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 10, 2021 DE SB 148 Expands the Division of Civil Rights and Public Trusts Responsibility to Review Deadly Use of Force Incidents Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
June 10, 2021 NY S 1144A Amends the Standard of Evidence Needed to Revoke the Community Supervision of a Person Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 25)
June 10, 2021 NY S 7228 Expands the Number of Eligible Crimes Committed by Individuals with a Substance Use Disorder Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 13)
June 10, 2021 NY S 7228 Expands the Number of Eligible Crimes Committed by Individuals with a Substance Use Disorder Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 13)
June 10, 2021 DE SB 148 Expands the Division of Civil Rights and Public Trusts Responsibility to Review Deadly Use of Force Incidents Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
June 9, 2021 NY A 6522 Amends the Definition of "Disguised Gun" Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 16)
June 9, 2021 NY A 6193 Requires Utilities to Allow Customers to Use Their Preferred Name and Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 17)
June 9, 2021 NY S 2630 Relates to certificates of relief from disabilities and certificates of good conduct upon discharge. Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 18)
June 9, 2021 WI SB 119 Increases State Funding for Communities that Increase Police Budget Spending Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
June 8, 2021 NY A 5465 Authorizes New Yorkers to Attest to Their Own Gender Identity on Identification Documents Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 17)
June 8, 2021 CT HB 6665 Prohibits 'Whites Only' Covenants Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
June 8, 2021 NY S 7196 Authorizes the State to Sue Gun Manufactures for Damages Caused by Guns Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
June 7, 2021 OR HB 3284 Prohibits a Covered Organization from Collecting Personal Health Data Without Consent Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
June 7, 2021 NY S 2523 Amends Existing Law to Decriminalize Possession and Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 21)
June 7, 2021 NY S 6498 Prohibits the Use of Restrains on Children Under the Age of 21 Appearing Before Family Court Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 15)
June 4, 2021 CT SB 1059 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
June 3, 2021 NY A 3412A Classifies Threats Against an Individual's Immigration Status as Extortion or Coercion Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 15)
June 3, 2021 NY A 3412A Classifies Threats Against an Individual's Immigration Status as Extortion or Coercion Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 15)
June 3, 2021 OR SB 5 Requires Compensating College Athletes for the Use of their Likeness Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
June 2, 2021 NY S 1048 Increases Potential Liability for Gun Manufacturers if the Firearm was Harmfully Misused Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
June 2, 2021 NY S 14A Prohibits the Sale of Ghost Guns Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 15)
June 2, 2021 CA SB 742 Prohibits Interfering with People in Connection with Any Vaccination Services Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
June 1, 2021 CA SB 464 Authorizes Food Assistance Benefits for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
June 1, 2021 CA SB 519 Authorizes the Decriminalization of Psychedelic Drugs for Veterans Suffering from PTSD Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
June 1, 2021 CA SB 519 Authorizes the Decriminalization of Psychedelic Drugs for Veterans Suffering from PTSD Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
June 1, 2021 CA SB 523 Requires University Health Plans to Include Coverage of Over-the-counter Birth Control and Contraceptives Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
June 1, 2021 RI S 40 Establishes a Twenty Year Contract with Two Major Gambling Companies Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
May 31, 2021 NV AB 280 Requires Gender-Neutral Restrooms Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
May 30, 2021 IL SB 817 Prohibits School Discrimination Against Certain Hairstyles Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (41 - 12)
May 28, 2021 TX SB 19 Prohibits Contracts with Companies That Discriminate Against Gun Industry Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 28, 2021 IL SB 667 Prohibits Cities and Counties from Entering Into Contracts With ICE Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
May 28, 2021 IL SB 667 Prohibits Cities and Counties from Entering Into Contracts With ICE Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
May 27, 2021 LA HB 430 Amends the Police Officer's Bill of Rights Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
May 26, 2021 TX HB 2497 Requires Patriotic Texas History Materials be Distributed through the DMV Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
May 26, 2021 CA SB 2 Prohibits the Transfer of Police Officers to Other Departments Following Misconduct Convictions Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
