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
Feb. 22, 2016 AZ SB 1378 Prohibits the State Treasurer from Allocating Funds to "Sanctuary Cities" Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 16)
Feb. 22, 2016 OK HB 2275 Requires Collection of DNA upon Arrest for a Felony Charge Bill Failed - House (38 - 56)
Feb. 22, 2016 GA HB 859 Authorizes Concealed Carry at Postsecondary Education Institutions Bill Passed - House (113 - 59)
Feb. 19, 2016 VA SB 610 Authorizes Concealed Carry Reciprocity for Out-of-State License Holders Bill Passed - House (69 - 29)
Feb. 19, 2016 GA HB 757 Authorizes Religious Officials to Decline to Perform Certain Ceremonies Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 14)
Feb. 19, 2016 GA HB 757 Authorizes Religious Officials to Decline to Perform Certain Ceremonies Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 14)
Feb. 19, 2016 MS HB 1523 Establishes Protections for Religious Beliefs or Moral Convictions Bill Passed - House (80 - 39)
Feb. 19, 2016 MS HB 1523 Establishes Protections for Religious Beliefs or Moral Convictions Bill Passed - House (80 - 39)
Feb. 18, 2016 TN HB 2129 Requires Historical Commission Approval to Alter Monuments Bill Passed - House (71 - 23)
Feb. 18, 2016 KY SB 5 Establishes Separate Marriage License for Same-Sex Couples Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
Feb. 18, 2016 AZ HB 2451 Amends Requirements for Release of Undocumented Inmates Bill Passed - House (36 - 21)
Feb. 18, 2016 AZ HB 2451 Amends Requirements for Release of Undocumented Inmates Bill Passed - House (36 - 21)
Feb. 18, 2016 AZ HB 2446 Amends the Definition of Prohibited Weapons Bill Passed - House (38 - 20)
Feb. 17, 2016 TN SB 1556 Authorizes Therapists to Decline to Provide Services Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 5)
Feb. 17, 2016 MS HB 786 Authorizes Designated Individuals to Carry Firearms in Church Bill Passed - House (85 - 33)
Feb. 16, 2016 SD HB 1008 Prohibits Students from Using School Restrooms Designated for the Opposite Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
Feb. 16, 2016 WI SB 533 Prohibits Local Governments from Issuing Identification Cards Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
Feb. 16, 2016 VA HB 1090 Rescinds Funds from Certain Abortion Clinics Bill Passed - House (64 - 35)
Feb. 16, 2016 WI AB 450 Prohibits Local Policies Preventing Immigration Status Inquiries Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
Feb. 16, 2016 MS HB 578 Establishes Civil and Criminal Immunity for Individuals who Report Suspicious Terrorist Activity Bill Passed - House (89 - 30)
Feb. 16, 2016 WI SB 533 Prohibits Local Governments from Issuing Identification Cards Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
Feb. 16, 2016 VA HB 773 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Certain Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - House (56 - 41)
Feb. 15, 2016 VA SB 552 Exempts Police Officer Names from Mandatory Disclosure Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Feb. 15, 2016 VA HB 1234 Authorizes School Security Officers to Carry Firearms Bill Passed - House (66 - 33)
Feb. 12, 2016 VA SB 41 Prohibits State from Requiring Religious Organizations to Solemnize Certain Marriages Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 19)
Feb. 12, 2016 VA SB 41 Prohibits State from Requiring Religious Organizations to Solemnize Certain Marriages Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 19)
Feb. 12, 2016 UT HB 136 Classifies Certain Cases of Human Trafficking as Capital Offense Bill Passed - House (44 - 28)
Feb. 12, 2016 OR HB 4040 Authorizes Removal of Gray Wolf from Endangered Species List Bill Passed - House (33 - 23)
Feb. 11, 2016 VA HB 1096 Prohibits Regulation of Firearms without Legislative Authorization Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
Feb. 11, 2016 GA SB 308 Authorizes Grants to Pregnancy Resource Centers Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 16)
Feb. 11, 2016 WV HB 4012 Prohibits State Action from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - House (72 - 26)
Feb. 10, 2016 WA SB 6443 Repeals Rule Authorizing Use of Bathrooms Consistent with Gender Identity Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 25)
Feb. 9, 2016 VA SB 270 Requires Cities to Enforce Federal Immigration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 9, 2016 SD HB 1112 Repeals Transgender Policies Adopted by High School Sports Associations Bill Passed - House (45 - 23)
