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
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 12, 2015 UT SB 297 Authorizes Certain Government Employees to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 3)
March 12, 2015 UT HB 454 Authorizes Construction of New State Prison Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 14)
March 12, 2015 UT HB 454 Authorizes Construction of New State Prison Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
March 12, 2015 WV SB 347 Repeals the Requirement of a License for Concealed Guns Bill Passed - House (71 - 29)
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 NH SB 113 Authorizes Casino Gaming 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 AZ HB 2431 Establishes an Interstate Compact to Regulate Firearm Transfers Bill Passed - House (34 - 24)
March 12, 2015 IA SF 166 Authorizes Fantasy Sports Leagues Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
March 12, 2015 NH HB 403 Repeals Buffer Zone Around Abortion Clinics Bill Passed - House (170 - 159)
March 12, 2015 NH SB 40 Amends Definition of "Another" for Certain Criminal Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 11)
March 11, 2015 UT SB 297 Authorizes Certain Government Employees to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - House (66 - 9)
March 11, 2015 UT SB 296 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - House (65 - 10)
March 11, 2015 UT SB 296 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - House (65 - 10)
March 11, 2015 MI HB 4122 Prohibits Additional Funding for In-State Media Productions Bill Passed - House (58 - 51)
March 11, 2015 MO HB 187 Prohibits Undocumented Immigrants from Receiving Student Financial Aid Bill Passed - House (111 - 41)
March 11, 2015 FL HB 7013 Amends Child Adoption Laws Bill Passed - House (68 - 50)
March 11, 2015 FL HB 7013 Amends Child Adoption Laws Bill Passed - House (68 - 50)
March 11, 2015 AZ SB 1330 Prohibits State Employees from Enforcing Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
March 10, 2015 CO HB 1175 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy on Minors Bill Passed - House (35 - 29)
March 10, 2015 HI HB 631 Amends Procedure to Change Gender on Birth Certificates Bill Passed - House (41 - 10)
March 10, 2015 AZ HB 2368 Prohibits Use of State Funds to Enforce Executive Orders not Authorized by Congress Bill Passed - House (36 - 24)
March 9, 2015 MT HB 212 Amends Definitions of Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
March 9, 2015 UT SB 256 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
March 9, 2015 UT SB 297 Authorizes Certain Government Employees to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
March 9, 2015 AR HB 1282 Amends DWI Charges Bill Passed - House (52 - 30)
March 6, 2015 UT SB 296 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
March 6, 2015 UT SB 296 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
March 5, 2015 IL HB 1336 Establishes Immunity from Underage Drinking Charges for Certain Individuals Bill Passed - House (69 - 39)
March 5, 2015 AZ SB 1222 Prohibits Plea Agreements for Individuals Deported During Trial Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
March 5, 2015 GA SB 129 Prohibits Government Interference with Religious Practice Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 15)
March 5, 2015 GA SB 129 Prohibits Government Interference with Religious Practice Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 15)
March 3, 2015 AZ HB 2662 Reduces Penalty for Certain Speeding Violations Bill Passed - House (40 - 20)
Feb. 27, 2015 VA HB 1570 Increases Regulations on Day Care Providers Conference Report Adopted - House (68 - 26)
Feb. 27, 2015 KY SB 76 Prohibits Students from Using Restrooms Designated for the Opposite Sex Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
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. 25, 2015 IN HB 1540 Authorizes Riverboat Casinos to Relocate Inland Bill Passed - House (76 - 19)
Feb. 25, 2015 NC SB 2 Authorizes Officials to Not Perform Certain Marriage Duties Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
Feb. 25, 2015 NC SB 2 Authorizes Officials to Not Perform Certain Marriage Duties Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
Feb. 24, 2015 ND HB 1157 Authorizes Public Officials to Possess Firearms in Public Buildings Bill Failed - House (45 - 47)
Feb. 24, 2015 IA SF 219 Reduces Penalties for Possession of Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
Feb. 24, 2015 IN SB 101 Prohibits the Government from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 10)
Feb. 24, 2015 AZ HB 2509 Amends Aggravated Assault Classifications Bill Passed - House (37 - 23)
Feb. 24, 2015 AZ HB 2509 Amends Aggravated Assault Classifications Bill Passed - House (37 - 23)
Feb. 24, 2015 IN SJR 12 Authorizes the Use of Diverse Farming and Ranching Practices Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (22 - 28)
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 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 MT HB 298 Amends Concealed Weapons Regulations Bill Passed - House (56 - 43)
Feb. 19, 2015 MO HJR 1 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (118 - 39)
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. 17, 2015 ID S 1011 Repeals Authorization of Gambling on Past Horse Races Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
Feb. 17, 2015 ND SB 2279 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
