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
Jan. 28, 2025 MT HB 195 Increases the Non-Economic Damages Cap to $500,000 by 2029 Bill Passed - House (95 - 4)
Jan. 27, 2025 CO HB 25-1058 Amends the Process when an Individual Pleads Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity Bill Passed - House (56 - 6)
Jan. 14, 2025 NY A 693 Requires District Attorneys Give Crime Victims Information about the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's Victim Assistance Office Bill Passed - House (148 - 1)
Dec. 19, 2024 NJ A 4603 Authorizes Commercial Farmers to be Awarded Legal Fees for Defending Against Bad Faith Complaints Bill Passed - House (73 - 0)
Dec. 13, 2024 MI HB 5302 Repeals Name Change Barriers on Personal Identification Cards Bill Passed - House (56 - 0)
Dec. 11, 2024 MI HB 5743 Authorizes Immunity for Individuals Rendering Emergency Services Who Apply Bleeding Control Bill Passed - House (105 - 4)
Dec. 11, 2024 MI HB 5742 Amends the State Good Samaritan Law to Add Bleeding Control Measures Bill Passed - House (99 - 10)
Dec. 10, 2024 OH SB 63 Requires Individuals that Have Been Exposed to Asbestos to File Specific Types of Disclosures Bill Passed - House (74 - 16)
Aug. 31, 2024 CA AB 1836 Establishes New Regulations and Civil Liabilities for Unauthorized Usage of Deceased Person's Likeness Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 8)
Aug. 28, 2024 CA AB 3283 Limits Claimants Ability to Claim Exemption for Certain Civil Judgments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 15)
Aug. 26, 2024 CA AB 3234 Requires Clear and Conspicuous Posting of Findings of Voluntary Social Compliance Audit Concurrence Vote Passed - House (77 - 0)
July 23, 2024 National S 3706 Victims' VOICES Act Bill Passed - House (408 - 2)
July 23, 2024 National S 227 Improving Access to Our Courts Act Bill Passed - House (404 - 3)
July 22, 2024 National HR 1631 Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes (Pro Codes) Act Bill Failed - House (248 - 127)
July 9, 2024 PA HB 2473 Amends the Pennsylvania Election Code and Outlines the Process for Appeals to the Court and County Board Membership Bill Passed - House (105 - 97)
June 27, 2024 MI HB 4485 Amends Criminal Procedures for Indictments to be Filed Within 15 Years of a Crime or by the Victim's 42nd Birthday Bill Passed - House (57 - 53)
June 13, 2024 RI S 2704 Authorizes the Legal Sale of Kratom Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 20)
June 12, 2024 National H Res 1292 Recommending that the House of Representatives find United States Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in Contempt of Congress for Refusal to Comply with a Subpoena Duly Issued by the Committee on the Judiciary Resolution Passed - House (216 - 207)
June 11, 2024 RI S 2262 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion and Gender Affirming Care Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (50 - 14)
June 4, 2024 NY A 9232 Amends the Types of Damages that May be Awarded in Wrongful Death Suits Bill Passed - House (124 - 22)
May 30, 2024 OK SB 1424 Exempts Poultry Producers from Civil Suits if They are Following State Approved Waste Disposal Plans Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 27)
May 23, 2024 LA HB 423 Limits the Amount Awarded Over Medical Expenses to the Injured Party in a Car Accident Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 25)
May 23, 2024 LA SB 84 Specifies that if Final Amount Obtained by Plaintiff or Defendant is 25% in Favor of the Offering Party the Offering Party Must Pay Bill Passed - House (68 - 20)
May 23, 2024 CA AB 1990 Authorizes Warrantless arrests for Misdemeanor Shoplifiting Offenses Totaling Less Than $950 Bill Passed - House (44 - 1)
May 22, 2024 CA AB 3209 Authorizes Courts to Place Restraining Orders on Individuals that Commit Theft, Vandalism, or Battery in a Retail Store Bill Passed - House (68 - 1)
May 22, 2024 CA AB 1960 Increases Criminal Sentences for Destruction of Property in Organized Retail Theft Incidents for High Value Items Bill Passed - House (60 - 5)
May 21, 2024 CA AB 2930 Establishes Compliance Requirements for Entities that Use AI as a Substantial Factor in Making Consequential Decisions Bill Passed - House (50 - 14)