Feb. 9, 2016 VA HB 560 Amends Brandishing Conviction to Include Intent to Induce Fear Bill Passed - House (68 - 32)
Feb. 9, 2016 VA HB 560 Amends Brandishing Conviction to Include Intent to Induce Fear Bill Passed - House (68 - 32)
Feb. 9, 2016 VA SB 705 Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrant Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 8, 2016 SD HB 1107 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - House (46 - 10)
Feb. 8, 2016 WV HB 4145 Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
Feb. 8, 2016 VA SB 646 Establishes Regulations for Fantasy Sports Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Feb. 5, 2016 KS SB 133 Establishes Immunity for Underage Drinkers Who Seek Medical Help Bill Passed - House (92 - 27)
Feb. 4, 2016 VA SB 610 Authorizes Concealed Carry Reciprocity for Out-of-State License Holders Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
Feb. 3, 2016 FL HB 4001 Authorizes Open-Carry on State College Campuses Bill Passed - House (80 - 37)
Feb. 3, 2016 FL HB 163 Authorizes Open Carry of Firearms Bill Passed - House (80 - 38)
Feb. 3, 2016 IN SB 339 Establishes Regulations for Fantasy Sports Games Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
Feb. 3, 2016 IN SB 80 Authorizes Pharmacists to Decline to Sell Certain Cold Medicines Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
Feb. 3, 2016 FL HB 675 Requires Local Governments to Enforce Federal Immigration Regulations Bill Passed - House (80 - 38)
Feb. 3, 2016 VA HB 766 Authorizes Individual with Restraining Order to Carry Concealed Gun without Permit Bill Passed - House (68 - 29)
Feb. 2, 2016 National HR 3762 Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015 Veto Override Failed - House (241 - 186)
Feb. 2, 2016 IN SB 220 Classifies an Offense Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity as Aggravating Circumstance Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
Feb. 2, 2016 IN SB 220 Classifies an Offense Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity as Aggravating Circumstance Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
Feb. 1, 2016 VA SB 48 Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 21)
Jan. 29, 2016 VA SB 67 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation in Housing Practices Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Jan. 29, 2016 VA SB 12 Prohibits Discrimination in Public Employment Based on Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Jan. 28, 2016 MO SB 572 Establishes Regulations for Municipal Ordinance Violation Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
Jan. 28, 2016 SC H 3521 Prohibits Courts From Enforcing Foreign Law Bill Passed - House (68 - 42)
Jan. 28, 2016 FL SB 344 Amends Burden of Proof in Self-Defense Immunity Claims Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
Jan. 27, 2016 NH HB 630 Authorizes Video Lottery Machine Licenses "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (200 - 129)
Jan. 27, 2016 SD HB 1008 Prohibits Students from Using School Restrooms Designated for the Opposite Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (58 - 10)
Jan. 27, 2016 SD HB 1075 Expands Nonresident Waterfowl Hunting Areas Bill Passed - House (36 - 32)
Jan. 26, 2016 IN HB 1019 Limits Public Access to Police Body Camera Footage Bill Passed - House (65 - 30)
Jan. 26, 2016 IN SB 259 Authorizes General Assembly Employees to Carry Handguns in the Statehouse Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 528 Amends Asset Forfeiture Regulations Veto Override Passed - House (89 - 52)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 517 Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia Veto Override Passed - House (86 - 55)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 528 Amends Asset Forfeiture Regulations Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 190 Amends Taxable Price for Sale or Use of Accommodations Veto Override Passed - House (89 - 52)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 517 Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 190 Amends Taxable Price for Sale or Use of Accommodations Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
Jan. 21, 2016 NM HB 99 Requires Driver's Licenses to Comply with Federal Standards Bill Passed - House (39 - 30)
Jan. 20, 2016 WI AB 310 Prohibits a Public Entity from Distributing Certain Funds to Abortion Clinics Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
Jan. 20, 2016 WI SB 248 Repeals Certain Requirements to Strip Search Detained Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
