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.


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Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
June 25, 2026 CA AB 2655 Limits the Use of Campaign Funds for Security Purposes Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
Nov. 19, 2025 WI AB 385 Requires Verification of Security Code and Billing Address for a Political Entity to Accept an Online Donation Via Credit Card Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
Sept. 9, 2025 MI HB 4602 Prohibits the Secretary of State From Restricting Local Election Clerks From Using Any Lawful Source for Testing Voting Machines Bill Passed - House (63 - 41)
Sept. 4, 2025 TX HB 18 (Special Session) Prohibits Lawmakers From Accepting Campaign Donations While Absent From an Ongoing Legislative Session Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 8)
Sept. 2, 2025 TX HB 18 (Special Session) Prohibits Lawmakers From Accepting Campaign Donations While Absent From an Ongoing Legislative Session Bill Passed - House (86 - 46)
July 30, 2025 TX SB 12 (Special Session) Prohibit Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
May 20, 2025 ME LD 1576 Prohibits Legislative Staff from Lobbying for at Least a Year after Leaving Their Positions "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (115 - 28)
May 12, 2025 AK SB 64 Limits State Politicians' Ability to Accept Campaign Donations (Senate Version) Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
April 28, 2025 AK HB 16 Limits State Politicians' Ability to Accept Campaign Donations Bill Passed - House (22 - 18)
April 16, 2025 AZ SB 1612 Requires Companies that Seek State Contracts or Grants to Disclose "Anything of Value" They Have Provided to the Governor, a Gubernatorial Campaign, or Other Entities Bill Passed - House (31 - 25)
April 12, 2025 MT HB 818 Prohibits Most Foreign Contributions to Ballot Initiative Organizations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
April 10, 2025 OR SB 224 Establishes Privacy Protections for Campaign Committee Addresses Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
April 4, 2025 MT HB 201 Requires Signature Gatherers to Disclose to Individuals They Approach Their First Name and the State Where they Legally Reside Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 22)
April 1, 2025 MT HB 201 Requires Signature Gatherers to Disclose to Individuals They Approach Their First Name and the State Where they Legally Reside Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 42)
March 31, 2025 AR HB 1574 Amends Current Arkansas Laws Regarding Paid Canvassers Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
March 27, 2025 KS HB 2054 Increases the Amount Individuals and Organizations Can Donate to Political Candidates Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 14)
March 27, 2025 KS HB 2054 Increases the Amount Individuals and Organizations Can Donate to Political Candidates Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 52)
March 24, 2025 KS HB 2206 Amends and Renames it the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 44)
March 20, 2025 KS HB 2206 Amends and Renames it the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
March 19, 2025 TX SB 19 Prohibits Texas Public Tax Funds from Being Used in Lobbying or Other Activities Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
March 17, 2025 KS SB 5 Prohibits Use of Funds Provided by Congress for Elections and Election-Related Activities Unless Approved by the Legislature Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
March 17, 2025 AR HB 1574 Amends Current Arkansas Laws Regarding Paid Canvassers Bill Passed - House (75 - 16)
March 14, 2025 KY HB 45 Prohibits Foreign Donors and Entities from Donating to Campaigns for Ballot Measures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (77 - 12)
March 13, 2025 KS SB 5 Prohibits Use of Funds Provided by Congress for Elections and Election-Related Activities Unless Approved by the Legislature Bill Passed - House (86 - 37)
March 11, 2025 KY HB 45 Prohibits Foreign Donors and Entities from Donating to Campaigns for Ballot Measures Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
March 7, 2025 MT HB 818 Prohibits Most Foreign Contributions to Ballot Initiative Organizations Bill Passed - House (57 - 42)
Feb. 27, 2025 AZ SB 1612 Requires Companies that Seek State Contracts or Grants to Disclose "Anything of Value" They Have Provided to the Governor, a Gubernatorial Campaign, or Other Entities Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
Feb. 14, 2025 KS HB 2106 Prohibits Contributions to Support or Defeat a Constitutional Amendment Referendum from Foreign Nationals Bill Passed - House (94 - 25)
Feb. 12, 2025 WY HB 337 Prohibits Political Groups Including PACS and Organizations Influencing State Policy from Allowing Foreign Nationals to Fund or Participate in the Initiative Bill Passed - House (58 - 2)
Feb. 12, 2025 KY HB 45 Prohibits Foreign Donors and Entities from Donating to Campaigns for Ballot Measures Bill Passed - House (85 - 12)
