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
April 1, 2015 TN HB 995 Authorizes Firearms in Public Parks Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
March 31, 2015 MS SB 2804 Authorizes Dismissal of Department of Corrections Employees Conference Report Adopted - House (62 - 58)
March 30, 2015 TN HB 995 Authorizes Firearms in Public Parks Bill Passed - House (65 - 21)
March 27, 2015 GA SB 134 Amends Speeding Fine Revenue Reporting Bill Passed - House (104 - 54)
March 27, 2015 National S Con Res 11 An Original Concurrent Resolution Setting Forth the Congressional Budget for the United States Government for Fiscal Year 2016 and Setting Forth the Appropriate Budgetary Levels for Fiscal Years 2017 Through 2025 Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (52 - 46)
March 26, 2015 AZ SB 1094 Prohibits "Aggressive" Solicitation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
March 26, 2015 NJ S 2791 Environmental Protection Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (43 - 30)
March 25, 2015 KS SB 45 Authorizes Concealed Firearms Without a License Bill Passed - House (85 - 39)
March 25, 2015 CO SB 86 Repeals Background Check Requirement for Firearm Transfers Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
March 24, 2015 AZ SB 1445 Prohibits Identification of Certain Police Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
March 24, 2015 AZ SB 1145 Requires Reimbursement to the Department of Health Services for Return to Competency Treatment Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate
March 24, 2015 AZ SB 1094 Prohibits "Aggressive" Solicitation Bill Passed - House (33 - 24)
March 24, 2015 FL SB 290 Authorizes Concealed Carry During Emergency Evacuations Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
March 23, 2015 TN SB 1058 Prohibits the Termination of Employees for Storing Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (78 - 14)
March 23, 2015 TN SB 1058 Prohibits the Termination of Employees for Storing Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
March 23, 2015 MD HB 121 Amends Mandatory Sentences for Certain Drug Offenses Bill Passed - House (85 - 55)
March 23, 2015 MD HB 121 Amends Mandatory Sentences for Certain Drug Offenses Bill Passed - House (85 - 55)
March 20, 2015 ND HB 1195 Authorizes Concealed Firearms in Schools Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 28)
March 19, 2015 TX SB 11 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
March 19, 2015 MD HB 124 Authorizes Expungement of Certain Crimes Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
March 19, 2015 MD HB 124 Authorizes Expungement of Certain Crimes Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
March 17, 2015 TX SB 17 Authorizes Open Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
March 17, 2015 ID S 1095 Establishes 5-Tier Sexual Offender Registry Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
March 16, 2015 ID S 1092 Prohibits Local Knife Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
March 16, 2015 MD SB 340 Expands Voting Rights of Convicted Felons Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
March 16, 2015 MD SB 340 Expands Voting Rights of Convicted Felons Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
March 16, 2015 NJ S 2791 Environmental Protection Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
March 14, 2015 WV HB 2011 Amends Requirements for Workplace Injury Lawsuits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 33)
March 12, 2015 UT HB 454 Authorizes Construction of New State Prison Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 14)
March 12, 2015 WV SB 347 Repeals the Requirement of a License for Concealed Guns Bill Passed - House (71 - 29)
March 12, 2015 UT HB 454 Authorizes Construction of New State Prison Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
March 12, 2015 MT HB 298 Amends Concealed Weapons Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
March 12, 2015 MT HB 203 Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Federal Gun Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
March 12, 2015 AZ HB 2431 Establishes an Interstate Compact to Regulate Firearm Transfers Bill Passed - House (34 - 24)
March 12, 2015 NH SB 40 Amends Definition of "Another" for Certain Criminal Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 11)
March 12, 2015 AZ HB 2320 Authorizes Individuals to Carry Concealed Weapons in Public Buildings Bill Passed - House
March 12, 2015 NH HB 403 Repeals Buffer Zone Around Abortion Clinics Bill Passed - House (170 - 159)
March 11, 2015 AZ SB 1330 Prohibits State Employees from Enforcing Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
March 11, 2015 AL HB 18 Authorizes Execution by Electrocution Bill Passed - House (76 - 26)
March 10, 2015 UT HB 11 Authorizes Execution by Firing Squad Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
March 9, 2015 AR HB 1282 Amends DWI Charges Bill Passed - House (52 - 30)
March 9, 2015 UT SB 256 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
March 5, 2015 AZ SB 1222 Prohibits Plea Agreements for Individuals Deported During Trial Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
