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 8, 2023 AL HB 261 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
May 8, 2023 AK SB 53 Amends Statutes Regarding Competency to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate
May 5, 2023 MO SB 106 Requires Patient Approval before Doctors Give Prostate, Anal, or Pelvic Exams to Unconscious Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
May 5, 2023 FL HB 1285 Authorizes the Creation of a Specialized State Guard as a Part of State Law Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 11)
May 5, 2023 CO HB 23-1057 Requires All New Government Buildings have Non-Gendered Bathrooms Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
May 4, 2023 FL SB 254 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
May 4, 2023 IL HB 3762 Repeals the Death Penalty for First Degree Murder Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
May 4, 2023 MN HF 717 Amends the Name of Highway 7 in Chanhassen and Eden Praire to Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway Bill Passed - Senate (55 - 5)
May 4, 2023 CO HB 23-1307 Establishes Enhancede Supports for Youth Who are in Detention Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
May 4, 2023 IL HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
May 3, 2023 IL HB 2789 Prohibits Librarians From Banning Books Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 19)
May 3, 2023 FL HB 1069 Requires State Public K-12 Schools have a Policy Stating it is "False" to Use an Individuals Preferred Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
May 3, 2023 DE SB 2 Prohibits Handgun Ownership Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
May 3, 2023 National S J Res 9 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status with Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (50 - 48)
May 2, 2023 VT H 230 Establishes New Restrictions on Firearm Purchase to Prevent Suicide Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
May 2, 2023 FL HB 931 Prohibits Public Institutions from Requiring Students, Faculty, or Staff Take Political Loyalty Tests Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
May 2, 2023 HI SB 1079 Requires Courts Expunge Records of OWI Convictions if the Sentencing Occurred Before 1998 Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 1)
May 1, 2023 OR HB 3076 Extends Safe Surrender Period for Anonymously Leaving Infant at Authorized Facility to 60 days Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 13)
May 1, 2023 FL HB 1359 Increases Penalties for Fentanyl Dealers and Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
May 1, 2023 FL HB 1359 Increases Penalties for Fentanyl Dealers and Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
April 29, 2023 ND SB 2012 Authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services Develop a Pregnancy and Parenting Resource Website Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 6)
April 28, 2023 MT HB 479 Appropriates $5 Million for Law Enforcement Services on the Flathead Indian Reservation Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
April 28, 2023 FL SB 1580 Authorizes Medical Conscience Objections Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
April 28, 2023 FL SB 266 Prohibits Higher Education Institutions from Spending Federal or State Funds on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
April 28, 2023 CO SB 23-279 Prohibits the Sale of Unserialized Firearms Commonly Known as "Ghost Guns" Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
April 27, 2023 ND HB 1522 Requires Students Use the Same Restroom that Aligns with Their Sex at Birth Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 6)
April 27, 2023 IN SB 187 Requires State Police Departments Conduct Background Checks on Police Reserve Officers Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 7)
April 27, 2023 ND HB 1474 Establishes State Definitions for Male, Female, Sex, and Scrap Metal Dealer Conference Report Adopted - Senate (42 - 4)
April 27, 2023 KS SB 174 Exempts and Decriminalizes Fentanyl Testing Strips from the List of Drug Paraphernalia Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
April 27, 2023 KS SB 174 Exempts and Decriminalizes Fentanyl Testing Strips from the List of Drug Paraphernalia Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
April 27, 2023 IN SB 8 Authorizes Pharmacy Benefit Managers to Negotiate Prices for Drugs Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 9)
April 27, 2023 MT SB 458 Repeals Legal Recognition of Transgender, Nonbinary and Intersex Terms from Montana State Code Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
April 27, 2023 TX SB 2209 Prohibits Civilian Oversight of Police Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
April 26, 2023 IN HB 1177 Authorizes Teachers to Keep Firearms in Classrooms Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 8)
April 26, 2023 IN HB 1016 Establishes a Merit System for Police and Fire Departments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 18)
April 26, 2023 ND SB 2304 Limits and Restricts where Electronic Pull Tabs (Slot Machines) may be Located Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 9)
April 26, 2023 ND HB 1540 Appropriates $65.6 Million to Reduce Child Care Costs to Young Families Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
April 26, 2023 FL HB 1627 Authorizes Pretrial Detention for DUI Manslaughter, Fentanyl Trafficking, and Extortion Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
April 26, 2023 OH SB 58 Exempts Firearms from Liability Insurance or Fee Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 294 Requires Licensed Gun Dealers Provide a Locking Device with Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
April 25, 2023 FL SB 1718 Amends Various State Immigration Laws, Policies, and Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 155 Authorizes Homeless Individuals who Committed Misdemeanors to be Deferred to a Specialty Court Program Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 133 Establishes Falsifying Presidential Elector Signatures as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 35 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possession Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 35 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possession Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 269 Amends Prohibitions on the Legal Ways Dogs May be Restrained Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 243 Increases Criminal Penalties for Catalytic Converter Theft Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 1)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 391 Prohibits Local Government Use of "Sundown Sirens" Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
April 25, 2023 LA SB 49 Establishes New Penalties for the Operation of a Fentanyl Producing Laboratory Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
