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
June 4, 2024 MI SB 599 Increases Parole Eligibility for Medically Frail Inmates Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
June 4, 2024 NY S 4818 Establishes a 10 Day Waiting Period for the Purchase of Any Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 19)
June 4, 2024 NY S 7506 Prohibits Child Removal Based on Receiving of Gender-Affirming Care Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 18)
June 4, 2024 RI S 2481 Requires the Division of Motor Vehicles Create a Blue Envelope for Drivers to Inform Law Enforcement They are on the Autism Spectrum Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
June 4, 2024 RI S 2059 Authorizes Police and Firefighters with Documented PTSD to Retire, at Any Age, with Tax Free 2/3 Pay Pensions for Life Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
June 4, 2024 MI SB 841 Classifies Necrophilia as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
June 3, 2024 NY S 9760 Establishes Educational Programs Regarding Safe Storage for Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 7)
June 2, 2024 LA SB 371 Authorizes Surgical Castration Option for Individuals Guilty of Sex Crimes Against Minors Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
May 30, 2024 OK HB 1792 Establishes the Oklahoma Crime Reclassification Act of 2023 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 6)
May 30, 2024 OK HB 2914 Establishes the Oklahoma Sheriff's Office Funding Assistance Grant Program Act of 2024 Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 1)
May 29, 2024 OK SB 1424 Exempts Poultry Producers from Civil Suits if They are Following State Approved Waste Disposal Plans Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
May 29, 2024 NY S 138 Amends Firearms Training Certification Rules Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 19)
May 29, 2024 LA HB 121 Requires Teachers get Parental Consent to Use a Student's Preferred Pronoun Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
May 28, 2024 NY S 6649 Requires Firearms Dealers to Post and Provide Written Warnings Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 18)
May 26, 2024 IL SB 3649 Prohibits Forced Partiicpation in Employer Mandated Religious or Political Meetings Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 18)
May 26, 2024 IL HB 581 Establishes and Codifies the Federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act Into State Law Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19)
May 26, 2024 IL HB 4867 Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act by Adding Reproductive Health Decisions Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 18)
May 24, 2024 IL SB 3137 Requires Prompt notification of Deaths in Drug Rehabilitation Facilities Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
May 24, 2024 IL SB 2643 Increases Regulations on the Chain of Custody for Human Remains Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
May 24, 2024 IL SB 3137 Requires Prompt notification of Deaths in Drug Rehabilitation Facilities Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
May 24, 2024 IL SB 3137 Requires Prompt notification of Deaths in Drug Rehabilitation Facilities Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
May 24, 2024 IL HB 4592 Authorizes the Secretary of State to Issue Digital Identification Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 0)
May 23, 2024 LA SB 276 Amends Classification of Abortion Drugs Misoprostol and Mifepristone as Controlled Substances Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
May 23, 2024 OK SB 1994 Authorizes Property Owners to Ask Sheriffs to Remove Individuals Who are Unlawfully Occupying Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
May 23, 2024 LA HB 334 Authorizes Schools to Bring in Chaplains to Work with Students Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
May 23, 2024 IL HB 2161 Prohibits Workplace Discrimination Based on Family Responsibilities Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
May 23, 2024 IL HB 5142 Establishes the Birth Equity Initiative to Assist Mothers Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19)
May 23, 2024 LA HB 122 Prohibits K-12 Teachers from Discussing Gender or Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
May 23, 2024 IL HB 5239 Expands Abortion Shield Laws so State and Local Authorities are Prohibited from Providing Information for Out-of-State Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 19)
May 23, 2024 IL HB 5239 Expands Abortion Shield Laws so State and Local Authorities are Prohibited from Providing Information for Out-of-State Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 19)
May 23, 2024 IL HB 5239 Expands Abortion Shield Laws so State and Local Authorities are Prohibited from Providing Information for Out-of-State Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 19)
May 23, 2024 IL HB 5028 Authorizes the State to Provide Opioid Antagonists at State Agencies and Shields Employees from Liability Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
May 23, 2024 National S 4361 Border Act of 2024 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (43 - 50)
May 23, 2024 National S 4361 Border Act of 2024 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (43 - 50)
May 23, 2024 RI S 2378 Authorizes the Rhode Island Department of Health to Allow a Patients Medicine to be Transferred to Different Pharmacies Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
May 22, 2024 AZ SB 1336 Prohibits Sharing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Deep Fake Porn and Establishes it as Felony Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 9)
