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
Feb. 9, 2016 VA SB 705 Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrant Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 8, 2016 VA SB 646 Establishes Regulations for Fantasy Sports Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Feb. 4, 2016 VA SB 610 Authorizes Concealed Carry Reciprocity for Out-of-State License Holders Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
Feb. 3, 2016 IN SB 80 Authorizes Pharmacists to Decline to Sell Certain Cold Medicines Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
Feb. 3, 2016 IN SB 339 Establishes Regulations for Fantasy Sports Games Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
Feb. 2, 2016 IN SB 220 Classifies an Offense Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity as Aggravating Circumstance Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
Feb. 2, 2016 IN SB 220 Classifies an Offense Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity as Aggravating Circumstance Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
Feb. 1, 2016 VA SB 48 Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 21)
Jan. 29, 2016 VA SB 12 Prohibits Discrimination in Public Employment Based on Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Jan. 29, 2016 VA SB 67 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation in Housing Practices Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Jan. 28, 2016 MO SB 572 Establishes Regulations for Municipal Ordinance Violation Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
Jan. 28, 2016 FL SB 344 Amends Burden of Proof in Self-Defense Immunity Claims Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
Jan. 26, 2016 IN SB 259 Authorizes General Assembly Employees to Carry Handguns in the Statehouse Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 528 Amends Asset Forfeiture Regulations Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 517 Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 190 Amends Taxable Price for Sale or Use of Accommodations Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
Jan. 20, 2016 WI AB 310 Prohibits a Public Entity from Distributing Certain Funds to Abortion Clinics Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
Jan. 20, 2016 WI SB 248 Repeals Certain Requirements to Strip Search Detained Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
Jan. 20, 2016 MI SB 207 Authorizes Peace Officers to Conduct Roadside Saliva Drug Test Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
Jan. 14, 2016 NH HB 560 Amends Classification of Criminal Offenses for Death of a Viable Fetus Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 11)
Dec. 3, 2015 National HR 3762 Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015 Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 47)
Dec. 3, 2015 National S Amdt 2915 Defend Our Capital Act of 2015 Amendment Rejected - Senate (54 - 45)
Dec. 3, 2015 National S Amdt 2910 Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015 Amendment Rejected - Senate (45 - 54)
Oct. 21, 2015 WI SB 43 Amends John Doe Law Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
Oct. 20, 2015 National S 2146 Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
Oct. 20, 2015 National S 2146 Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
Sept. 28, 2015 NC HB 318 Prohibits Local Governments from Recognizing Identity Documents issued by Foreign Governments Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 17)
Sept. 24, 2015 National S Amdt 2669 Rescinds Funds from Planned Parenthood Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (47 - 52)
Sept. 10, 2015 CA AB 329 Requires Age Appropriate Comprehensive Sex Education Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
Sept. 9, 2015 CA AB 953 Amends "Profiling" Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
Sept. 2, 2015 CA AB 96 Prohibits Sale of Ivory and Rhino Horn Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
July 15, 2015 WI SB 209 Appropriates Funds for New Sports and Entertainment Arena Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
July 13, 2015 PA SB 683 Requires DNA Sample from Individuals Arrested for Certain Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
July 3, 2015 OR SB 932 Authorizes Financial Aid for Undocumented Students Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
June 30, 2015 ME LD 652 Authorizes Concealed Carry Without a Permit Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
June 29, 2015 CT HB 7104 Amends Drug Sentencing Laws Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
June 25, 2015 OR SB 932 Authorizes Financial Aid for Undocumented Students Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
June 24, 2015 NC HB 640 Authorizes Hunting on Sundays Conference Report Adopted - Senate (33 - 15)
June 24, 2015 NC HB 640 Authorizes Hunting on Sundays Conference Report Adopted - Senate (33 - 15)
June 18, 2015 DE HB 39 Decriminalizes Possession of Small Amounts of Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
June 17, 2015 ME LD 319 Authorizes Medicaid Coverage for Reproductive Care "Ought Not to Pass" Report Rejected - Senate (16 - 19)
June 16, 2015 DE HB 115 Authorizes Individuals to Change Name Based on Gender-Related Identity Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 5)
June 10, 2015 MI HB 4188 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Deny Services for Religious Reasons Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
June 9, 2015 WI SB 70 Authorizes Certain Officers to Carry Firearms in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
June 3, 2015 LA HB 149 Amends Penalties for Marijuana Possesion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
June 3, 2015 CA SB 548 Authorizes Child Care Workers to Form Unions Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
