Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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
May 8, 2017 AZ SB 1384 Prohibits Censorship of Student Media Bill Passed - House (41 - 19)
May 8, 2017 MO SB 43 Requires Certain Changes to Discrimination Lawsuit Proceedings Bill Passed - House (98 - 30)
May 8, 2017 NE LB 259 Authorizes Release Options for Inmates Unable to Pay for Bail Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 3)
May 5, 2017 VT S 22 Reduces Penalties for Possession of Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
May 5, 2017 VT S 22 Reduces Penalties for Possession of Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
May 5, 2017 IL SB 1761 Prohibits "Gay Panic" Defense Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 0)
May 5, 2017 IL SB 1761 Prohibits "Gay Panic" Defense Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 0)
May 4, 2017 NH SB 9 Prohibits the Use of Victim's Past Sexual Activity as Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases Bill Passed - House (328 - 30)
May 4, 2017 IL SB 31 Establishes the Illinois TRUST Act. Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 21)
May 2, 2017 CT HB 6695 Prohibits Conversion Therapy Bill Passed - House (141 - 8)
May 1, 2017 OR SB 719 Prohibits Individuals with Risk of Suicide from Owning Deadly Weapons Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
May 1, 2017 OR HB 2597 Increases Penalties for Distracted Driving Bill Passed - House (46 - 13)
April 27, 2017 TX HB 89 Prohibits Contracts with Companies Boycotting Israel Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
April 27, 2017 NC HB 330 Limits Liability for Motorists Involved in Accidents with Protesters Bill Passed - House (67 - 48)
April 27, 2017 MI SB 163 Authorizes "Choose Life" License Plates Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
April 27, 2017 IL SB 1657 Requires State-Level License to Sell Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 21)
April 26, 2017 LA SB 16 Provides Parole Eligibility to Juveniles Sentenced to Life in Prison Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
April 26, 2017 LA SB 16 Provides Parole Eligibility to Juveniles Sentenced to Life in Prison Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
April 26, 2017 IL HB 2462 Prohibits Screening Job Applicants Based on Wage or Salary History Bill Passed - House (91 - 24)
April 26, 2017 PA HB 671 Authorizes Lawsuits Against Local Governments with Gun Ordinances Bill Passed - House (134 - 53)
April 26, 2017 NC HB 527 Establishes Sanctions for Disruptive Student Protest (88 - 32)
April 24, 2017 NE LB 75 Restores Voting Rights Upon Completion of a Felony Sentence Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
April 21, 2017 VT H 333 Requires Gender-Neutral Bathrooms Bill Passed - House (123 - 19)
April 20, 2017 WA SB 5037 Classifies 4th DUI as a Felony Bill Passed - House (85 - 11)
April 20, 2017 WA SB 5037 Classifies 4th DUI as a Felony Bill Passed - House (85 - 11)
April 19, 2017 LA SB 22 Redefines Hunting Supplies for Purposes of Sales Tax Holiday Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
April 18, 2017 AL SB 12 Authorizes Use of Nitrogen in Death Penalty Executions Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
April 17, 2017 ND HB 1221 Establishes Protective Measures of Drug Informants Conference Report Adopted - House (90 - 0)
April 17, 2017 AZ SB 1406 Limits Applicability of Disability Lawsuits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
April 17, 2017 NV AB 118 Revises Provisions Governing the Issuance of Permits to Carry Concealed Firearms Bill Passed - House (34 - 4)
April 13, 2017 MO HB 90 Establishes Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
April 13, 2017 AZ SB 1236 Establishes Regulations for Statewide Initiatives and Referendum Petitions Bill Passed - House (35 - 23)
April 12, 2017 AZ HB 2244 Establishes Reciprocity for Concealed Weapons Permits Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
April 12, 2017 CO SB 192 Authorizes Transfers of Retail Marijuana to Medical Marijuana Licensees Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
April 12, 2017 CO SB 192 Authorizes Transfers of Retail Marijuana to Medical Marijuana Licensees Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