May 26, 2021 NV SB 452 Prohibits Guns in Casinos Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 26, 2021 NV SB 452 Prohibits Guns in Casinos Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
May 26, 2021 CA SB 771 Repeals Limit on the Number of Prenatal Tests State Programs May Provide Per Patient Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
May 25, 2021 NY A 459 Establishes Proceedings to Vacate Convictions for Offenses Resulting from Sex Trafficking, Labor Trafficking and Compelling Prostitution Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
May 25, 2021 MI SB 457 Prohibits Local Public Health Directors from Issuing an Emergency Order to Mandate COVID-19 Vaccinations Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
May 24, 2021 TX HB 1927 Authorizes Permitless Handgun Carry to Adults 21 and Older Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 13)
May 24, 2021 TX HB 1900 Establishes Penalties for Municipalities that Reduce Police Funding Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 3)
May 24, 2021 TX HB 2622 Prohibits the Enforcement of New Federal Gun Laws Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
May 24, 2021 OR SB 418 Prohibits Police From Lying to Youth Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
May 22, 2021 TX HB 547 Authorizes Homeschooled Students to Participate in University Interscholastic League Activities Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
May 22, 2021 TX HB 9 Increases the Criminal Penalty for Knowingly Blocking an Emergency Vehicle or Hospital Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
May 22, 2021 TX HB 3979 Prohibits the Teaching of "Critical Race Theory" in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
May 21, 2021 TX HB 1239 Prohibits Elected Officials from Closing Places of Worship Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
May 21, 2021 NV AB 286 Prohibits Production and Sale of Ghost Guns Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
May 20, 2021 NV AB 88 Requires Schools to Change Any Identifier that is "Racially Discriminatory" Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
May 20, 2021 DE HB 198 Requires Schools to Provide Curricula on Black History Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
May 20, 2021 NV AB 88 Requires Schools to Change Any Identifier that is "Racially Discriminatory" Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
May 18, 2021 DE HB 26 Prohibits Incarcerated Youths from Being Housed in Adult Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 7)
May 18, 2021 TX SB 1311 Prohibits Certain Treatments for Transgender Children Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
May 18, 2021 CT SB 1 Alleges Racism is a Public Health Crisis Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
May 18, 2021 CT SB 1019 Rescinds the Criminal Records for Low-Level Felonies and Misdemeanors Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
May 18, 2021 CT SB 1091 Expands the Definition of Domestic Violence to Include Coercive Control Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
May 18, 2021 CT SB 1091 Expands the Definition of Domestic Violence to Include Coercive Control Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
May 17, 2021 IA SF 342 Increases Qualified Immunity Protections for Law Enforcement Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
May 13, 2021 DE SB 78 Requires Any School Board Member Charged with a Violent Felony to be Suspended Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 1)
May 12, 2021 TX HB 574 Establishes 2 New Classes of Election Fraud Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
May 11, 2021 MO HB 557 Increases Oversight Over Unlicensed Religious Boarding Schools Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
May 11, 2021 WI SB 117 Amends Laws Related to Police Reform Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
May 6, 2021 SC H 3094 Authorizes Individuals with Concealed Carry Permits to Open Carry Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 16)
May 5, 2021 TN SB 623 Prohibits Teaching "Critical Race Theory" in K-12 Schools Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 7)
May 5, 2021 IA HF 889 Prohibits the Implementation of COVID-19 Vaccine Passports Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
May 5, 2021 NY S 1130 Prohibits Pet Shops from Selling Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits Bill Passed - Senate (57 - 6)
May 5, 2021 CT SB 753 Establishes Measures to End Prison Gerrymandering Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
April 29, 2021 MT HB 92 Authorizes Redress for Wrongfully Convicted Individuals Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
April 29, 2021 FL HB 833 Requires DNA Samples to be Defined as the "Exclusive Property" Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
April 29, 2021 DE HB 73 Amends Guidelines for Probation and Parole Officers Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
April 29, 2021 TN HB 1182 Prohibits Transgender Students from Using Bathroom Facilities that do Not Match their Birth Sex Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
