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
June 15, 2021 ME LD 1675 Amends Various State Drug Laws Bill Passed - House (80 - 58)
June 11, 2021 NY S 7228 Expands the Number of Eligible Crimes Committed by Individuals with a Substance Use Disorder Bill Passed - House (100 - 49)
June 11, 2021 NY S 7228 Expands the Number of Eligible Crimes Committed by Individuals with a Substance Use Disorder Bill Passed - House (100 - 49)
June 10, 2021 LA HB 54 Establishes the Crime of Adoption Deception Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 27)
June 10, 2021 NY S 1144A Amends the Standard of Evidence Needed to Revoke the Community Supervision of a Person Bill Passed - House (85 - 64)
June 10, 2021 NY S 2523 Amends Existing Law to Decriminalize Possession and Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Bill Passed - House (98 - 51)
June 10, 2021 NY S 6498 Prohibits the Use of Restrains on Children Under the Age of 21 Appearing Before Family Court Bill Passed - House (105 - 44)
June 10, 2021 ME LD 1668 Requires the Closure of the Long Creek Youth Development Center "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (81 - 57)
June 9, 2021 WI AB 293 Exempts the State from Federal Firearm Laws Bill Passed - House (61 - 36)
June 8, 2021 NY S 14A Prohibits the Sale of Ghost Guns Bill Passed - House (106 - 43)
June 8, 2021 NY S 7196 Authorizes the State to Sue Gun Manufactures for Damages Caused by Guns Bill Passed - House (94 - 55)
June 8, 2021 NY S 7196 Authorizes the State to Sue Gun Manufactures for Damages Caused by Guns Bill Passed - House (94 - 55)
June 8, 2021 NY A 6522 Amends the Definition of "Disguised Gun" Bill Passed - House (116 - 33)
June 8, 2021 PA HB 979 Authorizes Gun Owners and Organizations to Challenge Local Guns Laws that are Stricter than State Law Bill Passed - House (124 - 79)
June 7, 2021 CO SB 21-190 Establishes Personal Privacy Protections for Data Bill Passed - House (57 - 7)
June 7, 2021 ME LD 1555 Appropriates Funds for Broadband Internet Infrastructure for Marginalized Groups Bill Passed - House (84 - 61)
June 6, 2021 CT SB 1059 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement Bill Passed - House (87 - 55)
June 4, 2021 CT SB 1091 Expands the Definition of Domestic Violence to Include Coercive Control Bill Passed - House (134 - 8)
June 3, 2021 LA HB 430 Amends the Police Officer's Bill of Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 37)
June 3, 2021 NH SB 141 Rescinds the State Police "Gun Line" "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - House (197 - 180)
June 3, 2021 NJ A 5820 Repeals the Public Health Emergency Declared by the Governor to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - House (44 - 28)
June 2, 2021 OR SJM 4 Alleges Congress Should Implement Reparations for African Americans Bill Passed - House (35 - 23)
June 2, 2021 MI HB 4667 Prohibits a Governmental Entity from Mandating the Use of Vaccine Passports Bill Passed - House (62 - 47)
June 2, 2021 MI HB 4667 Prohibits a Governmental Entity from Mandating the Use of Vaccine Passports Bill Passed - House (62 - 47)
June 1, 2021 CT SB 1 Alleges Racism is a Public Health Crisis Bill Passed - House (114 - 33)
June 1, 2021 CT SB 1 Alleges Racism is a Public Health Crisis Bill Passed - House (114 - 33)
June 1, 2021 NY A 3412A Classifies Threats Against an Individual's Immigration Status as Extortion or Coercion Bill Passed - House (106 - 41)
May 31, 2021 IL HB 3914 Requires State Agencies take Action to Combat Discrimination Against Employees in a Protected Class Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 36)
