4/03 HB 1745 Authorizes Fines for Semi-Truck Drivers Who Cannot Speak English Sufficiently Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
4/03 SB 1441 Limits Accounts Under the Secure Choice Savings Program Act to IRA Accounts Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 6)
4/02 HB 1470 Increases the Price for Hunting and Fishing Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 3)
4/02 HB 1470 Increases the Price for Hunting and Fishing Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 3)
4/02 PN 12-11 Nomination of Harmeet Dhillon to be an Assistant Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 45)
4/02 SB 475 Establishes Reforms Intended to Modernize and Strengthen Pennsylvania's Problem Solving Courts Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
4/02 SB 544 Prohibits Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) from Owning Pharmacies and Selling Drugs on Retail Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
4/02 SB 486 Prohibits Individuals from Entering Restrooms, Changing Rooms and Sleeping Quarters Designated for the Opposite Sex Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
4/02 SB 942 Requires Retroactive Child Support from Conception Date Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
4/02 SB 942 Requires Retroactive Child Support from Conception Date Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
4/01 H 135 Prohibits Unauthorized Immigrants From Accessing Publicly Funded Assistance Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
4/01 SB 965 Authorizes Teachers the Right to Pray While Working in Texas Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
4/01 SB 450 Requires the Department of Education to Include a Human Fetal Growth and Development Discussion in the Relevant Standards During the Arkansas Academic Standards Revision Cycle Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
4/01 SB 16 Requires Proof of Citizenship to Register to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
4/01 SB 8 Requires Local Law Enforcement Assist the Federal Government in Deportation Efforts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
4/01 S 280 Increases the 7-Day Waiting Period Exemption for Concealable Firearms to Include the Rhode Island Capitol Police Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
3/31 SB 1 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 20)
3/31 SB 1098 Prohibits Schools and Library districts from Removing Books with Stories about Religion, Disability, LGBTQ+ Issues, or Other Characteristics of a Protected Class Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
3/31 SB 854 Authorizes the Oregon Racing Commission to Impose Civil Penalties for Unauthorized Wagers on Animal Racing Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 7)
3/31 SB 490 Prohibits Monetary Bail Release for Individuals With Prior Violent Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
3/31 SB 854 Authorizes the Oregon Racing Commission to Impose Civil Penalties for Unauthorized Wagers on Animal Racing Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 7)
3/31 SB 25-001 Establishes Protections for Voters in a Protected Class and Authorizes the Filing of Civil Suits for Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
3/31 SB 855 Requires the Oregon Racing Commission to Establish Civil Penalties for Failure to Comply With Laws and Rules of Racing Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
3/28 SB 25-003 Prohibits the Manufacture, Distribution, Transfer, Sale, or Purchase of Specified Semiautomatic Firearms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
3/28 HB 1231 Authorizes Low-Risk Sex Offenders to Ask the Court to Remove Them from the State Registry Early Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 3)
3/28 HB 25-1005 Establishes a $34 Million Filming Tax Credit Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
3/27 HB 90 Establishes Free-Standing Birthing Centers Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 7)

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