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 2, 2021 AL SB 10 Prohibits Gender Change Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 4)
March 1, 2021 MT SB 220 Increases Penalties for Assaulting a Peace or Judicial Officer Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
March 1, 2021 WA SB 5164 Authorizes Resentencing of Certain Individuals Charged With Robbery Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
March 1, 2021 NC SB 43 Establishes Churches With Schools Have the Right to Bear Arms Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
March 1, 2021 NC SB 43 Establishes Churches With Schools Have the Right to Bear Arms Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
March 1, 2021 MT SB 215 Limits State and Local Governmental Authority Over a Religious Activity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
March 1, 2021 MT SB 215 Limits State and Local Governmental Authority Over a Religious Activity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
March 1, 2021 TN SB 228 Requires Transgender Student Athletes Play Against Those of Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA HB 2004 Requires Releasing Records From Closed Criminal Investigations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 15)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA HB 1909 Establishes Gun-Free Zones on School Board Property Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA HJ 555 Extends Voting Rights to Citizens on Parole Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA SJ 272 Amends the Qualifications to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
Feb. 25, 2021 WA SB 5051 Expands the Role of the State's Law Enforcement Oversight Agency Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 19)
Feb. 25, 2021 WA SB 5038 Prohibits Open Carry Near the State Capitol or Public Demonstrations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
Feb. 24, 2021 NY S 830 Extends Voting Rights to Convicted Felons on Parole Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
Feb. 24, 2021 AK SB 70 Extends Access to Naloxone Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 0)
Feb. 24, 2021 NY S 830 Extends Voting Rights to Convicted Felons on Parole Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
Feb. 23, 2021 IN SB 200 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Appoint a Special Prosecutor for Crimes County Prosecutors Decide not to Charge Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Feb. 23, 2021 MT SB 99 Establishes Parameters for K-12 Sexual Education Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
Feb. 23, 2021 MO SB 51 Establishes Protections for Various Organizations from COVID-19 Related Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
Feb. 23, 2021 IN SB 69 Increases Penalties for School Bus Stop Arm Violations Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
Feb. 23, 2021 AZ SB 1294 Authorizes Job Applicants Nondisclosure Status of Sealed Criminal Records Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
Feb. 22, 2021 WV SB 11 Prohibits Work Stoppages or Strikes by Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Feb. 22, 2021 NJ S 3456 Rescinds Mandatory Minimum Terms of Imprisonment Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
Feb. 19, 2021 MD SB 218 Extends the Earned Income Tax Credit to Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
Feb. 18, 2021 VA HB 2081 Prohibits the Possession of Firearms Within 40 Feet of a Polling Place Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 17, 2021 WA SB 5140 Prohibits Hospital Policies that Restrict Necessary Miscarriage Treatment Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Feb. 16, 2021 IN SB 198 Increases Penalties for Attendees of "Riots" or "Unlawful Assemblies" Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
Feb. 16, 2021 IN SB 198 Increases Penalties for Attendees of "Riots" or "Unlawful Assemblies" Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
Feb. 15, 2021 VA HB 2128 Increases the Amount of Time for the State Department to Complete Firearm Background Checks Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
Feb. 11, 2021 MS SB 2536 Requires Transgender Student Athletes Play Against Those of Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9)
Feb. 10, 2021 NY S 13 Increases Penalties and Regulations for Guns Without Serial Numbers Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
Feb. 10, 2021 AR SB 289 Authorizes Denial of Healthcare on the Basis of Religious Principles Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
Feb. 10, 2021 AR SB 289 Authorizes Denial of Healthcare on the Basis of Religious Principles Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
Feb. 9, 2021 ND SB 2211 Authorizes the Use of Artificial Light While Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
Feb. 9, 2021 MS SB 2107 Prohibits Cities and Counties from Creating Rental Agreements that Restrict Firearm Access Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 16)
Feb. 9, 2021 KY SB 120 Authorizes Historical Horse Racing Machines Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
Feb. 9, 2021 KY SB 120 Authorizes Historical Horse Racing Machines Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
Feb. 5, 2021 VA SB 1339 Requires an Individual Petition a Court for Permission to have Their Criminal Records Sealed Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 3, 2021 MT HB 102 Authorizes Carrying Concealed Firearms in Public Settings Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
Feb. 3, 2021 WY HB 48 Limits Funding for Juvenile Justice Programs Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
Feb. 3, 2021 ND SB 2308 Authorizes Public Schools to Display the 10 Commandments in Classrooms Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
Feb. 3, 2021 VA SB 1165 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
Feb. 2, 2021 NY S 1351 Repeals Previous Law Prohibiting Loitering While Engaging in Sex Work Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
Feb. 1, 2021 VA SB 1387 Expands Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 28, 2021 DE SB 32 Prohibits Hair Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
Jan. 28, 2021 IA SJR 7 Authorizes Referendum as to Keeping and Bearing of Arms Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
Jan. 27, 2021 WA SB 5044 Requires Anti-Racism and Equity Training in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
