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, 2020 MD HB 1444 Prohibits Race-Based Hairstyle Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
March 16, 2020 MD HB 280 Prohibits Suspension of Driver's License for Unpaid Fines Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
March 16, 2020 IA SF 2408 Appropriates Funds, Expands Power of Governor, and Waives School Time Requirements in Response to Coronavirus Outbreak Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 0)
March 15, 2020 MD SB 684 Establishes a Prerelease Unit for Women Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
March 13, 2020 FL HB 1259 Prohibits Putting Pregnant Prisoners in Restrictive Housing Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
March 12, 2020 GA HB 792 Amends the 2020 Fiscal Year Budget to Appropriate Funds to Combat COVID-19 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (53 - 1)
March 12, 2020 NH HB 1660 Establishes a Protective Order for Vulnerable Adults "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
March 12, 2020 NH HB 1660 Establishes a Protective Order for Vulnerable Adults "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
March 12, 2020 WA HB 2965 Appropriates Funds for COVID-19 Coronavirus Response Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
March 12, 2020 AL HB 186 Appropriates Funds for COVID-19 Coronavirus Response Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
March 12, 2020 UT HB 494 Appropriates Funds In Response to the COVID-19 Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
March 12, 2020 AL SB 45 Amends Criminal Trespassing Penalties Relating to Critical Infrastructure Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
March 12, 2020 OK SB 1081 Prohibits Localities from Enacting "Red Flag" Firearm Ordinances Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9)
March 11, 2020 FL HB 389 Expands List of Medical Conditions That Pharmacists May Treat Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
March 11, 2020 FL HB 1213 Requires Adding Ocoee Riots to School Curriculum Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
March 11, 2020 FL HB 199 Extends Sexual Battery Prosecution Time Limitations Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
March 11, 2020 WY HB 118 Establishes the Second Amendment Preservation Act Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 14)
March 11, 2020 MS SB 2459 Establishes Legal Definition for Criminal Gang Activity Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 15)
March 11, 2020 MS SB 2459 Establishes Legal Definition for Criminal Gang Activity Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 15)
March 11, 2020 OK SB 1674 Increases Penalties for Selling or Possessing Drugs Near Schools Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
March 11, 2020 OK SB 1674 Increases Penalties for Selling or Possessing Drugs Near Schools Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
March 10, 2020 SD SB 151 Defines "Critical Infrastructure" and Restructures Associated Crimes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
March 10, 2020 FL SB 70 Establishes Alert Systems in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
March 10, 2020 MD SB 35 Amends Various Gun Laws Including Making Theft of a Firearm a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 4)
March 9, 2020 MD HB 4 Requires Background Checks for Private Sales of Long Guns Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
March 9, 2020 MN SF 3813 Appropriates Funding for the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Public Health Response Planning Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 0)
March 9, 2020 MS SB 2112 Prohibits Public Employers from Requiring Applicants to Disclose Felony Convictions on Application Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 17)
March 8, 2020 VA HB 1250 Establishes the "Community Policing Act" Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 17)
March 8, 2020 VA HB 1250 Establishes the "Community Policing Act" Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 17)
March 7, 2020 VA HB 1150 Eliminates Requirement that Jails and Prisons Ascertain Citizenship Status of Inmates Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 19)
March 7, 2020 VA HB 812 Prohibits Unlicensed Individuals to Deal Firearms from Purchasing More Than One Gun in a 30-Day Period Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 19)
March 7, 2020 WV HB 4615 Increases Penalties for Critical Infrastructure Protesting Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
March 5, 2020 WA HB 1783 Establishes the Washington State Office of Equity Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
March 5, 2020 SD HB 1117 Repeals and Revises Certain Provisions Regarding Riots Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
March 5, 2020 WA HB 2467 Establishes a Background Check System for Firearms Transfers Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
March 4, 2020 SC H 3967 Establishes Requirements for the Treatment of Female Inmates Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 0)
March 4, 2020 WA HB 2602 Prohibits Race-Based Hairstyle Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
March 3, 2020 VA SB 1030 Prohibits Dangerous Captive Animal Exhibits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
March 3, 2020 VA HB 623 Repeals the State Statutory Same-Sex Marriage Ban and Amends State Gender-Neutral Terms (24 - 16)