May 31, 2021 IL SB 667 Prohibits Cities and Counties from Entering Into Contracts With ICE Bill Passed - House (68 - 47)
May 30, 2021 TX HB 2593 Reduces Criminal Penalty for Certain Cannabis Products Bill Passed - House
May 30, 2021 TX HB 2593 Reduces Criminal Penalty for Certain Cannabis Products Bill Passed - House
May 27, 2021 CT SB 1019 Rescinds the Criminal Records for Low-Level Felonies and Misdemeanors Bill Passed - House (91 - 56)
May 27, 2021 IL SB 817 Prohibits School Discrimination Against Certain Hairstyles Bill Passed - House (89 - 22)
May 27, 2021 LA SB 118 Amends Laws Related to Concealed Carrying of Firearms Bill Passed - House (73 - 28)
May 26, 2021 MI SB 400 Extends the Time for Filing an Application to Set Aside a First Violation OWI Offense Bill Passed - House (91 - 18)
May 25, 2021 MI HB 4501 Prohibits Levying Fines Towards Businesses for Violations of COVID-19 Emergency Orders Bill Passed - House (74 - 34)
May 24, 2021 TX SB 20 Requires Hotels to Permit Guests to Carry Firearms to Private Rooms Bill Passed - House (81 - 62)
May 23, 2021 TX HB 1927 Authorizes Permitless Handgun Carry to Adults 21 and Older Conference Report Adopted - House (82 - 62)
May 20, 2021 NV SB 6 Authorizes Seizure of Firearms from "High-Risk" Individuals Bill Passed - House (29 - 11)
May 20, 2021 NV SB 6 Authorizes Seizure of Firearms from "High-Risk" Individuals Bill Passed - House (29 - 11)
May 20, 2021 DE HB 125 Amends Various Firearm Regulations and Outlaws Ghost Guns Bill Passed - House (23 - 18)
May 20, 2021 NJ A 4681 Amends Sentencing Laws to Allow Individuals to Join Community Release Programs Bill Passed - House (64 - 11)
May 19, 2021 National HR 3233 National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act Bill Passed - House (252 - 175)
May 18, 2021 TX HB 574 Establishes 2 New Classes of Election Fraud Offenses Concurrence Vote Passed - House (94 - 48)
May 18, 2021 National S 937 COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act Bill Passed - House (364 - 62)
May 18, 2021 National S 937 COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act Bill Passed - House (364 - 62)
May 14, 2021 MO SB 51 Establishes Protections for Various Organizations from COVID-19 Related Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (97 - 57)
May 14, 2021 MO SB 51 Establishes Protections for Various Organizations from COVID-19 Related Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (97 - 57)
May 13, 2021 TX SB 19 Prohibits Contracts with Companies That Discriminate Against Gun Industry Bill Passed - House (86 - 60)
May 13, 2021 TX HB 1838 Increases Oversight of Law Enforcement Intelligence Activities (121 - 22)
May 13, 2021 CA AB 1184 Establishes Privacy Rights for Gender-Affirming Care Bill Passed - House (59 - 13)
May 12, 2021 OH HB 229 Establishes Qualified Immunity for Camp Counselors Bill Passed - House (65 - 29)
May 12, 2021 IL HB 1092 Establishes Restraining Orders for Firearms Bill Passed - House (69 - 43)
May 11, 2021 TX HB 3979 Prohibits the Teaching of "Critical Race Theory" in Schools Bill Passed - House (79 - 65)
May 10, 2021 NC HB 805 Increases Penalties for People Engaged in "Riots" Bill Passed - House (88 - 25)
May 7, 2021 TX HB 1900 Establishes Penalties for Municipalities that Reduce Police Funding Bill Passed - House (90 - 49)
May 6, 2021 MN HF 2539 Establishes a "Sign and Release Warrant" Bill Passed - House (73 - 59)
May 6, 2021 TX HB 9 Increases the Criminal Penalty for Knowingly Blocking an Emergency Vehicle or Hospital Bill Passed - House (90 - 55)