May 22, 2024 CA SB 1144 Prohibits the Sale of Stolen Goods on Online Marketplaces Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
May 22, 2024 CA SB 1128 Establishes Sex Offender Registration and Prohibits Sexual Intercourse with Minors Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
May 21, 2024 CA SB 1403 Exempts the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency from Certain Prohibitions Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
May 21, 2024 CA SB 1340 Amends State Definitions of Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
May 21, 2024 CA SB 1286 Amend Sections of the Civil and Financial Code Regarding Debt Collection Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
May 21, 2024 CA SB 1022 Amend Sections Regarding the Enforcement of Civil Rights Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
May 20, 2024 NJ A 2280 Prohibits Discriminatory Practices in Real Estate Appraisals and Requires Appraisers Complete Anti-Bias Training Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
May 20, 2024 LA HB 737 Prohibits Anyone from Protesting in a Group Within 50 Feet of a Home Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
May 20, 2024 LA HB 383 Authorizes Liability Immunity for Drivers who Hit Protesters While Feeling Threatened Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
May 20, 2024 LA HB 737 Prohibits Anyone from Protesting in a Group Within 50 Feet of a Home Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
May 20, 2024 NJ S 2652 Amends Statutory Terms Pertaining to Sexual Exploitation or Abuse of Children Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
May 17, 2024 IL HB 4875 Prohibits the Use of Artificial Intelligence Including Deep Fakes Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 0)
May 16, 2024 NH HB 1205 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams in Grades 5-12 "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (13 - 10)
May 16, 2024 NH HB 619 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care Until a Minor Turns 18 "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (13 - 10)
May 16, 2024 NH HB 1312 Requires Educators Provide 2 Week Notice on All Curriculum Coverage to Parents and Guardians "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (13 - 10)
May 16, 2024 LA HB 127 Increases Penalties for Protesters Who Disrupt Traffic Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
May 16, 2024 LA HB 173 Establishes a Crime of Coming Within 25 Feet of Police Upon Command Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
May 16, 2024 LA HB 608 Requires Students Use the Same Restroom that Aligns with Their Sex at Birth Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
May 15, 2024 AK SB 189 Establishes a Big Game Guide Concession Area Permit Program on Land in the State Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 3)
May 15, 2024 AK SB 189 Establishes a Big Game Guide Concession Area Permit Program on Land in the State Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 3)
May 15, 2024 IL HB 4762 Establishes Protections for Performers and other Individuals from Wrongful Use of AI Replicas Bill Passed - Senate (55 - 0)
May 15, 2024 NC HB 591 Amends and Modernizes Sex Crime Definitions in the State Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 0)
May 15, 2024 NC HB 237 Authorizes a Health Exemption for Masking in Public and Prohibits Use of Masks During Criminal Activity Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 15)
May 14, 2024 WI SB 139 Establishes a Statewide Wolf Population Goal Veto Override Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
May 14, 2024 NY S 4555 Prohibits Intoxication of the Victim as a Defense in Sex Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 0)
May 11, 2024 AK HJR 3 Alleges Support For Cross-State Access to Conceal Carried Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
May 9, 2024 MN HF 2609 Increases the Penalty for Straw Gun Purchasing from a Gross Misdemeanor to a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 33)
May 9, 2024 MN HF 2609 Increases the Penalty for Straw Gun Purchasing from a Gross Misdemeanor to a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 33)
May 9, 2024 MN HF 3488 Requires Compensation for Minor Social Media Influencers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 30)
May 8, 2024 CO SB 24-182 Amends the ID Requirement for the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
May 8, 2024 CO HB 24-1280 Establishes Grant Programs for Community-Based Organizations to Provide Appropriate Services for Migrants who Have Recently Arrived Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
May 8, 2024 CT HB 5431 Establishes the Connecticut Families and Workers Account Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
May 7, 2024 CO HB 24-1004 Prohibits Certain Individuals Convicted of Certain Crimes from Receiving Licenses in Specific Occupations that are Directly Related Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
May 7, 2024 PA SB 920 Amends the Sexual Assault Testing and Evidence Collection Act to Provide Further Rights to Victims Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
May 7, 2024 AL SB 340 Authorizes the Running of ATV Parks in Cherokee County Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 3)
May 6, 2024 CO SB 24-053 Establishes an Independent Study on an Evaluation of Racial Equity for Black Coloradans Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
May 6, 2024 CO SB 24-113 Requires Employees and Volunteer Coaches Obtain a Criminal Background Check if They Travel for Games Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
