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 24, 2024 OH SB 214 Authorizes Human Trafficking Victims to Expunge Certain Records Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
April 24, 2024 OH HB 230 Increases Penalties for Drug and Human Trafficking Bill Passed - House (80 - 13)
April 24, 2024 OH HB 230 Increases Penalties for Drug and Human Trafficking Bill Passed - House (80 - 13)
April 24, 2024 OH HB 322 Prohibits "Grooming" and Creates a Criminal Offense for "Pattern of Conduct" with a Minor Bill Passed - House (90 - 1)
April 23, 2024 MS SB 2448 Extends the Automatic Repealer on the Mississippi Earned Parole Eligibility Act Of 2021 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 10)
April 23, 2024 OK HB 2102 Establishes the Hope Shaffer Act Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
April 23, 2024 TN SB 1325 Authorizes Teachers and Staff to Carry Concealed Firearms in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (68 - 28)
April 23, 2024 OK HB 4156 Amends Various State Immigration Laws, Policies, and Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 8)
April 23, 2024 OK SB 2035 Amends the State's Temporary Car Tag Laws to Reduce Traffic Stops Bill Passed - House (89 - 2)
April 22, 2024 CO HB 24-1348 Requires Firearms be Kept in Lock Boxes when in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
April 22, 2024 CO HB 24-1174 Increases Requirements for Individuals Seeking to Obtain a Concealed-Carry Permit Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
April 22, 2024 LA SB 430 Repeals the Use of Nitrogen Gas as a Method of Execution Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
April 20, 2024 CO HB 24-1270 Requires Gun Owners to Also Hold Liability Insurance Bill Passed - House (33 - 29)
April 20, 2024 CO HB 24-1349 Authorizes a Ballot Proposal to Establish a 9% Excise Tax on Ammo Vendors, Gun Dealers and Firearms Manufacturers Bill Passed - House (44 - 18)
April 20, 2024 CO HB 24-1270 Requires Gun Owners to Also Hold Liability Insurance Bill Passed - House (33 - 29)
April 20, 2024 CO HB 24-1353 Requires State Retail Firearm Dealers have a State Permit Along with a Federal License Bill Passed - House (40 - 21)
April 19, 2024 National HR 7888 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 34)
April 19, 2024 IA HF 2693 Appropriates $24 Million in Additional Funding for the Department of Justice and Department of Corrections Bill Passed - House (59 - 32)
April 18, 2024 HI HB 2526 Increases the Penalty for a Third or Subsequent Offense Involving Unauthorized Motor Vehicle Use to a Class C Felony Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 3)
April 18, 2024 National HR 7888 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act Cloture Invoked - Senate (67 - 32)
April 18, 2024 ME LD 2238 Requires a Waiting Period for Certain Firearm Purchases in Maine Bill Passed - House (73 - 70)
April 18, 2024 VT S 209 Prohibiting Unserialized Firearms Bill Passed - House (110 - 31)
April 18, 2024 DE HB 270 Establishes Penalty for Displaying Ammunition that is Accessible to Customer Bill Passed - House (27 - 9)
April 18, 2024 IL HB 4942 Requires Coroners Notify Law Enforcement when Suspiciously High Levels of Fentanyl are Found During an Autopsy Bill Passed - House (78 - 33)
April 18, 2024 IL HB 4942 Requires Coroners Notify Law Enforcement when Suspiciously High Levels of Fentanyl are Found During an Autopsy Bill Passed - House (78 - 33)
April 18, 2024 NE LB 1092 Requires Online Age Verification Liability Act Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
April 18, 2024 NE LB 25 Authorizes Claims Involving Child Abuse or Sexual Assault of a Child Under the Political Subdivisions Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 17)
April 18, 2024 IL HB 5239 Expands Abortion Shield Laws so State and Local Authorities are Prohibited from Providing Information for Out-of-State Investigations Bill Passed - House (72 - 37)
April 18, 2024 OK HB 4156 Amends Various State Immigration Laws, Policies, and Restrictions Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
April 18, 2024 TN SB 2770 Authorizes Greater Statutory Penalties for Undocumented Individuals who Commit Felonies Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
April 17, 2024 ME LD 2086 Amending Laws Governing the Disposition of Forefeited Firearms Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
April 17, 2024 ME LD 2086 Amending Laws Governing the Disposition of Forefeited Firearms Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 68)
April 17, 2024 ME LD 2224 Increases Maine's Firearm Laws and Mental Health System Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
April 17, 2024 OK SB 1994 Authorizes Property Owners to Ask Sheriffs to Remove Individuals Who are Unlawfully Occupying Bill Passed - House (77 - 16)
April 17, 2024 OK SB 1470 Authorizes Leniency for Criminal Defendants if They Can Show Abuse Contributed to Their Offense Bill Passed - House (84 - 3)
April 17, 2024 ME LD 2238 Requires a Waiting Period for Certain Firearm Purchases in Maine Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