May 5, 2021 TN SB 623 Prohibits Teaching "Critical Race Theory" in K-12 Schools Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 20)
May 5, 2021 CO SB 21-188 Authorizes a Voter with a Disability to Print the Ballot or Return the Ballot by Electronic Transmission Bill Passed - House (41 - 22)
May 5, 2021 SC S 200 Establishes the Firing Squad as an Alternative Method of Execution Bill Passed - House (66 - 43)
May 5, 2021 ID S 1217 Limits the Governor's Powers During a State of Emergency Bill Passed - House (48 - 8)
May 5, 2021 NY A 459 Establishes Proceedings to Vacate Convictions for Offenses Resulting from Sex Trafficking, Labor Trafficking and Compelling Prostitution Bill Passed - House (111 - 36)
May 5, 2021 OH HB 37 Increases the Number of Times a Pharmacist May Dispense a Life-Saving Medication Bill Passed - House (92 - 3)
May 5, 2021 NC HB 398 Repeals Previous State Handgun Buying Requirements Bill Passed - House (69 - 48)
May 4, 2021 LA HB 378 Establishes a Felon Can Register to Vote if the Person has Not Been Incarcerated Within the Last 5 Years Bill Passed - House (83 - 17)
May 3, 2021 TN SB 1335 Classifies Tennessee as a "Second Amendment Sanctuary State" Bill Passed - House (75 - 13)
May 3, 2021 TN SB 1335 Classifies Tennessee as a "Second Amendment Sanctuary State" Bill Passed - House (75 - 13)
May 3, 2021 NY A 7127 Extends Small Business Benefits Established under the "COVID-19 Emergency Protect Our Small Business Act of 2021" Bill Passed - House (106 - 42)
May 3, 2021 TN HB 370 Establishes Guidelines for Public Reporting of Data for Epidemic Testing Bill Passed - House (75 - 13)
April 30, 2021 TX HB 2622 Prohibits the Enforcement of New Federal Gun Laws Bill Passed - House (83 - 45)
April 29, 2021 FL HB 833 Requires DNA Samples to be Defined as the "Exclusive Property" Concurrence Vote Passed - House (85 - 28)
April 29, 2021 OR SB 554 Authorizes Local Governments and School Districts to Prohibit Guns on Capital and State Property Bill Passed - House (34 - 24)
April 28, 2021 MT HB 92 Authorizes Redress for Wrongfully Convicted Individuals Veto Override Passed - House (79 - 17)
April 28, 2021 NC SB 115 Authorizes Outdoor College Football Stadiums to Open to 100% Capacity Bill Passed - House (77 - 42)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/15 LD 1675 Amends Various State Drug Laws Bill Passed - House (80 - 58)
6/11 S 7228 Expands the Number of Eligible Crimes Committed by Individuals with a Substance Use Disorder Bill Passed - House (100 - 49)
6/11 S 7228 Expands the Number of Eligible Crimes Committed by Individuals with a Substance Use Disorder Bill Passed - House (100 - 49)
6/10 HB 54 Establishes the Crime of Adoption Deception Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 27)
6/10 S 1144A Amends the Standard of Evidence Needed to Revoke the Community Supervision of a Person Bill Passed - House (85 - 64)
6/10 S 2523 Amends Existing Law to Decriminalize Possession and Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Bill Passed - House (98 - 51)
6/10 S 6498 Prohibits the Use of Restrains on Children Under the Age of 21 Appearing Before Family Court Bill Passed - House (105 - 44)
6/10 LD 1668 Requires the Closure of the Long Creek Youth Development Center "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (81 - 57)
6/09 AB 293 Exempts the State from Federal Firearm Laws Bill Passed - House (61 - 36)
6/08 S 14A Prohibits the Sale of Ghost Guns Bill Passed - House (106 - 43)
6/08 S 7196 Authorizes the State to Sue Gun Manufactures for Damages Caused by Guns Bill Passed - House (94 - 55)