March 5, 2015 IL HB 1336 Establishes Immunity from Underage Drinking Charges for Certain Individuals Bill Passed - House (69 - 39)
March 3, 2015 OR HB 2700 Requires Redistribution of Unclaimed Damages from Class Action Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
March 3, 2015 AZ HB 2662 Reduces Penalty for Certain Speeding Violations Bill Passed - House (40 - 20)
Feb. 27, 2015 National S J Res 35 Making Further Continuing Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015 Bill Failed - House (203 - 224)
Feb. 26, 2015 MI SB 34 Amends Concealed Carry Licensing Procedures Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
Feb. 26, 2015 WY HB 144 Establishes a School Safety Tip Line Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
Feb. 26, 2015 KS SB 45 Authorizes Concealed Firearms Without a License Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
Feb. 25, 2015 MI SB 34 Amends Concealed Carry Licensing Procedures Bill Passed - House (76 - 34)
Feb. 24, 2015 AZ HB 2509 Amends Aggravated Assault Classifications Bill Passed - House (37 - 23)
Feb. 24, 2015 IA SF 219 Reduces Penalties for Possession of Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
Feb. 24, 2015 ND HB 1157 Authorizes Public Officials to Possess Firearms in Public Buildings Bill Failed - House (45 - 47)
Feb. 24, 2015 AZ HB 2509 Amends Aggravated Assault Classifications Bill Passed - House (37 - 23)
Feb. 23, 2015 WV HB 2002 Amends Liability Standards Conference Report Adopted - House (71 - 21)
Feb. 23, 2015 ND HB 1328 Prohibits the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Without a Warrant Bill Passed - House (74 - 19)
Feb. 23, 2015 ND HB 1328 Prohibits the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Without a Warrant Bill Passed - House (74 - 19)
Feb. 20, 2015 NV AB 125 Amends Provisions Relating to Constructional Defects Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 8)
Feb. 20, 2015 MT HB 200 Requires Drug Testing For Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)
Feb. 19, 2015 CO SB 32 Authorizes Concealed Handguns Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
Feb. 19, 2015 CO HB 1072 Amends Definition of Harassment Bill Passed - House (43 - 22)
Feb. 19, 2015 MO HB 30 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (118 - 37)
Feb. 19, 2015 MO HJR 1 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (118 - 39)
Feb. 19, 2015 MT HB 298 Amends Concealed Weapons Regulations Bill Passed - House (56 - 43)
Feb. 17, 2015 WV SB 6 Amends Existing Medical Malpractice Law Bill Passed - House (76 - 21)
Feb. 17, 2015 NV AB 125 Amends Provisions Relating to Constructional Defects Bill Passed - House (25 - 17)
Feb. 13, 2015 AR SB 202 Prohibits New Classes of Protected Individuals Bill Passed - House (58 - 21)
Feb. 13, 2015 UT HB 11 Authorizes Execution by Firing Squad Bill Passed - House (39 - 34)
Feb. 12, 2015 WY SF 13 Authorizes Firing Squads as an Alternative Method of Execution Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (14 - 12)
Feb. 12, 2015 WY SF 13 Authorizes Firing Squads as an Alternative Method of Execution Bill Passed - House (32 - 28)
Feb. 12, 2015 NH SB 116 Repeals License Requirement for Concealed Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
Feb. 12, 2015 MS HB 1338 Authorizes Lawsuits for "Wrongful Death" of a Fetus Bill Passed - House (78 - 37)
Feb. 11, 2015 WY HB 144 Establishes a School Safety Tip Line Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
Feb. 10, 2015 WV HB 2011 Amends Requirements for Workplace Injury Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (59 - 38)
Feb. 10, 2015 VA SB 1393 Authorizes Changes to Lethal Injection Drug Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
Feb. 10, 2015 SD HB 1116 Authorizes Concealed Carry Without a Permit Bill Passed - House (44 - 23)
Feb. 9, 2015 WV HB 2002 Amends Liability Standards Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
Feb. 9, 2015 WY SF 14 Amends Property Forfeiture Laws Bill Passed - House (54 - 6)
Feb. 9, 2015 OR HB 2700 Requires Redistribution of Unclaimed Damages from Class Action Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (35 - 22)
Feb. 9, 2015 MT HB 203 Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Federal Gun Restrictions Bill Passed - House (58 - 42)
Feb. 5, 2015 MT SB 143 Authorizes Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
Feb. 5, 2015 SD HB 1096 Requires Background Check for Concealed Carry Permit Bill Passed - House (52 - 15)
Feb. 5, 2015 MT HB 250 Authorizes Noise Suppressors on Firearms to Hunt Non-Protected Animals Bill Passed - House (66 - 32)
Feb. 3, 2015 MI SB 34 Amends Concealed Carry Licensing Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
Feb. 3, 2015 IN SB 433 Authorizes Possession of Sawed-off Shotguns Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 6)
Feb. 2, 2015 WY HB 114 Authorizes Concealed Carry in Certain Public Buildings Bill Passed - House (42 - 17)
Feb. 2, 2015 MT SB 154 Amends Requirement to Wear Hunter Orange while Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
