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
April 2, 2015 IN SB 50 Specifies that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Does Not Authorize Discrimination Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 16)
April 2, 2015 IN SB 50 Specifies that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Does Not Authorize Discrimination Conference Report Adopted - House (66 - 30)
April 2, 2015 IN SB 50 Specifies that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Does Not Authorize Discrimination Conference Report Adopted - House (66 - 30)
April 2, 2015 GA SB 94 Amends Certain Law Enforcement Procedures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (100 - 65)
April 2, 2015 GA SB 94 Amends Certain Law Enforcement Procedures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (100 - 65)
April 2, 2015 ND SB 2279 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Failed - House (35 - 56)
April 2, 2015 ND HB 1328 Prohibits the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Without a Warrant Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
April 2, 2015 ND HB 1328 Prohibits the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Without a Warrant Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
April 2, 2015 CO HB 1265 Authorizes Gender Changes on Birth Certificates Bill Passed - House (40 - 25)
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 31, 2015 AL HB 85 Requires Animal Shelters to Compile Monthly Reports Bill Failed - House (28 - 67)
March 30, 2015 TN HB 995 Authorizes Firearms in Public Parks Bill Passed - House (65 - 21)
March 27, 2015 AR HB 1228 Prohibits the State from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
March 27, 2015 GA SB 134 Amends Speeding Fine Revenue Reporting Bill Passed - House (104 - 54)
March 26, 2015 AZ SB 1094 Prohibits "Aggressive" Solicitation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
March 26, 2015 ID S 1011 Repeals Authorization of Gambling on Past Horse Races Bill Passed - House (49 - 21)
March 26, 2015 NJ A 4103 Establishes Workforce Training Program for Former Casino Workers Bill Passed - House (55 - 18)
March 25, 2015 KS SB 45 Authorizes Concealed Firearms Without a License Bill Passed - House (85 - 39)
March 25, 2015 MI HB 4015 Amends Ticket Sale Laws Bill Passed - House (70 - 40)
March 25, 2015 AR HB 1426 Establishes Paid Maternity Leave for State Employees Bill Passed - House (56 - 28)
March 25, 2015 CO SB 86 Repeals Background Check Requirement for Firearm Transfers Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
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 IN SB 101 Prohibits the Government from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 10)
March 24, 2015 AZ SB 1445 Prohibits Identification of Certain Police Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
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 24, 2015 MD SB 416 Requires Health Insurers to Cover In Vitro Fertilization for Same-Sex Couples Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 10)
March 24, 2015 MD SB 190 Amends Taxable Price for Sale or Use of Accommodations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
March 24, 2015 NY S 2159 Authorizes Mixed Martial Arts Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 14)
March 24, 2015 MD SB 743 Authorizes New Birth Certificates for Sex Changes Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
March 23, 2015 IN SB 101 Prohibits the Government from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - House (63 - 31)
March 23, 2015 AZ HB 2150 Amends Animal Cruelty Laws Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
March 23, 2015 TN SB 1058 Prohibits the Termination of Employees for Storing Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (78 - 14)
March 23, 2015 MD HB 121 Amends Mandatory Sentences for Certain Drug Offenses Bill Passed - House (85 - 55)
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 20, 2015 ND HB 1195 Authorizes Concealed Firearms in Schools Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 28)
March 20, 2015 ID HJM 4 Appeals to Congress to Impeach Certain Members of the Judiciary Bill Passed - House (44 - 25)
March 19, 2015 TX SB 11 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
March 19, 2015 KS SB 175 Prohibits Universities from Denying Benefits to Religious Student Organizations Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
March 19, 2015 MD HB 124 Authorizes Expungement of Certain Crimes Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
March 19, 2015 MO HB 104 Prohibits Universities From Denying Benefits to a Religious Student Association Bill Passed - House (117 - 38)
March 18, 2015 MI HB 4190 Prohibits the Department of Human Services from Taking Certain Actions Against Religion-Based Adoption Agencies Bill Passed - House (65 - 44)
March 18, 2015 MI HB 4189 Authorizes Child Placing Agencies to Deny Adoptions Based on Religion Bill Passed - House (65 - 44)
March 18, 2015 MI HB 4188 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Deny Services for Religious Reasons Bill Passed - House (65 - 44)
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 17, 2015 OR HB 2307 Prohibits Conversion Therapy on Minors Bill Passed - House (41 - 18)