Feb. 5, 2025 SD SB 12 Repeals a Campaign Finance Loophole that Authorized Unlimited Funds Into a Campaign Bill Passed - House (38 - 29)
Feb. 4, 2025 VA HB 2165 Prohibits the Use of Campaign Funds for Personal Expenses Bill Passed - House (99 - 0)
Feb. 4, 2025 VA SB 1002 Prohibits the Use of Campaign Funds for Personal Expenses Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 4)
Jan. 30, 2025 NJ A 5117 Increases the Signature Threshold for State Office-Seekers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 26)
Jan. 30, 2025 NJ A 5117 Increases the Signature Threshold for State Office-Seekers Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
Jan. 23, 2025 SD SB 12 Repeals a Campaign Finance Loophole that Authorized Unlimited Funds Into a Campaign Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
Dec. 18, 2024 OH HB 74 Amends Various State Election Laws and Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 28)
Dec. 11, 2024 OH HB 74 Amends Various State Election Laws and Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
Dec. 2, 2024 NC HB 151 Authorizes a Joint Resolution Establishing Term Limits for Congress Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Sept. 17, 2024 MI SB 402 Establishes a Voting and Elections Database and Institute Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
Sept. 17, 2024 MI SB 401 Prohibits Any Action by Election Officials that Creates a Supposed Disparity in Voter Participation or Access Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
Sept. 17, 2024 MI SB 404 Requires Clerks Provide the Secretary of State with Additional Information on Changes to Election Methods Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
Sept. 17, 2024 MI SB 403 Requires Clerks Print Election Materials in Languages Other Than English Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
Aug. 27, 2024 CA AB 1807 Amends Certain Sections of the Elections Code Relating to Elections Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
July 1, 2024 PA HB 2433 Prohibits Foreign-Influenced Corporations from Influencing Elections Bill Passed - House (126 - 76)
June 15, 2024 AZ HCR 2056 Prohibits Elections Officials from Receiving Funding from Foreign Governments Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (15 - 14)
May 31, 2024 OH HB 1 Prohibits Foreign Nationals from Contributing Money Directly or Indirectly to State Ballot Initiatives Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
May 30, 2024 OH HB 1 Prohibits Foreign Nationals from Contributing Money Directly or Indirectly to State Ballot Initiatives Bill Passed - House (63 - 31)
May 28, 2024 NY S 5943 Amends the Order in Which Candidates Appear on State and Federal Ballots Bill Passed - House (96 - 48)
May 21, 2024 CA AB 1807 Amends Certain Sections of the Elections Code Relating to Elections Bill Passed - House (58 - 13)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/25 AB 2655 Limits the Use of Campaign Funds for Security Purposes Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
11/19 AB 385 Requires Verification of Security Code and Billing Address for a Political Entity to Accept an Online Donation Via Credit Card Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
9/09 HB 4602 Prohibits the Secretary of State From Restricting Local Election Clerks From Using Any Lawful Source for Testing Voting Machines Bill Passed - House (63 - 41)
9/04 HB 18 (Special Session) Prohibits Lawmakers From Accepting Campaign Donations While Absent From an Ongoing Legislative Session Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 8)
9/02 HB 18 (Special Session) Prohibits Lawmakers From Accepting Campaign Donations While Absent From an Ongoing Legislative Session Bill Passed - House (86 - 46)
7/30 SB 12 (Special Session) Prohibit Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
5/20 LD 1576 Prohibits Legislative Staff from Lobbying for at Least a Year after Leaving Their Positions "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (115 - 28)
5/12 SB 64 Limits State Politicians' Ability to Accept Campaign Donations (Senate Version) Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
4/28 HB 16 Limits State Politicians' Ability to Accept Campaign Donations Bill Passed - House (22 - 18)
4/16 SB 1612 Requires Companies that Seek State Contracts or Grants to Disclose "Anything of Value" They Have Provided to the Governor, a Gubernatorial Campaign, or Other Entities Bill Passed - House (31 - 25)
4/12 HB 818 Prohibits Most Foreign Contributions to Ballot Initiative Organizations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
4/10 SB 224 Establishes Privacy Protections for Campaign Committee Addresses Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
4/04 HB 201 Requires Signature Gatherers to Disclose to Individuals They Approach Their First Name and the State Where they Legally Reside Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 22)
4/01 HB 201 Requires Signature Gatherers to Disclose to Individuals They Approach Their First Name and the State Where they Legally Reside Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 42)