Jan. 27, 2015 WV HB 2002 Amends Liability Standards Bill Passed - House (74 - 25)
Jan. 23, 2015 WY SF 14 Amends Property Forfeiture Laws Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 3)
Jan. 21, 2015 WY HB 18 Limits the Use of Drones by Law Enforcement Agencies Bill Passed - House (41 - 19)
Jan. 16, 2015 WY SF 13 Authorizes Firing Squads as an Alternative Method of Execution Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
Jan. 14, 2015 National HR 240 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2015 Bill Passed - House (236 - 191)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/01 HB 995 Authorizes Firearms in Public Parks Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
3/31 SB 2804 Authorizes Dismissal of Department of Corrections Employees Conference Report Adopted - House (62 - 58)
3/30 HB 995 Authorizes Firearms in Public Parks Bill Passed - House (65 - 21)
3/27 SB 134 Amends Speeding Fine Revenue Reporting Bill Passed - House (104 - 54)
3/27 S Con Res 11 An Original Concurrent Resolution Setting Forth the Congressional Budget for the United States Government for Fiscal Year 2016 and Setting Forth the Appropriate Budgetary Levels for Fiscal Years 2017 Through 2025 Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (52 - 46)
3/26 SB 1094 Prohibits "Aggressive" Solicitation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
3/26 S 2791 Environmental Protection Budget Amendments Bill Passed - House (43 - 30)
3/25 SB 45 Authorizes Concealed Firearms Without a License Bill Passed - House (85 - 39)
3/25 SB 86 Repeals Background Check Requirement for Firearm Transfers Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
3/24 SB 1445 Prohibits Identification of Certain Police Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
3/24 SB 1145 Requires Reimbursement to the Department of Health Services for Return to Competency Treatment Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate
3/24 SB 1094 Prohibits "Aggressive" Solicitation Bill Passed - House (33 - 24)
3/24 SB 290 Authorizes Concealed Carry During Emergency Evacuations Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
3/23 SB 1058 Prohibits the Termination of Employees for Storing Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (78 - 14)
3/23 SB 1058 Prohibits the Termination of Employees for Storing Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
3/23 HB 121 Amends Mandatory Sentences for Certain Drug Offenses Bill Passed - House (85 - 55)
3/23 HB 121 Amends Mandatory Sentences for Certain Drug Offenses Bill Passed - House (85 - 55)
3/20 HB 1195 Authorizes Concealed Firearms in Schools Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 28)
3/19 SB 11 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
3/19 HB 124 Authorizes Expungement of Certain Crimes Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
3/19 HB 124 Authorizes Expungement of Certain Crimes Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
3/17 SB 17 Authorizes Open Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
3/17 S 1095 Establishes 5-Tier Sexual Offender Registry Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
3/16 S 1092 Prohibits Local Knife Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
3/16 SB 340 Expands Voting Rights of Convicted Felons Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
3/16 SB 340 Expands Voting Rights of Convicted Felons Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
3/16 S 2791 Environmental Protection Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
3/14 HB 2011 Amends Requirements for Workplace Injury Lawsuits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 33)
3/12 HB 454 Authorizes Construction of New State Prison Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 14)
3/12 SB 347 Repeals the Requirement of a License for Concealed Guns Bill Passed - House (71 - 29)
3/12 HB 454 Authorizes Construction of New State Prison Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
3/12 HB 298 Amends Concealed Weapons Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
3/12 HB 203 Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Federal Gun Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
3/12 HB 2431 Establishes an Interstate Compact to Regulate Firearm Transfers Bill Passed - House (34 - 24)
3/12 SB 40 Amends Definition of "Another" for Certain Criminal Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 11)
3/12 HB 2320 Authorizes Individuals to Carry Concealed Weapons in Public Buildings Bill Passed - House
3/12 HB 403 Repeals Buffer Zone Around Abortion Clinics Bill Passed - House (170 - 159)
3/11 SB 1330 Prohibits State Employees from Enforcing Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
3/11 HB 18 Authorizes Execution by Electrocution Bill Passed - House (76 - 26)
3/10 HB 11 Authorizes Execution by Firing Squad Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
3/09 HB 1282 Amends DWI Charges Bill Passed - House (52 - 30)
3/09 SB 256 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
3/05 SB 1222 Prohibits Plea Agreements for Individuals Deported During Trial Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
