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
June 8, 2020 NY S 3253 Authorizes Individuals to Record Law Enforcement Activity Bill Passed - House (128 - 16)
June 8, 2020 NY A 1531 Prohibits Reporting a Non-Emergency Incident Involving a Member of a Protected Class Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
June 8, 2020 NY A 4615 Prohibits Police Officers from Racial and Ethnic Profiling Bill Passed - House (105 - 39)
June 8, 2020 NY A 4615 Prohibits Police Officers from Racial and Ethnic Profiling Bill Passed - House (105 - 39)
June 8, 2020 NY A 10608 Requires Law Enforcement Officers to Report Weapon Discharges to their Superior Bill Passed - House (105 - 39)
June 8, 2020 NY A 10609 Requires Courts to Compile and Publish Data on Misdemeanors and Violations and Law Enforcement Departments on Arrest-Related Deaths Bill Passed - House (100 - 44)
June 8, 2020 NY A 10609 Requires Courts to Compile and Publish Data on Misdemeanors and Violations and Law Enforcement Departments on Arrest-Related Deaths Bill Passed - House (100 - 44)
June 8, 2020 NY A 1531 Prohibits Reporting a Non-Emergency Incident Involving a Member of a Protected Class Bill Passed - House (115 - 29)
June 8, 2020 NY A 1531 Prohibits Reporting a Non-Emergency Incident Involving a Member of a Protected Class Bill Passed - House (115 - 29)
June 5, 2020 IA SF 2413 Increases Penalties for Trespassing on Animal Food Operations Bill Passed - House (59 - 37)
June 5, 2020 CO HB 20-1143 Increases Maximum Fines for Air and Water Quality Violations Bill Passed - House (40 - 24)
June 5, 2020 IA SF 2413 Increases Penalties for Trespassing on Animal Food Operations Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
June 5, 2020 CO SB 20-181 Amends Incompetent-to-Proceed Process for Mentally Ill Defendants Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
June 4, 2020 MI SB 945 Requires Implicit Bias and De-Escalation Training for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
June 4, 2020 MI SB 945 Requires Implicit Bias and De-Escalation Training for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
June 3, 2020 IA HF 2502 Amends Gun Policies Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
June 3, 2020 IA SF 2348 Requires Restitution Payment from Felons for Restoration of Voting Rights Bill Passed - House (51 - 45)
June 3, 2020 IA SF 2348 Requires Restitution Payment from Felons for Restoration of Voting Rights Bill Passed - House (51 - 45)
June 3, 2020 TN HB 1689 Prohibits Students From Participating in Sports That do Not Match Their Birth Sex Bill Passed - House (73 - 13)
May 31, 2020 LA HB 434 Establishes Outlines and Provisions Relating to Homicide Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 0)
May 31, 2020 LA HB 357 Establishes Regulations for Fantasy Sports Gambling Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 20)
May 29, 2020 LA HB 140 Prohibits Localities from Establishing Restrictions to Prohibit Firearm Possession Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
May 29, 2020 LA HB 241 Amends Certain Requirements of the Records Expungement Process Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
May 28, 2020 LA SB 178 Authorizes Alcohol Delivery by Third Party Platforms Bill Passed - House (87 - 13)
May 28, 2020 OH HB 194 Authorizes Sports Gambling in the State Bill Passed - House (83 - 10)
May 27, 2020 National S 3744 Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 Bill Passed - House (413 - 1)
May 27, 2020 National S 3744 Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 Bill Passed - House (413 - 1)
May 27, 2020 NY S 8415 Repeals Anti-Mask Law Bill Passed - House (109 - 35)
May 27, 2020 NY S 8415 Repeals Anti-Mask Law Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 27)
May 27, 2020 MI HB 5217 Authorizes Compensation for College Athletes Bill Passed - House (94 - 13)
May 23, 2020 IL SB 516 Amends Tax Structure for Chicago Casino Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (42 - 14)
May 23, 2020 IL SB 516 Amends Tax Structure for Chicago Casino Bill Passed - House (77 - 32)
May 22, 2020 LA HB 241 Amends Certain Requirements of the Records Expungement Process Bill Passed - House (73 - 19)
May 22, 2020 LA HB 334 Authorizes Concealed Handgun Permit Holders to Carry Inside Places of Worship Bill Passed - House (72 - 24)
May 22, 2020 LA HB 334 Authorizes Concealed Handgun Permit Holders to Carry Inside Places of Worship Bill Passed - House (72 - 24)
