Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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
May 15, 2023 AZ SB 1221 Amends Biometric Laws Regarding Fingerprinting Bill Passed - House (41 - 17)
May 15, 2023 NV SB 171 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Committing or Attempting to Commit a Hate Crime from Owning a Firearm Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
May 12, 2023 MO SB 34 Authorizes Schools to Offer Elective Courses on the Bible Bill Passed - House (99 - 45)
May 12, 2023 IL HB 676 Amends Firearms Statutes and Prohibits the Discharging of Firearms in Residential Areas Bill Passed - House (70 - 36)
May 12, 2023 IL HB 676 Amends Firearms Statutes and Prohibits the Discharging of Firearms in Residential Areas Bill Passed - House (70 - 36)
May 12, 2023 MO SB 227 Amends Requirements Relating to the Culpable Mental State Necessary for a Homicide Offense Bill Passed - House (106 - 49)
May 12, 2023 AK HB 28 Prohibits the Release of Certain Criminal Convictions Bill Passed - House (36 - 4)
May 11, 2023 MO SB 186 Establishes a Loan Forgiveness Fund for Police Officers who take Required Training and Work in the State for a Year Conference Report Adopted - House (127 - 5)
May 11, 2023 ME LD 53 Repeals Intentional Torts from Workers Compensation Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
May 11, 2023 MO SB 116 Amends Provisions and Regulations Over Disposal of the Dead Bill Passed - House (155 - 1)
May 11, 2023 National HR 2 Secure the Border Act of 2023 Bill Passed - House (219 - 213)
May 11, 2023 National S J Res 24 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
May 11, 2023 National S J Res 23 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Marine Fisheries Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
May 11, 2023 CA SB 403 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Ancestry Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
May 11, 2023 LA HB 321 Authorizes the Release of Certain Juvenile Criminal Records to the Public Bill Passed - House (63 - 36)
May 11, 2023 LA HB 85 Requires Onlookers Remain 25 Feet Away from Police in Action Bill Passed - House (67 - 32)
May 10, 2023 MO SB 40 Requires Background Checks for Students 18 and Older Reenrolling in High School Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
May 10, 2023 MO SB 138 Increases Eligibility of the Loan Forgiveness Program for Large Animal Veterinary Students Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
May 10, 2023 AZ HB 2482 Expands Arizona Criminal Justice Commission's Automated Crime Victim Notification System Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
May 10, 2023 MO SB 138 Increases Eligibility of the Loan Forgiveness Program for Large Animal Veterinary Students Bill Passed - House (107 - 40)
May 10, 2023 SC S 284 Authorizes Tourist Tax Revenue to be Used for Certain Developments and Workforce Housing Bill Passed - House (80 - 29)
May 10, 2023 IL SB 1909 Authorizes Lawsuits Against Crisis Pregnancy Centers Bill Passed - House (72 - 40)
May 10, 2023 MO SB 39 Requires Transgender Student Athletes Play Against Those of Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (110 - 49)
May 10, 2023 IL HB 3026 Amends the Illinois Code of Corrections Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 1)
May 10, 2023 MO SB 189 Amends Certain Provisions on Criminal Laws Bill Passed - House (91 - 46)
May 10, 2023 MO SB 28 Amends Public Records Access for Missouri State Highway Patrol Bill Passed - House (119 - 29)
May 10, 2023 MO SB 28 Amends Public Records Access for Missouri State Highway Patrol Bill Passed - House (119 - 29)
May 10, 2023 MO SB 49 Prohibits Gender-Affirming Medical Care for Minors Bill Passed - House (108 - 50)
May 10, 2023 IL HB 1155 Authorizes Individuals Injured by an Impaired Minor to Sue the Individual Who Supplied the Drugs or Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
May 10, 2023 MO SB 189 Amends Certain Provisions on Criminal Laws Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
May 10, 2023 IL HB 218 Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to Include Firearm Industry Members Bill Passed - House (71 - 40)
May 10, 2023 TX HB 7 Authorizes the Creation of State Border Police Bill Passed - House (88 - 56)
May 10, 2023 OH SB 53 Reduces the Minimum Name to be a Police Officer from 21 to 18 Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
May 10, 2023 PA SB 245 Establishes New Rules Regarding Eligibility for Welfare Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
May 9, 2023 IL SB 1883 Prohibits Human Contact With Bears or Other Nonhuman Primates Bill Passed - House (73 - 35)
