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
April 28, 2022 KS SB 84 Authorizes Sports Wagering in Kansas Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
April 28, 2022 LA SB 290 Establishes Sports Betting Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
April 27, 2022 TN SB 2219 Authorizes Smoking Bans Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
April 27, 2022 TN HB 2841 Increases Punishment for Certain Heinous Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
April 27, 2022 AK HB 106 Authorizes Specific Police Reporting in Relation to Missing Persons Under 21 Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 0)
April 26, 2022 KS SB 160 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
April 25, 2022 KS SB 366 Establishes a Mechanism for Drug Offenders to Seek Relief from the Kansas Offender Registration Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 3)
April 25, 2022 KS SB 366 Establishes a Mechanism for Drug Offenders to Seek Relief from the Kansas Offender Registration Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 3)
April 25, 2022 MO HB 1667 Establishes the Kratom Consumer Protection Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 2)
April 21, 2022 NH HB 1609 Requires an Ultrasound Examination as a Provision of the Fetal Life Protection Act "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 5)
April 21, 2022 TN SB 2248 Limits Early Release Eligibility for Incarcerated Persons Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
April 20, 2022 AZ HB 2696 Expands Prohibition on Human Smuggling Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
April 20, 2022 AZ HB 2696 Expands Prohibition on Human Smuggling Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
April 20, 2022 CO SB 22-99 Establishes Procedures for the Expungement of Minor Criminal Records Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
April 20, 2022 CO SB 22-098 Establishes a Task Force to Examine Drug Repository Programs for Unused Prescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter Medications Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
April 19, 2022 ME LD 585 Establishes Laws Regulating and Recognizing State Indian Tribes and Sports Wagering (23 - 11)
April 18, 2022 OK HB 3543 Requires Toleration of Free Speech on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 2)
April 18, 2022 CA SB 918 Increases the Fee on Eligibility Checks for Precursor Firearm Parts and Ammunition Sales Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
April 18, 2022 CA SB 1106 Prohibits Unpaid Restitution from Blocking an Individual from Clearing Their Record Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
April 13, 2022 NE LB 876 Establishes New Regulations for Horse Racing in the State Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 3)
April 13, 2022 NE LB 984 Exempts Feminine Hygiene Products from State Sales and Use Tax Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
April 12, 2022 NE LB 829 Amends State Animal Abuse Laws Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 5)
April 12, 2022 NE LB 519 Establishes Alcohol and Controlled Substance Immunity for Witnesses and Victims of Sexual Assault Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 7)
April 12, 2022 NE LB 964 Amends Reimbursement Provisions for the State Patrol and Collective Bargaining Rights for Certain University of Nebraska Employees Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
April 11, 2022 TN SB 2153 Limits College Sports Participation on Basis of Sex Assigned at Birth Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
April 8, 2022 IL HB 4383 Prohibits the Sale and Possession of "Ghost Guns" Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
April 8, 2022 MD HB 850 Prohibits Certain Kinds of Discrimination in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
April 8, 2022 MD HB 1116 Establishes Regulations for the Issuance of Alcoholic Beverage Licenses in Charles County Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
April 7, 2022 ME LD 965 Prohibits Certain Employer/Employee Contracts and Agreements "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 11)
April 7, 2022 AL SB 2 Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Federal Gun Policies Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
April 7, 2022 IL HB 716 Establishes Violence Reduction Fund Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 18)
April 7, 2022 MD HB 22 Prohibits Declawing of Cats Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 12)
April 7, 2022 AL HB 434 Authorizes Video Depositions for Individuals Involved in Human Trafficking Cases Regardless of Age Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 0)
April 7, 2022 TN SB 2628 Authorizes Short-Barreled Shotguns Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 1)
April 6, 2022 AZ HB 2707 Establishes New Requirements for Flags, Moments of Silence, and Other Displays in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
April 6, 2022 AL HB 95 Establishes a 180-Day Grace Period for Inmates to Repay Court-Imposed Debt After Release Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 1)
April 6, 2022 AL HB 54 Amends Criteria for Termination of Alimony Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
April 5, 2022 MO HB 2162 Amends Provisions Relating to Opioid Addiction Treatment and Recovery Fund (30 - 0)
April 4, 2022 GA HB 1390 Establishes a Cause of Action Against Government Employers Who Retaliate Against Employees Due to Complaints of Sexual Harassment Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
March 31, 2022 MA H 4554 Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of Hair or Hairstyle (40 - 0)
March 31, 2022 MD HB 837 Establishes Regulations for the Legal Use of Cannabis and Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 15)
March 31, 2022 SC S 11 Authorizes Paid Parental Leave for State Employees Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 0)
March 30, 2022 MS SB 2536 Expands Voting Rights of Persons with Expunged Convictions Conference Report Adopted - Senate (48 - 2)
March 30, 2022 KY SB 179 Increases Penalties for Crimes Committed During States of Emergency Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
March 30, 2022 GA HB 1013 Establishes the Mental Health Parity Act (54 - 0)
March 29, 2022 MS HB 936 Authorizes Hospice Care Services for Terminally Ill Inmates Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 16)