May 21, 2020 LA HB 420 Establishes Minimum Training Requirements for Peace Officers Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
May 20, 2020 OH HB 3 Amends Law Enforcement Response to Domestic Violence Bill Passed - House (94 - 0)
May 20, 2020 OH HB 3 Amends Law Enforcement Response to Domestic Violence Bill Passed - House (94 - 0)
May 20, 2020 PA HB 2440 Classifies Shooting Ranges, Sportsman Clubs, Hunting Facilities, and Firearm Businesses as "Life-Sustaining" Bill Passed - House (124 - 78)
May 20, 2020 PA HB 2440 Classifies Shooting Ranges, Sportsman Clubs, Hunting Facilities, and Firearm Businesses as "Life-Sustaining" Bill Passed - House (124 - 78)
May 15, 2020 OK HB 2587 Prohibits Denying Healthcare or Adjusting Coverage or Cost Based on Age or Quality of Life Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 6)
May 15, 2020 OK SB 1081 Prohibits Localities from Enacting "Red Flag" Firearm Ordinances Bill Passed - House (77 - 14)
May 15, 2020 MO SB 600 Amends and Expands Provisions Relating to Dangerous Felonies Bill Passed - House (97 - 51)
May 15, 2020 LA HB 173 Expands Parole Eligibility for Certain Juvenile Offenders Bill Passed - House (68 - 22)
May 14, 2020 MO HB 1896 Requires Employees of Medical Marijuana Businesses to Submit Fingerprints for Criminal Background Checks Concurrence Vote Passed - House (124 - 21)
May 13, 2020 OK HB 2742 Reduces Contributions to Retirement Systems for Police and Firefighters Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
May 13, 2020 MO HB 1693 Establishes a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Conference Report Adopted - House (94 - 59)
May 13, 2020 OK HB 2877 Increases the Role of Victim Impact Panels to Prevent Future OWI Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
May 13, 2020 LA SB 130 Authorizes a Ballot Referendum Vote on Legalizing Sports Betting Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
May 13, 2020 OH HB 368 Establishes Criminal Penalties for Cyber Crimes Bill Passed - House (93 - 1)
May 12, 2020 MO SB 569 Requires Forensic Testing of Rape Kits Upon Request of Victim Bill Passed - House (150 - 3)
May 11, 2020 OK SB 1823 Establishes a Process to License Midwives Bill Passed - House (85 - 12)
May 7, 2020 LA HB 132 Establishes Daylight Savings Time as the Standard Time Year-Round Bill Passed - House (89 - 0)
April 22, 2020 VA HB 33 Authorizes Inmates to Apply for Parole Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
April 22, 2020 VA SB 384 Amends Sports Betting Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 29)
April 22, 2020 VA SB 384 Amends Sports Betting Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 29)
April 22, 2020 VA SB 34 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Non-United States Citizens Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 41)
April 22, 2020 VA SB 971 Establishes the COVID-19 Relief Fund and Amends Gambling Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 16)
April 22, 2020 VA SB 384 Amends Sports Betting Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
April 22, 2020 VA SB 971 Establishes the COVID-19 Relief Fund and Amends Gambling Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
April 22, 2020 VA SB 384 Amends Sports Betting Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
April 22, 2020 VA SB 34 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Non-United States Citizens Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
April 22, 2020 VA SB 479 Prohibits Individuals Subject to a Protective Order From Possessing Firearms Concurrence Vote Passed - House (50 - 42)
April 22, 2020 VA SB 437 Increases Penalty for Motor Accidents Involving a Cyclist or Vulnerable Road User Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 36)
April 22, 2020 VA HB 1442 Authorizes the Use of Photo Speed Monitoring Devices Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
April 22, 2020 VA SB 479 Prohibits Individuals Subject to a Protective Order From Possessing Firearms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
April 22, 2020 VA HB 1442 Authorizes the Use of Photo Speed Monitoring Devices Concurrence Vote Passed - House (48 - 44)
April 14, 2020 KY SB 15 Establishes Crime Victims' Bill of Rights Bill Passed - House (74 - 15)
April 14, 2020 KY SB 15 Establishes Crime Victims' Bill of Rights Bill Passed - House (74 - 15)
April 13, 2020 NJ S 2331 Establishes Assistance for Reentry Benefits for Inmates Bill Passed - House (52 - 26)
April 10, 2020 VT S 114 Establishes Emergency Judicial Response Standards during COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
