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
May 20, 2025 TX SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Bill Passed - House (118 - 25)
May 20, 2025 TX SB 40 Amends Bail Bonds and Prohibits the Use of Public Tax Funds to Pay Bail Bonds Bill Passed - House (113 - 30)
May 20, 2025 OR HB 2948 Prohibits School Administrators From Directing School Nurses in the Practice of Nursing Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
May 20, 2025 IL SB 19 Amends and Reforms the State Prisoner Review Board Bill Passed - House (74 - 37)
May 20, 2025 OR HB 2698 Establishes a Home Ownership Goal for the State Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
May 20, 2025 OR SB 906 Requires Employers to Provide a Written Explanation of Earnings and Deductions to All New Employees Bill Passed - House (35 - 17)
May 20, 2025 TX SB 378 Prohibits Certain Practices and the Use of Certain Devices by Barbers and Cosmetologists Bill Passed - House (107 - 39)
May 20, 2025 ME LD 784 Establishes a Rebutable Presumption Related to Specialized Risk Screening for First Responders "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 12)
May 20, 2025 ME LD 1576 Prohibits Legislative Staff from Lobbying for at Least a Year after Leaving Their Positions "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (115 - 28)
May 20, 2025 ME LD 1655 Requires Municipalities to Permit Backyard Chickens on Residential Property "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (131 - 8)
May 20, 2025 MI SB 260 Specifies that Public Universities, Colleges, and School Districts May be Held Liable for Criminal Sexual Conduct of an Employee or Agent Committed During the Course of Employment or Service Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
May 20, 2025 DE HB 1 Establishes the Delaware Department Of Veterans Affairs Bill Passed - House (38 - 0)
May 20, 2025 MI SB 261 Exempts Claims for Damages Resulting from Criminal Sexual Conduct from the Statute of Limitations on Claims Made Against the State of Michigan Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
May 20, 2025 MI SB 260 Specifies that Public Universities, Colleges, and School Districts May be Held Liable for Criminal Sexual Conduct of an Employee or Agent Committed During the Course of Employment or Service Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
May 20, 2025 NY S 856 Increases State Prison Oversight Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 21)
May 20, 2025 MI SB 258 Expands the Statute of Limitations for Civil Actions against Criminal Sexual Conduct Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
May 20, 2025 MI SB 259 Exempts Claims for Damages Resulting from Criminal Sexual Conduct from the Statute of Limitations on Claims Made Against the State Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
May 20, 2025 NY S 1099 Requires the Commissioner of Education to Develop Policies to Ensure That School Libraries Have Access to the Widest Selection of Materials Available Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 15)
May 20, 2025 OK HB 2766 Appropriates Funding for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Oklahoma State Budget Bill Passed - House (73 - 20)
May 20, 2025 CT SB 1371 Requires "Just Cause" When Firing Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
May 19, 2025 National PN 24-4 Nomination of Charles Kushner to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 45)
May 19, 2025 National S 1582 Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act Cloture Invoked - Senate (66 - 32)
May 19, 2025 CT HB 6863 Specifies Deficiency Appropriations For The Fiscal Year 2025 Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
May 19, 2025 OR SB 599 Prohibits Landlords From Inquiring About the Immigration or Citizenship Status of an Applicant, Tenant, or Other Member of a Household Bill Passed - House (36 - 15)
May 19, 2025 OR SB 599 Prohibits Landlords From Inquiring About the Immigration or Citizenship Status of an Applicant, Tenant, or Other Member of a Household Bill Passed - House (36 - 15)
May 19, 2025 TX SJR 5 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Denial of Bail Under Limited Circumstances Joint Resolution Passed - House (133 - 8)
May 19, 2025 National PN 24-4 Nomination of Charles Kushner to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 46)
May 19, 2025 CT HB 6863 Specifies Deficiency Appropriations For The Fiscal Year 2025 Bill Passed - House (98 - 46)
May 19, 2025 National HR 1263 Strengthening the Quad Act Bill Passed - House (334 - 51)
May 19, 2025 National HR 1286 Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act Bill Passed - House (386 - 1)
May 19, 2025 CA AB 750 Requires a City or County to Perform an Annual Inspection of Every Homeless Shelter Located in its Jurisdiction Bill Passed - House (67 - 1)
May 19, 2025 NV SB 89 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Hate Crimes from Purchasing Firearms in Nevada Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
May 19, 2025 LA HB 685 Prohibits Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in State Agencies Bill Passed - House (57 - 32)
May 19, 2025 MN HF 2115 Establishes an Omnibus Human Services Policy Bill Bill Passed - House (124 - 10)
May 19, 2025 MN HF 2115 Establishes an Omnibus Human Services Policy Bill Bill Passed - Senate (55 - 8)
