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
Feb. 23, 2024 WV SB 712 Reduces the Minimum Age for State Police Cadets from 21 to 18 Years Old Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
Feb. 22, 2024 MI HB 4525 Authorizes Support for Offenders to Access Mental Health and Drug Treatment Courts with Judicial and Prosecutorial Consent Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
Feb. 22, 2024 MI HB 4525 Authorizes Support for Offenders to Access Mental Health and Drug Treatment Courts with Judicial and Prosecutorial Consent Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
Feb. 22, 2024 MI HB 4524 Amends the Revised Judicature Act (RJA) to Allow Offenders to Participate if Approved by Judge, Prosecutor, and Victim Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
Feb. 22, 2024 LA SB 4 Increases Penalties and Amends Sentencing Guidelines for Certain Juveniles Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
Feb. 22, 2024 KS SB 190 Requires Extra Information for Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
Feb. 22, 2024 LA SB 5 Amends Parole Proceedings and Revocation Policies in Certain Cases Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
Feb. 22, 2024 AZ SB 1477 Authorizes Students to Allege Political Bias Against Professors Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
Feb. 22, 2024 NE LB 137 Establishes New Penalties for Deaths Caused by Controlled Substances Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
Feb. 22, 2024 AZ SB 1185 Prohibits the Possession of Detached Catalytic Converters Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
Feb. 22, 2024 LA SB 1 Authorizes Carrying a Concealed Weapon Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Feb. 22, 2024 LA SB 9 Authorizes Prosecutors to Bring Rape Charges at Any Time Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Feb. 22, 2024 LA SB 10 Reduces Ability of Incarcerated Individuals Convicted in the Death of an Officer from Earning Time Off for Good Behavior Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
Feb. 22, 2024 LA SB 3 Amends Juvenile Justice Laws to Treat 17-Year-Olds as Adults Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
Feb. 21, 2024 AZ SB 1231 Classifies Illegal Border Crossing as a State Crime Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
Feb. 21, 2024 AZ SB 1231 Classifies Illegal Border Crossing as a State Crime Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
Feb. 21, 2024 SD SB 203 Authorizes Concealed Carry Permit Holders to Carry a Concealed Weapon on School Grounds with Permission Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
Feb. 21, 2024 CO SB 24-066 Authorizes Tracking Gun and Ammunition Purchases Through Payment Networks Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
Feb. 20, 2024 IA SF 2095 Authorizes Religious Freedom for All Government, Business, Corporate, and Foundation Employees Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
Feb. 20, 2024 WI SB 687 Specifies that Crossroads College has Authority over the Church of Christ's Property if the Church is Dissolved or Becomes Defunct Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
Feb. 19, 2024 WV HB 4782 Requires Municipalities Regulate Zoning Ordinances Equally for All Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
Feb. 19, 2024 VA HB 46 Requires Individuals Named Under Protective Orders to Hand Over Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 15, 2024 FL HB 1377 Establishes Exemptions From Public Document Requests Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
Feb. 15, 2024 UT HB 249 Prohibits Government Entities from Granting or Recognizing Legal Personhood in Certain Categories of Nonhumans Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 5)
Feb. 15, 2024 UT HB 249 Prohibits Government Entities from Granting or Recognizing Legal Personhood in Certain Categories of Nonhumans Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 5)
Feb. 15, 2024 NM HB 303 Appropriates Temporary Assistance for Needy Family's (TANF) Funds for a Workforce Development Pilot Program Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 14)
Feb. 15, 2024 NH SB 322 Requires a License Authorizing an Individual to Carry a Loaded Handgun in this State to Include Sellers Information "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 9)
Feb. 15, 2024 NH SB 577 Establishes New Waiting Period for Purchase and Delivery of a Firearm "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
Feb. 15, 2024 NH SB 360 Establishes a Procedure for Issuing Extreme Risk Protection Orders "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
Feb. 15, 2024 OK SB 1280 Increases State Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Distribution and Manufacture Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 0)
Feb. 15, 2024 KY SB 16 Increases Various Corporate Trespass Laws and Penalties and Limits Whistleblowing Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
Feb. 15, 2024 OK SB 1280 Increases State Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Distribution and Manufacture Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 0)
Feb. 14, 2024 NM HB 33 Requires Increased Transparency in Prescription Drug Costs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
Feb. 14, 2024 KY SB 20 Amends Previous Law to Try Juveniles as Adults for Gun-Related Felonies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