April 2, 2020 NY S 7505 Amends Criminal Justice Laws Bill Passed - House (96 - 45)
April 2, 2020 NY S 7505 Amends Criminal Justice Laws Bill Passed - House (96 - 45)
March 31, 2020 NY S 7505 Amends Criminal Justice Laws Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 24)
March 31, 2020 NY S 7505 Amends Criminal Justice Laws Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 24)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/08 S 3253 Authorizes Individuals to Record Law Enforcement Activity Bill Passed - House (128 - 16)
6/08 A 1531 Prohibits Reporting a Non-Emergency Incident Involving a Member of a Protected Class Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
6/08 A 4615 Prohibits Police Officers from Racial and Ethnic Profiling Bill Passed - House (105 - 39)
6/08 A 4615 Prohibits Police Officers from Racial and Ethnic Profiling Bill Passed - House (105 - 39)
6/08 A 10608 Requires Law Enforcement Officers to Report Weapon Discharges to their Superior Bill Passed - House (105 - 39)
6/08 A 10609 Requires Courts to Compile and Publish Data on Misdemeanors and Violations and Law Enforcement Departments on Arrest-Related Deaths Bill Passed - House (100 - 44)
6/08 A 10609 Requires Courts to Compile and Publish Data on Misdemeanors and Violations and Law Enforcement Departments on Arrest-Related Deaths Bill Passed - House (100 - 44)
6/08 A 1531 Prohibits Reporting a Non-Emergency Incident Involving a Member of a Protected Class Bill Passed - House (115 - 29)
6/08 A 1531 Prohibits Reporting a Non-Emergency Incident Involving a Member of a Protected Class Bill Passed - House (115 - 29)
6/05 SF 2413 Increases Penalties for Trespassing on Animal Food Operations Bill Passed - House (59 - 37)
6/05 HB 20-1143 Increases Maximum Fines for Air and Water Quality Violations Bill Passed - House (40 - 24)
6/05 SF 2413 Increases Penalties for Trespassing on Animal Food Operations Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
6/05 SB 20-181 Amends Incompetent-to-Proceed Process for Mentally Ill Defendants Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
6/04 SB 945 Requires Implicit Bias and De-Escalation Training for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
6/04 SB 945 Requires Implicit Bias and De-Escalation Training for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
6/03 HF 2502 Amends Gun Policies Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
6/03 SF 2348 Requires Restitution Payment from Felons for Restoration of Voting Rights Bill Passed - House (51 - 45)
6/03 SF 2348 Requires Restitution Payment from Felons for Restoration of Voting Rights Bill Passed - House (51 - 45)
6/03 HB 1689 Prohibits Students From Participating in Sports That do Not Match Their Birth Sex Bill Passed - House (73 - 13)
5/31 HB 434 Establishes Outlines and Provisions Relating to Homicide Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 0)
5/31 HB 357 Establishes Regulations for Fantasy Sports Gambling Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 20)
5/29 HB 140 Prohibits Localities from Establishing Restrictions to Prohibit Firearm Possession Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
5/29 HB 241 Amends Certain Requirements of the Records Expungement Process Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
5/28 SB 178 Authorizes Alcohol Delivery by Third Party Platforms Bill Passed - House (87 - 13)
5/28 HB 194 Authorizes Sports Gambling in the State Bill Passed - House (83 - 10)
5/27 S 3744 Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 Bill Passed - House (413 - 1)
5/27 S 3744 Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 Bill Passed - House (413 - 1)
5/27 S 8415 Repeals Anti-Mask Law Bill Passed - House (109 - 35)
5/27 S 8415 Repeals Anti-Mask Law Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 27)
5/27 HB 5217 Authorizes Compensation for College Athletes Bill Passed - House (94 - 13)
5/23 SB 516 Amends Tax Structure for Chicago Casino Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (42 - 14)
5/23 SB 516 Amends Tax Structure for Chicago Casino Bill Passed - House (77 - 32)
5/22 HB 241 Amends Certain Requirements of the Records Expungement Process Bill Passed - House (73 - 19)
5/22 HB 334 Authorizes Concealed Handgun Permit Holders to Carry Inside Places of Worship Bill Passed - House (72 - 24)
5/22 HB 334 Authorizes Concealed Handgun Permit Holders to Carry Inside Places of Worship Bill Passed - House (72 - 24)
