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 5, 2023 NV AB 266 Requires Governing Bodies of Certain Counties and Cities Ensure that Public Notices are Issued in Certain Languages Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
June 5, 2023 NV AB 232 Establishes New Rules Regarding Premium Tobacco Products Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 3)
June 5, 2023 LA HB 504 Requires All Unclassified State Employees Making Over $100,000 Hold a Valid Driver's License and Register Their Vehicle in the State Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
June 5, 2023 NV SB 526 Appropriates Funding From the American Rescue Plan for Non-for-Profits Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
June 4, 2023 LA HB 260 Requires Legislature Approval for all Election Rule-making and Funding Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
June 4, 2023 LA HB 260 Requires Legislature Approval for all Election Rule-making and Funding Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
June 1, 2023 NE LB 727 Amend Provisions Relating to Revenue and Taxation Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
June 1, 2023 NE LB 514 Requires Voter ID to Vote in Primaries and General Elections Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 1)
May 31, 2023 NV SB 246 Establishes the North Las Vegas Work Development Program Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
May 31, 2023 NV SB 443 Amends Voter Registration Rules Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
May 25, 2023 OK SB 377 Amends Voter Registration Policies and Regulations to Prohibit Undocumented Individuals Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 5)
May 25, 2023 IL SB 2123 Amends Various State Election Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 18)
May 24, 2023 NE LB 753 Establishes Tax Credits and Matching Funds for Private School Scholarships Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 11)
May 24, 2023 CA SB 447 Authorizes State and Public University Employees to Resume Travel to Previously Restricted States Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
May 23, 2023 OK SB 375 Amends Date for Upcoming Primary Elections and Deadlines for Declaring Candidacy Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 5)
May 23, 2023 MI SB 150 Authorizes the Small Claims Division of the Michigan Tax Tribunal to Have Virtual Hearings Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
May 18, 2023 IL HB 2826 Prohibits the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation From Requiring Self-Disclosure of a Criminal Background Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
May 17, 2023 TX SB 1860 Requires Legislative Approval for Cities to Amend Their Charters to Address Climate Change Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
May 17, 2023 MN SF 37 Authorizes Minnesota Voters to Vote On a Constitutional Amendment Providing For Equality Under the Law Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 23)
May 17, 2023 National S J Res 18 A joint resolution disapproving of the rule submitted by the Department of Homeland Security relating to "Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (50 - 47)
May 16, 2023 TX HB 2127 Prohibits Cities From Passing any Heat-Related Ordinances Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
May 16, 2023 National H J Res 42 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022. Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (56 - 43)
May 15, 2023 AZ HB 2560 Authorizes the State to Release More Voter Registration and Ballot Image Data to the Public Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
May 15, 2023 NV AB 354 Prohibits Firearms Within 100 Feet of Election Locations Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
May 12, 2023 VT H 429 Authorizes Several Changes to Vermont Election Laws Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
May 12, 2023 MN HF 1403 Establishes Litigation Laws Regarding Aging, Disability, Behavioral Health, and Substance Use Disorder Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 4)
May 12, 2023 VT H 429 Authorizes Several Changes to Vermont Election Laws Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
May 11, 2023 IL HB 2222 Amends the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act and Requires That the Attorney General Receive Notice of all Covered Transactions Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
May 11, 2023 TX SB 833 Prohibits Insurance Companies from Charging Higher Rates Based on ESG Criteria Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
May 11, 2023 IL SB 1769 Requires State Government Vehicles be Zero Emission by 2030 Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
May 11, 2023 RI S 845 Authorizes Mail Ballot Drop Boxes to be Opened at Least Thirty-five (35) Days Prior to Election Day Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
May 10, 2023 AZ HB 2613 Requires 100% of a Voting Machine be Manufactured in the United States Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
May 10, 2023 PA SB 245 Establishes New Rules Regarding Eligibility for Welfare Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
May 7, 2023 CO HB 23-1190 Authorizes Local Governments the Right of First Refusal on Multifamily Properties Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
May 5, 2023 CO HB 23-1057 Requires All New Government Buildings have Non-Gendered Bathrooms Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