Feb. 14, 2024 KY SB 20 Amends Previous Law to Try Juveniles as Adults for Gun-Related Felonies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
Feb. 13, 2024 NM HB 239 Establishes Cannabis as Prison Contraband Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
Feb. 13, 2024 WI AB 510 Establishes Parental Bill of Rights in Their Child's Religion, Medical care, Records and Education Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
Feb. 13, 2024 WI SB 874 Authorizes Counting Convictions and Findings for the PUrpose of the Sex Offender Registry Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
Feb. 13, 2024 NM SB 96 Increases Criminal Penalties for Attempted Murder Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
Feb. 13, 2024 WA SB 6242 Increases State Funding for Law Enforcement Training Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Feb. 13, 2024 WA SB 5906 Requires the Department of Health to Develop a Drug Overdose Prevention Campaign Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Feb. 13, 2024 VA SB 101 Requires Marriage License Approval for All Consenting Parties Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Feb. 12, 2024 TN HB 878 Authorizes Marriage Clerks to Refuse to Perform a Marriage Ceremony Against Their Beliefs Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 5)
Feb. 12, 2024 NJ S 1602 Prohibits Discrimination Based On Height and Weight Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
Feb. 12, 2024 NJ S 1425 Expands Culpability Requirements for Firearms Tracking Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
Feb. 12, 2024 NJ S 912 Increases Access to Personalized Care Plans as Part of Postpartum Support Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
Feb. 12, 2024 NY S 8058 Defines Gender-Affirming Care Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 21)
Feb. 10, 2024 NM HB 129 Establishes a Waiting Period for Firearm Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 18)
Feb. 10, 2024 NM SB 241 Requires Background Checks for Employees of the State Aging and Long-Term Services Department Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
Feb. 9, 2024 NM SB 3 Authorizes Paid Family Medical Leave Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Feb. 8, 2024 NM SB 106 Establishes a Committee to Plan a Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 1)
Feb. 8, 2024 ID S 1234 Requires Health Benefit Plans to to Cover Prescription Contraception for a 6-Month Supply Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
Feb. 7, 2024 VA SB 2 Establishes a Class 1 Misdemeanor for the Sale, Manufacture, or Purchase of an Assault Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 7, 2024 WA SB 6298 Requires Clergy Members to be Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse or Neglect Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
Feb. 7, 2024 PA SB 228 Establishes a Process for Museums to Claim Property Rights on Abandoned, Unclaimed, or Undocumented Property Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Feb. 7, 2024 WA SB 5427 Establishes a Statewide Hate Crimes Hotline Within the Attorney General's Office Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
Feb. 7, 2024 GA SB 36 Increases Penalty for Pimping and Pandering Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
Feb. 6, 2024 VA SB 57 Prohibits Firearms in Any Restaurant that Serves Alcohol Regardless of a Concealed Carry Permit Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Feb. 6, 2024 IN SB 139 Authorizes Psilocybin Treatment Programs and Research Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 1)
Feb. 6, 2024 UT SB 150 Authorizes Religious Freedom for All Government, Business, and Corporate Employees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 0)
Feb. 6, 2024 VA SB 238 Requires State Health Insurance Plans Cover All F.D.A. Approved Contraception Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
Feb. 6, 2024 IN SB 128 Prohibits Schools from Using Learning Materials for Instruction on Human Sexuality Without Board Approval Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
Feb. 5, 2024 WV SB 539 Establishes a Cold Case Database of Evidence and Records in the State Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
Feb. 5, 2024 VA SB 99 Prohibits Open Carrying Semi-Automatic Firearms in Public Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Feb. 1, 2024 GA SB 63 Amends the List of Offenses Ineligible for No-Cash Bail Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 17)
Feb. 1, 2024 MA H 4139 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
Feb. 1, 2024 SC H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 15)
Feb. 1, 2024 SC H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 15)
Feb. 1, 2024 WA SB 5985 Amends Firearms Background Check Program Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Feb. 1, 2024 GA SB 386 Authorizes Sports Betting in the State of Georgia Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
Feb. 1, 2024 WA SB 5841 Requires Individuals Convicted Driving Under the Influence to Pay Financial Support to Minor Children Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Jan. 31, 2024 WV HB 4252 Establishes a Framework by Which Canadian Domestic Violence Orders can be Recognized and Enforced by Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
Jan. 31, 2024 WV SB 474 Establishes a Critical Incident Review Team in the Department of Human Services to Review Cases that Result in Death Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