April 29, 2021 NE LB 451 Prohibits the Process Known as Hair Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 4)
April 28, 2021 MT SB 98 Reduces Restrictions on Killing/Taking of Grizzly Bears Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 18)
April 28, 2021 MO HB 271 Limits the Authority of Local Health Officials to Close Organizations During a Public Health Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/10 SB 148 Expands the Division of Civil Rights and Public Trusts Responsibility to Review Deadly Use of Force Incidents Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
6/10 S 1144A Amends the Standard of Evidence Needed to Revoke the Community Supervision of a Person Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 25)
6/10 S 7228 Expands the Number of Eligible Crimes Committed by Individuals with a Substance Use Disorder Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 13)
6/10 S 7228 Expands the Number of Eligible Crimes Committed by Individuals with a Substance Use Disorder Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 13)
6/10 SB 148 Expands the Division of Civil Rights and Public Trusts Responsibility to Review Deadly Use of Force Incidents Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
6/09 A 6522 Amends the Definition of "Disguised Gun" Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 16)
6/09 A 6193 Requires Utilities to Allow Customers to Use Their Preferred Name and Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 17)
6/09 S 2630 Relates to certificates of relief from disabilities and certificates of good conduct upon discharge. Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 18)
6/09 SB 119 Increases State Funding for Communities that Increase Police Budget Spending Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
6/08 A 5465 Authorizes New Yorkers to Attest to Their Own Gender Identity on Identification Documents Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 17)
6/08 HB 6665 Prohibits 'Whites Only' Covenants Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
6/08 S 7196 Authorizes the State to Sue Gun Manufactures for Damages Caused by Guns Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
6/07 HB 3284 Prohibits a Covered Organization from Collecting Personal Health Data Without Consent Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
6/07 S 2523 Amends Existing Law to Decriminalize Possession and Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 21)
6/07 S 6498 Prohibits the Use of Restrains on Children Under the Age of 21 Appearing Before Family Court Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 15)
6/04 SB 1059 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
6/03 A 3412A Classifies Threats Against an Individual's Immigration Status as Extortion or Coercion Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 15)
6/03 A 3412A Classifies Threats Against an Individual's Immigration Status as Extortion or Coercion Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 15)
6/03 SB 5 Requires Compensating College Athletes for the Use of their Likeness Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
6/02 S 1048 Increases Potential Liability for Gun Manufacturers if the Firearm was Harmfully Misused Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
6/02 S 14A Prohibits the Sale of Ghost Guns Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 15)
6/02 SB 742 Prohibits Interfering with People in Connection with Any Vaccination Services Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
6/01 SB 464 Authorizes Food Assistance Benefits for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
6/01 SB 519 Authorizes the Decriminalization of Psychedelic Drugs for Veterans Suffering from PTSD Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
6/01 SB 519 Authorizes the Decriminalization of Psychedelic Drugs for Veterans Suffering from PTSD Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
6/01 SB 523 Requires University Health Plans to Include Coverage of Over-the-counter Birth Control and Contraceptives Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
6/01 S 40 Establishes a Twenty Year Contract with Two Major Gambling Companies Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
5/31 AB 280 Requires Gender-Neutral Restrooms Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
5/30 SB 817 Prohibits School Discrimination Against Certain Hairstyles Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (41 - 12)
5/28 SB 19 Prohibits Contracts with Companies That Discriminate Against Gun Industry Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/28 SB 667 Prohibits Cities and Counties from Entering Into Contracts With ICE Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
5/28 SB 667 Prohibits Cities and Counties from Entering Into Contracts With ICE Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
5/27 HB 430 Amends the Police Officer's Bill of Rights Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
5/26 HB 2497 Requires Patriotic Texas History Materials be Distributed through the DMV Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
5/26 SB 2 Prohibits the Transfer of Police Officers to Other Departments Following Misconduct Convictions Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