May 19, 2025 NV SB 161 Specifies Authorized Actions for Teachers That do Not Constitute a Strike Under Existing State Law Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
May 18, 2025 MN HF 2563 Appropriates Funding for the 2025 State Legacy Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - House (113 - 21)
May 18, 2025 MN HF 2563 Appropriates Funding for the 2025 State Legacy Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 30)
May 17, 2025 AK HB 174 Authorizes Rural School Fund Would be Able to Pay for Teacher Housing and Mount Edgecumbe High School in Sitka Bill Passed - House (34 - 5)
May 17, 2025 AK SB 95 Establishes a Tax Credit Program that Rewards Companies that Invest in Child Care Programs for Their Workers Bill Passed - House (27 - 12)
May 17, 2025 AK HB 174 Authorizes Rural School Fund Would be Able to Pay for Teacher Housing and Mount Edgecumbe High School in Sitka Bill Passed - House (34 - 5)
May 16, 2025 AK HB 75 Amends Permanent Fund Dividend Division Concurrence Vote Passed - House (30 - 9)
May 16, 2025 AK HB 75 Amends Permanent Fund Dividend Division Concurrence Vote Passed - House (30 - 9)
May 16, 2025 AK SB 50 Amends State Law to Say That Boroughs' Comprehensive Plans may Include Housing Development Bill Passed - House (22 - 17)
May 16, 2025 TX HB 3006 Requires All State Prisons to Install Air Conditioning (AC) Units Bill Passed - House (79 - 39)
May 15, 2025 NH HB 511 Prohibits Sanctuary City Policies in the State "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
May 15, 2025 MO HB 199 Authorizes the Creation of a Special Entertainment District in Downtown St. Louis Concurrence Vote Passed - House (136 - 16)
May 15, 2025 NH SB 62 Authorizes Law Enforcement Officials to Enter into Agreements with ICE Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (15 - 8)
May 15, 2025 NH SB 62 Authorizes Law Enforcement Officials to Enter into Agreements with ICE Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (15 - 8)
May 15, 2025 OK SB 995 Requires Legislative Approval for Final Rule Adoption Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 8)
May 15, 2025 NH HB 324 Amends the Process for Banning Books in New Hampshire Schools by Creating a Procedure for Removal and Cause of Action "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
May 15, 2025 TX SB 462 Requires Any Waiting List for Child Care Services to Give Priority to Children of Child Care Workers Bill Passed - House (124 - 18)
May 15, 2025 IL SB 1953 Requires Law Enforcement Agencies to have Stricter Hiring Practices Bill Passed - House (101 - 12)
May 15, 2025 CT SB 1234 Prohibits Libraries From Agreeing To Certain Terms In Electronic Book And Digital Audiobook License Agreements Or Contracts Bill Passed - House (106 - 38)
May 15, 2025 National S Res 195 A resolution requesting information on El Salvador's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Motion Rejected - Senate (45 - 50)
May 15, 2025 National HR 2255 Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (234 - 182)
May 15, 2025 National HR 2240 Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act Bill Passed - House (403 - 11)
May 15, 2025 CA AB 752 Requires Daycare Centers to be Considered a Residential Use of Property When Colocated with Multifamily Housing Bill Passed - House (72 - 1)
May 15, 2025 CA AB 309 Extends the Authorization for Physicians and Pharmacists to Provide Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Without Prescription or Permit Indefinitely Bill Passed - House (54 - 15)
May 15, 2025 WI SB 33 Classifies the Distribution of Deep Fake Intimate Content as a Class I Felony Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
May 15, 2025 WI SB 125 Requires the Public Service Commission to Conduct a Study to Determine Potential Sites for a Nuclear Power Plant Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
May 15, 2025 WI SB 56 Authorizes Private Water Utilities to Access Federal Funds for Loan Forgiveness for the Replacement of Lead Service Lines Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
May 15, 2025 TX HB 4535 Requires Healthcare Providers to Obtain Written Informed Consent Before Administering a COVID-19 Vaccine Bill Passed - House (92 - 45)
May 14, 2025 AL HB 202 Extends Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 28)
May 14, 2025 OK HB 2728 Establishes Regulations for the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (74 - 12)
May 14, 2025 IA HF 189 Establishes Requirements for Public School Districts with Nonpublic School Students Wishing to Participate in Extracurricular Athletics Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 26)
May 14, 2025 ME LD 163 Requires Health Insurance Coverage of Nonprescription Oral Contraceptives and Nonprescription Emergency Contraceptives "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 13)
May 14, 2025 ME LD 702 Establishes and Designates January 6 as a Day to Remember "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 14)
May 14, 2025 National PN 13-10 Nomination of Katharine MacGregor to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior Nomination Confirmed - Senate (54 - 40)
May 14, 2025 National PN 26-46 Nomination of Eric Matthew Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 45)
May 14, 2025 National PN 12-38 Nomination of Michael Rigas to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 46)
May 14, 2025 AL HB 202 Extends Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