Feb. 13, 2015 AR SB 202 Prohibits New Classes of Protected Individuals Bill Passed - House (58 - 21)
Feb. 13, 2015 AR HB 1228 Prohibits the State from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - House (72 - 20)
Feb. 13, 2015 NM SB 253 Prohibits Coyote Hunting Contests Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
Feb. 12, 2015 NH SB 116 Repeals License Requirement for Concealed Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
Feb. 12, 2015 NM HB 32 Limits Driver's Licenses for Foreign Nationals Bill Passed - House (39 - 29)
Feb. 12, 2015 CO SB 77 Extends Parental Rights in Education and Health Care Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
Feb. 11, 2015 WY HB 144 Establishes a School Safety Tip Line Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
Feb. 11, 2015 MS SB 2695 Establishes Education Scholarship Accounts for Special Needs Students Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
Feb. 10, 2015 SD HB 1195 Requires a Student's Gender Identity to be Determined by a Birth Certificate Bill Passed - House (51 - 16)
Feb. 10, 2015 WY SF 115 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Idenity Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
Feb. 10, 2015 SD HB 1116 Authorizes Concealed Carry Without a Permit Bill Passed - House (44 - 23)
Feb. 9, 2015 WY SF 14 Amends Property Forfeiture Laws Bill Passed - House (54 - 6)
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 SB 57 Authorizes Additional Types of Games in Deadwood City Casinos Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
Feb. 5, 2015 SD HB 1096 Requires Background Check for Concealed Carry Permit Bill Passed - House (52 - 15)
Feb. 5, 2015 AZ HB 2128 Exempts Religious Organizations from Certain Property Taxes Bill Passed - House (33 - 25)
Feb. 5, 2015 NJ S 866 Authorizes Gestational Surrogacy Contracts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
Feb. 5, 2015 NJ S 866 Authorizes Gestational Surrogacy Contracts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
Feb. 5, 2015 MT HB 250 Authorizes Noise Suppressors on Firearms to Hunt Non-Protected Animals Bill Passed - House (66 - 32)
Feb. 5, 2015 MT HB 250 Authorizes Noise Suppressors on Firearms to Hunt Non-Protected Animals Bill Passed - House (66 - 32)
Feb. 3, 2015 IN SB 127 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Hire Based on Religion Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
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. 3, 2015 VA SB 785 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
Feb. 3, 2015 MT HB 212 Amends Definitions of Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Bill Passed - House (64 - 35)
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. 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. 20, 2015 VA SB 722 Prohibits In-State Tuition for Students with Certain Temporary Visas Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 20)
Jan. 14, 2015 National HR 240 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2015 Bill Passed - House (236 - 191)
Date No. Title Outcome
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)
3/12 SB 297 Authorizes Certain Government Employees to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 3)
3/12 HB 454 Authorizes Construction of New State Prison Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 14)
3/12 HB 454 Authorizes Construction of New State Prison Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
3/12 SB 347 Repeals the Requirement of a License for Concealed Guns Bill Passed - House (71 - 29)
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 SB 113 Authorizes Casino Gaming Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 11)
3/12 HB 2320 Authorizes Individuals to Carry Concealed Weapons in Public Buildings Bill Passed - House
3/12 HB 2431 Establishes an Interstate Compact to Regulate Firearm Transfers Bill Passed - House (34 - 24)
3/12 SF 166 Authorizes Fantasy Sports Leagues Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
3/12 HB 403 Repeals Buffer Zone Around Abortion Clinics Bill Passed - House (170 - 159)
3/12 SB 40 Amends Definition of "Another" for Certain Criminal Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 11)
3/11 SB 297 Authorizes Certain Government Employees to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - House (66 - 9)
3/11 SB 296 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - House (65 - 10)
3/11 SB 296 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - House (65 - 10)
3/11 HB 4122 Prohibits Additional Funding for In-State Media Productions Bill Passed - House (58 - 51)
3/11 HB 187 Prohibits Undocumented Immigrants from Receiving Student Financial Aid Bill Passed - House (111 - 41)
3/11 HB 7013 Amends Child Adoption Laws Bill Passed - House (68 - 50)
3/11 HB 7013 Amends Child Adoption Laws Bill Passed - House (68 - 50)
3/11 SB 1330 Prohibits State Employees from Enforcing Federal Firearm Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
3/10 HB 1175 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy on Minors Bill Passed - House (35 - 29)
3/10 HB 631 Amends Procedure to Change Gender on Birth Certificates Bill Passed - House (41 - 10)
3/10 HB 2368 Prohibits Use of State Funds to Enforce Executive Orders not Authorized by Congress Bill Passed - House (36 - 24)
3/09 HB 212 Amends Definitions of Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
3/09 SB 256 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
