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 22, 2023 WI AB 70 Increases Felony Penalties for Rioting Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
March 22, 2023 WI SB 76 Increases Penalties for Carjacking Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
March 22, 2023 WI SB 101 Increases Penalties for Providing or Selling Drugs that Result in an Individual's Death Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
March 22, 2023 WI SB 101 Increases Penalties for Providing or Selling Drugs that Result in an Individual's Death Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
March 22, 2023 WI SB 75 Establishes Cash Bail in the State Constitution Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
March 22, 2023 OK HB 1792 Establishes the Oklahoma Crime Reclassification Act of 2023 Bill Passed - House (71 - 19)
March 22, 2023 NY A 2878 Authorizes Filing Motions to Vacate Judgement for Convictions that were Subsequently Decriminalized Bill Passed - House (90 - 55)
March 22, 2023 IA SF 547 Increases Distracted Driving Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 3)
March 21, 2023 GA SB 140 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 21)
March 21, 2023 MT HB 356 Prohibits the State from Contracting with Companies that Discriminate Against Firearms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
March 21, 2023 IA HF 595 Increases Penalties for the Manufacture, Distribution and Possession of Drugs Containing Fentanyl Bill Passed - House (91 - 3)
March 21, 2023 OK HB 2546 Prohibits Instruction on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation in Public School Bill Passed - House (79 - 19)
March 21, 2023 IA HF 595 Increases Penalties for the Manufacture, Distribution and Possession of Drugs Containing Fentanyl Bill Passed - House (91 - 3)
March 21, 2023 IL HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - House (72 - 37)
March 20, 2023 GA SB 44 Increases Penalties for Gang Recruitment Bill Passed - House (99 - 74)
March 20, 2023 IN HB 1365 Prohibits and Criminalizes "Machine-Gun Conversion" Devices Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 4)
March 20, 2023 MD SB 786 Requires Maryland Health Care Commission Ensure the Confidentiality of Data of Patients who have Obtained "Legally Protected Healthcare" Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 12)
March 20, 2023 MN HF 366 Prohibits State Extradition of Any Individual Seeking or Assisting in an Abortion Bill Passed - House (68 - 62)
March 17, 2023 HI SB 1 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (43 - 7)
March 17, 2023 NM SB 51 Authorizes Cost-Sharing Contributions for Prescription Drug Bill Passed - House (44 - 21)
March 17, 2023 MD SB 859 Prohibits Requiring an Individual Give Testimony or Statements in Another State Regarding Their "Legally Protected Healthcare" Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 11)
March 16, 2023 KY SB 9 Increases Anti-Hazing Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
March 16, 2023 GA SB 140 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - House (96 - 75)
March 16, 2023 KY SB 229 Requires Interagency Communication and Agency Corporation During Child Abuse Cases Bill Passed - House (91 - 6)
March 16, 2023 KY SB 129 Prohibits Selling Data Obtained by Automated License Plate Readers Bill Passed - House (52 - 35)
March 16, 2023 NM HB 306 Prohibits Purchasing a Firearm for Someone Who is Not Allowed or Intends to Use it in a Crime Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
March 16, 2023 IA SF 482 Requires Students Use the Same Restroom that Aligns with Their Sex at Birth Bill Passed - House (57 - 39)
March 16, 2023 NM HB 306 Prohibits Purchasing a Firearm for Someone Who is Not Allowed or Intends to Use it in a Crime Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
March 16, 2023 KY HB 262 Amends State Statute Laws to Add the Crime of Vehicular Homicide Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 81 Exempts Firearm Safety Devices from the State Sales Tax Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
March 16, 2023 AZ SB 1030 Amends Restrictions on Adult Oriented Businesses to Include "Sexually Explicit Performances" Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
March 16, 2023 AZ SB 1028 Prohibits Adult Cabaret Performances in Public Locations Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 85 Increases Penalties for False Statements in Support of Extreme Risk Protection Rrders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 85 Increases Penalties for False Statements in Support of Extreme Risk Protection Rrders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 77 Amends Various State Handgun Laws Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 86 Repeals Fee Requirements for Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 78 Amends Sentencing Guidelines for Weapons Charges Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 78 Amends Sentencing Guidelines for Weapons Charges Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 84 Prohibits Individuals with Extreme Risk Protection Orders from Purchasing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 83 Establishes State Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 82 Exempts Firearm Safety Devices from the State Use Tax Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