March 29, 2022 KY HB 63 Requires School Boards Implement School Resource Officers Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
March 28, 2022 SD SB 151 Requires Automatic Expungement of Marijuana Convictions Veto Override Failed - Senate (17 - 17)
March 27, 2022 MS SB 2437 Establishes Pilot Work Initiative for Prisoners Conference Report Adopted - Senate (52 - 0)
March 25, 2022 UT HB 11 Establishes Limits on Participation in Female Sports Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
March 25, 2022 MS SB 2273 Authorizes Employers to Sponsor Parolees and Offenders on Probation Conference Report Adopted - Senate (51 - 0)
March 25, 2022 KY HB 269 Prohibits Execution of Persons with Serious Mental Illness Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
March 25, 2022 UT HB 3001 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
March 24, 2022 KY SB 83 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
March 24, 2022 VT S 254 Authorizes an Independent Report on Police Misconduct, Qualified Immunity Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
March 24, 2022 OK SB 1100 Prohibits Nonbinary Sex Designation on Birth Certificate Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 7)
March 23, 2022 KY HB 43 Requires Equal Treatment for All Religious Organizations During Declared State of Emergencies Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
March 23, 2022 ID H 720 Prohibits Non-Human Entities From Being Granted Personhood Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
March 23, 2022 OK SB 186 Prohibits Certain Firearm Carry for Persons Serving Probation (44 - 1)
March 22, 2022 MD HB 1 Authorizes the Use and Possession of Cannabis Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
March 22, 2022 IA SF 2363 Amends Requirements of Sex Offender Registry Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
March 22, 2022 IA SF 2363 Amends Requirements of Sex Offender Registry Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
March 22, 2022 KS SB 484 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
March 22, 2022 MD SB 523 Repeals Licensure Requirements for Immigrant Healthcare Workers Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 15)
March 21, 2022 CO HB 22-1104 Expands Ability of Local Governments to Install Powerline Trails Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
March 21, 2022 AZ HB 2659 Prohibits Organ Donor Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 0)
March 21, 2022 TN HB 2670 Prohibits Teaching of Certain Concepts Relating to Race, Sex, or Religion Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
March 18, 2022 KY SB 90 Establishes a Behavioral Health Conditional Dismissal Pilot Program to Provide Alternatives to Treatment Instead of Incarceration Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
March 16, 2022 MD SB 387 Prohibits the Sale of Ghost Guns Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
March 15, 2022 AL HB 17 Authorizes Deploying Wiretaps for Drug Related Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 1)
March 15, 2022 AL HB 17 Authorizes Deploying Wiretaps for Drug Related Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 1)
March 15, 2022 GA SB 171 Requires a Permit to Assemble and Increases Penalties for Unlawful Protest Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 21)
March 14, 2022 OK SB 1708 Authorizes 16 and 17 Year Old Employees to Sell Mixed Beverages Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
March 12, 2022 WV HB 4848 Amends Alcohol Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
March 12, 2022 WV SB 463 Specifies Procedures for Determining Child Custody Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/28 SB 84 Authorizes Sports Wagering in Kansas Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
4/28 SB 290 Establishes Sports Betting Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
4/27 SB 2219 Authorizes Smoking Bans Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
4/27 HB 2841 Increases Punishment for Certain Heinous Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
4/27 HB 106 Authorizes Specific Police Reporting in Relation to Missing Persons Under 21 Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 0)
4/26 SB 160 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
4/25 SB 366 Establishes a Mechanism for Drug Offenders to Seek Relief from the Kansas Offender Registration Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 3)
4/25 SB 366 Establishes a Mechanism for Drug Offenders to Seek Relief from the Kansas Offender Registration Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 3)
4/25 HB 1667 Establishes the Kratom Consumer Protection Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 2)
4/21 HB 1609 Requires an Ultrasound Examination as a Provision of the Fetal Life Protection Act "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 5)
4/21 SB 2248 Limits Early Release Eligibility for Incarcerated Persons Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
4/20 HB 2696 Expands Prohibition on Human Smuggling Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
4/20 HB 2696 Expands Prohibition on Human Smuggling Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
4/20 SB 22-99 Establishes Procedures for the Expungement of Minor Criminal Records Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
4/20 SB 22-098 Establishes a Task Force to Examine Drug Repository Programs for Unused Prescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter Medications Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
4/19 LD 585 Establishes Laws Regulating and Recognizing State Indian Tribes and Sports Wagering (23 - 11)
4/18 HB 3543 Requires Toleration of Free Speech on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 2)
4/18 SB 918 Increases the Fee on Eligibility Checks for Precursor Firearm Parts and Ammunition Sales Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
4/18 SB 1106 Prohibits Unpaid Restitution from Blocking an Individual from Clearing Their Record Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
4/13 LB 876 Establishes New Regulations for Horse Racing in the State Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 3)
4/13 LB 984 Exempts Feminine Hygiene Products from State Sales and Use Tax Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
4/12 LB 829 Amends State Animal Abuse Laws Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 5)