Jan. 27, 2021 DE SCR 8 Classifies Gun Violence as a Public Health Crisis Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
Jan. 27, 2021 PA SB 87 Establishes a Task Force on Child Pornography Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 2)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/02 SB 10 Prohibits Gender Change Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 4)
3/01 SB 220 Increases Penalties for Assaulting a Peace or Judicial Officer Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
3/01 SB 5164 Authorizes Resentencing of Certain Individuals Charged With Robbery Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
3/01 SB 43 Establishes Churches With Schools Have the Right to Bear Arms Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
3/01 SB 43 Establishes Churches With Schools Have the Right to Bear Arms Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
3/01 SB 215 Limits State and Local Governmental Authority Over a Religious Activity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
3/01 SB 215 Limits State and Local Governmental Authority Over a Religious Activity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
3/01 SB 228 Requires Transgender Student Athletes Play Against Those of Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
2/27 HB 2004 Requires Releasing Records From Closed Criminal Investigations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 15)
2/27 HB 1909 Establishes Gun-Free Zones on School Board Property Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
2/27 HJ 555 Extends Voting Rights to Citizens on Parole Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 18)
2/27 SJ 272 Amends the Qualifications to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
2/25 SB 5051 Expands the Role of the State's Law Enforcement Oversight Agency Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 19)
2/25 SB 5038 Prohibits Open Carry Near the State Capitol or Public Demonstrations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
2/24 S 830 Extends Voting Rights to Convicted Felons on Parole Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
2/24 SB 70 Extends Access to Naloxone Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 0)
2/24 S 830 Extends Voting Rights to Convicted Felons on Parole Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
2/23 SB 200 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Appoint a Special Prosecutor for Crimes County Prosecutors Decide not to Charge Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
2/23 SB 99 Establishes Parameters for K-12 Sexual Education Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
2/23 SB 51 Establishes Protections for Various Organizations from COVID-19 Related Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
2/23 SB 69 Increases Penalties for School Bus Stop Arm Violations Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
2/23 SB 1294 Authorizes Job Applicants Nondisclosure Status of Sealed Criminal Records Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
2/22 SB 11 Prohibits Work Stoppages or Strikes by Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
2/22 S 3456 Rescinds Mandatory Minimum Terms of Imprisonment Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
2/19 SB 218 Extends the Earned Income Tax Credit to Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
2/18 HB 2081 Prohibits the Possession of Firearms Within 40 Feet of a Polling Place Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/17 SB 5140 Prohibits Hospital Policies that Restrict Necessary Miscarriage Treatment Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
2/16 SB 198 Increases Penalties for Attendees of "Riots" or "Unlawful Assemblies" Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
2/16 SB 198 Increases Penalties for Attendees of "Riots" or "Unlawful Assemblies" Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
2/15 HB 2128 Increases the Amount of Time for the State Department to Complete Firearm Background Checks Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
2/11 SB 2536 Requires Transgender Student Athletes Play Against Those of Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9)
2/10 S 13 Increases Penalties and Regulations for Guns Without Serial Numbers Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
2/10 SB 289 Authorizes Denial of Healthcare on the Basis of Religious Principles Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
2/10 SB 289 Authorizes Denial of Healthcare on the Basis of Religious Principles Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
2/09 SB 2211 Authorizes the Use of Artificial Light While Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
2/09 SB 2107 Prohibits Cities and Counties from Creating Rental Agreements that Restrict Firearm Access Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 16)
2/09 SB 120 Authorizes Historical Horse Racing Machines Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
2/09 SB 120 Authorizes Historical Horse Racing Machines Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
2/05 SB 1339 Requires an Individual Petition a Court for Permission to have Their Criminal Records Sealed Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/03 HB 102 Authorizes Carrying Concealed Firearms in Public Settings Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
2/03 HB 48 Limits Funding for Juvenile Justice Programs Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
2/03 SB 2308 Authorizes Public Schools to Display the 10 Commandments in Classrooms Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
2/03 SB 1165 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
2/02 S 1351 Repeals Previous Law Prohibiting Loitering While Engaging in Sex Work Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
2/01 SB 1387 Expands Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/28 SB 32 Prohibits Hair Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
1/28 SJR 7 Authorizes Referendum as to Keeping and Bearing of Arms Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
1/27 SB 5044 Requires Anti-Racism and Equity Training in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
1/27 SCR 8 Classifies Gun Violence as a Public Health Crisis Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
1/27 SB 87 Establishes a Task Force on Child Pornography Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 2)

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