May 4, 2023 CO HB 23-1255 Prohibits Local Growth Caps Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
May 4, 2023 CO HB 23-1306 Authorizes Elected Officials to Block Public Access to Their Social Media Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
May 4, 2023 IA HF 716 Requires Iowa Political Parties Meet in Person to Select Their Delegates in a Presidential Election Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
May 4, 2023 IA HF 716 Requires Iowa Political Parties Meet in Person to Select Their Delegates in a Presidential Election Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
May 4, 2023 IL HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
May 4, 2023 DE SB 3 Repeals Limitations on Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
May 3, 2023 FL SB 170 Amends Laws Concerning Local Ordinances and Legal Suits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
May 3, 2023 CO HB 23-1245 Amends Fair Campaign Practices Act for Municipal Elections Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
May 3, 2023 AK SB 22 Establishes Juneteenth as a State Holiday Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
May 2, 2023 PA SB 140 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Appoint a Special Prosecutor for South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
May 2, 2023 IA SF 563 Appropriates Funding for State Judicial Spending and Requires Courts Obtain Consent of Non-Contract Attorneys Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
May 2, 2023 HI SB 1079 Requires Courts Expunge Records of OWI Convictions if the Sentencing Occurred Before 1998 Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 1)
May 2, 2023 NY S 4000 Appropriates Resources for the State Operations Budget Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 21)
May 1, 2023 AK SB 107 Amends Regulations Concerning the Permanent Fund Dividend Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 7)
April 29, 2023 ND SB 2012 Authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services Develop a Pregnancy and Parenting Resource Website Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 6)
April 27, 2023 ND HB 1474 Establishes State Definitions for Male, Female, Sex, and Scrap Metal Dealer Conference Report Adopted - Senate (42 - 4)
April 27, 2023 MT HB 2 Appropriates $14 Billion for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Budget Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
April 27, 2023 DE SB 67 Amends Rules Concerning the Crime of Official Misconduct Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 3)
April 27, 2023 TX SB 2209 Prohibits Civilian Oversight of Police Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
April 26, 2023 FL HB 1627 Authorizes Pretrial Detention for DUI Manslaughter, Fentanyl Trafficking, and Extortion Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
April 26, 2023 FL SB 7050 Authorizes State Officials to Run for Vice President or President Without Resigning Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
April 26, 2023 IA SF 557 Appropriates Funding for Various State Government Administrative and Regulative Costs Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 406 Prohibits Voter or Poll Worker Intimidation Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 391 Prohibits Local Government Use of "Sundown Sirens" Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 133 Establishes Falsifying Presidential Elector Signatures as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
April 21, 2023 WA HB 1447 Expands Assistance Programs Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
April 21, 2023 WA HB 1447 Expands Assistance Programs Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
April 20, 2023 WA SB 5316 Amends Rules Concerning Background Checks and Application Fees for Programs Run by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
April 20, 2023 MN HF 1830 Appropriates $1.5 Billion for State Elections and Government Agencies Operating Costs Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 33)
April 20, 2023 TX SB 2071 Establishes New Procedures for Automatic Recounts Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
April 20, 2023 NV SB 371 Authorizes Counties and Cities to Enact Affordable Housing Ordinances Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
April 20, 2023 TX SB 2433 Establishes New Reporting Requirements for County Election Administrators Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
April 20, 2023 TX SB 990 Repeals Automatic Voter Registration at Any Polling Place on Election Day Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
April 19, 2023 WA HB 1756 Amends Tax Rules Concerning Clean Energies and Increased Revenue to Local Governments, Schools, and Communities Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
April 19, 2023 FL HB 3 Prohibits Usage of State Retirement and Public Funds From Being Invested in ESG Securities Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
April 19, 2023 TX SB 220 Establishes a System of Election Marshals to Investigate Alleged Voting Violations Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
April 19, 2023 TX SB 1938 Authorizes the Secretary of State to Withhold Funds from a Registrar Who Fails to Perform Their Duties Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