3/31 HB 1574 Amends Current Arkansas Laws Regarding Paid Canvassers Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
3/27 HB 2054 Increases the Amount Individuals and Organizations Can Donate to Political Candidates Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 14)
3/27 HB 2054 Increases the Amount Individuals and Organizations Can Donate to Political Candidates Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 52)
3/24 HB 2206 Amends and Renames it the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 44)
3/20 HB 2206 Amends and Renames it the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
3/19 SB 19 Prohibits Texas Public Tax Funds from Being Used in Lobbying or Other Activities Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
3/17 SB 5 Prohibits Use of Funds Provided by Congress for Elections and Election-Related Activities Unless Approved by the Legislature Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
3/17 HB 1574 Amends Current Arkansas Laws Regarding Paid Canvassers Bill Passed - House (75 - 16)
3/14 HB 45 Prohibits Foreign Donors and Entities from Donating to Campaigns for Ballot Measures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (77 - 12)
3/13 SB 5 Prohibits Use of Funds Provided by Congress for Elections and Election-Related Activities Unless Approved by the Legislature Bill Passed - House (86 - 37)
3/11 HB 45 Prohibits Foreign Donors and Entities from Donating to Campaigns for Ballot Measures Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
3/07 HB 818 Prohibits Most Foreign Contributions to Ballot Initiative Organizations Bill Passed - House (57 - 42)
2/27 SB 1612 Requires Companies that Seek State Contracts or Grants to Disclose "Anything of Value" They Have Provided to the Governor, a Gubernatorial Campaign, or Other Entities Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
2/14 HB 2106 Prohibits Contributions to Support or Defeat a Constitutional Amendment Referendum from Foreign Nationals Bill Passed - House (94 - 25)
2/12 HB 337 Prohibits Political Groups Including PACS and Organizations Influencing State Policy from Allowing Foreign Nationals to Fund or Participate in the Initiative Bill Passed - House (58 - 2)
2/12 HB 45 Prohibits Foreign Donors and Entities from Donating to Campaigns for Ballot Measures Bill Passed - House (85 - 12)
2/05 SB 12 Repeals a Campaign Finance Loophole that Authorized Unlimited Funds Into a Campaign Bill Passed - House (38 - 29)
2/04 HB 2165 Prohibits the Use of Campaign Funds for Personal Expenses Bill Passed - House (99 - 0)
2/04 SB 1002 Prohibits the Use of Campaign Funds for Personal Expenses Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 4)
1/30 A 5117 Increases the Signature Threshold for State Office-Seekers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 26)
1/30 A 5117 Increases the Signature Threshold for State Office-Seekers Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
1/23 SB 12 Repeals a Campaign Finance Loophole that Authorized Unlimited Funds Into a Campaign Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
12/18 HB 74 Amends Various State Election Laws and Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 28)
12/11 HB 74 Amends Various State Election Laws and Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
12/02 HB 151 Authorizes a Joint Resolution Establishing Term Limits for Congress Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
9/17 SB 402 Establishes a Voting and Elections Database and Institute Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
9/17 SB 401 Prohibits Any Action by Election Officials that Creates a Supposed Disparity in Voter Participation or Access Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
9/17 SB 404 Requires Clerks Provide the Secretary of State with Additional Information on Changes to Election Methods Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
9/17 SB 403 Requires Clerks Print Election Materials in Languages Other Than English Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
8/27 AB 1807 Amends Certain Sections of the Elections Code Relating to Elections Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
7/01 HB 2433 Prohibits Foreign-Influenced Corporations from Influencing Elections Bill Passed - House (126 - 76)
6/15 HCR 2056 Prohibits Elections Officials from Receiving Funding from Foreign Governments Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (15 - 14)
5/31 HB 1 Prohibits Foreign Nationals from Contributing Money Directly or Indirectly to State Ballot Initiatives Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
5/30 HB 1 Prohibits Foreign Nationals from Contributing Money Directly or Indirectly to State Ballot Initiatives Bill Passed - House (63 - 31)
5/28 S 5943 Amends the Order in Which Candidates Appear on State and Federal Ballots Bill Passed - House (96 - 48)
5/21 AB 1807 Amends Certain Sections of the Elections Code Relating to Elections Bill Passed - House (58 - 13)

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