6/08 S 7196 Authorizes the State to Sue Gun Manufactures for Damages Caused by Guns Bill Passed - House (94 - 55)
6/08 A 6522 Amends the Definition of "Disguised Gun" Bill Passed - House (116 - 33)
6/08 HB 979 Authorizes Gun Owners and Organizations to Challenge Local Guns Laws that are Stricter than State Law Bill Passed - House (124 - 79)
6/07 SB 21-190 Establishes Personal Privacy Protections for Data Bill Passed - House (57 - 7)
6/07 LD 1555 Appropriates Funds for Broadband Internet Infrastructure for Marginalized Groups Bill Passed - House (84 - 61)
6/06 SB 1059 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement Bill Passed - House (87 - 55)
6/04 SB 1091 Expands the Definition of Domestic Violence to Include Coercive Control Bill Passed - House (134 - 8)
6/03 HB 430 Amends the Police Officer's Bill of Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 37)
6/03 SB 141 Rescinds the State Police "Gun Line" "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - House (197 - 180)
6/03 A 5820 Repeals the Public Health Emergency Declared by the Governor to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - House (44 - 28)
6/02 SJM 4 Alleges Congress Should Implement Reparations for African Americans Bill Passed - House (35 - 23)
6/02 HB 4667 Prohibits a Governmental Entity from Mandating the Use of Vaccine Passports Bill Passed - House (62 - 47)
6/02 HB 4667 Prohibits a Governmental Entity from Mandating the Use of Vaccine Passports Bill Passed - House (62 - 47)
6/01 SB 1 Alleges Racism is a Public Health Crisis Bill Passed - House (114 - 33)
6/01 SB 1 Alleges Racism is a Public Health Crisis Bill Passed - House (114 - 33)
6/01 A 3412A Classifies Threats Against an Individual's Immigration Status as Extortion or Coercion Bill Passed - House (106 - 41)
5/31 HB 3914 Requires State Agencies take Action to Combat Discrimination Against Employees in a Protected Class Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 36)
5/31 SB 667 Prohibits Cities and Counties from Entering Into Contracts With ICE Bill Passed - House (68 - 47)
5/30 HB 2593 Reduces Criminal Penalty for Certain Cannabis Products Bill Passed - House
5/30 HB 2593 Reduces Criminal Penalty for Certain Cannabis Products Bill Passed - House
5/27 SB 1019 Rescinds the Criminal Records for Low-Level Felonies and Misdemeanors Bill Passed - House (91 - 56)
5/27 SB 817 Prohibits School Discrimination Against Certain Hairstyles Bill Passed - House (89 - 22)
5/27 SB 118 Amends Laws Related to Concealed Carrying of Firearms Bill Passed - House (73 - 28)
5/26 SB 400 Extends the Time for Filing an Application to Set Aside a First Violation OWI Offense Bill Passed - House (91 - 18)
5/25 HB 4501 Prohibits Levying Fines Towards Businesses for Violations of COVID-19 Emergency Orders Bill Passed - House (74 - 34)
5/24 SB 20 Requires Hotels to Permit Guests to Carry Firearms to Private Rooms Bill Passed - House (81 - 62)
5/23 HB 1927 Authorizes Permitless Handgun Carry to Adults 21 and Older Conference Report Adopted - House (82 - 62)
5/20 SB 6 Authorizes Seizure of Firearms from "High-Risk" Individuals Bill Passed - House (29 - 11)
5/20 SB 6 Authorizes Seizure of Firearms from "High-Risk" Individuals Bill Passed - House (29 - 11)
5/20 HB 125 Amends Various Firearm Regulations and Outlaws Ghost Guns Bill Passed - House (23 - 18)
5/20 A 4681 Amends Sentencing Laws to Allow Individuals to Join Community Release Programs Bill Passed - House (64 - 11)
5/19 HR 3233 National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act Bill Passed - House (252 - 175)
5/18 HB 574 Establishes 2 New Classes of Election Fraud Offenses Concurrence Vote Passed - House (94 - 48)
