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 1, 2018 MS HB 1479 Amends Bail License Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 10)
Feb. 28, 2018 WA HB 1513 Authorizes Automatic Voter Pre-Registration for 16 and 17 Year Old Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
Feb. 27, 2018 WA SB 5992 Prohibits Bump Stocks Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
Feb. 27, 2018 IN HB 1359 Increases Penalties for Drug Dealers Connected to Overdose Deaths Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 9)
Feb. 27, 2018 IN HB 1359 Increases Penalties for Drug Dealers Connected to Overdose Deaths Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 9)
Feb. 27, 2018 OR HB 4135 Authorizes Healthcare Providers to Make Decisions for End of Life Patients Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
Feb. 26, 2018 NJ S 493 Authorizes Transgender Death Certificates Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
Feb. 26, 2018 NJ S 478 Authorizes Birth Certificate Gender Changes Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
Feb. 23, 2018 GA SB 375 Authorizes Child-Placement Agencies to Deny Services Based on Religion Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 19)
Feb. 23, 2018 GA SB 375 Authorizes Child-Placement Agencies to Deny Services Based on Religion Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 19)
Feb. 22, 2018 OR HB 4145 Prohibits Convicted Stalkers from Possessing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
Feb. 22, 2018 OR HB 4145 Prohibits Convicted Stalkers from Possessing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
Feb. 22, 2018 AZ SB 1393 Authorizes Parents to Use Frozen Embryos after Divorce Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
Feb. 22, 2018 AZ SB 1393 Authorizes Parents to Use Frozen Embryos after Divorce Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
Feb. 22, 2018 WA SB 6052 Repeals Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 22)
Feb. 20, 2018 WI AB 128 Prohibits Abortion Coverage in State Health Insurance Plans Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
Feb. 20, 2018 ID S 1243 Requires Public Information Regarding Abortion Interventions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
Feb. 20, 2018 WV SB 415 Authorizes Casino Sports Betting Upon Federal Approval Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
Feb. 15, 2018 National S Amdt 1955 Uniting and Securing America Act (Coons-McCain Amendment) Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (52 - 47)
Feb. 15, 2018 National S Amdt 1955 Uniting and Securing America Act (Coons-McCain Amendment) Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (52 - 47)
Feb. 15, 2018 National S Amdt 1959 Secure and Succeed Act (Grassley Amendment) Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (39 - 60)
Feb. 15, 2018 National S Amdt 1959 Secure and Succeed Act (Grassley Amendment) Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (39 - 60)
Feb. 15, 2018 National S Amdt 1958 Immigration Security and Opportunity Act (Schumer Amendment) Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
Feb. 15, 2018 National S Amdt 1958 Immigration Security and Opportunity Act (Schumer Amendment) Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
Feb. 15, 2018 National S Amdt 1948 Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act (Toomey Amendment) Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
Feb. 15, 2018 National S Amdt 1948 Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act (Toomey Amendment) Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
Feb. 9, 2018 WA SB 6298 Amends Definitions and Regulations for Domestic Violence Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
Feb. 9, 2018 WA SB 6298 Amends Definitions and Regulations for Domestic Violence Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
Feb. 1, 2018 MD SB 120 Authorizes Mutual-Consent Divorce for Parents without Year Separation Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
Jan. 31, 2018 MI SB 660 Extends the Deadline for 100 Percent Cage-Free Eggs to 2025 Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
Jan. 29, 2018 VA SB 192 Authorizes State to Deduct Previous TANF Benefits from Lottery Winnings Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Jan. 25, 2018 WA SB 5992 Prohibits Bump Stocks Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Jan. 24, 2018 National PN 1341 Nomination of Samuel Dale Brownback to be Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 49)
Jan. 24, 2018 National PN 1341 Nomination of Samuel Dale Brownback to be Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Cloture Invoked - Senate (50 - 49)
Jan. 19, 2018 WA SB 5766 Requires School Districts to Adopt Transgender Student Policies and Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
Jan. 19, 2018 WA SB 5722 Prohibits Conversion Therapy on Minors Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
Jan. 18, 2018 National S 139 FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act of 2017 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (65 - 34)
Jan. 18, 2018 National S 139 FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act of 2017 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (65 - 34)
Jan. 3, 2018 NH HB 372 Amends Definition of Residency for Voting Purposes "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 9)
Dec. 13, 2017 OH HB 214 Prohibits Abortion After a Diagnosis of Down Syndrome Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
Nov. 8, 2017 MI SB 586 Prohibits Localities from Placing Restrictions on Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
Nov. 8, 2017 MI SB 366 Authorizes 18-Year-Olds to Obtain Concealed Carry Permits Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
Nov. 7, 2017 WI AB 455 Authorizes Children of Any Age to Hunt with Adult Supervision Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Nov. 7, 2017 WI SB 54 Requires Department of Corrections to Revoke Parole under Certain Circumstances Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
Oct. 26, 2017 MA S 2200 Amends Various Criminal Justice Laws Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
Sept. 16, 2017 CA SB 54 Establishes a Statewide Sanctuary Policy Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