March 3, 2020 UT HB 116 Establishes a Missing Indigenous Women and Girls Task Force Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 0)
March 3, 2020 VA HB 837 Establishes the "Dress Code Equity Act" Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
March 3, 2020 HI SB 75 Appropriates Funds to the Departments of Health, Transportation, and Defense to Help Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 0)
March 3, 2020 IA SF 2348 Requires Restitution Payment from Felons for Restoration of Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
March 3, 2020 IA SF 2348 Requires Restitution Payment from Felons for Restoration of Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
March 3, 2020 HI SB 2793 Classifies the Promotion of a Dangerous Drug as a Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 9)
March 3, 2020 HI SB 2793 Classifies the Promotion of a Dangerous Drug as a Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 9)
March 2, 2020 NY S 7919 Appropriates Funds for COVID-19 Coronavirus Response Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 4)
March 2, 2020 MO SB 591 Limits Punitive Damage Payouts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
March 2, 2020 IA SF 2275 Increases Penalties for Eluding Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
Feb. 28, 2020 CO HB 20-1048 Establishes the CROWN Act Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
Feb. 27, 2020 KY SB 62 Authorizes the Restoration of Voting Rights 5 Years After Completion of Sentence for Certain Felonies Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
Feb. 26, 2020 VA HB 1083 Amends Safety Requirements for Unsecured Firearms and Increases Penalties (22 - 18)
Feb. 26, 2020 VA HB 9 Requires Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
Feb. 26, 2020 VA HB 9 Requires Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
Feb. 26, 2020 OK SB 1606 Amends Responsibility for Transport for Individuals in Custody Experiencing Mental Distress Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 0)
Feb. 26, 2020 SD SB 96 Repeals the Lifetime Ban on Drug Felons Receiving TANF Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
Feb. 25, 2020 SD SB 6 Amends Conditions for Presumptive Probation Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
Feb. 24, 2020 VA HB 618 Specifies that Gender Related Crimes are Associated with Hate Crimes (24 - 16)
Feb. 24, 2020 CO HB 20-1019 Amends the State Department of Corrections Private Prison Populations Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
Feb. 21, 2020 ID S 1318 Prohibits Employment Discrimination Based On Criminal History Background Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
Feb. 21, 2020 VT S 24 Requires Commissioner of Corrections to Make a Plan that Addresses Racism and Diversity Inclusion Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 0)
Feb. 19, 2020 WI AB 804 Increases Penalties for Domestic Abuse Victim Intimidation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
Feb. 17, 2020 VA HB 386 Prohibits State Funding for Conversion Therapy on Minors Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Feb. 17, 2020 VA HB 995 Increases the Threshold Amount of Money Taken for Larceny Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
Feb. 12, 2020 OK HB 2336 Authorizes Handguns on the Premises of Schools Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 7)
Feb. 7, 2020 MD SB 147 Prohibits the Purchase, Distribution, or Sale of Kratom Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
Feb. 6, 2020 VA SB 868 Amends Anti-Discrimination Law to Include Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
Feb. 4, 2020 IN SB 449 Reduces the Age at Which Juveniles Can be Sent to Jail Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
Feb. 4, 2020 CO SB 20-83 Prohibits Civil Arrests on Courthouse Grounds Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
Feb. 4, 2020 CO SB 20-83 Prohibits Civil Arrests on Courthouse Grounds Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
Feb. 4, 2020 CO SB 20-83 Prohibits Civil Arrests on Courthouse Grounds Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
Feb. 3, 2020 GA SR 554 Expresses Support for Iranian People Resolution Passed - Senate (31 - 17)
Jan. 31, 2020 WA SB 5339 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 18)
Jan. 31, 2020 WA SB 5339 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 18)
Jan. 31, 2020 CO SB 20-100 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
Jan. 30, 2020 AZ SB 1141 Expands Arrest Powers of Detention Officers Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
Jan. 28, 2020 OH SB 40 Prohibits State Universities from Enacting Limitations on Campus Free Speech Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
Jan. 27, 2020 VA HJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
Jan. 22, 2020 VA SB 240 Authorizes Temporary Seizure of Guns from Persons Posing Substantial Risk Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Jan. 21, 2020 VA SB 601 Establishes Election Day to Replace Lee-Jackson Day Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Jan. 17, 2020 WA SB 5165 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Citizenship or Immigration Status Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
Jan. 16, 2020 VA SB 35 Authorizes Localities to Prohibit Guns at Public Events Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Jan. 16, 2020 VA SB 69 Prohibits Purchasing more than One Handgun per Month Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Jan. 16, 2020 VA SB 70 Requires Background Check for Firearm Transfers Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