5/18 S 937 COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act Bill Passed - House (364 - 62)
5/18 S 937 COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act Bill Passed - House (364 - 62)
5/14 SB 51 Establishes Protections for Various Organizations from COVID-19 Related Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (97 - 57)
5/14 SB 51 Establishes Protections for Various Organizations from COVID-19 Related Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (97 - 57)
5/13 SB 19 Prohibits Contracts with Companies That Discriminate Against Gun Industry Bill Passed - House (86 - 60)
5/13 HB 1838 Increases Oversight of Law Enforcement Intelligence Activities (121 - 22)
5/13 AB 1184 Establishes Privacy Rights for Gender-Affirming Care Bill Passed - House (59 - 13)
5/12 HB 229 Establishes Qualified Immunity for Camp Counselors Bill Passed - House (65 - 29)
5/12 HB 1092 Establishes Restraining Orders for Firearms Bill Passed - House (69 - 43)
5/11 HB 3979 Prohibits the Teaching of "Critical Race Theory" in Schools Bill Passed - House (79 - 65)
5/10 HB 805 Increases Penalties for People Engaged in "Riots" Bill Passed - House (88 - 25)
5/07 HB 1900 Establishes Penalties for Municipalities that Reduce Police Funding Bill Passed - House (90 - 49)
5/06 HF 2539 Establishes a "Sign and Release Warrant" Bill Passed - House (73 - 59)
5/06 HB 9 Increases the Criminal Penalty for Knowingly Blocking an Emergency Vehicle or Hospital Bill Passed - House (90 - 55)
5/05 SB 623 Prohibits Teaching "Critical Race Theory" in K-12 Schools Conference Report Adopted - House (69 - 20)
5/05 SB 21-188 Authorizes a Voter with a Disability to Print the Ballot or Return the Ballot by Electronic Transmission Bill Passed - House (41 - 22)
5/05 S 200 Establishes the Firing Squad as an Alternative Method of Execution Bill Passed - House (66 - 43)
5/05 S 1217 Limits the Governor's Powers During a State of Emergency Bill Passed - House (48 - 8)
5/05 A 459 Establishes Proceedings to Vacate Convictions for Offenses Resulting from Sex Trafficking, Labor Trafficking and Compelling Prostitution Bill Passed - House (111 - 36)
5/05 HB 37 Increases the Number of Times a Pharmacist May Dispense a Life-Saving Medication Bill Passed - House (92 - 3)
5/05 HB 398 Repeals Previous State Handgun Buying Requirements Bill Passed - House (69 - 48)
5/04 HB 378 Establishes a Felon Can Register to Vote if the Person has Not Been Incarcerated Within the Last 5 Years Bill Passed - House (83 - 17)
5/03 SB 1335 Classifies Tennessee as a "Second Amendment Sanctuary State" Bill Passed - House (75 - 13)
5/03 SB 1335 Classifies Tennessee as a "Second Amendment Sanctuary State" Bill Passed - House (75 - 13)
5/03 A 7127 Extends Small Business Benefits Established under the "COVID-19 Emergency Protect Our Small Business Act of 2021" Bill Passed - House (106 - 42)
5/03 HB 370 Establishes Guidelines for Public Reporting of Data for Epidemic Testing Bill Passed - House (75 - 13)
4/30 HB 2622 Prohibits the Enforcement of New Federal Gun Laws Bill Passed - House (83 - 45)
4/29 HB 833 Requires DNA Samples to be Defined as the "Exclusive Property" Concurrence Vote Passed - House (85 - 28)
4/29 SB 554 Authorizes Local Governments and School Districts to Prohibit Guns on Capital and State Property Bill Passed - House (34 - 24)
4/28 HB 92 Authorizes Redress for Wrongfully Convicted Individuals Veto Override Passed - House (79 - 17)
4/28 SB 115 Authorizes Outdoor College Football Stadiums to Open to 100% Capacity Bill Passed - House (77 - 42)

arrow_upward