3/09 SB 297 Authorizes Certain Government Employees to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
3/09 HB 1282 Amends DWI Charges Bill Passed - House (52 - 30)
3/06 SB 296 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
3/06 SB 296 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
3/05 HB 1336 Establishes Immunity from Underage Drinking Charges for Certain Individuals Bill Passed - House (69 - 39)
3/05 SB 1222 Prohibits Plea Agreements for Individuals Deported During Trial Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
3/05 SB 129 Prohibits Government Interference with Religious Practice Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 15)
3/05 SB 129 Prohibits Government Interference with Religious Practice Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 15)
3/03 HB 2662 Reduces Penalty for Certain Speeding Violations Bill Passed - House (40 - 20)
2/27 HB 1570 Increases Regulations on Day Care Providers Conference Report Adopted - House (68 - 26)
2/27 SB 76 Prohibits Students from Using Restrooms Designated for the Opposite Sex Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
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)
2/25 HB 1540 Authorizes Riverboat Casinos to Relocate Inland Bill Passed - House (76 - 19)
2/25 SB 2 Authorizes Officials to Not Perform Certain Marriage Duties Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
2/25 SB 2 Authorizes Officials to Not Perform Certain Marriage Duties Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
2/24 HB 1157 Authorizes Public Officials to Possess Firearms in Public Buildings Bill Failed - House (45 - 47)
2/24 SF 219 Reduces Penalties for Possession of Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
2/24 SB 101 Prohibits the Government from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 10)
2/24 HB 2509 Amends Aggravated Assault Classifications Bill Passed - House (37 - 23)
2/24 HB 2509 Amends Aggravated Assault Classifications Bill Passed - House (37 - 23)
2/24 SJR 12 Authorizes the Use of Diverse Farming and Ranching Practices Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (22 - 28)
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 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 298 Amends Concealed Weapons Regulations Bill Passed - House (56 - 43)
2/19 HJR 1 Requires Photo Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (118 - 39)
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)
2/17 S 1011 Repeals Authorization of Gambling on Past Horse Races Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
2/17 SB 2279 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
2/13 SB 202 Prohibits New Classes of Protected Individuals Bill Passed - House (58 - 21)
2/13 HB 1228 Prohibits the State from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - House (72 - 20)
2/13 SB 253 Prohibits Coyote Hunting Contests Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
2/12 SB 116 Repeals License Requirement for Concealed Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
2/12 HB 32 Limits Driver's Licenses for Foreign Nationals Bill Passed - House (39 - 29)
2/12 SB 77 Extends Parental Rights in Education and Health Care Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
2/11 HB 144 Establishes a School Safety Tip Line Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
2/11 SB 2695 Establishes Education Scholarship Accounts for Special Needs Students Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
2/10 HB 1195 Requires a Student's Gender Identity to be Determined by a Birth Certificate Bill Passed - House (51 - 16)
2/10 SF 115 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Idenity Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
2/10 HB 1116 Authorizes Concealed Carry Without a Permit Bill Passed - House (44 - 23)
2/09 SF 14 Amends Property Forfeiture Laws Bill Passed - House (54 - 6)
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 SB 57 Authorizes Additional Types of Games in Deadwood City Casinos Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
2/05 HB 1096 Requires Background Check for Concealed Carry Permit Bill Passed - House (52 - 15)
2/05 HB 2128 Exempts Religious Organizations from Certain Property Taxes Bill Passed - House (33 - 25)
2/05 S 866 Authorizes Gestational Surrogacy Contracts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
2/05 S 866 Authorizes Gestational Surrogacy Contracts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
2/05 HB 250 Authorizes Noise Suppressors on Firearms to Hunt Non-Protected Animals Bill Passed - House (66 - 32)
2/05 HB 250 Authorizes Noise Suppressors on Firearms to Hunt Non-Protected Animals Bill Passed - House (66 - 32)
2/03 SB 127 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Hire Based on Religion Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
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)
2/03 SB 785 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 19)
2/03 HB 212 Amends Definitions of Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Bill Passed - House (64 - 35)
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)
1/23 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)
1/20 SB 722 Prohibits In-State Tuition for Students with Certain Temporary Visas Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 20)
1/14 HR 240 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2015 Bill Passed - House (236 - 191)

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