April 16, 2024 ME LD 2086 Amending Laws Governing the Disposition of Forefeited Firearms "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - House (73 - 72)
April 16, 2024 ME LD 2224 Increases Maine's Firearm Laws and Mental Health System Bill Passed - House (75 - 68)
April 16, 2024 National HR 6245 Holding Iranian Leaders Accountable Act of 2023 Bill Passed - House (419 - 4)
April 16, 2024 National HR 4681 Illicit Captagon Trafficking Suppression Act Bill Passed - House (410 - 13)
April 16, 2024 National HR 4681 Illicit Captagon Trafficking Suppression Act Bill Passed - House (410 - 13)
April 15, 2024 ME LD 1696 Establishes a Cause of Action for Persons Suffering Damages Arising from Illegal Sale of Marketing of Firearms (71 - 69)
April 15, 2024 IA HF 2586 Authorizes School Employees to be Issued Permits to Carry Weapons Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 36)
April 15, 2024 National HR 5923 Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act of 2023 Bill Passed - House (383 - 11)
April 15, 2024 National HR 5921 No U.S. Financing for Iran Act of 2023 Bill Passed - House (294 - 105)
April 15, 2024 National HR 6408 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to terminate the tax-exempt status of terrorist supporting organizations Bill Passed - House (382 - 11)
April 12, 2024 KY HB 5 Increases Penalties for Violent Crimes and Camping on Public Property Without Permission Veto Override Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
April 12, 2024 KY HB 5 Increases Penalties for Violent Crimes and Camping on Public Property Without Permission Veto Override Passed - House (73 - 22)
April 12, 2024 ME LD 2119 Establish the Task Force to Study the Creation of a System to Allow for the Voluntary Waiver of Firearm Rights "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 12)
April 12, 2024 IL SB 3779 Authorizes Social Workers to Carry and Administer Opioid Antagonists such as Naloxone Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
April 12, 2024 IL SB 3779 Authorizes Social Workers to Carry and Administer Opioid Antagonists such as Naloxone Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
April 12, 2024 National HR 7888 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act Bill Passed - House (273 - 147)
April 12, 2024 ME LD 2086 Amending Laws Governing the Disposition of Forefeited Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
April 12, 2024 IL SB 3762 Establishes the Language and Access Act Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 8)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 631 Expands the Board of Parole in Nebraska Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 4)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 631 Expands the Board of Parole in Nebraska Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 4)
April 11, 2024 IA HF 2556 Requires Enforcement Mechanisms for Firearms Regulation Compliance by Political Subdivisions Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 5)
April 11, 2024 ME LD 2119 Establish the Task Force to Study the Creation of a System to Allow for the Voluntary Waiver of Firearm Rights "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - House (82 - 66)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 870 Requires Law Enforcement Notify Sexual Assault Survivors at least 6 Weeks Before Destruction or Disposal Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 20 Authorizes Restoration of Felon Voting Rights Upon Sentence Completion Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 6)
April 11, 2024 IL SB 2979 Amends Liability Laws for Biometric Data Violations Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 13)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 1167 Amends Provisions Relating to Individuals Arrested Without a Warrant Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 1)
April 11, 2024 RI H 7630 Increases Range of Penalties for All Driving Offenses Which Result in Serious Bodily Injury or Death Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
April 11, 2024 RI H 7631 Extends Statute of Limitations for Repeat Offenses Bill Passed - House (65 - 3)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 253 Establishes State Alternatives to Prosecution and Incarceration for Veterans Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 0)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 1035 Establishes a Prescription Drug Donation Program Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 1035 Establishes a Prescription Drug Donation Program Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 910 Authorizes Emergency Medical Services and Transportation for K-9s Injured While on Duty Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
April 11, 2024 NE LB 1200 Requires Coordination Between 911 and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
April 10, 2024 IA HF 2586 Authorizes School Employees to be Issued Permits to Carry Weapons Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 14)
April 10, 2024 AZ HB 2623 Authorizes Individuals Convicted of Prostitution to Vacate the Charge if They are Victims of Sex Trafficking Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