April 12, 2017 VT HB 492 Establishes a Board for Racial Justice in Policing Bill Passed - House (120 - 25)
April 12, 2017 VT HB 492 Establishes a Board for Racial Justice in Policing Bill Passed - House (120 - 25)
April 11, 2017 AZ SB 1366 Establishes Stricter Penalties for Assaulting Off-Duty Police Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
April 11, 2017 AL SB 193 Authorizes Briarwood Presbyterian Church to Form a Police Force Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
April 11, 2017 TX SB 75 Requires Parental Consent for Minors to Join Labor Unions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
April 11, 2017 AL SB 193 Authorizes Briarwood Presbyterian Church to Form a Police Force Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
April 10, 2017 AZ HB 2477 Requires Prosecutors to Provide Evidence before Seizing Property Concurrence Vote Passed - House (55 - 1)
April 10, 2017 TN HB 109 Amends Marijuana Possession Laws Bill Failed - House (44 - 45)
April 10, 2017 NC H 467 Limits Penalties for Agricultural Operations Bill Passed - House (68 - 47)
April 7, 2017 National PN 55 Nomination of Neil M. Gorsuch to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (54 - 45)
April 7, 2017 WA HB 1595 Establishes Fees for Printed and Digital Copies of Public Records Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 4)
April 6, 2017 IN HB 1438 Authorizes Counties or Municipalities to Approve Syringe Exchange Programs Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
April 6, 2017 National PN 55 Nomination of Neil M. Gorsuch to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Cloture Invoked - Senate (55 - 45)
April 5, 2017 VA HB 1852 Authorizes Individual Issued Protective Order to Carry A Concealed Handgun. Veto Override Failed - House (65 - 34)
April 5, 2017 VA HB 1852 Authorizes Individual Issued Protective Order to Carry A Concealed Handgun. Veto Override Failed - House (65 - 34)
April 5, 2017 AZ SB 1366 Establishes Stricter Penalties for Assaulting Off-Duty Police Officers Bill Passed - House (34 - 25)
April 5, 2017 SC H 3930 Amends Handgun Carry Rules Bill Passed - House (64 - 46)
April 5, 2017 PA HB 741 Reinstates Mandatory Minimum Sentences Bill Passed - House (122 - 67)
April 5, 2017 PA HB 741 Reinstates Mandatory Minimum Sentences Bill Passed - House (122 - 67)
April 5, 2017 SC H 3930 Amends Handgun Carry Rules Bill Passed - House (64 - 46)
April 4, 2017 IA HF 517 Authorizes Use of Deadly Force when Deemed Necessary Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
April 4, 2017 AL SB 16 Prohibits Judicial Override of Sentencing Decisions Bill Passed - House (78 - 19)
April 4, 2017 AL SB 16 Prohibits Judicial Override of Sentencing Decisions Bill Passed - House (78 - 19)
April 4, 2017 TX SB 576 Establishes Reporting Standards for Sexual Assault on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
April 4, 2017 TX SB 576 Establishes Reporting Standards for Sexual Assault on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
April 3, 2017 MO HB 90 Establishes Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Bill Passed - House (102 - 54)
March 30, 2017 MN HF 3 Requires REAL ID Compliance Nonconcurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 54)
March 30, 2017 MN HF 3 Requires REAL ID Compliance Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 7)
March 30, 2017 MO HB 151 Requires REAL ID Compliance Bill Passed - House (99 - 40)
March 30, 2017 GA HB 280 Authorizes Concealed Carry on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (96 - 70)
March 29, 2017 MT HB 494 Authorizes Concealed Carry in Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
March 29, 2017 OH SB 1 Increases Penalties for Fentanyl-Related Drug Convictions Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
March 28, 2017 MS HB 638 Authorizes Alternative Methods of Execution Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 10)
March 28, 2017 ND HB 1310 Amends Concealed Carry Laws Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 27)
March 28, 2017 ND HB 1310 Amends Concealed Carry Laws Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 27)
March 28, 2017 AZ SB 1122 Authorizes Sale of Firearms without Background Checks Bill Passed - House (32 - 23)