5/26 SB 452 Prohibits Guns in Casinos Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/26 SB 452 Prohibits Guns in Casinos Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
5/26 SB 771 Repeals Limit on the Number of Prenatal Tests State Programs May Provide Per Patient Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
5/25 A 459 Establishes Proceedings to Vacate Convictions for Offenses Resulting from Sex Trafficking, Labor Trafficking and Compelling Prostitution Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
5/25 SB 457 Prohibits Local Public Health Directors from Issuing an Emergency Order to Mandate COVID-19 Vaccinations Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
5/24 HB 1927 Authorizes Permitless Handgun Carry to Adults 21 and Older Conference Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 13)
5/24 HB 1900 Establishes Penalties for Municipalities that Reduce Police Funding Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 3)
5/24 HB 2622 Prohibits the Enforcement of New Federal Gun Laws Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
5/24 SB 418 Prohibits Police From Lying to Youth Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
5/22 HB 547 Authorizes Homeschooled Students to Participate in University Interscholastic League Activities Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
5/22 HB 9 Increases the Criminal Penalty for Knowingly Blocking an Emergency Vehicle or Hospital Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
5/22 HB 3979 Prohibits the Teaching of "Critical Race Theory" in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
5/21 HB 1239 Prohibits Elected Officials from Closing Places of Worship Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
5/21 AB 286 Prohibits Production and Sale of Ghost Guns Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
5/20 AB 88 Requires Schools to Change Any Identifier that is "Racially Discriminatory" Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
5/20 HB 198 Requires Schools to Provide Curricula on Black History Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
5/20 AB 88 Requires Schools to Change Any Identifier that is "Racially Discriminatory" Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
5/18 HB 26 Prohibits Incarcerated Youths from Being Housed in Adult Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 7)
5/18 SB 1311 Prohibits Certain Treatments for Transgender Children Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
5/18 SB 1 Alleges Racism is a Public Health Crisis Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
5/18 SB 1019 Rescinds the Criminal Records for Low-Level Felonies and Misdemeanors Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
5/18 SB 1091 Expands the Definition of Domestic Violence to Include Coercive Control Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
5/18 SB 1091 Expands the Definition of Domestic Violence to Include Coercive Control Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
5/17 SF 342 Increases Qualified Immunity Protections for Law Enforcement Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
5/13 SB 78 Requires Any School Board Member Charged with a Violent Felony to be Suspended Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 1)
5/12 HB 574 Establishes 2 New Classes of Election Fraud Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
5/11 HB 557 Increases Oversight Over Unlicensed Religious Boarding Schools Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
5/11 SB 117 Amends Laws Related to Police Reform Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
5/06 H 3094 Authorizes Individuals with Concealed Carry Permits to Open Carry Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 16)
5/05 SB 623 Prohibits Teaching "Critical Race Theory" in K-12 Schools Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 7)
5/05 HF 889 Prohibits the Implementation of COVID-19 Vaccine Passports Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
5/05 S 1130 Prohibits Pet Shops from Selling Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits Bill Passed - Senate (57 - 6)
5/05 SB 753 Establishes Measures to End Prison Gerrymandering Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
4/29 HB 92 Authorizes Redress for Wrongfully Convicted Individuals Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
4/29 HB 833 Requires DNA Samples to be Defined as the "Exclusive Property" Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
4/29 HB 73 Amends Guidelines for Probation and Parole Officers Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
4/29 HB 1182 Prohibits Transgender Students from Using Bathroom Facilities that do Not Match their Birth Sex Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
4/29 LB 451 Prohibits the Process Known as Hair Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 4)
4/28 SB 98 Reduces Restrictions on Killing/Taking of Grizzly Bears Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 18)
4/28 HB 271 Limits the Authority of Local Health Officials to Close Organizations During a Public Health Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)

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