April 10, 2024 IL SB 3350 Establishes a State Program to Distribute Fentanyl Test Strips Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
April 10, 2024 IL SB 3350 Establishes a State Program to Distribute Fentanyl Test Strips Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
April 10, 2024 ID H 538 Prohibits Governmental Entities From Compelling Employees to Use Certain Pronouns or Titles Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
April 9, 2024 HI HB 1595 Establishes a State Pilot Program to Expunge Non-Conviction Arrest Records Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 1)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/24 SB 214 Authorizes Human Trafficking Victims to Expunge Certain Records Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
4/24 HB 230 Increases Penalties for Drug and Human Trafficking Bill Passed - House (80 - 13)
4/24 HB 230 Increases Penalties for Drug and Human Trafficking Bill Passed - House (80 - 13)
4/24 HB 322 Prohibits "Grooming" and Creates a Criminal Offense for "Pattern of Conduct" with a Minor Bill Passed - House (90 - 1)
4/23 SB 2448 Extends the Automatic Repealer on the Mississippi Earned Parole Eligibility Act Of 2021 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 10)
4/23 HB 2102 Establishes the Hope Shaffer Act Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
4/23 SB 1325 Authorizes Teachers and Staff to Carry Concealed Firearms in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (68 - 28)
4/23 HB 4156 Amends Various State Immigration Laws, Policies, and Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 8)
4/23 SB 2035 Amends the State's Temporary Car Tag Laws to Reduce Traffic Stops Bill Passed - House (89 - 2)
4/22 HB 24-1348 Requires Firearms be Kept in Lock Boxes when in Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
4/22 HB 24-1174 Increases Requirements for Individuals Seeking to Obtain a Concealed-Carry Permit Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
4/22 SB 430 Repeals the Use of Nitrogen Gas as a Method of Execution Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
4/20 HB 24-1270 Requires Gun Owners to Also Hold Liability Insurance Bill Passed - House (33 - 29)
4/20 HB 24-1349 Authorizes a Ballot Proposal to Establish a 9% Excise Tax on Ammo Vendors, Gun Dealers and Firearms Manufacturers Bill Passed - House (44 - 18)
4/20 HB 24-1270 Requires Gun Owners to Also Hold Liability Insurance Bill Passed - House (33 - 29)
4/20 HB 24-1353 Requires State Retail Firearm Dealers have a State Permit Along with a Federal License Bill Passed - House (40 - 21)
4/19 HR 7888 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 34)
4/19 HF 2693 Appropriates $24 Million in Additional Funding for the Department of Justice and Department of Corrections Bill Passed - House (59 - 32)
4/18 HB 2526 Increases the Penalty for a Third or Subsequent Offense Involving Unauthorized Motor Vehicle Use to a Class C Felony Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 3)
4/18 HR 7888 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act Cloture Invoked - Senate (67 - 32)
4/18 LD 2238 Requires a Waiting Period for Certain Firearm Purchases in Maine Bill Passed - House (73 - 70)
4/18 S 209 Prohibiting Unserialized Firearms Bill Passed - House (110 - 31)
4/18 HB 270 Establishes Penalty for Displaying Ammunition that is Accessible to Customer Bill Passed - House (27 - 9)
4/18 HB 4942 Requires Coroners Notify Law Enforcement when Suspiciously High Levels of Fentanyl are Found During an Autopsy Bill Passed - House (78 - 33)
4/18 HB 4942 Requires Coroners Notify Law Enforcement when Suspiciously High Levels of Fentanyl are Found During an Autopsy Bill Passed - House (78 - 33)
4/18 LB 1092 Requires Online Age Verification Liability Act Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
4/18 LB 25 Authorizes Claims Involving Child Abuse or Sexual Assault of a Child Under the Political Subdivisions Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 17)
4/18 HB 5239 Expands Abortion Shield Laws so State and Local Authorities are Prohibited from Providing Information for Out-of-State Investigations Bill Passed - House (72 - 37)
4/18 HB 4156 Amends Various State Immigration Laws, Policies, and Restrictions Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
4/18 SB 2770 Authorizes Greater Statutory Penalties for Undocumented Individuals who Commit Felonies Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
4/17 LD 2086 Amending Laws Governing the Disposition of Forefeited Firearms Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
4/17 LD 2086 Amending Laws Governing the Disposition of Forefeited Firearms Conference Report Adopted - House (74 - 68)
4/17 LD 2224 Increases Maine's Firearm Laws and Mental Health System Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
4/17 SB 1994 Authorizes Property Owners to Ask Sheriffs to Remove Individuals Who are Unlawfully Occupying Bill Passed - House (77 - 16)
4/17 SB 1470 Authorizes Leniency for Criminal Defendants if They Can Show Abuse Contributed to Their Offense Bill Passed - House (84 - 3)
4/17 LD 2238 Requires a Waiting Period for Certain Firearm Purchases in Maine Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