Sept. 15, 2017 CA AJR 24 Recommends Congress Refrain from Concealed Carry Reciprocity Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
Sept. 14, 2017 CA SB 179 Recognizes Nonbinary as an Official Legal Gender Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
Sept. 12, 2017 CA AB 569 Prohibits Firing Employees for Obtaining Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
Aug. 13, 2017 TX HB 214 Premium Increase for Non-Emergency Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
July 25, 2017 TX SB 10 Changes for Abortion Requirements at Health Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
July 6, 2017 OR HB 2355 Reduces Criminal Charges for Drug Possession Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
July 6, 2017 OR HB 3464 Prohibits Disclosure of Immigration Status Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
July 5, 2017 OR HB 3391 Requires Coverage for Abortions and Contraceptives Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
June 30, 2017 WA SB 5975 Establishes Paid Family Leave Insurance Program Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
June 29, 2017 DE HB 249 Authorizes Fantasy Sports Betting Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 11)
June 28, 2017 PA SB 383 Authorizes Teachers to Carry Firearms on School Property Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
June 19, 2017 NY S 5512A Establishes Harsher Penalties for Bomb Threats Against Community Centers Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 0)
June 19, 2017 NJ S 3067 Prohibits Transgender Discrimination in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
June 15, 2017 RI S 237A Authorizes Parole Eligibility for Juveniles with Life Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
June 14, 2017 WI SB 68 Amends Prohibition on Baiting and Feeding Deer Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
June 6, 2017 LA SB 139 Establishes New Parole Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
May 31, 2017 IL SB 31 Establishes the Illinois TRUST Act. Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
May 31, 2017 IL HB 1785 Authorizes Birth Certificate Changes for Transgender People Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
May 31, 2017 IL HB 1785 Authorizes Birth Certificate Changes for Transgender People Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
May 31, 2017 CA SB 394 Authorizes Parole for Juvenile Offenders with Life Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
May 31, 2017 CA SB 10 Establishes New Provisions for the Criminal Justice System (25 - 11)
May 30, 2017 LA HB 27 Extends Domestic Abuse Laws to Dating Partners Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
May 30, 2017 IL HB 2462 Prohibits Screening Job Applicants Based on Wage or Salary History Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
May 24, 2017 ME LD 347 Authorizes the Prescription of Lethal Doses of Drugs to Terminally Ill Patients
May 24, 2017 PA HB 271 Establishes Internet Gambling Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
May 17, 2017 IL SB 7 Establishes Gambling Industry Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 24)
May 16, 2017 NE LB 289 Authorizes Life Prison Terms for Sex Traffickers and Solicitors Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
May 11, 2017 AL SB 200 Prohibits Criminal History Inquiries by Employers Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 9)
May 10, 2017 CO HB 1329 Establishes Requirements for Youth Corrections Centers (21 - 14)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/01 HB 1479 Amends Bail License Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 10)
2/28 HB 1513 Authorizes Automatic Voter Pre-Registration for 16 and 17 Year Old Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
2/27 SB 5992 Prohibits Bump Stocks Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
2/27 HB 1359 Increases Penalties for Drug Dealers Connected to Overdose Deaths Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 9)
2/27 HB 1359 Increases Penalties for Drug Dealers Connected to Overdose Deaths Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 9)
2/27 HB 4135 Authorizes Healthcare Providers to Make Decisions for End of Life Patients Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
2/26 S 493 Authorizes Transgender Death Certificates Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
2/26 S 478 Authorizes Birth Certificate Gender Changes Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
2/23 SB 375 Authorizes Child-Placement Agencies to Deny Services Based on Religion Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 19)
2/23 SB 375 Authorizes Child-Placement Agencies to Deny Services Based on Religion Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 19)
2/22 HB 4145 Prohibits Convicted Stalkers from Possessing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
2/22 HB 4145 Prohibits Convicted Stalkers from Possessing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
2/22 SB 1393 Authorizes Parents to Use Frozen Embryos after Divorce Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
2/22 SB 1393 Authorizes Parents to Use Frozen Embryos after Divorce Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
2/22 SB 6052 Repeals Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 22)
2/20 AB 128 Prohibits Abortion Coverage in State Health Insurance Plans Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
2/20 S 1243 Requires Public Information Regarding Abortion Interventions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
2/20 SB 415 Authorizes Casino Sports Betting Upon Federal Approval Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
2/15 S Amdt 1955 Uniting and Securing America Act (Coons-McCain Amendment) Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (52 - 47)
2/15 S Amdt 1955 Uniting and Securing America Act (Coons-McCain Amendment) Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (52 - 47)
2/15 S Amdt 1959 Secure and Succeed Act (Grassley Amendment) Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (39 - 60)
2/15 S Amdt 1959 Secure and Succeed Act (Grassley Amendment) Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (39 - 60)