May 14, 2025 IA HF 189 Establishes Requirements for Public School Districts with Nonpublic School Students Wishing to Participate in Extracurricular Athletics Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
May 14, 2025 IA SF 607 Reduces the Percent of the Iowa's Average Weekly Wage Used to Calculate Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (60 - 27)
May 14, 2025 MO HB 567 Amends Provisions Relating to Employee Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/20 SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Bill Passed - House (118 - 25)
5/20 SB 40 Amends Bail Bonds and Prohibits the Use of Public Tax Funds to Pay Bail Bonds Bill Passed - House (113 - 30)
5/20 HB 2948 Prohibits School Administrators From Directing School Nurses in the Practice of Nursing Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
5/20 SB 19 Amends and Reforms the State Prisoner Review Board Bill Passed - House (74 - 37)
5/20 HB 2698 Establishes a Home Ownership Goal for the State Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
5/20 SB 906 Requires Employers to Provide a Written Explanation of Earnings and Deductions to All New Employees Bill Passed - House (35 - 17)
5/20 SB 378 Prohibits Certain Practices and the Use of Certain Devices by Barbers and Cosmetologists Bill Passed - House (107 - 39)
5/20 LD 784 Establishes a Rebutable Presumption Related to Specialized Risk Screening for First Responders "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 12)
5/20 LD 1576 Prohibits Legislative Staff from Lobbying for at Least a Year after Leaving Their Positions "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (115 - 28)
5/20 LD 1655 Requires Municipalities to Permit Backyard Chickens on Residential Property "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (131 - 8)
5/20 SB 260 Specifies that Public Universities, Colleges, and School Districts May be Held Liable for Criminal Sexual Conduct of an Employee or Agent Committed During the Course of Employment or Service Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
5/20 HB 1 Establishes the Delaware Department Of Veterans Affairs Bill Passed - House (38 - 0)
5/20 SB 261 Exempts Claims for Damages Resulting from Criminal Sexual Conduct from the Statute of Limitations on Claims Made Against the State of Michigan Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
5/20 SB 260 Specifies that Public Universities, Colleges, and School Districts May be Held Liable for Criminal Sexual Conduct of an Employee or Agent Committed During the Course of Employment or Service Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
5/20 S 856 Increases State Prison Oversight Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 21)
5/20 SB 258 Expands the Statute of Limitations for Civil Actions against Criminal Sexual Conduct Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
5/20 SB 259 Exempts Claims for Damages Resulting from Criminal Sexual Conduct from the Statute of Limitations on Claims Made Against the State Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
5/20 S 1099 Requires the Commissioner of Education to Develop Policies to Ensure That School Libraries Have Access to the Widest Selection of Materials Available Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 15)
5/20 HB 2766 Appropriates Funding for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Oklahoma State Budget Bill Passed - House (73 - 20)
5/20 SB 1371 Requires "Just Cause" When Firing Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
5/19 PN 24-4 Nomination of Charles Kushner to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 45)
5/19 S 1582 Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act Cloture Invoked - Senate (66 - 32)
5/19 HB 6863 Specifies Deficiency Appropriations For The Fiscal Year 2025 Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
5/19 SB 599 Prohibits Landlords From Inquiring About the Immigration or Citizenship Status of an Applicant, Tenant, or Other Member of a Household Bill Passed - House (36 - 15)
5/19 SB 599 Prohibits Landlords From Inquiring About the Immigration or Citizenship Status of an Applicant, Tenant, or Other Member of a Household Bill Passed - House (36 - 15)
5/19 SJR 5 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Denial of Bail Under Limited Circumstances Joint Resolution Passed - House (133 - 8)
5/19 PN 24-4 Nomination of Charles Kushner to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 46)
5/19 HB 6863 Specifies Deficiency Appropriations For The Fiscal Year 2025 Bill Passed - House (98 - 46)
5/19 HR 1263 Strengthening the Quad Act Bill Passed - House (334 - 51)
5/19 HR 1286 Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act Bill Passed - House (386 - 1)
5/19 AB 750 Requires a City or County to Perform an Annual Inspection of Every Homeless Shelter Located in its Jurisdiction Bill Passed - House (67 - 1)
5/19 SB 89 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Hate Crimes from Purchasing Firearms in Nevada Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
5/19 HB 685 Prohibits Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in State Agencies Bill Passed - House (57 - 32)
5/19 HF 2115 Establishes an Omnibus Human Services Policy Bill Bill Passed - House (124 - 10)
5/19 HF 2115 Establishes an Omnibus Human Services Policy Bill Bill Passed - Senate (55 - 8)
5/19 SB 161 Specifies Authorized Actions for Teachers That do Not Constitute a Strike Under Existing State Law Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
