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
March 7, 2022 National HR 55 Emmett Till Antilynching Act Bill Passed - Senate (100 - 0)
March 7, 2022 FL HB 1571 Increases Protesting on Private Property to a Second Degree Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
March 7, 2022 TN SB 2012 Specifies Penalties for Littering Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
March 7, 2022 AR HB 1034 Increases Prison Spending Bill Passed - House (83 - 5)
March 7, 2022 ID H 666 Repeals Affirmative Defense for Persons Charged with "Disseminating Material Harmful to Minors" Bill Passed - House (51 - 14)
March 7, 2022 TN HB 2670 Prohibits Teaching of Certain Concepts Relating to Race, Sex, or Religion Bill Passed - House (66 - 24)
March 4, 2022 OR HB 4008 Repeals Restrictions on Police Use of Tear Gas Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 4)
March 4, 2022 WA SB 5078 Prohibits Sale of High-Capacity Firearm Magazines Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
March 4, 2022 FL HB 1435 Specifies Police Ability to Impound Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
March 4, 2022 UT HB 406 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Distribute Jail Photos as Unprotected Records Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
March 3, 2022 HI HB 1567 Limits Use of Monetary Bail Bill Passed - House (43 - 5)
March 3, 2022 UT SB 176 Amends Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 8)
March 3, 2022 IN HB 1001 Amends COVID-19 Immunization and Vaccine Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 10)
March 3, 2022 OR SB 1510 Prohibits Police from Stopping Drivers Due to a Defective Tail Light, Headlight, or Brake Light Bill Passed - House (34 - 24)
March 3, 2022 WA HB 1795 Limits Non-Disclosure Agreements and Non-Disparagement Provisions in Employment and Independent Contractor Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
March 3, 2022 MS SB 2113 Prohibits Teaching the Topic Known as "Critical Race Theory" Bill Passed - House (75 - 43)
March 3, 2022 SD SB 151 Requires Automatic Expungement of Marijuana Convictions Bill Passed - House (38 - 31)
March 3, 2022 OR SB 1522 Amends Provisions Relating to College Tuition Bill Passed - House (38 - 20)
March 3, 2022 OR HB 4008 Repeals Restrictions on Police Use of Tear Gas Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 3)
March 3, 2022 AL HB 272 Authorizes Permitless Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
March 3, 2022 IL HB 4850 Amends Law Regarding Workplace Violence; Establishes Employer Liability Bill Passed - House (69 - 39)
March 3, 2022 National S J Res 38 A joint resolution relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020 Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (48 - 47)
March 3, 2022 AZ SB 1311 Increases Prevention Measures and Penalties for Healthcare Workers Assault Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 4)
March 3, 2022 FL SB 1798 Increases the Monetary Damages an Individual May Receive as a Result of Violations Relating to Sexual Cyberharassment Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
March 2, 2022 IN HB 1079 Amends Definition of Rape Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 1)
March 2, 2022 OH SB 215 Amends Concealed Handgun Licensee Duties Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
March 2, 2022 WA HB 2057 Establishes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Standards for State Patrol Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
March 2, 2022 UT SB 176 Amends Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws Bill Passed - House (64 - 11)
March 2, 2022 FL HB 105 Establishes New Regulations on Smoking and Vaping Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
March 2, 2022 WA HB 1956 Prohibits Public Disclosure of Inmate Gender Status Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
March 2, 2022 AR SB 98 Appropriates Money for Capital Improvements and Illicit Drug Education and Training for the University of Arkansas Bill Passed - House (92 - 4)
March 2, 2022 FL HB 1571 Increases Protesting on Private Property to a Second Degree Misdemeanor Bill Passed - House (76 - 41)
March 2, 2022 FL HB 1571 Increases Protesting on Private Property to a Second Degree Misdemeanor Bill Passed - House (76 - 41)
March 2, 2022 OH SB 215 Amends Concealed Handgun Licensee Duties Bill Passed - House (58 - 36)
March 2, 2022 National S J Res 32 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services relating to "Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (49 - 44)
March 1, 2022 WA HB 1630 Prohibits Carrying Firearms in Certain Locations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
March 1, 2022 IN HB 1001 Amends COVID-19 Immunization and Vaccine Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
March 1, 2022 WA HB 1705 Prohibits the Sale of Ghost Guns Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
March 1, 2022 OR SB 1522 Amends Provisions Relating to College Tuition Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 4)
March 1, 2022 KY HB 313 Limits Charitable Bail Assistance Bill Passed - House (76 - 19)
March 1, 2022 OR SB 1510 Prohibits Police from Stopping Drivers Due to a Defective Tail Light, Headlight, or Brake Light Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
March 1, 2022 OR SB 1584 Establishes Legal Process for Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 0)
Feb. 28, 2022 GA SB 479 Amends Law Relating to Firearm Possession by Felons (43 - 9)
Feb. 28, 2022 GA SB 479 Amends Law Relating to Firearm Possession by Felons (43 - 9)
Feb. 28, 2022 National HR 55 Emmett Till Antilynching Act Bill Passed - House (422 - 3)
Feb. 28, 2022 NJ A 1720 Requires Cultural Diversity, Implicit Bias Training for Police Bill Passed - House (61 - 11)
Feb. 28, 2022 GA SB 259 Amends Firearm Open Carry and Possession Laws Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
Feb. 28, 2022 GA SB 319 Reduces Weapons Restrictions in Certain Public Places Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 22)