3/05 HB 1336 Establishes Immunity from Underage Drinking Charges for Certain Individuals Bill Passed - House (69 - 39)
3/03 HB 2700 Requires Redistribution of Unclaimed Damages from Class Action Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
3/03 HB 2662 Reduces Penalty for Certain Speeding Violations Bill Passed - House (40 - 20)
2/27 S J Res 35 Making Further Continuing Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015 Bill Failed - House (203 - 224)
2/26 SB 34 Amends Concealed Carry Licensing Procedures Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
2/26 HB 144 Establishes a School Safety Tip Line Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
2/26 SB 45 Authorizes Concealed Firearms Without a License Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
2/25 SB 34 Amends Concealed Carry Licensing Procedures Bill Passed - House (76 - 34)
2/24 HB 2509 Amends Aggravated Assault Classifications Bill Passed - House (37 - 23)
2/24 SF 219 Reduces Penalties for Possession of Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
2/24 HB 1157 Authorizes Public Officials to Possess Firearms in Public Buildings Bill Failed - House (45 - 47)
2/24 HB 2509 Amends Aggravated Assault Classifications Bill Passed - House (37 - 23)
2/23 HB 2002 Amends Liability Standards Conference Report Adopted - House (71 - 21)
2/23 HB 1328 Prohibits the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Without a Warrant Bill Passed - House (74 - 19)
2/23 HB 1328 Prohibits the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Without a Warrant Bill Passed - House (74 - 19)
2/20 AB 125 Amends Provisions Relating to Constructional Defects Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 8)
2/20 HB 200 Requires Drug Testing For Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)
2/19 SB 32 Authorizes Concealed Handguns Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
2/19 HB 1072 Amends Definition of Harassment Bill Passed - House (43 - 22)
2/19 HB 30 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (118 - 37)
2/19 HJR 1 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (118 - 39)
2/19 HB 298 Amends Concealed Weapons Regulations Bill Passed - House (56 - 43)
2/17 SB 6 Amends Existing Medical Malpractice Law Bill Passed - House (76 - 21)
2/17 AB 125 Amends Provisions Relating to Constructional Defects Bill Passed - House (25 - 17)
2/13 SB 202 Prohibits New Classes of Protected Individuals Bill Passed - House (58 - 21)
2/13 HB 11 Authorizes Execution by Firing Squad Bill Passed - House (39 - 34)
2/12 SF 13 Authorizes Firing Squads as an Alternative Method of Execution Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (14 - 12)
2/12 SF 13 Authorizes Firing Squads as an Alternative Method of Execution Bill Passed - House (32 - 28)
2/12 SB 116 Repeals License Requirement for Concealed Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
2/12 HB 1338 Authorizes Lawsuits for "Wrongful Death" of a Fetus Bill Passed - House (78 - 37)
2/11 HB 144 Establishes a School Safety Tip Line Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
2/10 HB 2011 Amends Requirements for Workplace Injury Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (59 - 38)
2/10 SB 1393 Authorizes Changes to Lethal Injection Drug Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
2/10 HB 1116 Authorizes Concealed Carry Without a Permit Bill Passed - House (44 - 23)
2/09 HB 2002 Amends Liability Standards Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
2/09 SF 14 Amends Property Forfeiture Laws Bill Passed - House (54 - 6)
2/09 HB 2700 Requires Redistribution of Unclaimed Damages from Class Action Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (35 - 22)
2/09 HB 203 Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Federal Gun Restrictions Bill Passed - House (58 - 42)
2/05 SB 143 Authorizes Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
2/05 HB 1096 Requires Background Check for Concealed Carry Permit Bill Passed - House (52 - 15)
2/05 HB 250 Authorizes Noise Suppressors on Firearms to Hunt Non-Protected Animals Bill Passed - House (66 - 32)
2/03 SB 34 Amends Concealed Carry Licensing Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
2/03 SB 433 Authorizes Possession of Sawed-off Shotguns Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 6)
2/02 HB 114 Authorizes Concealed Carry in Certain Public Buildings Bill Passed - House (42 - 17)
2/02 SB 154 Amends Requirement to Wear Hunter Orange while Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
1/27 HB 2002 Amends Liability Standards Bill Passed - House (74 - 25)
1/23 SF 14 Amends Property Forfeiture Laws Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 3)
1/21 HB 18 Limits the Use of Drones by Law Enforcement Agencies Bill Passed - House (41 - 19)
1/16 SF 13 Authorizes Firing Squads as an Alternative Method of Execution Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
1/14 HR 240 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2015 Bill Passed - House (236 - 191)

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