5/21 HB 420 Establishes Minimum Training Requirements for Peace Officers Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
5/20 HB 3 Amends Law Enforcement Response to Domestic Violence Bill Passed - House (94 - 0)
5/20 HB 3 Amends Law Enforcement Response to Domestic Violence Bill Passed - House (94 - 0)
5/20 HB 2440 Classifies Shooting Ranges, Sportsman Clubs, Hunting Facilities, and Firearm Businesses as "Life-Sustaining" Bill Passed - House (124 - 78)
5/20 HB 2440 Classifies Shooting Ranges, Sportsman Clubs, Hunting Facilities, and Firearm Businesses as "Life-Sustaining" Bill Passed - House (124 - 78)
5/15 HB 2587 Prohibits Denying Healthcare or Adjusting Coverage or Cost Based on Age or Quality of Life Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 6)
5/15 SB 1081 Prohibits Localities from Enacting "Red Flag" Firearm Ordinances Bill Passed - House (77 - 14)
5/15 SB 600 Amends and Expands Provisions Relating to Dangerous Felonies Bill Passed - House (97 - 51)
5/15 HB 173 Expands Parole Eligibility for Certain Juvenile Offenders Bill Passed - House (68 - 22)
5/14 HB 1896 Requires Employees of Medical Marijuana Businesses to Submit Fingerprints for Criminal Background Checks Concurrence Vote Passed - House (124 - 21)
5/13 HB 2742 Reduces Contributions to Retirement Systems for Police and Firefighters Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
5/13 HB 1693 Establishes a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Conference Report Adopted - House (94 - 59)
5/13 HB 2877 Increases the Role of Victim Impact Panels to Prevent Future OWI Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
5/13 SB 130 Authorizes a Ballot Referendum Vote on Legalizing Sports Betting Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
5/13 HB 368 Establishes Criminal Penalties for Cyber Crimes Bill Passed - House (93 - 1)
5/12 SB 569 Requires Forensic Testing of Rape Kits Upon Request of Victim Bill Passed - House (150 - 3)
5/11 SB 1823 Establishes a Process to License Midwives Bill Passed - House (85 - 12)
5/07 HB 132 Establishes Daylight Savings Time as the Standard Time Year-Round Bill Passed - House (89 - 0)
4/22 HB 33 Authorizes Inmates to Apply for Parole Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
4/22 SB 384 Amends Sports Betting Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 29)
4/22 SB 384 Amends Sports Betting Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 29)
4/22 SB 34 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Non-United States Citizens Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 41)
4/22 SB 971 Establishes the COVID-19 Relief Fund and Amends Gambling Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 16)
4/22 SB 384 Amends Sports Betting Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
4/22 SB 971 Establishes the COVID-19 Relief Fund and Amends Gambling Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
4/22 SB 384 Amends Sports Betting Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
4/22 SB 34 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Non-United States Citizens Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
4/22 SB 479 Prohibits Individuals Subject to a Protective Order From Possessing Firearms Concurrence Vote Passed - House (50 - 42)
4/22 SB 437 Increases Penalty for Motor Accidents Involving a Cyclist or Vulnerable Road User Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 36)
4/22 HB 1442 Authorizes the Use of Photo Speed Monitoring Devices Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
4/22 SB 479 Prohibits Individuals Subject to a Protective Order From Possessing Firearms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
4/22 HB 1442 Authorizes the Use of Photo Speed Monitoring Devices Concurrence Vote Passed - House (48 - 44)
4/14 SB 15 Establishes Crime Victims' Bill of Rights Bill Passed - House (74 - 15)
4/14 SB 15 Establishes Crime Victims' Bill of Rights Bill Passed - House (74 - 15)
4/13 S 2331 Establishes Assistance for Reentry Benefits for Inmates Bill Passed - House (52 - 26)
4/10 S 114 Establishes Emergency Judicial Response Standards during COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
4/02 S 7505 Amends Criminal Justice Laws Bill Passed - House (96 - 45)
4/02 S 7505 Amends Criminal Justice Laws Bill Passed - House (96 - 45)
3/31 S 7505 Amends Criminal Justice Laws Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 24)
3/31 S 7505 Amends Criminal Justice Laws Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 24)

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