March 16, 2023 KY HB 547 Prohibits School Districts from Punishing an Employee for Private Religious Expression Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
March 16, 2023 MI SB 76 Requires Safe Firearm Storage, Background Checks on Unlicensed Gun Sales and Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
March 16, 2023 AZ SB 1221 Amends Biometric Laws Regarding Fingerprinting Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 4)
March 15, 2023 KY SB 80 Prohibits Registered Sex Offenders from Loitering or Operating a Mobile Business within 1,000 ft. of Schools, Daycares, and Public Playgrounds or Swimming Pools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
March 15, 2023 KY SB 9 Increases Anti-Hazing Laws Bill Passed - House (96 - 3)
March 15, 2023 IA SF 507 Prohibits Investment of Public Funds from Management by Firms that Account for "Environmental, Social and Governance Factors" Bill Passed - House (63 - 34)
March 15, 2023 KY HB 153 Prohibits Any Federal Ban or Regulation on Firearms Enacted in 2021 or After Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
March 14, 2023 NM HB 207 Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of Sex, Sexual Orientation, or Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
March 14, 2023 KY HB 594 Prohibits Gambling Machines Called "Gray Machines" or "Skill Games" Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
March 14, 2023 NM HB 207 Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of Sex, Sexual Orientation, or Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
March 14, 2023 WI AB 69 Requires Armed School Resource Officers (SRO) in Schools with 25 Percent Incident Arrest Rates Bill Passed - House (59 - 36)
March 14, 2023 TX SB 2 Classifies Illegal Voting as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
March 14, 2023 MD SB 798 Establishes a Voter Referendum for 2024 Election that Enshrines Individual's Constitutional Right to Reproductive Freedom Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
March 14, 2023 IA SF 319 Authorizes Drug Testing of Private Sector Employees Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
March 14, 2023 WI AB 53 Require Schools Report to Law Enforcement Data on Crimes and Incidents that Occur on Their Property Bill Passed - House (61 - 35)
March 13, 2023 AR HB 1307 Requires the State Divest from Financial Companies that Follow Certain Sociopolitical Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
March 13, 2023 NM SB 64 Prohibits Life Sentences for Juveniles Bill Passed - House (37 - 25)
March 13, 2023 GA HB 147 Requires All Schools Submit School Safety Plans and Active Shooter Drills Annually Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 3)
March 13, 2023 KY HB 551 Establishes Legal Sports Betting Bill Passed - House (63 - 34)
March 13, 2023 CO SB 23-169 Increases Legal Age to Buy Firearms to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 13, 2023 CO SB 23-170 Expands Access to Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
March 13, 2023 CO SB 23-168 Repeals Current Limits on Product Liability Actions Against Firearm Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
March 13, 2023 CO SB 23-168 Repeals Current Limits on Product Liability Actions Against Firearm Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
March 13, 2023 TN SB 1440 Amends State Law to Codify Narrower Definitions of Sex Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
March 12, 2023 NM SB 9 Appropriates Millions in State Funds for Environment and Cultural Conservation Bill Passed - House (54 - 11)
March 11, 2023 WV HB 2218 Increases Penalties for Distracted Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - House (89 - 8)
March 11, 2023 WV HB 3354 Authorizes Municipalities to Combine Operations with Other Municipalities Concurrence Vote Passed - House (81 - 54)
March 11, 2023 CO HB 23-1219 Establishes a 3-Day Waiting Period to Purchase Firearms Bill Passed - House (44 - 20)
March 10, 2023 WV SB 608 Amends the Definition for What is Considered a "Deadly Weapon" Bill Passed - House (92 - 3)
March 10, 2023 WV SB 608 Amends the Definition for What is Considered a "Deadly Weapon" Bill Passed - House (92 - 3)
March 10, 2023 NM HB 306 Prohibits Purchasing a Firearm for Someone Who is Not Allowed or Intends to Use it in a Crime Bill Passed - House (62 - 3)