2/15 S Amdt 1958 Immigration Security and Opportunity Act (Schumer Amendment) Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
2/15 S Amdt 1958 Immigration Security and Opportunity Act (Schumer Amendment) Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
2/15 S Amdt 1948 Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act (Toomey Amendment) Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
2/15 S Amdt 1948 Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act (Toomey Amendment) Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
2/09 SB 6298 Amends Definitions and Regulations for Domestic Violence Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
2/09 SB 6298 Amends Definitions and Regulations for Domestic Violence Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
2/01 SB 120 Authorizes Mutual-Consent Divorce for Parents without Year Separation Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
1/31 SB 660 Extends the Deadline for 100 Percent Cage-Free Eggs to 2025 Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
1/29 SB 192 Authorizes State to Deduct Previous TANF Benefits from Lottery Winnings Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
1/25 SB 5992 Prohibits Bump Stocks Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
1/24 PN 1341 Nomination of Samuel Dale Brownback to be Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 49)
1/24 PN 1341 Nomination of Samuel Dale Brownback to be Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Cloture Invoked - Senate (50 - 49)
1/19 SB 5766 Requires School Districts to Adopt Transgender Student Policies and Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
1/19 SB 5722 Prohibits Conversion Therapy on Minors Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
1/18 S 139 FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act of 2017 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (65 - 34)
1/18 S 139 FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act of 2017 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (65 - 34)
1/03 HB 372 Amends Definition of Residency for Voting Purposes "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 9)
12/13 HB 214 Prohibits Abortion After a Diagnosis of Down Syndrome Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
11/08 SB 586 Prohibits Localities from Placing Restrictions on Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
11/08 SB 366 Authorizes 18-Year-Olds to Obtain Concealed Carry Permits Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
11/07 AB 455 Authorizes Children of Any Age to Hunt with Adult Supervision Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
11/07 SB 54 Requires Department of Corrections to Revoke Parole under Certain Circumstances Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
10/26 S 2200 Amends Various Criminal Justice Laws Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
9/16 SB 54 Establishes a Statewide Sanctuary Policy Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
9/15 AJR 24 Recommends Congress Refrain from Concealed Carry Reciprocity Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
9/14 SB 179 Recognizes Nonbinary as an Official Legal Gender Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
9/12 AB 569 Prohibits Firing Employees for Obtaining Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
8/13 HB 214 Premium Increase for Non-Emergency Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
7/25 SB 10 Changes for Abortion Requirements at Health Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
7/06 HB 2355 Reduces Criminal Charges for Drug Possession Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
7/06 HB 3464 Prohibits Disclosure of Immigration Status Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
7/05 HB 3391 Requires Coverage for Abortions and Contraceptives Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
6/30 SB 5975 Establishes Paid Family Leave Insurance Program Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
6/29 HB 249 Authorizes Fantasy Sports Betting Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 11)
6/28 SB 383 Authorizes Teachers to Carry Firearms on School Property Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
6/19 S 5512A Establishes Harsher Penalties for Bomb Threats Against Community Centers Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 0)
6/19 S 3067 Prohibits Transgender Discrimination in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
6/15 S 237A Authorizes Parole Eligibility for Juveniles with Life Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
6/14 SB 68 Amends Prohibition on Baiting and Feeding Deer Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
6/06 SB 139 Establishes New Parole Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
5/31 SB 31 Establishes the Illinois TRUST Act. Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
5/31 HB 1785 Authorizes Birth Certificate Changes for Transgender People Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
5/31 HB 1785 Authorizes Birth Certificate Changes for Transgender People Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
5/31 SB 394 Authorizes Parole for Juvenile Offenders with Life Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
5/31 SB 10 Establishes New Provisions for the Criminal Justice System (25 - 11)
5/30 HB 27 Extends Domestic Abuse Laws to Dating Partners Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
5/30 HB 2462 Prohibits Screening Job Applicants Based on Wage or Salary History Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
5/24 LD 347 Authorizes the Prescription of Lethal Doses of Drugs to Terminally Ill Patients
5/24 HB 271 Establishes Internet Gambling Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
5/17 SB 7 Establishes Gambling Industry Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 24)
5/16 LB 289 Authorizes Life Prison Terms for Sex Traffickers and Solicitors Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
5/11 SB 200 Prohibits Criminal History Inquiries by Employers Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 9)
5/10 HB 1329 Establishes Requirements for Youth Corrections Centers (21 - 14)

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