May 6, 2024 CO HB 24-1237 Establishes 3 new Programs Within the Division of Housing to Support the Development of Child Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
May 6, 2024 AK SB 28 Establishes a Streamlined Process for Employers to Address Credible Threats of Violence Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 1)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/04 SB 599 Increases Parole Eligibility for Medically Frail Inmates Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
6/04 S 4818 Establishes a 10 Day Waiting Period for the Purchase of Any Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 19)
6/04 S 7506 Prohibits Child Removal Based on Receiving of Gender-Affirming Care Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 18)
6/04 S 2481 Requires the Division of Motor Vehicles Create a Blue Envelope for Drivers to Inform Law Enforcement They are on the Autism Spectrum Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
6/04 S 2059 Authorizes Police and Firefighters with Documented PTSD to Retire, at Any Age, with Tax Free 2/3 Pay Pensions for Life Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
6/04 SB 841 Classifies Necrophilia as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
6/03 S 9760 Establishes Educational Programs Regarding Safe Storage for Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 7)
6/02 SB 371 Authorizes Surgical Castration Option for Individuals Guilty of Sex Crimes Against Minors Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
5/30 HB 1792 Establishes the Oklahoma Crime Reclassification Act of 2023 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 6)
5/30 HB 2914 Establishes the Oklahoma Sheriff's Office Funding Assistance Grant Program Act of 2024 Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 1)
5/29 SB 1424 Exempts Poultry Producers from Civil Suits if They are Following State Approved Waste Disposal Plans Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
5/29 S 138 Amends Firearms Training Certification Rules Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 19)
5/29 HB 121 Requires Teachers get Parental Consent to Use a Student's Preferred Pronoun Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
5/28 S 6649 Requires Firearms Dealers to Post and Provide Written Warnings Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 18)
5/26 SB 3649 Prohibits Forced Partiicpation in Employer Mandated Religious or Political Meetings Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 18)
5/26 HB 581 Establishes and Codifies the Federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act Into State Law Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19)
5/26 HB 4867 Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act by Adding Reproductive Health Decisions Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 18)
5/24 SB 3137 Requires Prompt notification of Deaths in Drug Rehabilitation Facilities Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
5/24 SB 2643 Increases Regulations on the Chain of Custody for Human Remains Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
5/24 SB 3137 Requires Prompt notification of Deaths in Drug Rehabilitation Facilities Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
5/24 SB 3137 Requires Prompt notification of Deaths in Drug Rehabilitation Facilities Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
5/24 HB 4592 Authorizes the Secretary of State to Issue Digital Identification Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 0)
5/23 SB 276 Amends Classification of Abortion Drugs Misoprostol and Mifepristone as Controlled Substances Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
5/23 SB 1994 Authorizes Property Owners to Ask Sheriffs to Remove Individuals Who are Unlawfully Occupying Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
5/23 HB 334 Authorizes Schools to Bring in Chaplains to Work with Students Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
5/23 HB 2161 Prohibits Workplace Discrimination Based on Family Responsibilities Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
5/23 HB 5142 Establishes the Birth Equity Initiative to Assist Mothers Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19)
5/23 HB 122 Prohibits K-12 Teachers from Discussing Gender or Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
5/23 HB 5239 Expands Abortion Shield Laws so State and Local Authorities are Prohibited from Providing Information for Out-of-State Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 19)
5/23 HB 5239 Expands Abortion Shield Laws so State and Local Authorities are Prohibited from Providing Information for Out-of-State Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 19)
5/23 HB 5239 Expands Abortion Shield Laws so State and Local Authorities are Prohibited from Providing Information for Out-of-State Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 19)
5/23 HB 5028 Authorizes the State to Provide Opioid Antagonists at State Agencies and Shields Employees from Liability Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
5/23 S 4361 Border Act of 2024 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (43 - 50)
5/23 S 4361 Border Act of 2024 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (43 - 50)
5/23 S 2378 Authorizes the Rhode Island Department of Health to Allow a Patients Medicine to be Transferred to Different Pharmacies Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
5/22 SB 1336 Prohibits Sharing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Deep Fake Porn and Establishes it as Felony Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 9)