March 10, 2023 NM HB 306 Prohibits Purchasing a Firearm for Someone Who is Not Allowed or Intends to Use it in a Crime Bill Passed - House (62 - 3)
March 9, 2023 WV HB 2218 Increases Penalties for Distracted Driving Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
March 9, 2023 KS HB 2238 Requires Transgender Student Athletes Play Against Those of Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/22 AB 70 Increases Felony Penalties for Rioting Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
3/22 SB 76 Increases Penalties for Carjacking Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
3/22 SB 101 Increases Penalties for Providing or Selling Drugs that Result in an Individual's Death Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
3/22 SB 101 Increases Penalties for Providing or Selling Drugs that Result in an Individual's Death Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
3/22 SB 75 Establishes Cash Bail in the State Constitution Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
3/22 HB 1792 Establishes the Oklahoma Crime Reclassification Act of 2023 Bill Passed - House (71 - 19)
3/22 A 2878 Authorizes Filing Motions to Vacate Judgement for Convictions that were Subsequently Decriminalized Bill Passed - House (90 - 55)
3/22 SF 547 Increases Distracted Driving Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 3)
3/21 SB 140 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 21)
3/21 HB 356 Prohibits the State from Contracting with Companies that Discriminate Against Firearms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
3/21 HF 595 Increases Penalties for the Manufacture, Distribution and Possession of Drugs Containing Fentanyl Bill Passed - House (91 - 3)
3/21 HB 2546 Prohibits Instruction on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation in Public School Bill Passed - House (79 - 19)
3/21 HF 595 Increases Penalties for the Manufacture, Distribution and Possession of Drugs Containing Fentanyl Bill Passed - House (91 - 3)
3/21 HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - House (72 - 37)
3/20 SB 44 Increases Penalties for Gang Recruitment Bill Passed - House (99 - 74)
3/20 HB 1365 Prohibits and Criminalizes "Machine-Gun Conversion" Devices Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 4)
3/20 SB 786 Requires Maryland Health Care Commission Ensure the Confidentiality of Data of Patients who have Obtained "Legally Protected Healthcare" Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 12)
3/20 HF 366 Prohibits State Extradition of Any Individual Seeking or Assisting in an Abortion Bill Passed - House (68 - 62)
3/17 SB 1 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (43 - 7)
3/17 SB 51 Authorizes Cost-Sharing Contributions for Prescription Drug Bill Passed - House (44 - 21)
3/17 SB 859 Prohibits Requiring an Individual Give Testimony or Statements in Another State Regarding Their "Legally Protected Healthcare" Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 11)
3/16 SB 9 Increases Anti-Hazing Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
3/16 SB 140 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - House (96 - 75)
3/16 SB 229 Requires Interagency Communication and Agency Corporation During Child Abuse Cases Bill Passed - House (91 - 6)
3/16 SB 129 Prohibits Selling Data Obtained by Automated License Plate Readers Bill Passed - House (52 - 35)
3/16 HB 306 Prohibits Purchasing a Firearm for Someone Who is Not Allowed or Intends to Use it in a Crime Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
3/16 SF 482 Requires Students Use the Same Restroom that Aligns with Their Sex at Birth Bill Passed - House (57 - 39)
3/16 HB 306 Prohibits Purchasing a Firearm for Someone Who is Not Allowed or Intends to Use it in a Crime Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
3/16 HB 262 Amends State Statute Laws to Add the Crime of Vehicular Homicide Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
3/16 SB 81 Exempts Firearm Safety Devices from the State Sales Tax Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
3/16 SB 1030 Amends Restrictions on Adult Oriented Businesses to Include "Sexually Explicit Performances" Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
3/16 SB 1028 Prohibits Adult Cabaret Performances in Public Locations Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
3/16 SB 85 Increases Penalties for False Statements in Support of Extreme Risk Protection Rrders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
3/16 SB 85 Increases Penalties for False Statements in Support of Extreme Risk Protection Rrders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
3/16 SB 77 Amends Various State Handgun Laws Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
3/16 SB 86 Repeals Fee Requirements for Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