4/16 LD 2086 Amending Laws Governing the Disposition of Forefeited Firearms "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - House (73 - 72)
4/16 LD 2224 Increases Maine's Firearm Laws and Mental Health System Bill Passed - House (75 - 68)
4/16 HR 6245 Holding Iranian Leaders Accountable Act of 2023 Bill Passed - House (419 - 4)
4/16 HR 4681 Illicit Captagon Trafficking Suppression Act Bill Passed - House (410 - 13)
4/16 HR 4681 Illicit Captagon Trafficking Suppression Act Bill Passed - House (410 - 13)
4/15 LD 1696 Establishes a Cause of Action for Persons Suffering Damages Arising from Illegal Sale of Marketing of Firearms (71 - 69)
4/15 HF 2586 Authorizes School Employees to be Issued Permits to Carry Weapons Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 36)
4/15 HR 5923 Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act of 2023 Bill Passed - House (383 - 11)
4/15 HR 5921 No U.S. Financing for Iran Act of 2023 Bill Passed - House (294 - 105)
4/15 HR 6408 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to terminate the tax-exempt status of terrorist supporting organizations Bill Passed - House (382 - 11)
4/12 HB 5 Increases Penalties for Violent Crimes and Camping on Public Property Without Permission Veto Override Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
4/12 HB 5 Increases Penalties for Violent Crimes and Camping on Public Property Without Permission Veto Override Passed - House (73 - 22)
4/12 LD 2119 Establish the Task Force to Study the Creation of a System to Allow for the Voluntary Waiver of Firearm Rights "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 12)
4/12 SB 3779 Authorizes Social Workers to Carry and Administer Opioid Antagonists such as Naloxone Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
4/12 SB 3779 Authorizes Social Workers to Carry and Administer Opioid Antagonists such as Naloxone Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
4/12 HR 7888 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act Bill Passed - House (273 - 147)
4/12 LD 2086 Amending Laws Governing the Disposition of Forefeited Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
4/12 SB 3762 Establishes the Language and Access Act Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 8)
4/11 LB 631 Expands the Board of Parole in Nebraska Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 4)
4/11 LB 631 Expands the Board of Parole in Nebraska Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 4)
4/11 HF 2556 Requires Enforcement Mechanisms for Firearms Regulation Compliance by Political Subdivisions Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 5)
4/11 LD 2119 Establish the Task Force to Study the Creation of a System to Allow for the Voluntary Waiver of Firearm Rights "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - House (82 - 66)
4/11 LB 870 Requires Law Enforcement Notify Sexual Assault Survivors at least 6 Weeks Before Destruction or Disposal Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
4/11 LB 20 Authorizes Restoration of Felon Voting Rights Upon Sentence Completion Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 6)
4/11 SB 2979 Amends Liability Laws for Biometric Data Violations Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 13)
4/11 LB 1167 Amends Provisions Relating to Individuals Arrested Without a Warrant Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 1)
4/11 H 7630 Increases Range of Penalties for All Driving Offenses Which Result in Serious Bodily Injury or Death Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
4/11 H 7631 Extends Statute of Limitations for Repeat Offenses Bill Passed - House (65 - 3)
4/11 LB 253 Establishes State Alternatives to Prosecution and Incarceration for Veterans Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 0)
4/11 LB 1035 Establishes a Prescription Drug Donation Program Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
4/11 LB 1035 Establishes a Prescription Drug Donation Program Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
4/11 LB 910 Authorizes Emergency Medical Services and Transportation for K-9s Injured While on Duty Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
4/11 LB 1200 Requires Coordination Between 911 and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
4/10 HF 2586 Authorizes School Employees to be Issued Permits to Carry Weapons Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 14)
4/10 HB 2623 Authorizes Individuals Convicted of Prostitution to Vacate the Charge if They are Victims of Sex Trafficking Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
4/10 SB 3350 Establishes a State Program to Distribute Fentanyl Test Strips Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
4/10 SB 3350 Establishes a State Program to Distribute Fentanyl Test Strips Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
4/10 H 538 Prohibits Governmental Entities From Compelling Employees to Use Certain Pronouns or Titles Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
4/09 HB 1595 Establishes a State Pilot Program to Expunge Non-Conviction Arrest Records Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 1)

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