Jan. 15, 2020 VA SJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
Jan. 14, 2020 TN HB 836 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Deny Potential Parents Based on Religious Exemption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
Jan. 14, 2020 IN SB 69 Authorizes Firearms on School Grounds Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/16 HB 1444 Prohibits Race-Based Hairstyle Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
3/16 HB 280 Prohibits Suspension of Driver's License for Unpaid Fines Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
3/16 SF 2408 Appropriates Funds, Expands Power of Governor, and Waives School Time Requirements in Response to Coronavirus Outbreak Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 0)
3/15 SB 684 Establishes a Prerelease Unit for Women Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
3/13 HB 1259 Prohibits Putting Pregnant Prisoners in Restrictive Housing Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
3/12 HB 792 Amends the 2020 Fiscal Year Budget to Appropriate Funds to Combat COVID-19 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (53 - 1)
3/12 HB 1660 Establishes a Protective Order for Vulnerable Adults "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
3/12 HB 1660 Establishes a Protective Order for Vulnerable Adults "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
3/12 HB 2965 Appropriates Funds for COVID-19 Coronavirus Response Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
3/12 HB 186 Appropriates Funds for COVID-19 Coronavirus Response Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
3/12 HB 494 Appropriates Funds In Response to the COVID-19 Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
3/12 SB 45 Amends Criminal Trespassing Penalties Relating to Critical Infrastructure Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
3/12 SB 1081 Prohibits Localities from Enacting "Red Flag" Firearm Ordinances Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9)
3/11 HB 389 Expands List of Medical Conditions That Pharmacists May Treat Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
3/11 HB 1213 Requires Adding Ocoee Riots to School Curriculum Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
3/11 HB 199 Extends Sexual Battery Prosecution Time Limitations Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
3/11 HB 118 Establishes the Second Amendment Preservation Act Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 14)
3/11 SB 2459 Establishes Legal Definition for Criminal Gang Activity Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 15)
3/11 SB 2459 Establishes Legal Definition for Criminal Gang Activity Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 15)
3/11 SB 1674 Increases Penalties for Selling or Possessing Drugs Near Schools Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
3/11 SB 1674 Increases Penalties for Selling or Possessing Drugs Near Schools Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
3/10 SB 151 Defines "Critical Infrastructure" and Restructures Associated Crimes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
3/10 SB 70 Establishes Alert Systems in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
3/10 SB 35 Amends Various Gun Laws Including Making Theft of a Firearm a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 4)
3/09 HB 4 Requires Background Checks for Private Sales of Long Guns Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
3/09 SF 3813 Appropriates Funding for the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Public Health Response Planning Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 0)
3/09 SB 2112 Prohibits Public Employers from Requiring Applicants to Disclose Felony Convictions on Application Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 17)
3/08 HB 1250 Establishes the "Community Policing Act" Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 17)
3/08 HB 1250 Establishes the "Community Policing Act" Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 17)
3/07 HB 1150 Eliminates Requirement that Jails and Prisons Ascertain Citizenship Status of Inmates Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 19)
3/07 HB 812 Prohibits Unlicensed Individuals to Deal Firearms from Purchasing More Than One Gun in a 30-Day Period Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 19)
3/07 HB 4615 Increases Penalties for Critical Infrastructure Protesting Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
3/05 HB 1783 Establishes the Washington State Office of Equity Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
3/05 HB 1117 Repeals and Revises Certain Provisions Regarding Riots Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
3/05 HB 2467 Establishes a Background Check System for Firearms Transfers Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
3/04 H 3967 Establishes Requirements for the Treatment of Female Inmates Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 0)
3/04 HB 2602 Prohibits Race-Based Hairstyle Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
3/03 SB 1030 Prohibits Dangerous Captive Animal Exhibits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
3/03 HB 623 Repeals the State Statutory Same-Sex Marriage Ban and Amends State Gender-Neutral Terms (24 - 16)