Jan. 20, 2016 MI SB 207 Authorizes Peace Officers to Conduct Roadside Saliva Drug Test Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
Jan. 14, 2016 NH HB 560 Amends Classification of Criminal Offenses for Death of a Viable Fetus Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 11)
Jan. 6, 2016 National HR 3762 Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (240 - 181)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/22 SB 1378 Prohibits the State Treasurer from Allocating Funds to "Sanctuary Cities" Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 16)
2/22 HB 2275 Requires Collection of DNA upon Arrest for a Felony Charge Bill Failed - House (38 - 56)
2/22 HB 859 Authorizes Concealed Carry at Postsecondary Education Institutions Bill Passed - House (113 - 59)
2/19 SB 610 Authorizes Concealed Carry Reciprocity for Out-of-State License Holders Bill Passed - House (69 - 29)
2/19 HB 757 Authorizes Religious Officials to Decline to Perform Certain Ceremonies Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 14)
2/19 HB 757 Authorizes Religious Officials to Decline to Perform Certain Ceremonies Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 14)
2/19 HB 1523 Establishes Protections for Religious Beliefs or Moral Convictions Bill Passed - House (80 - 39)
2/19 HB 1523 Establishes Protections for Religious Beliefs or Moral Convictions Bill Passed - House (80 - 39)
2/18 HB 2129 Requires Historical Commission Approval to Alter Monuments Bill Passed - House (71 - 23)
2/18 SB 5 Establishes Separate Marriage License for Same-Sex Couples Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
2/18 HB 2451 Amends Requirements for Release of Undocumented Inmates Bill Passed - House (36 - 21)
2/18 HB 2451 Amends Requirements for Release of Undocumented Inmates Bill Passed - House (36 - 21)
2/18 HB 2446 Amends the Definition of Prohibited Weapons Bill Passed - House (38 - 20)
2/17 SB 1556 Authorizes Therapists to Decline to Provide Services Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 5)
2/17 HB 786 Authorizes Designated Individuals to Carry Firearms in Church Bill Passed - House (85 - 33)
2/16 HB 1008 Prohibits Students from Using School Restrooms Designated for the Opposite Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
2/16 SB 533 Prohibits Local Governments from Issuing Identification Cards Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
2/16 HB 1090 Rescinds Funds from Certain Abortion Clinics Bill Passed - House (64 - 35)
2/16 AB 450 Prohibits Local Policies Preventing Immigration Status Inquiries Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
2/16 HB 578 Establishes Civil and Criminal Immunity for Individuals who Report Suspicious Terrorist Activity Bill Passed - House (89 - 30)
2/16 SB 533 Prohibits Local Governments from Issuing Identification Cards Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
2/16 HB 773 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Certain Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - House (56 - 41)
2/15 SB 552 Exempts Police Officer Names from Mandatory Disclosure Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
2/15 HB 1234 Authorizes School Security Officers to Carry Firearms Bill Passed - House (66 - 33)
2/12 SB 41 Prohibits State from Requiring Religious Organizations to Solemnize Certain Marriages Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 19)
2/12 SB 41 Prohibits State from Requiring Religious Organizations to Solemnize Certain Marriages Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 19)
2/12 HB 136 Classifies Certain Cases of Human Trafficking as Capital Offense Bill Passed - House (44 - 28)
2/12 HB 4040 Authorizes Removal of Gray Wolf from Endangered Species List Bill Passed - House (33 - 23)
2/11 HB 1096 Prohibits Regulation of Firearms without Legislative Authorization Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
2/11 SB 308 Authorizes Grants to Pregnancy Resource Centers Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 16)
2/11 HB 4012 Prohibits State Action from Burdening the Exercise of Religion Bill Passed - House (72 - 26)
2/10 SB 6443 Repeals Rule Authorizing Use of Bathrooms Consistent with Gender Identity Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 25)
2/09 SB 270 Requires Cities to Enforce Federal Immigration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/09 HB 1112 Repeals Transgender Policies Adopted by High School Sports Associations Bill Passed - House (45 - 23)