June 2, 2015 National HR 2048 Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring (USA FREEDOM) Act of 2015 Bill Passed - Senate (67 - 32)
June 2, 2015 CA SB 124 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement for Juveniles Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
June 2, 2015 CA SB 4 Expands Health Care Coverage to Certain Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
June 1, 2015 NC SB 2 Authorizes Officials to Not Perform Certain Marriage Duties Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
June 1, 2015 NC SB 2 Authorizes Officials to Not Perform Certain Marriage Duties Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
June 1, 2015 CA SB 707 Prohibits Concealed Firearms on School Grounds Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
May 29, 2015 IL HB 217 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 19)
May 29, 2015 CT HB 6844 Amends Eligibility Requirements for In-State Tuition Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
May 28, 2015 NC HB 640 Authorizes Hunting on Sundays Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
May 28, 2015 NC HB 640 Authorizes Hunting on Sundays Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
May 27, 2015 MI HB 4467 Authorizes Private High-Security Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
May 22, 2015 TX HB 910 Authorizes Open Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 21, 2015 IL HB 352 Authorizes Bobcat Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
May 20, 2015 CT SB 1090 Expands Tribal Gaming Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
May 17, 2015 NV AB 244 Classifies Certain Graffiti Offenses as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
May 16, 2015 NV AB 193 Authorizes a Court of Law to Admit Hearsay as Evidence Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 8)
May 16, 2015 NV AB 193 Authorizes a Court of Law to Admit Hearsay as Evidence Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 8)
May 12, 2015 TX SB 2065 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
May 12, 2015 TX SB 2065 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
May 10, 2015 MN HF 2958 Authorizes New Viking Stadium Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 30)
May 7, 2015 OR HB 2307 Prohibits Conversion Therapy on Minors Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
May 7, 2015 CA SB 227 Prohibits Grand Juries from Investigating Certain Cases Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
May 7, 2015 MN SF 86 Amends Procedures for Data Collected by Police Surveillance Equipment Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 19)
May 5, 2015 HI HB 631 Amends Procedure to Change Gender on Birth Certificates Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 3)
April 29, 2015 MI HB 4151 Repeals Age Limit for Possession of an Air Gun Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
April 28, 2015 OR SB 913 Prohibits Sale of Ivory and Rhino Horn Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
April 28, 2015 CO SB 268 Amends Definition of "Person" for Assault and Homicide Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
April 28, 2015 CO SB 268 Amends Definition of "Person" for Assault and Homicide Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
April 23, 2015 MN SF 878 Authorizes Gun Silencers and Expands Ex-Felon Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 22)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/09 SB 705 Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrant Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/08 SB 646 Establishes Regulations for Fantasy Sports Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
2/04 SB 610 Authorizes Concealed Carry Reciprocity for Out-of-State License Holders Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
2/03 SB 80 Authorizes Pharmacists to Decline to Sell Certain Cold Medicines Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
2/03 SB 339 Establishes Regulations for Fantasy Sports Games Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
2/02 SB 220 Classifies an Offense Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity as Aggravating Circumstance Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
2/02 SB 220 Classifies an Offense Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity as Aggravating Circumstance Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
2/01 SB 48 Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 21)
1/29 SB 12 Prohibits Discrimination in Public Employment Based on Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
1/29 SB 67 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation in Housing Practices Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
1/28 SB 572 Establishes Regulations for Municipal Ordinance Violation Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
1/28 SB 344 Amends Burden of Proof in Self-Defense Immunity Claims Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
1/26 SB 259 Authorizes General Assembly Employees to Carry Handguns in the Statehouse Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
1/21 SB 528 Amends Asset Forfeiture Regulations Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
1/21 SB 517 Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
1/21 SB 190 Amends Taxable Price for Sale or Use of Accommodations Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
1/20 AB 310 Prohibits a Public Entity from Distributing Certain Funds to Abortion Clinics Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
1/20 SB 248 Repeals Certain Requirements to Strip Search Detained Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
1/20 SB 207 Authorizes Peace Officers to Conduct Roadside Saliva Drug Test Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
1/14 HB 560 Amends Classification of Criminal Offenses for Death of a Viable Fetus Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 11)