March 28, 2017 MN SF 803 Appropriates Funds to Various Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 15)
March 28, 2017 MN SF 803 Appropriates Funds to Various Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 15)
March 27, 2017 TN HB 173 Prohibits Local Government from Enacting Drug-Related Sanctions Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
March 27, 2017 TN HB 173 Prohibits Local Government from Enacting Drug-Related Sanctions Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/08 SB 1384 Prohibits Censorship of Student Media Bill Passed - House (41 - 19)
5/08 SB 43 Requires Certain Changes to Discrimination Lawsuit Proceedings Bill Passed - House (98 - 30)
5/08 LB 259 Authorizes Release Options for Inmates Unable to Pay for Bail Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 3)
5/05 S 22 Reduces Penalties for Possession of Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
5/05 S 22 Reduces Penalties for Possession of Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
5/05 SB 1761 Prohibits "Gay Panic" Defense Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 0)
5/05 SB 1761 Prohibits "Gay Panic" Defense Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 0)
5/04 SB 9 Prohibits the Use of Victim's Past Sexual Activity as Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases Bill Passed - House (328 - 30)
5/04 SB 31 Establishes the Illinois TRUST Act. Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 21)
5/02 HB 6695 Prohibits Conversion Therapy Bill Passed - House (141 - 8)
5/01 SB 719 Prohibits Individuals with Risk of Suicide from Owning Deadly Weapons Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
5/01 HB 2597 Increases Penalties for Distracted Driving Bill Passed - House (46 - 13)
4/27 HB 89 Prohibits Contracts with Companies Boycotting Israel Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
4/27 HB 330 Limits Liability for Motorists Involved in Accidents with Protesters Bill Passed - House (67 - 48)
4/27 SB 163 Authorizes "Choose Life" License Plates Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
4/27 SB 1657 Requires State-Level License to Sell Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 21)
4/26 SB 16 Provides Parole Eligibility to Juveniles Sentenced to Life in Prison Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
4/26 SB 16 Provides Parole Eligibility to Juveniles Sentenced to Life in Prison Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
4/26 HB 2462 Prohibits Screening Job Applicants Based on Wage or Salary History Bill Passed - House (91 - 24)
4/26 HB 671 Authorizes Lawsuits Against Local Governments with Gun Ordinances Bill Passed - House (134 - 53)
4/26 HB 527 Establishes Sanctions for Disruptive Student Protest (88 - 32)
4/24 LB 75 Restores Voting Rights Upon Completion of a Felony Sentence Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
4/21 H 333 Requires Gender-Neutral Bathrooms Bill Passed - House (123 - 19)
4/20 SB 5037 Classifies 4th DUI as a Felony Bill Passed - House (85 - 11)
4/20 SB 5037 Classifies 4th DUI as a Felony Bill Passed - House (85 - 11)
4/19 SB 22 Redefines Hunting Supplies for Purposes of Sales Tax Holiday Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
4/18 SB 12 Authorizes Use of Nitrogen in Death Penalty Executions Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
4/17 HB 1221 Establishes Protective Measures of Drug Informants Conference Report Adopted - House (90 - 0)
4/17 SB 1406 Limits Applicability of Disability Lawsuits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
4/17 AB 118 Revises Provisions Governing the Issuance of Permits to Carry Concealed Firearms Bill Passed - House (34 - 4)
4/13 HB 90 Establishes Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
4/13 SB 1236 Establishes Regulations for Statewide Initiatives and Referendum Petitions Bill Passed - House (35 - 23)
4/12 HB 2244 Establishes Reciprocity for Concealed Weapons Permits Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
4/12 SB 192 Authorizes Transfers of Retail Marijuana to Medical Marijuana Licensees Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
4/12 SB 192 Authorizes Transfers of Retail Marijuana to Medical Marijuana Licensees Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