Jan. 31, 2024 WV SB 402 Authorizes the U.S. Concealed Carry Association to Provide Concealed Carry Classes in West Virginia Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
Jan. 31, 2024 WA SB 5913 Authorizes Name, Image, and Likeness Usage by Student Athletes Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 1)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/23 SB 712 Reduces the Minimum Age for State Police Cadets from 21 to 18 Years Old Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
2/22 HB 4525 Authorizes Support for Offenders to Access Mental Health and Drug Treatment Courts with Judicial and Prosecutorial Consent Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
2/22 HB 4525 Authorizes Support for Offenders to Access Mental Health and Drug Treatment Courts with Judicial and Prosecutorial Consent Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
2/22 HB 4524 Amends the Revised Judicature Act (RJA) to Allow Offenders to Participate if Approved by Judge, Prosecutor, and Victim Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
2/22 SB 4 Increases Penalties and Amends Sentencing Guidelines for Certain Juveniles Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
2/22 SB 190 Requires Extra Information for Wrongful Conviction Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
2/22 SB 5 Amends Parole Proceedings and Revocation Policies in Certain Cases Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
2/22 SB 1477 Authorizes Students to Allege Political Bias Against Professors Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
2/22 LB 137 Establishes New Penalties for Deaths Caused by Controlled Substances Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
2/22 SB 1185 Prohibits the Possession of Detached Catalytic Converters Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
2/22 SB 1 Authorizes Carrying a Concealed Weapon Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
2/22 SB 9 Authorizes Prosecutors to Bring Rape Charges at Any Time Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
2/22 SB 10 Reduces Ability of Incarcerated Individuals Convicted in the Death of an Officer from Earning Time Off for Good Behavior Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
2/22 SB 3 Amends Juvenile Justice Laws to Treat 17-Year-Olds as Adults Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
2/21 SB 1231 Classifies Illegal Border Crossing as a State Crime Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
2/21 SB 1231 Classifies Illegal Border Crossing as a State Crime Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
2/21 SB 203 Authorizes Concealed Carry Permit Holders to Carry a Concealed Weapon on School Grounds with Permission Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
2/21 SB 24-066 Authorizes Tracking Gun and Ammunition Purchases Through Payment Networks Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
2/20 SF 2095 Authorizes Religious Freedom for All Government, Business, Corporate, and Foundation Employees Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
2/20 SB 687 Specifies that Crossroads College has Authority over the Church of Christ's Property if the Church is Dissolved or Becomes Defunct Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
2/19 HB 4782 Requires Municipalities Regulate Zoning Ordinances Equally for All Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
2/19 HB 46 Requires Individuals Named Under Protective Orders to Hand Over Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/15 HB 1377 Establishes Exemptions From Public Document Requests Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
2/15 HB 249 Prohibits Government Entities from Granting or Recognizing Legal Personhood in Certain Categories of Nonhumans Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 5)
2/15 HB 249 Prohibits Government Entities from Granting or Recognizing Legal Personhood in Certain Categories of Nonhumans Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 5)
2/15 HB 303 Appropriates Temporary Assistance for Needy Family's (TANF) Funds for a Workforce Development Pilot Program Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 14)
2/15 SB 322 Requires a License Authorizing an Individual to Carry a Loaded Handgun in this State to Include Sellers Information "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 9)
2/15 SB 577 Establishes New Waiting Period for Purchase and Delivery of a Firearm "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
2/15 SB 360 Establishes a Procedure for Issuing Extreme Risk Protection Orders "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
2/15 SB 1280 Increases State Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Distribution and Manufacture Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 0)
2/15 SB 16 Increases Various Corporate Trespass Laws and Penalties and Limits Whistleblowing Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
2/15 SB 1280 Increases State Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Distribution and Manufacture Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 0)
2/14 HB 33 Requires Increased Transparency in Prescription Drug Costs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
2/14 SB 20 Amends Previous Law to Try Juveniles as Adults for Gun-Related Felonies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