April 19, 2023 OH SJR 2 Requires 60% Vote to Approve any Constitutional Amendment Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
April 18, 2023 MT HB 748 Repeals Local Governments Ability to Pass Zoning Restrictions for the Purpose of Promoting "Morals" Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
April 18, 2023 MT HB 587 Reduces School Funding and Property Taxes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/05 AB 266 Requires Governing Bodies of Certain Counties and Cities Ensure that Public Notices are Issued in Certain Languages Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
6/05 AB 232 Establishes New Rules Regarding Premium Tobacco Products Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 3)
6/05 HB 504 Requires All Unclassified State Employees Making Over $100,000 Hold a Valid Driver's License and Register Their Vehicle in the State Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
6/05 SB 526 Appropriates Funding From the American Rescue Plan for Non-for-Profits Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
6/04 HB 260 Requires Legislature Approval for all Election Rule-making and Funding Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
6/04 HB 260 Requires Legislature Approval for all Election Rule-making and Funding Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
6/01 LB 727 Amend Provisions Relating to Revenue and Taxation Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
6/01 LB 514 Requires Voter ID to Vote in Primaries and General Elections Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 1)
5/31 SB 246 Establishes the North Las Vegas Work Development Program Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
5/31 SB 443 Amends Voter Registration Rules Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
5/25 SB 377 Amends Voter Registration Policies and Regulations to Prohibit Undocumented Individuals Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 5)
5/25 SB 2123 Amends Various State Election Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 18)
5/24 LB 753 Establishes Tax Credits and Matching Funds for Private School Scholarships Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 11)
5/24 SB 447 Authorizes State and Public University Employees to Resume Travel to Previously Restricted States Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
5/23 SB 375 Amends Date for Upcoming Primary Elections and Deadlines for Declaring Candidacy Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 5)
5/23 SB 150 Authorizes the Small Claims Division of the Michigan Tax Tribunal to Have Virtual Hearings Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
5/18 HB 2826 Prohibits the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation From Requiring Self-Disclosure of a Criminal Background Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
5/17 SB 1860 Requires Legislative Approval for Cities to Amend Their Charters to Address Climate Change Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
5/17 SF 37 Authorizes Minnesota Voters to Vote On a Constitutional Amendment Providing For Equality Under the Law Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 23)
5/17 S J Res 18 A joint resolution disapproving of the rule submitted by the Department of Homeland Security relating to "Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (50 - 47)
5/16 HB 2127 Prohibits Cities From Passing any Heat-Related Ordinances Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
5/16 H J Res 42 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022. Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (56 - 43)
5/15 HB 2560 Authorizes the State to Release More Voter Registration and Ballot Image Data to the Public Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
5/15 AB 354 Prohibits Firearms Within 100 Feet of Election Locations Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
5/12 H 429 Authorizes Several Changes to Vermont Election Laws Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
5/12 HF 1403 Establishes Litigation Laws Regarding Aging, Disability, Behavioral Health, and Substance Use Disorder Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 4)
5/12 H 429 Authorizes Several Changes to Vermont Election Laws Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
5/11 HB 2222 Amends the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act and Requires That the Attorney General Receive Notice of all Covered Transactions Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
5/11 SB 833 Prohibits Insurance Companies from Charging Higher Rates Based on ESG Criteria Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
5/11 SB 1769 Requires State Government Vehicles be Zero Emission by 2030 Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
5/11 S 845 Authorizes Mail Ballot Drop Boxes to be Opened at Least Thirty-five (35) Days Prior to Election Day Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
5/10 HB 2613 Requires 100% of a Voting Machine be Manufactured in the United States Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
5/10 SB 245 Establishes New Rules Regarding Eligibility for Welfare Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
5/07 HB 23-1190 Authorizes Local Governments the Right of First Refusal on Multifamily Properties Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
5/05 HB 23-1057 Requires All New Government Buildings have Non-Gendered Bathrooms Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