4/12 LB 519 Establishes Alcohol and Controlled Substance Immunity for Witnesses and Victims of Sexual Assault Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 7)
4/12 LB 964 Amends Reimbursement Provisions for the State Patrol and Collective Bargaining Rights for Certain University of Nebraska Employees Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
4/11 SB 2153 Limits College Sports Participation on Basis of Sex Assigned at Birth Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
4/08 HB 4383 Prohibits the Sale and Possession of "Ghost Guns" Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
4/08 HB 850 Prohibits Certain Kinds of Discrimination in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
4/08 HB 1116 Establishes Regulations for the Issuance of Alcoholic Beverage Licenses in Charles County Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
4/07 LD 965 Prohibits Certain Employer/Employee Contracts and Agreements "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 11)
4/07 SB 2 Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Federal Gun Policies Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
4/07 HB 716 Establishes Violence Reduction Fund Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 18)
4/07 HB 22 Prohibits Declawing of Cats Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 12)
4/07 HB 434 Authorizes Video Depositions for Individuals Involved in Human Trafficking Cases Regardless of Age Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 0)
4/07 SB 2628 Authorizes Short-Barreled Shotguns Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 1)
4/06 HB 2707 Establishes New Requirements for Flags, Moments of Silence, and Other Displays in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
4/06 HB 95 Establishes a 180-Day Grace Period for Inmates to Repay Court-Imposed Debt After Release Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 1)
4/06 HB 54 Amends Criteria for Termination of Alimony Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
4/05 HB 2162 Amends Provisions Relating to Opioid Addiction Treatment and Recovery Fund (30 - 0)
4/04 HB 1390 Establishes a Cause of Action Against Government Employers Who Retaliate Against Employees Due to Complaints of Sexual Harassment Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
3/31 H 4554 Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of Hair or Hairstyle (40 - 0)
3/31 HB 837 Establishes Regulations for the Legal Use of Cannabis and Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 15)
3/31 S 11 Authorizes Paid Parental Leave for State Employees Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 0)
3/30 SB 2536 Expands Voting Rights of Persons with Expunged Convictions Conference Report Adopted - Senate (48 - 2)
3/30 SB 179 Increases Penalties for Crimes Committed During States of Emergency Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
3/30 HB 1013 Establishes the Mental Health Parity Act (54 - 0)
3/29 HB 936 Authorizes Hospice Care Services for Terminally Ill Inmates Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 16)
3/29 HB 63 Requires School Boards Implement School Resource Officers Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
3/28 SB 151 Requires Automatic Expungement of Marijuana Convictions Veto Override Failed - Senate (17 - 17)
3/27 SB 2437 Establishes Pilot Work Initiative for Prisoners Conference Report Adopted - Senate (52 - 0)
3/25 HB 11 Establishes Limits on Participation in Female Sports Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
3/25 SB 2273 Authorizes Employers to Sponsor Parolees and Offenders on Probation Conference Report Adopted - Senate (51 - 0)
3/25 HB 269 Prohibits Execution of Persons with Serious Mental Illness Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
3/25 HB 3001 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
3/24 SB 83 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
3/24 S 254 Authorizes an Independent Report on Police Misconduct, Qualified Immunity Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
3/24 SB 1100 Prohibits Nonbinary Sex Designation on Birth Certificate Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 7)
3/23 HB 43 Requires Equal Treatment for All Religious Organizations During Declared State of Emergencies Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
3/23 H 720 Prohibits Non-Human Entities From Being Granted Personhood Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
3/23 SB 186 Prohibits Certain Firearm Carry for Persons Serving Probation (44 - 1)
3/22 HB 1 Authorizes the Use and Possession of Cannabis Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
3/22 SF 2363 Amends Requirements of Sex Offender Registry Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
3/22 SF 2363 Amends Requirements of Sex Offender Registry Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
3/22 SB 484 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
3/22 SB 523 Repeals Licensure Requirements for Immigrant Healthcare Workers Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 15)
3/21 HB 22-1104 Expands Ability of Local Governments to Install Powerline Trails Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
3/21 HB 2659 Prohibits Organ Donor Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 0)
3/21 HB 2670 Prohibits Teaching of Certain Concepts Relating to Race, Sex, or Religion Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
3/18 SB 90 Establishes a Behavioral Health Conditional Dismissal Pilot Program to Provide Alternatives to Treatment Instead of Incarceration Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
3/16 SB 387 Prohibits the Sale of Ghost Guns Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
3/15 HB 17 Authorizes Deploying Wiretaps for Drug Related Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 1)
3/15 HB 17 Authorizes Deploying Wiretaps for Drug Related Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 1)
3/15 SB 171 Requires a Permit to Assemble and Increases Penalties for Unlawful Protest Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 21)
3/14 SB 1708 Authorizes 16 and 17 Year Old Employees to Sell Mixed Beverages Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
3/12 HB 4848 Amends Alcohol Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
3/12 SB 463 Specifies Procedures for Determining Child Custody Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 8)

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