2/14 SB 20 Amends Previous Law to Try Juveniles as Adults for Gun-Related Felonies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
2/13 HB 239 Establishes Cannabis as Prison Contraband Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
2/13 AB 510 Establishes Parental Bill of Rights in Their Child's Religion, Medical care, Records and Education Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
2/13 SB 874 Authorizes Counting Convictions and Findings for the PUrpose of the Sex Offender Registry Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
2/13 SB 96 Increases Criminal Penalties for Attempted Murder Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
2/13 SB 6242 Increases State Funding for Law Enforcement Training Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
2/13 SB 5906 Requires the Department of Health to Develop a Drug Overdose Prevention Campaign Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
2/13 SB 101 Requires Marriage License Approval for All Consenting Parties Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
2/12 HB 878 Authorizes Marriage Clerks to Refuse to Perform a Marriage Ceremony Against Their Beliefs Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 5)
2/12 S 1602 Prohibits Discrimination Based On Height and Weight Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
2/12 S 1425 Expands Culpability Requirements for Firearms Tracking Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
2/12 S 912 Increases Access to Personalized Care Plans as Part of Postpartum Support Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
2/12 S 8058 Defines Gender-Affirming Care Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 21)
2/10 HB 129 Establishes a Waiting Period for Firearm Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 18)
2/10 SB 241 Requires Background Checks for Employees of the State Aging and Long-Term Services Department Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
2/09 SB 3 Authorizes Paid Family Medical Leave Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
2/08 SB 106 Establishes a Committee to Plan a Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 1)
2/08 S 1234 Requires Health Benefit Plans to to Cover Prescription Contraception for a 6-Month Supply Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
2/07 SB 2 Establishes a Class 1 Misdemeanor for the Sale, Manufacture, or Purchase of an Assault Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/07 SB 6298 Requires Clergy Members to be Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse or Neglect Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
2/07 SB 228 Establishes a Process for Museums to Claim Property Rights on Abandoned, Unclaimed, or Undocumented Property Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
2/07 SB 5427 Establishes a Statewide Hate Crimes Hotline Within the Attorney General's Office Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
2/07 SB 36 Increases Penalty for Pimping and Pandering Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
2/06 SB 57 Prohibits Firearms in Any Restaurant that Serves Alcohol Regardless of a Concealed Carry Permit Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
2/06 SB 139 Authorizes Psilocybin Treatment Programs and Research Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 1)
2/06 SB 150 Authorizes Religious Freedom for All Government, Business, and Corporate Employees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 0)
2/06 SB 238 Requires State Health Insurance Plans Cover All F.D.A. Approved Contraception Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
2/06 SB 128 Prohibits Schools from Using Learning Materials for Instruction on Human Sexuality Without Board Approval Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
2/05 SB 539 Establishes a Cold Case Database of Evidence and Records in the State Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
2/05 SB 99 Prohibits Open Carrying Semi-Automatic Firearms in Public Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
2/01 SB 63 Amends the List of Offenses Ineligible for No-Cash Bail Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 17)
2/01 H 4139 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
2/01 H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 15)
2/01 H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 15)
2/01 SB 5985 Amends Firearms Background Check Program Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
2/01 SB 386 Authorizes Sports Betting in the State of Georgia Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
2/01 SB 5841 Requires Individuals Convicted Driving Under the Influence to Pay Financial Support to Minor Children Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
1/31 HB 4252 Establishes a Framework by Which Canadian Domestic Violence Orders can be Recognized and Enforced by Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
1/31 SB 474 Establishes a Critical Incident Review Team in the Department of Human Services to Review Cases that Result in Death Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
1/31 SB 402 Authorizes the U.S. Concealed Carry Association to Provide Concealed Carry Classes in West Virginia Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
1/31 SB 5913 Authorizes Name, Image, and Likeness Usage by Student Athletes Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 1)

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