5/22 SB 1144 Prohibits the Sale of Stolen Goods on Online Marketplaces Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
5/22 SB 1128 Establishes Sex Offender Registration and Prohibits Sexual Intercourse with Minors Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
5/21 SB 1403 Exempts the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency from Certain Prohibitions Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
5/21 SB 1340 Amends State Definitions of Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
5/21 SB 1286 Amend Sections of the Civil and Financial Code Regarding Debt Collection Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
5/21 SB 1022 Amend Sections Regarding the Enforcement of Civil Rights Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
5/20 A 2280 Prohibits Discriminatory Practices in Real Estate Appraisals and Requires Appraisers Complete Anti-Bias Training Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
5/20 HB 737 Prohibits Anyone from Protesting in a Group Within 50 Feet of a Home Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
5/20 HB 383 Authorizes Liability Immunity for Drivers who Hit Protesters While Feeling Threatened Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
5/20 HB 737 Prohibits Anyone from Protesting in a Group Within 50 Feet of a Home Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
5/20 S 2652 Amends Statutory Terms Pertaining to Sexual Exploitation or Abuse of Children Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
5/17 HB 4875 Prohibits the Use of Artificial Intelligence Including Deep Fakes Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 0)
5/16 HB 1205 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams in Grades 5-12 "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (13 - 10)
5/16 HB 619 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care Until a Minor Turns 18 "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (13 - 10)
5/16 HB 1312 Requires Educators Provide 2 Week Notice on All Curriculum Coverage to Parents and Guardians "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (13 - 10)
5/16 HB 127 Increases Penalties for Protesters Who Disrupt Traffic Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
5/16 HB 173 Establishes a Crime of Coming Within 25 Feet of Police Upon Command Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
5/16 HB 608 Requires Students Use the Same Restroom that Aligns with Their Sex at Birth Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
5/15 SB 189 Establishes a Big Game Guide Concession Area Permit Program on Land in the State Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 3)
5/15 SB 189 Establishes a Big Game Guide Concession Area Permit Program on Land in the State Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 3)
5/15 HB 4762 Establishes Protections for Performers and other Individuals from Wrongful Use of AI Replicas Bill Passed - Senate (55 - 0)
5/15 HB 591 Amends and Modernizes Sex Crime Definitions in the State Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 0)
5/15 HB 237 Authorizes a Health Exemption for Masking in Public and Prohibits Use of Masks During Criminal Activity Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 15)
5/14 SB 139 Establishes a Statewide Wolf Population Goal Veto Override Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
5/14 S 4555 Prohibits Intoxication of the Victim as a Defense in Sex Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 0)
5/11 HJR 3 Alleges Support For Cross-State Access to Conceal Carried Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
5/09 HF 2609 Increases the Penalty for Straw Gun Purchasing from a Gross Misdemeanor to a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 33)
5/09 HF 2609 Increases the Penalty for Straw Gun Purchasing from a Gross Misdemeanor to a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 33)
5/09 HF 3488 Requires Compensation for Minor Social Media Influencers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 30)
5/08 SB 24-182 Amends the ID Requirement for the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
5/08 HB 24-1280 Establishes Grant Programs for Community-Based Organizations to Provide Appropriate Services for Migrants who Have Recently Arrived Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
5/08 HB 5431 Establishes the Connecticut Families and Workers Account Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
5/07 HB 24-1004 Prohibits Certain Individuals Convicted of Certain Crimes from Receiving Licenses in Specific Occupations that are Directly Related Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
5/07 SB 920 Amends the Sexual Assault Testing and Evidence Collection Act to Provide Further Rights to Victims Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
5/07 SB 340 Authorizes the Running of ATV Parks in Cherokee County Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 3)
5/06 SB 24-053 Establishes an Independent Study on an Evaluation of Racial Equity for Black Coloradans Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
5/06 SB 24-113 Requires Employees and Volunteer Coaches Obtain a Criminal Background Check if They Travel for Games Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
5/06 HB 24-1237 Establishes 3 new Programs Within the Division of Housing to Support the Development of Child Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
5/06 SB 28 Establishes a Streamlined Process for Employers to Address Credible Threats of Violence Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 1)

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