April 25, 2023 LA SB 49 Establishes New Penalties for the Operation of a Fentanyl Producing Laboratory Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
April 24, 2023 ND HB 1371 Amends State Anti-Corporate Farming Laws to Increase Animal Agriculture Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 5)
April 24, 2023 IA HF 425 Amends the Newborn Safe Haven Act Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
April 21, 2023 TN SB 807 Exempts Those Convicted of Criminal Exposure to HIV from Having to Register as a Sex Offender Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
April 21, 2023 MT SB 359 Prohibits the Tracking of Firearms Sales by Financial Institutions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
April 21, 2023 ND SB 2360 Prohibits the Display of "Sexually Explicit Material" in Places Where Minors are Present Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
April 21, 2023 MN HF 366 Prohibits State Extradition of Any Individual Seeking or Assisting in an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 29)
April 21, 2023 MN HF 146 Prohibits State Extradition of Minors Seeking Gender Affirming Care Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 30)
April 21, 2023 MN HF 16 Prohibits Conversion Therapy for Children and Vulnerable Adults Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 27)
April 21, 2023 CO SB 23-259 Authorizes Casinos to Offer Individual Lines of Credit Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
April 20, 2023 CO HB 23-1100 Prohibits Government Participation in Civil Immigration Detention Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
April 20, 2023 CO HB 23-1100 Prohibits Government Participation in Civil Immigration Detention Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
April 20, 2023 OR SB 1060 Expands Crime of Criminal Mistreatment and Defines Physical Trauma Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 2)
April 20, 2023 TX SB 1515 Requires Every School Classroom Display the 10 Commandments Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
April 20, 2023 NV SB 171 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Committing or Attempting to Commit a Hate Crime from Owning a Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
April 20, 2023 NV SB 171 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Committing or Attempting to Commit a Hate Crime from Owning a Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
April 19, 2023 WA SB 5599 Authorizes Discretion for Homeless Shelter Reporting of "At-Risk" Youth Seeking Healthcare Services Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
April 19, 2023 MT HB 808 Increases Insurance Requirements for Bail Bondsmen Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 17)
April 19, 2023 NE LB 77 Authorizes Legal Gun Owners to Conceal Carry Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
April 19, 2023 NV SB 131 Prohibits Arrest of Any Individual Charged in Another State for Receiving Reproductive Healthcare Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
April 19, 2023 NV SB 131 Prohibits Arrest of Any Individual Charged in Another State for Receiving Reproductive Healthcare Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
April 19, 2023 NV SB 239 Authorizes Medical Aid-In-Dying for Terminally Ill Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
April 18, 2023 TN HB 1189 Establishes Legal Protections for Gun Dealers, Manufacturers and Sellers Against Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
April 18, 2023 VT H 89 Establishes Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Care Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
April 18, 2023 VT H 89 Establishes Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Care Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
April 18, 2023 FL HB 1297 Authorizes the Death Penalty for for People Who Commit Sexual Assault on Children Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/08 HB 261 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
5/08 SB 53 Amends Statutes Regarding Competency to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate
5/05 SB 106 Requires Patient Approval before Doctors Give Prostate, Anal, or Pelvic Exams to Unconscious Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
5/05 HB 1285 Authorizes the Creation of a Specialized State Guard as a Part of State Law Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 11)
5/05 HB 23-1057 Requires All New Government Buildings have Non-Gendered Bathrooms Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
5/04 SB 254 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
5/04 HB 3762 Repeals the Death Penalty for First Degree Murder Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
5/04 HF 717 Amends the Name of Highway 7 in Chanhassen and Eden Praire to Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway Bill Passed - Senate (55 - 5)
5/04 HB 23-1307 Establishes Enhancede Supports for Youth Who are in Detention Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
5/04 HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
5/03 HB 2789 Prohibits Librarians From Banning Books Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 19)
5/03 HB 1069 Requires State Public K-12 Schools have a Policy Stating it is "False" to Use an Individuals Preferred Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
5/03 SB 2 Prohibits Handgun Ownership Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
5/03 S J Res 9 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status with Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (50 - 48)
5/02 H 230 Establishes New Restrictions on Firearm Purchase to Prevent Suicide Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
5/02 HB 931 Prohibits Public Institutions from Requiring Students, Faculty, or Staff Take Political Loyalty Tests Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
5/02 SB 1079 Requires Courts Expunge Records of OWI Convictions if the Sentencing Occurred Before 1998 Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 1)
5/01 HB 3076 Extends Safe Surrender Period for Anonymously Leaving Infant at Authorized Facility to 60 days Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 13)
5/01 HB 1359 Increases Penalties for Fentanyl Dealers and Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
5/01 HB 1359 Increases Penalties for Fentanyl Dealers and Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
4/29 SB 2012 Authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services Develop a Pregnancy and Parenting Resource Website Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 6)
4/28 HB 479 Appropriates $5 Million for Law Enforcement Services on the Flathead Indian Reservation Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
4/28 SB 1580 Authorizes Medical Conscience Objections Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
4/28 SB 266 Prohibits Higher Education Institutions from Spending Federal or State Funds on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