May 9, 2023 ME LD 53 Repeals Intentional Torts from Workers Compensation Exemptions Bill Passed - House (82 - 60)
May 8, 2023 AL HB 261 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
May 8, 2023 AK HB 120 Authorizes Hunting, Trapping, Or Fishing Licenses for Non-Resident Post-Secondary Students Bill Passed - House (36 - 4)
May 8, 2023 LA HB 81 Prohibits School Teachers and Employees from Using a Student's Preferred Pronouns Bill Passed - House (62 - 32)
May 8, 2023 AK HB 120 Authorizes Hunting, Trapping, Or Fishing Licenses for Non-Resident Post-Secondary Students Bill Passed - House (36 - 4)
May 8, 2023 AK SB 53 Amends Statutes Regarding Competency to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate
May 8, 2023 CA AB 1104 Amends Correction and Rehabilitation Statutes in California Bill Passed - House (54 - 15)
May 7, 2023 CO HB 23-1057 Requires All New Government Buildings have Non-Gendered Bathrooms Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 17)
May 6, 2023 CO SB 23-259 Authorizes Casinos to Offer Individual Lines of Credit Bill Passed - House (33 - 32)
May 6, 2023 CO SB 23-277 Expands Public Safety Programs and Extends Existing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (48 - 17)
May 6, 2023 CO SB 23-259 Authorizes Casinos to Offer Individual Lines of Credit Bill Failed - House (31 - 34)
May 5, 2023 FL HB 1285 Authorizes the Creation of a Specialized State Guard as a Part of State Law Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - House (91 - 20)
May 5, 2023 VT H 230 Establishes New Restrictions on Firearm Purchase to Prevent Suicide Concurrence Vote Passed - House (106 - 34)
May 5, 2023 MO SB 106 Requires Patient Approval before Doctors Give Prostate, Anal, or Pelvic Exams to Unconscious Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
May 5, 2023 FL HB 1285 Authorizes the Creation of a Specialized State Guard as a Part of State Law Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 11)
May 5, 2023 CO HB 23-1057 Requires All New Government Buildings have Non-Gendered Bathrooms Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
May 5, 2023 CO SB 23-279 Prohibits the Sale of Unserialized Firearms Commonly Known as "Ghost Guns" Bill Passed - House (46 - 18)
May 5, 2023 AL HB 261 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - House (83 - 5)
May 4, 2023 FL SB 262 Establishes a State Digital Bill of Rights to Provide User Protections Concurrence Vote Passed - House (110 - 2)
May 4, 2023 FL SB 254 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
May 4, 2023 FL SB 254 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - House (83 - 28)
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 CO HB 23-1307 Establishes Enhancede Supports for Youth Who are in Detention Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
May 4, 2023 MN HF 717 Amends the Name of Highway 7 in Chanhassen and Eden Praire to Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway Bill Passed - Senate (55 - 5)
May 4, 2023 MO SB 94 Establishes Tax Credits for the Film and Music Industry Bill Passed - House (113 - 45)
May 4, 2023 IL HB 3762 Repeals the Death Penalty for First Degree Murder Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
May 3, 2023 FL SB 266 Prohibits Higher Education Institutions from Spending Federal or State Funds on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Bill Passed - House (81 - 34)
May 3, 2023 FL HB 1069 Requires State Public K-12 Schools have a Policy Stating it is "False" to Use an Individuals Preferred Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
May 3, 2023 IL HB 2789 Prohibits Librarians From Banning Books Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 19)
May 3, 2023 National S J Res 9 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status with Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (50 - 48)
May 3, 2023 AK HB 61 Limits State Restrictions on Firearms Bill Passed - House (26 - 12)
May 3, 2023 DE SB 2 Prohibits Handgun Ownership Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
May 2, 2023 MT HB 423 Amends and Authorizes Compensation Received by Individuals Wrongfully Convicted Amendment Adopted - House (87 - 8)
May 2, 2023 CO HB 23-1182 Requires Remote Public Access To Criminal Court Proceedings Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 8)
May 2, 2023 MT HB 479 Appropriates $5 Million for Law Enforcement Services on the Flathead Indian Reservation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 28)
May 2, 2023 CO SB 23-254 Amends Statutes Regarding Search Warrants by Police Bill Passed - House (42 - 23)
May 2, 2023 VT H 230 Establishes New Restrictions on Firearm Purchase to Prevent Suicide Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