May 20, 2024 CA AB 3279 Requires the Committee of Bar Examiners to be Responsible for the Approval of Uncredited Law Schools that Offer a Juris Doctor Degree Bill Passed - House (55 - 14)
May 18, 2024 MN HF 5216 Appropriates Funding for Public Safety and Judiciary and Civil Law Supplemental Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (107 - 19)
May 16, 2024 National HR 354 LEOSA Reform Act Bill Passed - House (221 - 185)
May 7, 2024 MN HF 5216 Appropriates Funding for Public Safety and Judiciary and Civil Law Supplemental Budget Bill Passed - House (71 - 57)
May 1, 2024 HI SB 2557 Authorizes a Court to Appoint an Attorney for the Subject of a Petition for Assisted Community Treatment Conference Report Adopted - House (45 - 6)
April 5, 2024 MD HB 832 Defines "Damages" or "Losses" in Statutory Causes of Action to Protect Civil Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - House (102 - 30)
March 9, 2024 WV SB 850 Rescinds Commercial Tort Claims from Exclusion from Litigation Financing Bill Passed - House (87 - 11)
March 5, 2024 WA HB 1652 Reduces State Seizures of Child Support Payments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (92 - 4)
March 5, 2024 OR SB 1580 Prohibits Employer Falsifying of Payroll Report Records Bill Passed - House (49 - 2)
March 5, 2024 GA SB 332 Establishes a Commission to Investigate Complaints Against Prosecutors Bill Passed - House (97 - 73)
Feb. 29, 2024 LA HB 2 Authorizes Immunity for Law Enforcement Under Most Circumstances Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 27)
Feb. 16, 2024 UT HB 272 Increases Protections for Minors in Child Custody Judicial Proceedings Bill Passed - House (59 - 8)
Feb. 8, 2024 SD HB 1057 Establishes a Statewide Public Defender Office Bill Passed - House (60 - 4)
Feb. 8, 2024 SD HB 1203 Requires Entities Using Eminent Domain to Cover Certain Legal Costs for Landowners Bill Passed - House (61 - 3)
Feb. 6, 2024 WA HB 1579 Establishes State Prosecution Office with the Authority to Charge Police for Deadly Use of Force Bill Passed - House (53 - 44)
Dec. 13, 2023 PA SB 140 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Appoint a Special Prosecutor for South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Crimes Bill Passed - House (159 - 44)
Oct. 4, 2023 PA HB 27 Appropriates Funding for State K-12 Public Education System Concurrence Vote Passed - House (106 - 97)
Oct. 4, 2023 PA HB 1300 Authorizes Funding for Home Repair Subsidies, Adult Mental Health Services, and Public Defenders Concurrence Vote Passed - House (121 - 82)
June 30, 2023 NJ S 3771 Repeals Fees for Public Defenders Services Bill Passed - House (46 - 29)
June 30, 2023 NJ S 3772 Extends Public Defender Representation to Those Seeking Parole Revocation Bill Passed - House (45 - 31)
June 21, 2023 OR SB 337 Establishes the Oregon Public Defense Commission within Judicial Branch Bill Passed - House (34 - 16)
June 21, 2023 OH HB 122 Establishes Increased Protections for Guardian ad Litems and Court Appointed Special Advocates Bill Passed - House (64 - 28)
June 15, 2023 RI S 912 Authorizes Residential Eviction Court Files to be Sealed Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 18)
June 14, 2023 OH SB 21 Restructures Where Individuals can Contest State Agency Orders Bill Passed - House (68 - 27)
June 12, 2023 PA HB 1085 Appropriates Funding for the State Public Defenders Office Bill Passed - House (132 - 71)
June 8, 2023 LA SB 159 Amends Previous Law to Automatically Classify 17-Year-Old Defendants as Adults Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 34)
June 7, 2023 SC S 96 Prohibits a Person from Operating Certain Watercraft Without Possessing a Boating Safety Certificate Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 7)
June 6, 2023 LA HB 91 Authorizes Restitution to Victims of Vehicular Homicide Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 16)
June 1, 2023 LA SB 196 Increases Financial Transparency Requirements in Litigation Bill Passed - House (55 - 28)
May 26, 2023 NV AB 404 Authorizes Caps for Medical Malpractice Lawsuits to Increase Bill Passed - House (24 - 17)