4/28 SB 23-279 Prohibits the Sale of Unserialized Firearms Commonly Known as "Ghost Guns" Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
4/27 HB 1522 Requires Students Use the Same Restroom that Aligns with Their Sex at Birth Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 6)
4/27 SB 187 Requires State Police Departments Conduct Background Checks on Police Reserve Officers Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 7)
4/27 HB 1474 Establishes State Definitions for Male, Female, Sex, and Scrap Metal Dealer Conference Report Adopted - Senate (42 - 4)
4/27 SB 174 Exempts and Decriminalizes Fentanyl Testing Strips from the List of Drug Paraphernalia Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
4/27 SB 174 Exempts and Decriminalizes Fentanyl Testing Strips from the List of Drug Paraphernalia Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
4/27 SB 8 Authorizes Pharmacy Benefit Managers to Negotiate Prices for Drugs Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 9)
4/27 SB 458 Repeals Legal Recognition of Transgender, Nonbinary and Intersex Terms from Montana State Code Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
4/27 SB 2209 Prohibits Civilian Oversight of Police Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
4/26 HB 1177 Authorizes Teachers to Keep Firearms in Classrooms Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 8)
4/26 HB 1016 Establishes a Merit System for Police and Fire Departments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 18)
4/26 SB 2304 Limits and Restricts where Electronic Pull Tabs (Slot Machines) may be Located Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 9)
4/26 HB 1540 Appropriates $65.6 Million to Reduce Child Care Costs to Young Families Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
4/26 HB 1627 Authorizes Pretrial Detention for DUI Manslaughter, Fentanyl Trafficking, and Extortion Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
4/26 SB 58 Exempts Firearms from Liability Insurance or Fee Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
4/25 SB 294 Requires Licensed Gun Dealers Provide a Locking Device with Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
4/25 SB 1718 Amends Various State Immigration Laws, Policies, and Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
4/25 SB 155 Authorizes Homeless Individuals who Committed Misdemeanors to be Deferred to a Specialty Court Program Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
4/25 SB 133 Establishes Falsifying Presidential Elector Signatures as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
4/25 SB 35 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possession Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
4/25 SB 35 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possession Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
4/25 SB 269 Amends Prohibitions on the Legal Ways Dogs May be Restrained Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
4/25 SB 243 Increases Criminal Penalties for Catalytic Converter Theft Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 1)
4/25 SB 391 Prohibits Local Government Use of "Sundown Sirens" Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
4/25 SB 49 Establishes New Penalties for the Operation of a Fentanyl Producing Laboratory Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
4/25 SB 49 Establishes New Penalties for the Operation of a Fentanyl Producing Laboratory Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
4/24 HB 1371 Amends State Anti-Corporate Farming Laws to Increase Animal Agriculture Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 5)
4/24 HF 425 Amends the Newborn Safe Haven Act Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
4/21 SB 807 Exempts Those Convicted of Criminal Exposure to HIV from Having to Register as a Sex Offender Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
4/21 SB 359 Prohibits the Tracking of Firearms Sales by Financial Institutions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
4/21 SB 2360 Prohibits the Display of "Sexually Explicit Material" in Places Where Minors are Present Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
4/21 HF 366 Prohibits State Extradition of Any Individual Seeking or Assisting in an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 29)
4/21 HF 146 Prohibits State Extradition of Minors Seeking Gender Affirming Care Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 30)
4/21 HF 16 Prohibits Conversion Therapy for Children and Vulnerable Adults Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 27)
4/21 SB 23-259 Authorizes Casinos to Offer Individual Lines of Credit Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
4/20 HB 23-1100 Prohibits Government Participation in Civil Immigration Detention Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
4/20 HB 23-1100 Prohibits Government Participation in Civil Immigration Detention Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
4/20 SB 1060 Expands Crime of Criminal Mistreatment and Defines Physical Trauma Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 2)
4/20 SB 1515 Requires Every School Classroom Display the 10 Commandments Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
4/20 SB 171 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Committing or Attempting to Commit a Hate Crime from Owning a Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
4/20 SB 171 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Committing or Attempting to Commit a Hate Crime from Owning a Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
4/19 SB 5599 Authorizes Discretion for Homeless Shelter Reporting of "At-Risk" Youth Seeking Healthcare Services Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
4/19 HB 808 Increases Insurance Requirements for Bail Bondsmen Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 17)
4/19 LB 77 Authorizes Legal Gun Owners to Conceal Carry Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
4/19 SB 131 Prohibits Arrest of Any Individual Charged in Another State for Receiving Reproductive Healthcare Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
4/19 SB 131 Prohibits Arrest of Any Individual Charged in Another State for Receiving Reproductive Healthcare Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
4/19 SB 239 Authorizes Medical Aid-In-Dying for Terminally Ill Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
4/18 HB 1189 Establishes Legal Protections for Gun Dealers, Manufacturers and Sellers Against Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
4/18 H 89 Establishes Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Care Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
4/18 H 89 Establishes Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Care Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
4/18 HB 1297 Authorizes the Death Penalty for for People Who Commit Sexual Assault on Children Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 5)

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