May 2, 2023 MO SB 106 Requires Patient Approval before Doctors Give Prostate, Anal, or Pelvic Exams to Unconscious Individuals Bill Passed - House (118 - 29)
May 2, 2023 FL SB 1718 Amends Various State Immigration Laws, Policies, and Restrictions Bill Passed - House (83 - 36)
May 2, 2023 FL SB 1580 Authorizes Medical Conscience Objections Bill Passed - House (84 - 34)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/15 SB 1221 Amends Biometric Laws Regarding Fingerprinting Bill Passed - House (41 - 17)
5/15 SB 171 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Committing or Attempting to Commit a Hate Crime from Owning a Firearm Bill Passed - House (27 - 14)
5/12 SB 34 Authorizes Schools to Offer Elective Courses on the Bible Bill Passed - House (99 - 45)
5/12 HB 676 Amends Firearms Statutes and Prohibits the Discharging of Firearms in Residential Areas Bill Passed - House (70 - 36)
5/12 HB 676 Amends Firearms Statutes and Prohibits the Discharging of Firearms in Residential Areas Bill Passed - House (70 - 36)
5/12 SB 227 Amends Requirements Relating to the Culpable Mental State Necessary for a Homicide Offense Bill Passed - House (106 - 49)
5/12 HB 28 Prohibits the Release of Certain Criminal Convictions Bill Passed - House (36 - 4)
5/11 SB 186 Establishes a Loan Forgiveness Fund for Police Officers who take Required Training and Work in the State for a Year Conference Report Adopted - House (127 - 5)
5/11 LD 53 Repeals Intentional Torts from Workers Compensation Exemptions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
5/11 SB 116 Amends Provisions and Regulations Over Disposal of the Dead Bill Passed - House (155 - 1)
5/11 HR 2 Secure the Border Act of 2023 Bill Passed - House (219 - 213)
5/11 S J Res 24 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
5/11 S J Res 23 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Marine Fisheries Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
5/11 SB 403 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Ancestry Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
5/11 HB 321 Authorizes the Release of Certain Juvenile Criminal Records to the Public Bill Passed - House (63 - 36)
5/11 HB 85 Requires Onlookers Remain 25 Feet Away from Police in Action Bill Passed - House (67 - 32)
5/10 SB 40 Requires Background Checks for Students 18 and Older Reenrolling in High School Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
5/10 SB 138 Increases Eligibility of the Loan Forgiveness Program for Large Animal Veterinary Students Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
5/10 HB 2482 Expands Arizona Criminal Justice Commission's Automated Crime Victim Notification System Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
5/10 SB 138 Increases Eligibility of the Loan Forgiveness Program for Large Animal Veterinary Students Bill Passed - House (107 - 40)
5/10 S 284 Authorizes Tourist Tax Revenue to be Used for Certain Developments and Workforce Housing Bill Passed - House (80 - 29)
5/10 SB 1909 Authorizes Lawsuits Against Crisis Pregnancy Centers Bill Passed - House (72 - 40)
5/10 SB 39 Requires Transgender Student Athletes Play Against Those of Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (110 - 49)
5/10 HB 3026 Amends the Illinois Code of Corrections Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 1)
5/10 SB 189 Amends Certain Provisions on Criminal Laws Bill Passed - House (91 - 46)
5/10 SB 28 Amends Public Records Access for Missouri State Highway Patrol Bill Passed - House (119 - 29)
5/10 SB 28 Amends Public Records Access for Missouri State Highway Patrol Bill Passed - House (119 - 29)
5/10 SB 49 Prohibits Gender-Affirming Medical Care for Minors Bill Passed - House (108 - 50)
5/10 HB 1155 Authorizes Individuals Injured by an Impaired Minor to Sue the Individual Who Supplied the Drugs or Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
5/10 SB 189 Amends Certain Provisions on Criminal Laws Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
5/10 HB 218 Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to Include Firearm Industry Members Bill Passed - House (71 - 40)
5/10 HB 7 Authorizes the Creation of State Border Police Bill Passed - House (88 - 56)
5/10 SB 53 Reduces the Minimum Name to be a Police Officer from 21 to 18 Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
5/10 SB 245 Establishes New Rules Regarding Eligibility for Welfare Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
5/09 SB 1883 Prohibits Human Contact With Bears or Other Nonhuman Primates Bill Passed - House (73 - 35)
5/09 LD 53 Repeals Intentional Torts from Workers Compensation Exemptions Bill Passed - House (82 - 60)