May 6, 2023 CO SB 23-277 Expands Public Safety Programs and Extends Existing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (48 - 17)
May 3, 2023 FL SB 170 Amends Laws Concerning Local Ordinances and Legal Suits Bill Passed - House (82 - 33)
May 3, 2023 IA SF 563 Appropriates Funding for State Judicial Spending and Requires Courts Obtain Consent of Non-Contract Attorneys Bill Passed - House (60 - 33)
May 3, 2023 NC HB 116 Establishes Various Provisions for State District Attorney's Offices Bill Passed - House (110 - 7)
May 3, 2023 CT HB 6639 Requires Timely Scheduling of Temporary Financial Support Hearings in Divorce Proceedings Bill Passed - House (143 - 0)
May 2, 2023 MT HB 423 Amends and Authorizes Compensation Received by Individuals Wrongfully Convicted Amendment Adopted - House (87 - 8)
April 14, 2023 WA HB 1340 Prohibits Medical Licensing Boards from Retaliating Against Clinicians for Providing Reproductive Health Services and Gender-Affirming Care Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 39)
April 13, 2023 OR HB 2929 Authorizes the Water Resources Department to Seek Injunctive Relief Against Violators or Attempted Violators of State Water Laws Bill Passed - House (31 - 20)
April 6, 2023 MD SB 290 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Prosecute Law Enforcement Officers Involved in Incidents Resulting in Death Bill Passed - House (99 - 37)
April 6, 2023 MD SB 5 Authorizes Victims of Hate Crimes to Bring Civil Lawsuits Against Those Who Committed the Act Bill Passed - House (106 - 31)
April 5, 2023 AZ SB 1021 Requires the Arizona Attorney General Defend the Constitutionality of Any Bill Signed into Law Bill Passed - House (31 - 27)
April 4, 2023 OR HB 3243 Authorizes Auto Repair Facilities to Sue on Behalf of Their Customers Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
April 3, 2023 OR HB 3242 Authorizes Policyholders to Recover Actual Damages from Unfair Claim Settlement Practices Bill Passed - House (34 - 25)
March 27, 2023 GA SB 92 Establishes Provisions Regarding Prosecuting Attorneys Bill Passed - House (97 - 77)
March 24, 2023 WA SB 5028 Amends Process for Legal Name Change Bill Passed - House (64 - 32)
March 20, 2023 CO SB 23-1196 Authorizes Individuals to Seek Legal Remedies for Breaches of the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act of 1971 Bill Passed - House (44 - 18)
March 20, 2023 CO HB 23-1186 Authorizes Remote Participation in County Court Residential Eviction Filings Bill Passed - House (44 - 18)
March 17, 2023 HI SB 1 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (43 - 7)
Date No. Title Outcome
1/28 HB 195 Increases the Non-Economic Damages Cap to $500,000 by 2029 Bill Passed - House (95 - 4)
1/27 HB 25-1058 Amends the Process when an Individual Pleads Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity Bill Passed - House (56 - 6)
1/14 A 693 Requires District Attorneys Give Crime Victims Information about the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's Victim Assistance Office Bill Passed - House (148 - 1)
12/19 A 4603 Authorizes Commercial Farmers to be Awarded Legal Fees for Defending Against Bad Faith Complaints Bill Passed - House (73 - 0)
12/13 HB 5302 Repeals Name Change Barriers on Personal Identification Cards Bill Passed - House (56 - 0)
12/11 HB 5743 Authorizes Immunity for Individuals Rendering Emergency Services Who Apply Bleeding Control Bill Passed - House (105 - 4)
12/11 HB 5742 Amends the State Good Samaritan Law to Add Bleeding Control Measures Bill Passed - House (99 - 10)
12/10 SB 63 Requires Individuals that Have Been Exposed to Asbestos to File Specific Types of Disclosures Bill Passed - House (74 - 16)
8/31 AB 1836 Establishes New Regulations and Civil Liabilities for Unauthorized Usage of Deceased Person's Likeness Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 8)
8/28 AB 3283 Limits Claimants Ability to Claim Exemption for Certain Civil Judgments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 15)
8/26 AB 3234 Requires Clear and Conspicuous Posting of Findings of Voluntary Social Compliance Audit Concurrence Vote Passed - House (77 - 0)
7/23 S 3706 Victims' VOICES Act Bill Passed - House (408 - 2)
7/23 S 227 Improving Access to Our Courts Act Bill Passed - House (404 - 3)