Feb. 25, 2022 WA HB 1719 Repeals Non-Lethal Projectiles and Launches from the Ban on Police Military Equipment Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Feb. 25, 2022 SD SB 20 Authorizes Medical Marijuana as a Defense Against Prosecution for Possession and Use Bill Failed - House (32 - 34)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/07 HR 55 Emmett Till Antilynching Act Bill Passed - Senate (100 - 0)
3/07 HB 1571 Increases Protesting on Private Property to a Second Degree Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
3/07 SB 2012 Specifies Penalties for Littering Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
3/07 HB 1034 Increases Prison Spending Bill Passed - House (83 - 5)
3/07 H 666 Repeals Affirmative Defense for Persons Charged with "Disseminating Material Harmful to Minors" Bill Passed - House (51 - 14)
3/07 HB 2670 Prohibits Teaching of Certain Concepts Relating to Race, Sex, or Religion Bill Passed - House (66 - 24)
3/04 HB 4008 Repeals Restrictions on Police Use of Tear Gas Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 4)
3/04 SB 5078 Prohibits Sale of High-Capacity Firearm Magazines Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
3/04 HB 1435 Specifies Police Ability to Impound Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
3/04 HB 406 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Distribute Jail Photos as Unprotected Records Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
3/03 HB 1567 Limits Use of Monetary Bail Bill Passed - House (43 - 5)
3/03 SB 176 Amends Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 8)
3/03 HB 1001 Amends COVID-19 Immunization and Vaccine Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 10)
3/03 SB 1510 Prohibits Police from Stopping Drivers Due to a Defective Tail Light, Headlight, or Brake Light Bill Passed - House (34 - 24)
3/03 HB 1795 Limits Non-Disclosure Agreements and Non-Disparagement Provisions in Employment and Independent Contractor Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
3/03 SB 2113 Prohibits Teaching the Topic Known as "Critical Race Theory" Bill Passed - House (75 - 43)
3/03 SB 151 Requires Automatic Expungement of Marijuana Convictions Bill Passed - House (38 - 31)
3/03 SB 1522 Amends Provisions Relating to College Tuition Bill Passed - House (38 - 20)
3/03 HB 4008 Repeals Restrictions on Police Use of Tear Gas Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 3)
3/03 HB 272 Authorizes Permitless Carry of Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
3/03 HB 4850 Amends Law Regarding Workplace Violence; Establishes Employer Liability Bill Passed - House (69 - 39)
3/03 S J Res 38 A joint resolution relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020 Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (48 - 47)
3/03 SB 1311 Increases Prevention Measures and Penalties for Healthcare Workers Assault Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 4)
3/03 SB 1798 Increases the Monetary Damages an Individual May Receive as a Result of Violations Relating to Sexual Cyberharassment Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
3/02 HB 1079 Amends Definition of Rape Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 1)
3/02 SB 215 Amends Concealed Handgun Licensee Duties Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
3/02 HB 2057 Establishes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Standards for State Patrol Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
3/02 SB 176 Amends Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws Bill Passed - House (64 - 11)
3/02 HB 105 Establishes New Regulations on Smoking and Vaping Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
3/02 HB 1956 Prohibits Public Disclosure of Inmate Gender Status Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
3/02 SB 98 Appropriates Money for Capital Improvements and Illicit Drug Education and Training for the University of Arkansas Bill Passed - House (92 - 4)
3/02 HB 1571 Increases Protesting on Private Property to a Second Degree Misdemeanor Bill Passed - House (76 - 41)
3/02 HB 1571 Increases Protesting on Private Property to a Second Degree Misdemeanor Bill Passed - House (76 - 41)
3/02 SB 215 Amends Concealed Handgun Licensee Duties Bill Passed - House (58 - 36)
3/02 S J Res 32 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services relating to "Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (49 - 44)
3/01 HB 1630 Prohibits Carrying Firearms in Certain Locations Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
3/01 HB 1001 Amends COVID-19 Immunization and Vaccine Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
3/01 HB 1705 Prohibits the Sale of Ghost Guns Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
3/01 SB 1522 Amends Provisions Relating to College Tuition Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 4)
3/01 HB 313 Limits Charitable Bail Assistance Bill Passed - House (76 - 19)
3/01 SB 1510 Prohibits Police from Stopping Drivers Due to a Defective Tail Light, Headlight, or Brake Light Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
3/01 SB 1584 Establishes Legal Process for Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 0)
2/28 SB 479 Amends Law Relating to Firearm Possession by Felons (43 - 9)
2/28 SB 479 Amends Law Relating to Firearm Possession by Felons (43 - 9)
2/28 HR 55 Emmett Till Antilynching Act Bill Passed - House (422 - 3)
2/28 A 1720 Requires Cultural Diversity, Implicit Bias Training for Police Bill Passed - House (61 - 11)
2/28 SB 259 Amends Firearm Open Carry and Possession Laws Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
2/28 SB 319 Reduces Weapons Restrictions in Certain Public Places Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 22)
2/25 HB 1719 Repeals Non-Lethal Projectiles and Launches from the Ban on Police Military Equipment Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
2/25 SB 20 Authorizes Medical Marijuana as a Defense Against Prosecution for Possession and Use Bill Failed - House (32 - 34)

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