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
June 11, 2025 NY S 3967 Authorizes Legal Immunity for Sex Workers Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
June 11, 2025 NY S 3967 Authorizes Legal Immunity for Sex Workers Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
June 11, 2025 NY S 4552 Prohibits The Sale of Kratom to Individuals Under The Age of 21 Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
June 10, 2025 LA SB 15 Authorizes Punishments to Jailers for Not Cooperating with ICE Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
June 10, 2025 NC SB 153 Requires State Police to Cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Authorizes Individuals to Sue Local Governments for Crimes Committed by Undocumented Immigrants Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 17)
June 10, 2025 NC HB 318 Reduces the Timeline for Law Enforcement to Alert ICE before an Undocumented Immigrant Criminal Suspect is Released Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 17)
June 10, 2025 CA AB 545 Prohibits the Modification of E-Bikes to Exceed Legal Speed Limits in California Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
June 10, 2025 DE SB 100 Establishes the Constitutional Right to Marry Without Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
June 9, 2025 LA SB 19 Authorizes Over-the-Counter Sale of Ivermectin Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
June 9, 2025 LA SB 101 Authorizes Individuals Legally Permitted to Carry a Firearm to Do So Up to a School's Property line Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
June 9, 2025 ME LD 259 Establishes the Criminal Records Review Commission "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
June 9, 2025 NY S 1985 Requires Police Officers to Take Temporary Custody of Firearms When Responding to Reports of Family Violence Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 19)
June 9, 2025 NY S 1985 Requires Police Officers to Take Temporary Custody of Firearms When Responding to Reports of Family Violence Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 19)
June 8, 2025 LA HB 496 Establishes Protections for Policyholders Against Any Rate Increases Tied to a Lapse in Auto Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
June 8, 2025 LA HB 393 Authorizes Bystanders or Spectators to Carry Guns at Parades Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
June 5, 2025 National PN 26-16 Nomination of John Andrew Eisenberg to be an Assistant Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 43)
June 5, 2025 National PN 26-43 Nomination of Brett Shumate to be an Assistant Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 41)
June 5, 2025 National PN 26-43 Nomination of Brett Shumate to be an Assistant Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (49 - 40)
June 5, 2025 National PN 26-16 Nomination of John Andrew Eisenberg to be an Assistant Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 43)
June 4, 2025 CT HB 7192 Authorizes the Implementation of Connecticut's Bipartisan Drug Task Force Recommendations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
June 4, 2025 CA SB 380 Requires the State Department of State Hospitals to Conduct a Feasibility Study on Transitional Housing Facilities for the Conditional Release Program Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
June 4, 2025 CA SB 356 Requires Parole Board to Consider Specified Photographs in Parole Suitability Hearings for Individuals With a Life Sentence Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
June 3, 2025 ME LD 134 Establishes the Decriminalization of Personal Possession of Psilocybin for Adults "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 16)
June 3, 2025 National PN 25-19 Nomination of Allison Hooker to be an Under Secretary of State (Political Affairs) Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 36)
June 3, 2025 National PN 25-19 Nomination of Allison Hooker to be an Under Secretary of State (Political Affairs) Cloture Invoked - Senate (59 - 37)
June 3, 2025 CA SB 379 Requires the State Department of State Hospitals to Ensure Department Vendors Consider Public Safety in the Placement of a Conditionally Released Sexually Violent Predator Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
June 3, 2025 CA SB 720 Amends the Way Red Light Cameras are Regulated and Tickets are Issued Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
June 2, 2025 NV AB 499 Requires Voter Photo Identification and Reforms to Mail Voting and Voter Registration Systems Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
June 2, 2025 NV AB 381 Expands Protections and Penalties Related to Animal Cruelty and Rescue Situations Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
June 2, 2025 NV AB 416 Prohibits Public Schools and Libraries from Restricting Access to Materials Based on Content Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
June 2, 2025 CA SB 245 Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to Certify that a Defendant Successfully Participated in Certain Programs Prior to their Release Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