7/22 HR 1631 Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes (Pro Codes) Act Bill Failed - House (248 - 127)
7/09 HB 2473 Amends the Pennsylvania Election Code and Outlines the Process for Appeals to the Court and County Board Membership Bill Passed - House (105 - 97)
6/27 HB 4485 Amends Criminal Procedures for Indictments to be Filed Within 15 Years of a Crime or by the Victim's 42nd Birthday Bill Passed - House (57 - 53)
6/13 S 2704 Authorizes the Legal Sale of Kratom Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 20)
6/12 H Res 1292 Recommending that the House of Representatives find United States Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in Contempt of Congress for Refusal to Comply with a Subpoena Duly Issued by the Committee on the Judiciary Resolution Passed - House (216 - 207)
6/11 S 2262 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion and Gender Affirming Care Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (50 - 14)
6/04 A 9232 Amends the Types of Damages that May be Awarded in Wrongful Death Suits Bill Passed - House (124 - 22)
5/30 SB 1424 Exempts Poultry Producers from Civil Suits if They are Following State Approved Waste Disposal Plans Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 27)
5/23 HB 423 Limits the Amount Awarded Over Medical Expenses to the Injured Party in a Car Accident Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 25)
5/23 SB 84 Specifies that if Final Amount Obtained by Plaintiff or Defendant is 25% in Favor of the Offering Party the Offering Party Must Pay Bill Passed - House (68 - 20)
5/23 AB 1990 Authorizes Warrantless arrests for Misdemeanor Shoplifiting Offenses Totaling Less Than $950 Bill Passed - House (44 - 1)
5/22 AB 3209 Authorizes Courts to Place Restraining Orders on Individuals that Commit Theft, Vandalism, or Battery in a Retail Store Bill Passed - House (68 - 1)
5/22 AB 1960 Increases Criminal Sentences for Destruction of Property in Organized Retail Theft Incidents for High Value Items Bill Passed - House (60 - 5)
5/21 AB 2930 Establishes Compliance Requirements for Entities that Use AI as a Substantial Factor in Making Consequential Decisions Bill Passed - House (50 - 14)
5/20 AB 3279 Requires the Committee of Bar Examiners to be Responsible for the Approval of Uncredited Law Schools that Offer a Juris Doctor Degree Bill Passed - House (55 - 14)
5/18 HF 5216 Appropriates Funding for Public Safety and Judiciary and Civil Law Supplemental Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (107 - 19)
5/16 HR 354 LEOSA Reform Act Bill Passed - House (221 - 185)
5/07 HF 5216 Appropriates Funding for Public Safety and Judiciary and Civil Law Supplemental Budget Bill Passed - House (71 - 57)
5/01 SB 2557 Authorizes a Court to Appoint an Attorney for the Subject of a Petition for Assisted Community Treatment Conference Report Adopted - House (45 - 6)
4/05 HB 832 Defines "Damages" or "Losses" in Statutory Causes of Action to Protect Civil Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - House (102 - 30)
3/09 SB 850 Rescinds Commercial Tort Claims from Exclusion from Litigation Financing Bill Passed - House (87 - 11)
3/05 HB 1652 Reduces State Seizures of Child Support Payments Concurrence Vote Passed - House (92 - 4)
3/05 SB 1580 Prohibits Employer Falsifying of Payroll Report Records Bill Passed - House (49 - 2)
3/05 SB 332 Establishes a Commission to Investigate Complaints Against Prosecutors Bill Passed - House (97 - 73)
2/29 HB 2 Authorizes Immunity for Law Enforcement Under Most Circumstances Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 27)
2/16 HB 272 Increases Protections for Minors in Child Custody Judicial Proceedings Bill Passed - House (59 - 8)
2/08 HB 1057 Establishes a Statewide Public Defender Office Bill Passed - House (60 - 4)
2/08 HB 1203 Requires Entities Using Eminent Domain to Cover Certain Legal Costs for Landowners Bill Passed - House (61 - 3)
2/06 HB 1579 Establishes State Prosecution Office with the Authority to Charge Police for Deadly Use of Force Bill Passed - House (53 - 44)
12/13 SB 140 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Appoint a Special Prosecutor for South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Crimes Bill Passed - House (159 - 44)