5/18 HF 2563 Appropriates Funding for the 2025 State Legacy Budget Concurrence Vote Passed - House (113 - 21)
5/18 HF 2563 Appropriates Funding for the 2025 State Legacy Budget Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 30)
5/17 HB 174 Authorizes Rural School Fund Would be Able to Pay for Teacher Housing and Mount Edgecumbe High School in Sitka Bill Passed - House (34 - 5)
5/17 SB 95 Establishes a Tax Credit Program that Rewards Companies that Invest in Child Care Programs for Their Workers Bill Passed - House (27 - 12)
5/17 HB 174 Authorizes Rural School Fund Would be Able to Pay for Teacher Housing and Mount Edgecumbe High School in Sitka Bill Passed - House (34 - 5)
5/16 HB 75 Amends Permanent Fund Dividend Division Concurrence Vote Passed - House (30 - 9)
5/16 HB 75 Amends Permanent Fund Dividend Division Concurrence Vote Passed - House (30 - 9)
5/16 SB 50 Amends State Law to Say That Boroughs' Comprehensive Plans may Include Housing Development Bill Passed - House (22 - 17)
5/16 HB 3006 Requires All State Prisons to Install Air Conditioning (AC) Units Bill Passed - House (79 - 39)
5/15 HB 511 Prohibits Sanctuary City Policies in the State "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
5/15 HB 199 Authorizes the Creation of a Special Entertainment District in Downtown St. Louis Concurrence Vote Passed - House (136 - 16)
5/15 SB 62 Authorizes Law Enforcement Officials to Enter into Agreements with ICE Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (15 - 8)
5/15 SB 62 Authorizes Law Enforcement Officials to Enter into Agreements with ICE Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (15 - 8)
5/15 SB 995 Requires Legislative Approval for Final Rule Adoption Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 8)
5/15 HB 324 Amends the Process for Banning Books in New Hampshire Schools by Creating a Procedure for Removal and Cause of Action "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
5/15 SB 462 Requires Any Waiting List for Child Care Services to Give Priority to Children of Child Care Workers Bill Passed - House (124 - 18)
5/15 SB 1953 Requires Law Enforcement Agencies to have Stricter Hiring Practices Bill Passed - House (101 - 12)
5/15 SB 1234 Prohibits Libraries From Agreeing To Certain Terms In Electronic Book And Digital Audiobook License Agreements Or Contracts Bill Passed - House (106 - 38)
5/15 S Res 195 A resolution requesting information on El Salvador's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Motion Rejected - Senate (45 - 50)
5/15 HR 2255 Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (234 - 182)
5/15 HR 2240 Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act Bill Passed - House (403 - 11)
5/15 AB 752 Requires Daycare Centers to be Considered a Residential Use of Property When Colocated with Multifamily Housing Bill Passed - House (72 - 1)
5/15 AB 309 Extends the Authorization for Physicians and Pharmacists to Provide Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Without Prescription or Permit Indefinitely Bill Passed - House (54 - 15)
5/15 SB 33 Classifies the Distribution of Deep Fake Intimate Content as a Class I Felony Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
5/15 SB 125 Requires the Public Service Commission to Conduct a Study to Determine Potential Sites for a Nuclear Power Plant Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
5/15 SB 56 Authorizes Private Water Utilities to Access Federal Funds for Loan Forgiveness for the Replacement of Lead Service Lines Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
5/15 HB 4535 Requires Healthcare Providers to Obtain Written Informed Consent Before Administering a COVID-19 Vaccine Bill Passed - House (92 - 45)
5/14 HB 202 Extends Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 28)
5/14 HB 2728 Establishes Regulations for the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (74 - 12)
5/14 HF 189 Establishes Requirements for Public School Districts with Nonpublic School Students Wishing to Participate in Extracurricular Athletics Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 26)
5/14 LD 163 Requires Health Insurance Coverage of Nonprescription Oral Contraceptives and Nonprescription Emergency Contraceptives "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 13)
5/14 LD 702 Establishes and Designates January 6 as a Day to Remember "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 14)
5/14 PN 13-10 Nomination of Katharine MacGregor to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior Nomination Confirmed - Senate (54 - 40)
5/14 PN 26-46 Nomination of Eric Matthew Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 45)
5/14 PN 12-38 Nomination of Michael Rigas to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 46)
5/14 HB 202 Extends Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
5/14 HF 189 Establishes Requirements for Public School Districts with Nonpublic School Students Wishing to Participate in Extracurricular Athletics Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
5/14 SF 607 Reduces the Percent of the Iowa's Average Weekly Wage Used to Calculate Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (60 - 27)
5/14 HB 567 Amends Provisions Relating to Employee Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)

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