12/03 HR 3762 Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015 Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 47)
12/03 S Amdt 2915 Defend Our Capital Act of 2015 Amendment Rejected - Senate (54 - 45)
12/03 S Amdt 2910 Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015 Amendment Rejected - Senate (45 - 54)
10/21 SB 43 Amends John Doe Law Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
10/20 S 2146 Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
10/20 S 2146 Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
9/28 HB 318 Prohibits Local Governments from Recognizing Identity Documents issued by Foreign Governments Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 17)
9/24 S Amdt 2669 Rescinds Funds from Planned Parenthood Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (47 - 52)
9/10 AB 329 Requires Age Appropriate Comprehensive Sex Education Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
9/09 AB 953 Amends "Profiling" Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
9/02 AB 96 Prohibits Sale of Ivory and Rhino Horn Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
7/15 SB 209 Appropriates Funds for New Sports and Entertainment Arena Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
7/13 SB 683 Requires DNA Sample from Individuals Arrested for Certain Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
7/03 SB 932 Authorizes Financial Aid for Undocumented Students Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
6/30 LD 652 Authorizes Concealed Carry Without a Permit Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
6/29 HB 7104 Amends Drug Sentencing Laws Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
6/25 SB 932 Authorizes Financial Aid for Undocumented Students Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
6/24 HB 640 Authorizes Hunting on Sundays Conference Report Adopted - Senate (33 - 15)
6/24 HB 640 Authorizes Hunting on Sundays Conference Report Adopted - Senate (33 - 15)
6/18 HB 39 Decriminalizes Possession of Small Amounts of Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
6/17 LD 319 Authorizes Medicaid Coverage for Reproductive Care "Ought Not to Pass" Report Rejected - Senate (16 - 19)
6/16 HB 115 Authorizes Individuals to Change Name Based on Gender-Related Identity Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 5)
6/10 HB 4188 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Deny Services for Religious Reasons Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
6/09 SB 70 Authorizes Certain Officers to Carry Firearms in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
6/03 HB 149 Amends Penalties for Marijuana Possesion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
6/03 SB 548 Authorizes Child Care Workers to Form Unions Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
6/02 HR 2048 Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring (USA FREEDOM) Act of 2015 Bill Passed - Senate (67 - 32)
6/02 SB 124 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement for Juveniles Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
6/02 SB 4 Expands Health Care Coverage to Certain Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
6/01 SB 2 Authorizes Officials to Not Perform Certain Marriage Duties Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
6/01 SB 2 Authorizes Officials to Not Perform Certain Marriage Duties Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
6/01 SB 707 Prohibits Concealed Firearms on School Grounds Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
5/29 HB 217 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 19)
5/29 HB 6844 Amends Eligibility Requirements for In-State Tuition Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
5/28 HB 640 Authorizes Hunting on Sundays Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
5/28 HB 640 Authorizes Hunting on Sundays Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
5/27 HB 4467 Authorizes Private High-Security Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
5/22 HB 910 Authorizes Open Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/21 HB 352 Authorizes Bobcat Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
5/20 SB 1090 Expands Tribal Gaming Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
5/17 AB 244 Classifies Certain Graffiti Offenses as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
5/16 AB 193 Authorizes a Court of Law to Admit Hearsay as Evidence Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 8)
5/16 AB 193 Authorizes a Court of Law to Admit Hearsay as Evidence Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 8)
5/12 SB 2065 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
5/12 SB 2065 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
5/10 HF 2958 Authorizes New Viking Stadium Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 30)
5/07 HB 2307 Prohibits Conversion Therapy on Minors Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
5/07 SB 227 Prohibits Grand Juries from Investigating Certain Cases Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
5/07 SF 86 Amends Procedures for Data Collected by Police Surveillance Equipment Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 19)
5/05 HB 631 Amends Procedure to Change Gender on Birth Certificates Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 3)
4/29 HB 4151 Repeals Age Limit for Possession of an Air Gun Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
4/28 SB 913 Prohibits Sale of Ivory and Rhino Horn Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
4/28 SB 268 Amends Definition of "Person" for Assault and Homicide Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
4/28 SB 268 Amends Definition of "Person" for Assault and Homicide Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
4/23 SF 878 Authorizes Gun Silencers and Expands Ex-Felon Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 22)

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