5/08 HB 261 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
5/08 HB 120 Authorizes Hunting, Trapping, Or Fishing Licenses for Non-Resident Post-Secondary Students Bill Passed - House (36 - 4)
5/08 HB 81 Prohibits School Teachers and Employees from Using a Student's Preferred Pronouns Bill Passed - House (62 - 32)
5/08 HB 120 Authorizes Hunting, Trapping, Or Fishing Licenses for Non-Resident Post-Secondary Students Bill Passed - House (36 - 4)
5/08 SB 53 Amends Statutes Regarding Competency to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate
5/08 AB 1104 Amends Correction and Rehabilitation Statutes in California Bill Passed - House (54 - 15)
5/07 HB 23-1057 Requires All New Government Buildings have Non-Gendered Bathrooms Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 17)
5/06 SB 23-259 Authorizes Casinos to Offer Individual Lines of Credit Bill Passed - House (33 - 32)
5/06 SB 23-277 Expands Public Safety Programs and Extends Existing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (48 - 17)
5/06 SB 23-259 Authorizes Casinos to Offer Individual Lines of Credit Bill Failed - House (31 - 34)
5/05 HB 1285 Authorizes the Creation of a Specialized State Guard as a Part of State Law Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - House (91 - 20)
5/05 H 230 Establishes New Restrictions on Firearm Purchase to Prevent Suicide Concurrence Vote Passed - House (106 - 34)
5/05 SB 106 Requires Patient Approval before Doctors Give Prostate, Anal, or Pelvic Exams to Unconscious Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
5/05 HB 1285 Authorizes the Creation of a Specialized State Guard as a Part of State Law Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 11)
5/05 HB 23-1057 Requires All New Government Buildings have Non-Gendered Bathrooms Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
5/05 SB 23-279 Prohibits the Sale of Unserialized Firearms Commonly Known as "Ghost Guns" Bill Passed - House (46 - 18)
5/05 HB 261 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - House (83 - 5)
5/04 SB 262 Establishes a State Digital Bill of Rights to Provide User Protections Concurrence Vote Passed - House (110 - 2)
5/04 SB 254 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
5/04 SB 254 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - House (83 - 28)
5/04 HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
5/04 HB 23-1307 Establishes Enhancede Supports for Youth Who are in Detention Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
5/04 HF 717 Amends the Name of Highway 7 in Chanhassen and Eden Praire to Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway Bill Passed - Senate (55 - 5)
5/04 SB 94 Establishes Tax Credits for the Film and Music Industry Bill Passed - House (113 - 45)
5/04 HB 3762 Repeals the Death Penalty for First Degree Murder Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
5/03 SB 266 Prohibits Higher Education Institutions from Spending Federal or State Funds on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Bill Passed - House (81 - 34)
5/03 HB 1069 Requires State Public K-12 Schools have a Policy Stating it is "False" to Use an Individuals Preferred Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
5/03 HB 2789 Prohibits Librarians From Banning Books Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 19)
5/03 S J Res 9 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status with Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (50 - 48)
5/03 HB 61 Limits State Restrictions on Firearms Bill Passed - House (26 - 12)
5/03 SB 2 Prohibits Handgun Ownership Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
5/02 HB 423 Amends and Authorizes Compensation Received by Individuals Wrongfully Convicted Amendment Adopted - House (87 - 8)
5/02 HB 23-1182 Requires Remote Public Access To Criminal Court Proceedings Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 8)
5/02 HB 479 Appropriates $5 Million for Law Enforcement Services on the Flathead Indian Reservation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 28)
5/02 SB 23-254 Amends Statutes Regarding Search Warrants by Police Bill Passed - House (42 - 23)
5/02 H 230 Establishes New Restrictions on Firearm Purchase to Prevent Suicide Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
5/02 SB 106 Requires Patient Approval before Doctors Give Prostate, Anal, or Pelvic Exams to Unconscious Individuals Bill Passed - House (118 - 29)
5/02 SB 1718 Amends Various State Immigration Laws, Policies, and Restrictions Bill Passed - House (83 - 36)
5/02 SB 1580 Authorizes Medical Conscience Objections Bill Passed - House (84 - 34)

arrow_upward