3/16 SB 78 Amends Sentencing Guidelines for Weapons Charges Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
3/16 SB 78 Amends Sentencing Guidelines for Weapons Charges Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
3/16 SB 84 Prohibits Individuals with Extreme Risk Protection Orders from Purchasing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
3/16 SB 83 Establishes State Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
3/16 SB 82 Exempts Firearm Safety Devices from the State Use Tax Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
3/16 HB 547 Prohibits School Districts from Punishing an Employee for Private Religious Expression Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
3/16 SB 76 Requires Safe Firearm Storage, Background Checks on Unlicensed Gun Sales and Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
3/16 SB 1221 Amends Biometric Laws Regarding Fingerprinting Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 4)
3/15 SB 80 Prohibits Registered Sex Offenders from Loitering or Operating a Mobile Business within 1,000 ft. of Schools, Daycares, and Public Playgrounds or Swimming Pools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
3/15 SB 9 Increases Anti-Hazing Laws Bill Passed - House (96 - 3)
3/15 SF 507 Prohibits Investment of Public Funds from Management by Firms that Account for "Environmental, Social and Governance Factors" Bill Passed - House (63 - 34)
3/15 HB 153 Prohibits Any Federal Ban or Regulation on Firearms Enacted in 2021 or After Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
3/14 HB 207 Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of Sex, Sexual Orientation, or Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
3/14 HB 594 Prohibits Gambling Machines Called "Gray Machines" or "Skill Games" Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
3/14 HB 207 Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of Sex, Sexual Orientation, or Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
3/14 AB 69 Requires Armed School Resource Officers (SRO) in Schools with 25 Percent Incident Arrest Rates Bill Passed - House (59 - 36)
3/14 SB 2 Classifies Illegal Voting as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
3/14 SB 798 Establishes a Voter Referendum for 2024 Election that Enshrines Individual's Constitutional Right to Reproductive Freedom Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
3/14 SF 319 Authorizes Drug Testing of Private Sector Employees Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
3/14 AB 53 Require Schools Report to Law Enforcement Data on Crimes and Incidents that Occur on Their Property Bill Passed - House (61 - 35)
3/13 HB 1307 Requires the State Divest from Financial Companies that Follow Certain Sociopolitical Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
3/13 SB 64 Prohibits Life Sentences for Juveniles Bill Passed - House (37 - 25)
3/13 HB 147 Requires All Schools Submit School Safety Plans and Active Shooter Drills Annually Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 3)
3/13 HB 551 Establishes Legal Sports Betting Bill Passed - House (63 - 34)
3/13 SB 23-169 Increases Legal Age to Buy Firearms to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/13 SB 23-170 Expands Access to Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
3/13 SB 23-168 Repeals Current Limits on Product Liability Actions Against Firearm Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
3/13 SB 23-168 Repeals Current Limits on Product Liability Actions Against Firearm Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
3/13 SB 1440 Amends State Law to Codify Narrower Definitions of Sex Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
3/12 SB 9 Appropriates Millions in State Funds for Environment and Cultural Conservation Bill Passed - House (54 - 11)
3/11 HB 2218 Increases Penalties for Distracted Driving Concurrence Vote Passed - House (89 - 8)
3/11 HB 3354 Authorizes Municipalities to Combine Operations with Other Municipalities Concurrence Vote Passed - House (81 - 54)
3/11 HB 23-1219 Establishes a 3-Day Waiting Period to Purchase Firearms Bill Passed - House (44 - 20)
3/10 SB 608 Amends the Definition for What is Considered a "Deadly Weapon" Bill Passed - House (92 - 3)
3/10 SB 608 Amends the Definition for What is Considered a "Deadly Weapon" Bill Passed - House (92 - 3)
3/10 HB 306 Prohibits Purchasing a Firearm for Someone Who is Not Allowed or Intends to Use it in a Crime Bill Passed - House (62 - 3)
3/10 HB 306 Prohibits Purchasing a Firearm for Someone Who is Not Allowed or Intends to Use it in a Crime Bill Passed - House (62 - 3)
3/09 HB 2218 Increases Penalties for Distracted Driving Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
3/09 HB 2238 Requires Transgender Student Athletes Play Against Those of Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)

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