5/04 HB 23-1255 Prohibits Local Growth Caps Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
5/04 HB 23-1306 Authorizes Elected Officials to Block Public Access to Their Social Media Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
5/04 HF 716 Requires Iowa Political Parties Meet in Person to Select Their Delegates in a Presidential Election Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
5/04 HF 716 Requires Iowa Political Parties Meet in Person to Select Their Delegates in a Presidential Election Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
5/04 HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
5/04 SB 3 Repeals Limitations on Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
5/03 SB 170 Amends Laws Concerning Local Ordinances and Legal Suits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
5/03 HB 23-1245 Amends Fair Campaign Practices Act for Municipal Elections Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
5/03 SB 22 Establishes Juneteenth as a State Holiday Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
5/02 SB 140 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Appoint a Special Prosecutor for South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
5/02 SF 563 Appropriates Funding for State Judicial Spending and Requires Courts Obtain Consent of Non-Contract Attorneys Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
5/02 SB 1079 Requires Courts Expunge Records of OWI Convictions if the Sentencing Occurred Before 1998 Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 1)
5/02 S 4000 Appropriates Resources for the State Operations Budget Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 21)
5/01 SB 107 Amends Regulations Concerning the Permanent Fund Dividend Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 7)
4/29 SB 2012 Authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services Develop a Pregnancy and Parenting Resource Website Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 6)
4/27 HB 1474 Establishes State Definitions for Male, Female, Sex, and Scrap Metal Dealer Conference Report Adopted - Senate (42 - 4)
4/27 HB 2 Appropriates $14 Billion for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Budget Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
4/27 SB 67 Amends Rules Concerning the Crime of Official Misconduct Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 3)
4/27 SB 2209 Prohibits Civilian Oversight of Police Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
4/26 HB 1627 Authorizes Pretrial Detention for DUI Manslaughter, Fentanyl Trafficking, and Extortion Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
4/26 SB 7050 Authorizes State Officials to Run for Vice President or President Without Resigning Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
4/26 SF 557 Appropriates Funding for Various State Government Administrative and Regulative Costs Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
4/25 SB 406 Prohibits Voter or Poll Worker Intimidation Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
4/25 SB 391 Prohibits Local Government Use of "Sundown Sirens" Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
4/25 SB 133 Establishes Falsifying Presidential Elector Signatures as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
4/21 HB 1447 Expands Assistance Programs Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
4/21 HB 1447 Expands Assistance Programs Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
4/20 SB 5316 Amends Rules Concerning Background Checks and Application Fees for Programs Run by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
4/20 HF 1830 Appropriates $1.5 Billion for State Elections and Government Agencies Operating Costs Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 33)
4/20 SB 2071 Establishes New Procedures for Automatic Recounts Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
4/20 SB 371 Authorizes Counties and Cities to Enact Affordable Housing Ordinances Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
4/20 SB 2433 Establishes New Reporting Requirements for County Election Administrators Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
4/20 SB 990 Repeals Automatic Voter Registration at Any Polling Place on Election Day Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
4/19 HB 1756 Amends Tax Rules Concerning Clean Energies and Increased Revenue to Local Governments, Schools, and Communities Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
4/19 HB 3 Prohibits Usage of State Retirement and Public Funds From Being Invested in ESG Securities Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
4/19 SB 220 Establishes a System of Election Marshals to Investigate Alleged Voting Violations Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
4/19 SB 1938 Authorizes the Secretary of State to Withhold Funds from a Registrar Who Fails to Perform Their Duties Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
4/19 SJR 2 Requires 60% Vote to Approve any Constitutional Amendment Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
4/18 HB 748 Repeals Local Governments Ability to Pass Zoning Restrictions for the Purpose of Promoting "Morals" Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
4/18 HB 587 Reduces School Funding and Property Taxes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 0)

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