10/04 HB 27 Appropriates Funding for State K-12 Public Education System Concurrence Vote Passed - House (106 - 97)
10/04 HB 1300 Authorizes Funding for Home Repair Subsidies, Adult Mental Health Services, and Public Defenders Concurrence Vote Passed - House (121 - 82)
6/30 S 3771 Repeals Fees for Public Defenders Services Bill Passed - House (46 - 29)
6/30 S 3772 Extends Public Defender Representation to Those Seeking Parole Revocation Bill Passed - House (45 - 31)
6/21 SB 337 Establishes the Oregon Public Defense Commission within Judicial Branch Bill Passed - House (34 - 16)
6/21 HB 122 Establishes Increased Protections for Guardian ad Litems and Court Appointed Special Advocates Bill Passed - House (64 - 28)
6/15 S 912 Authorizes Residential Eviction Court Files to be Sealed Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 18)
6/14 SB 21 Restructures Where Individuals can Contest State Agency Orders Bill Passed - House (68 - 27)
6/12 HB 1085 Appropriates Funding for the State Public Defenders Office Bill Passed - House (132 - 71)
6/08 SB 159 Amends Previous Law to Automatically Classify 17-Year-Old Defendants as Adults Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 34)
6/07 S 96 Prohibits a Person from Operating Certain Watercraft Without Possessing a Boating Safety Certificate Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 7)
6/06 HB 91 Authorizes Restitution to Victims of Vehicular Homicide Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 16)
6/01 SB 196 Increases Financial Transparency Requirements in Litigation Bill Passed - House (55 - 28)
5/26 AB 404 Authorizes Caps for Medical Malpractice Lawsuits to Increase Bill Passed - House (24 - 17)
5/06 SB 23-277 Expands Public Safety Programs and Extends Existing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (48 - 17)
5/03 SB 170 Amends Laws Concerning Local Ordinances and Legal Suits Bill Passed - House (82 - 33)
5/03 SF 563 Appropriates Funding for State Judicial Spending and Requires Courts Obtain Consent of Non-Contract Attorneys Bill Passed - House (60 - 33)
5/03 HB 116 Establishes Various Provisions for State District Attorney's Offices Bill Passed - House (110 - 7)
5/03 HB 6639 Requires Timely Scheduling of Temporary Financial Support Hearings in Divorce Proceedings Bill Passed - House (143 - 0)
5/02 HB 423 Amends and Authorizes Compensation Received by Individuals Wrongfully Convicted Amendment Adopted - House (87 - 8)
4/14 HB 1340 Prohibits Medical Licensing Boards from Retaliating Against Clinicians for Providing Reproductive Health Services and Gender-Affirming Care Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 39)
4/13 HB 2929 Authorizes the Water Resources Department to Seek Injunctive Relief Against Violators or Attempted Violators of State Water Laws Bill Passed - House (31 - 20)
4/06 SB 290 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Prosecute Law Enforcement Officers Involved in Incidents Resulting in Death Bill Passed - House (99 - 37)
4/06 SB 5 Authorizes Victims of Hate Crimes to Bring Civil Lawsuits Against Those Who Committed the Act Bill Passed - House (106 - 31)
4/05 SB 1021 Requires the Arizona Attorney General Defend the Constitutionality of Any Bill Signed into Law Bill Passed - House (31 - 27)
4/04 HB 3243 Authorizes Auto Repair Facilities to Sue on Behalf of Their Customers Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
4/03 HB 3242 Authorizes Policyholders to Recover Actual Damages from Unfair Claim Settlement Practices Bill Passed - House (34 - 25)
3/27 SB 92 Establishes Provisions Regarding Prosecuting Attorneys Bill Passed - House (97 - 77)
3/24 SB 5028 Amends Process for Legal Name Change Bill Passed - House (64 - 32)
3/20 SB 23-1196 Authorizes Individuals to Seek Legal Remedies for Breaches of the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act of 1971 Bill Passed - House (44 - 18)
3/20 HB 23-1186 Authorizes Remote Participation in County Court Residential Eviction Filings Bill Passed - House (44 - 18)
3/17 SB 1 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (43 - 7)

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