2/09 HB 560 Amends Brandishing Conviction to Include Intent to Induce Fear Bill Passed - House (68 - 32)
2/09 HB 560 Amends Brandishing Conviction to Include Intent to Induce Fear Bill Passed - House (68 - 32)
2/09 SB 705 Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrant Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/08 HB 1107 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - House (46 - 10)
2/08 HB 4145 Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
2/08 SB 646 Establishes Regulations for Fantasy Sports Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
2/05 SB 133 Establishes Immunity for Underage Drinkers Who Seek Medical Help Bill Passed - House (92 - 27)
2/04 SB 610 Authorizes Concealed Carry Reciprocity for Out-of-State License Holders Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
2/03 HB 4001 Authorizes Open-Carry on State College Campuses Bill Passed - House (80 - 37)
2/03 HB 163 Authorizes Open Carry of Firearms Bill Passed - House (80 - 38)
2/03 SB 339 Establishes Regulations for Fantasy Sports Games Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
2/03 SB 80 Authorizes Pharmacists to Decline to Sell Certain Cold Medicines Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
2/03 HB 675 Requires Local Governments to Enforce Federal Immigration Regulations Bill Passed - House (80 - 38)
2/03 HB 766 Authorizes Individual with Restraining Order to Carry Concealed Gun without Permit Bill Passed - House (68 - 29)
2/02 HR 3762 Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015 Veto Override Failed - House (241 - 186)
2/02 SB 220 Classifies an Offense Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity as Aggravating Circumstance Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
2/02 SB 220 Classifies an Offense Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity as Aggravating Circumstance Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
2/01 SB 48 Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 21)
1/29 SB 67 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation in Housing Practices Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
1/29 SB 12 Prohibits Discrimination in Public Employment Based on Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
1/28 SB 572 Establishes Regulations for Municipal Ordinance Violation Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
1/28 H 3521 Prohibits Courts From Enforcing Foreign Law Bill Passed - House (68 - 42)
1/28 SB 344 Amends Burden of Proof in Self-Defense Immunity Claims Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
1/27 HB 630 Authorizes Video Lottery Machine Licenses "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (200 - 129)
1/27 HB 1008 Prohibits Students from Using School Restrooms Designated for the Opposite Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (58 - 10)
1/27 HB 1075 Expands Nonresident Waterfowl Hunting Areas Bill Passed - House (36 - 32)
1/26 HB 1019 Limits Public Access to Police Body Camera Footage Bill Passed - House (65 - 30)
1/26 SB 259 Authorizes General Assembly Employees to Carry Handguns in the Statehouse Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
1/21 SB 528 Amends Asset Forfeiture Regulations Veto Override Passed - House (89 - 52)
1/21 SB 517 Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia Veto Override Passed - House (86 - 55)
1/21 SB 528 Amends Asset Forfeiture Regulations Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
1/21 SB 190 Amends Taxable Price for Sale or Use of Accommodations Veto Override Passed - House (89 - 52)
1/21 SB 517 Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
1/21 SB 190 Amends Taxable Price for Sale or Use of Accommodations Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
1/21 HB 99 Requires Driver's Licenses to Comply with Federal Standards Bill Passed - House (39 - 30)
1/20 AB 310 Prohibits a Public Entity from Distributing Certain Funds to Abortion Clinics Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
1/20 SB 248 Repeals Certain Requirements to Strip Search Detained Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
1/20 SB 207 Authorizes Peace Officers to Conduct Roadside Saliva Drug Test Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
1/14 HB 560 Amends Classification of Criminal Offenses for Death of a Viable Fetus Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 11)
1/06 HR 3762 Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (240 - 181)

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