4/12 HB 492 Establishes a Board for Racial Justice in Policing Bill Passed - House (120 - 25)
4/12 HB 492 Establishes a Board for Racial Justice in Policing Bill Passed - House (120 - 25)
4/11 SB 1366 Establishes Stricter Penalties for Assaulting Off-Duty Police Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
4/11 SB 193 Authorizes Briarwood Presbyterian Church to Form a Police Force Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
4/11 SB 75 Requires Parental Consent for Minors to Join Labor Unions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
4/11 SB 193 Authorizes Briarwood Presbyterian Church to Form a Police Force Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
4/10 HB 2477 Requires Prosecutors to Provide Evidence before Seizing Property Concurrence Vote Passed - House (55 - 1)
4/10 HB 109 Amends Marijuana Possession Laws Bill Failed - House (44 - 45)
4/10 H 467 Limits Penalties for Agricultural Operations Bill Passed - House (68 - 47)
4/07 PN 55 Nomination of Neil M. Gorsuch to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (54 - 45)
4/07 HB 1595 Establishes Fees for Printed and Digital Copies of Public Records Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 4)
4/06 HB 1438 Authorizes Counties or Municipalities to Approve Syringe Exchange Programs Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
4/06 PN 55 Nomination of Neil M. Gorsuch to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Cloture Invoked - Senate (55 - 45)
4/05 HB 1852 Authorizes Individual Issued Protective Order to Carry A Concealed Handgun. Veto Override Failed - House (65 - 34)
4/05 HB 1852 Authorizes Individual Issued Protective Order to Carry A Concealed Handgun. Veto Override Failed - House (65 - 34)
4/05 SB 1366 Establishes Stricter Penalties for Assaulting Off-Duty Police Officers Bill Passed - House (34 - 25)
4/05 H 3930 Amends Handgun Carry Rules Bill Passed - House (64 - 46)
4/05 HB 741 Reinstates Mandatory Minimum Sentences Bill Passed - House (122 - 67)
4/05 HB 741 Reinstates Mandatory Minimum Sentences Bill Passed - House (122 - 67)
4/05 H 3930 Amends Handgun Carry Rules Bill Passed - House (64 - 46)
4/04 HF 517 Authorizes Use of Deadly Force when Deemed Necessary Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
4/04 SB 16 Prohibits Judicial Override of Sentencing Decisions Bill Passed - House (78 - 19)
4/04 SB 16 Prohibits Judicial Override of Sentencing Decisions Bill Passed - House (78 - 19)
4/04 SB 576 Establishes Reporting Standards for Sexual Assault on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
4/04 SB 576 Establishes Reporting Standards for Sexual Assault on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
4/03 HB 90 Establishes Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Bill Passed - House (102 - 54)
3/30 HF 3 Requires REAL ID Compliance Nonconcurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 54)
3/30 HF 3 Requires REAL ID Compliance Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 7)
3/30 HB 151 Requires REAL ID Compliance Bill Passed - House (99 - 40)
3/30 HB 280 Authorizes Concealed Carry on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (96 - 70)
3/29 HB 494 Authorizes Concealed Carry in Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
3/29 SB 1 Increases Penalties for Fentanyl-Related Drug Convictions Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
3/28 HB 638 Authorizes Alternative Methods of Execution Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 10)
3/28 HB 1310 Amends Concealed Carry Laws Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 27)
3/28 HB 1310 Amends Concealed Carry Laws Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 27)
3/28 SB 1122 Authorizes Sale of Firearms without Background Checks Bill Passed - House (32 - 23)
3/28 SF 803 Appropriates Funds to Various Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 15)
3/28 SF 803 Appropriates Funds to Various Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 15)
3/27 HB 173 Prohibits Local Government from Enacting Drug-Related Sanctions Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
3/27 HB 173 Prohibits Local Government from Enacting Drug-Related Sanctions Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)

arrow_upward