3/03 HB 116 Establishes a Missing Indigenous Women and Girls Task Force Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 0)
3/03 HB 837 Establishes the "Dress Code Equity Act" Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
3/03 SB 75 Appropriates Funds to the Departments of Health, Transportation, and Defense to Help Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 0)
3/03 SF 2348 Requires Restitution Payment from Felons for Restoration of Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
3/03 SF 2348 Requires Restitution Payment from Felons for Restoration of Voting Rights Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
3/03 SB 2793 Classifies the Promotion of a Dangerous Drug as a Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 9)
3/03 SB 2793 Classifies the Promotion of a Dangerous Drug as a Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 9)
3/02 S 7919 Appropriates Funds for COVID-19 Coronavirus Response Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 4)
3/02 SB 591 Limits Punitive Damage Payouts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
3/02 SF 2275 Increases Penalties for Eluding Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
2/28 HB 20-1048 Establishes the CROWN Act Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
2/27 SB 62 Authorizes the Restoration of Voting Rights 5 Years After Completion of Sentence for Certain Felonies Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
2/26 HB 1083 Amends Safety Requirements for Unsecured Firearms and Increases Penalties (22 - 18)
2/26 HB 9 Requires Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
2/26 HB 9 Requires Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
2/26 SB 1606 Amends Responsibility for Transport for Individuals in Custody Experiencing Mental Distress Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 0)
2/26 SB 96 Repeals the Lifetime Ban on Drug Felons Receiving TANF Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
2/25 SB 6 Amends Conditions for Presumptive Probation Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
2/24 HB 618 Specifies that Gender Related Crimes are Associated with Hate Crimes (24 - 16)
2/24 HB 20-1019 Amends the State Department of Corrections Private Prison Populations Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
2/21 S 1318 Prohibits Employment Discrimination Based On Criminal History Background Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
2/21 S 24 Requires Commissioner of Corrections to Make a Plan that Addresses Racism and Diversity Inclusion Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 0)
2/19 AB 804 Increases Penalties for Domestic Abuse Victim Intimidation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
2/17 HB 386 Prohibits State Funding for Conversion Therapy on Minors Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
2/17 HB 995 Increases the Threshold Amount of Money Taken for Larceny Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
2/12 HB 2336 Authorizes Handguns on the Premises of Schools Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 7)
2/07 SB 147 Prohibits the Purchase, Distribution, or Sale of Kratom Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
2/06 SB 868 Amends Anti-Discrimination Law to Include Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
2/04 SB 449 Reduces the Age at Which Juveniles Can be Sent to Jail Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
2/04 SB 20-83 Prohibits Civil Arrests on Courthouse Grounds Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
2/04 SB 20-83 Prohibits Civil Arrests on Courthouse Grounds Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
2/04 SB 20-83 Prohibits Civil Arrests on Courthouse Grounds Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
2/03 SR 554 Expresses Support for Iranian People Resolution Passed - Senate (31 - 17)
1/31 SB 5339 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 18)
1/31 SB 5339 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 18)
1/31 SB 20-100 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
1/30 SB 1141 Expands Arrest Powers of Detention Officers Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
1/28 SB 40 Prohibits State Universities from Enacting Limitations on Campus Free Speech Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
1/27 HJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
1/22 SB 240 Authorizes Temporary Seizure of Guns from Persons Posing Substantial Risk Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
1/21 SB 601 Establishes Election Day to Replace Lee-Jackson Day Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
1/17 SB 5165 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Citizenship or Immigration Status Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
1/16 SB 35 Authorizes Localities to Prohibit Guns at Public Events Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
1/16 SB 69 Prohibits Purchasing more than One Handgun per Month Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
1/16 SB 70 Requires Background Check for Firearm Transfers Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
1/15 SJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
1/14 HB 836 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Deny Potential Parents Based on Religious Exemption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
1/14 SB 69 Authorizes Firearms on School Grounds Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 7)

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