March 17, 2015 IA SF 334 Prohibits Sexual-Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
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)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/02 SB 50 Specifies that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Does Not Authorize Discrimination Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 16)
4/02 SB 50 Specifies that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Does Not Authorize Discrimination Conference Report Adopted - House (66 - 30)
4/02 SB 50 Specifies that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Does Not Authorize Discrimination Conference Report Adopted - House (66 - 30)
4/02 SB 94 Amends Certain Law Enforcement Procedures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (100 - 65)
4/02 SB 94 Amends Certain Law Enforcement Procedures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (100 - 65)
4/02 SB 2279 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Failed - House (35 - 56)
4/02 HB 1328 Prohibits the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Without a Warrant Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
4/02 HB 1328 Prohibits the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Without a Warrant Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
4/02 HB 1265 Authorizes Gender Changes on Birth Certificates Bill Passed - House (40 - 25)
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)
3/31 HB 85 Requires Animal Shelters to Compile Monthly Reports Bill Failed - House (28 - 67)
3/30 HB 995 Authorizes Firearms in Public Parks Bill Passed - House (65 - 21)
3/27 HB 1228 Prohibits the State from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
3/27 SB 134 Amends Speeding Fine Revenue Reporting Bill Passed - House (104 - 54)
3/26 SB 1094 Prohibits "Aggressive" Solicitation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
3/26 S 1011 Repeals Authorization of Gambling on Past Horse Races Bill Passed - House (49 - 21)
3/26 A 4103 Establishes Workforce Training Program for Former Casino Workers Bill Passed - House (55 - 18)
3/25 SB 45 Authorizes Concealed Firearms Without a License Bill Passed - House (85 - 39)
3/25 HB 4015 Amends Ticket Sale Laws Bill Passed - House (70 - 40)
3/25 HB 1426 Establishes Paid Maternity Leave for State Employees Bill Passed - House (56 - 28)
3/25 SB 86 Repeals Background Check Requirement for Firearm Transfers Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
3/24 SB 1145 Requires Reimbursement to the Department of Health Services for Return to Competency Treatment Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate
3/24 SB 101 Prohibits the Government from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 10)
3/24 SB 1445 Prohibits Identification of Certain Police Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
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)
3/24 SB 416 Requires Health Insurers to Cover In Vitro Fertilization for Same-Sex Couples Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 10)
3/24 SB 190 Amends Taxable Price for Sale or Use of Accommodations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
3/24 S 2159 Authorizes Mixed Martial Arts Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 14)
3/24 SB 743 Authorizes New Birth Certificates for Sex Changes Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
3/23 SB 101 Prohibits the Government from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - House (63 - 31)
3/23 HB 2150 Amends Animal Cruelty Laws Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
3/23 SB 1058 Prohibits the Termination of Employees for Storing Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (78 - 14)
3/23 HB 121 Amends Mandatory Sentences for Certain Drug Offenses Bill Passed - House (85 - 55)
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)
3/20 HB 1195 Authorizes Concealed Firearms in Schools Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 28)
3/20 HJM 4 Appeals to Congress to Impeach Certain Members of the Judiciary Bill Passed - House (44 - 25)
3/19 SB 11 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
3/19 SB 175 Prohibits Universities from Denying Benefits to Religious Student Organizations Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
3/19 HB 124 Authorizes Expungement of Certain Crimes Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
3/19 HB 104 Prohibits Universities From Denying Benefits to a Religious Student Association Bill Passed - House (117 - 38)
3/18 HB 4190 Prohibits the Department of Human Services from Taking Certain Actions Against Religion-Based Adoption Agencies Bill Passed - House (65 - 44)
3/18 HB 4189 Authorizes Child Placing Agencies to Deny Adoptions Based on Religion Bill Passed - House (65 - 44)
3/18 HB 4188 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Deny Services for Religious Reasons Bill Passed - House (65 - 44)
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)
3/17 HB 2307 Prohibits Conversion Therapy on Minors Bill Passed - House (41 - 18)
3/17 SF 334 Prohibits Sexual-Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
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)

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