June 2, 2025 CA SB 497 Prohibits Information Sharing Regarding Individuals Seeking Gender-Affirming Care or With Controlled Substance History Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
June 2, 2025 CA SB 81 Prohibits Immigration Enforcement from Obtaining Medical Information from Healthcare Providers without a Valid Warrant Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
June 1, 2025 TX SB 2972 Requires the Governing Boards of Institutions of Higher Education to Designate Areas on Campus for Public Forum and Prohibits Certain Activities During Student Demonstrations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 9)
June 1, 2025 IL SB 328 Specifies that the Transaction of any Business Within the State Submits any Person to the Jurisdiction of the Courts of Illinois Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
May 31, 2025 IL SB 2487 Establishes Penalties for Businesses that Violate the Human Rights Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 18)
May 30, 2025 NE LB 298 Increases Legislative Supervision Over Divisions Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 2)
May 30, 2025 NV AB 105 Prohibits Firearm Possession Near Election Sites and Requires Signage Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
May 30, 2025 NV AB 105 Prohibits Firearm Possession Near Election Sites and Requires Signage Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
May 30, 2025 CT HB 6990 Classifies Digital Wallets as "Property" and Authorizes Law Enforcement to Seize Them as Assets in Criminal Cases Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
May 30, 2025 CT HB 7042 Authorizes Lawsuits Against the Firearm Industry Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
May 30, 2025 CT HB 7042 Authorizes Lawsuits Against the Firearm Industry Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
May 29, 2025 OK HB 1137 Requires the Creation of a Unit Within the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) that Focuses Exclusively on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Individuals Veto Override Passed - Senate (40 - 4)
May 29, 2025 TX SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
May 29, 2025 TX SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
May 29, 2025 TX SB 40 Amends Bail Bonds and Prohibits the Use of Public Tax Funds to Pay Bail Bonds Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
May 29, 2025 IL HB 2987 Establishes the Warehouse Tornado Preparedness Act Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 2)
May 29, 2025 NV AB 555 Establishes Price Cap Provisions on Insulin Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 2)
May 29, 2025 OR SB 243 Prohibits High-Speed Firing Gun Accessories and Limits Firearm Possession in Public Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
May 29, 2025 OR SB 243 Prohibits High-Speed Firing Gun Accessories and Limits Firearm Possession in Public Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/11 S 3967 Authorizes Legal Immunity for Sex Workers Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
6/11 S 3967 Authorizes Legal Immunity for Sex Workers Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
6/11 S 4552 Prohibits The Sale of Kratom to Individuals Under The Age of 21 Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
6/10 SB 15 Authorizes Punishments to Jailers for Not Cooperating with ICE Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
6/10 SB 153 Requires State Police to Cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Authorizes Individuals to Sue Local Governments for Crimes Committed by Undocumented Immigrants Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 17)
6/10 HB 318 Reduces the Timeline for Law Enforcement to Alert ICE before an Undocumented Immigrant Criminal Suspect is Released Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 17)
6/10 AB 545 Prohibits the Modification of E-Bikes to Exceed Legal Speed Limits in California Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
6/10 SB 100 Establishes the Constitutional Right to Marry Without Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
6/09 SB 19 Authorizes Over-the-Counter Sale of Ivermectin Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
6/09 SB 101 Authorizes Individuals Legally Permitted to Carry a Firearm to Do So Up to a School's Property line Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
6/09 LD 259 Establishes the Criminal Records Review Commission "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
6/09 S 1985 Requires Police Officers to Take Temporary Custody of Firearms When Responding to Reports of Family Violence Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 19)
6/09 S 1985 Requires Police Officers to Take Temporary Custody of Firearms When Responding to Reports of Family Violence Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 19)
6/08 HB 496 Establishes Protections for Policyholders Against Any Rate Increases Tied to a Lapse in Auto Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
6/08 HB 393 Authorizes Bystanders or Spectators to Carry Guns at Parades Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
6/05 PN 26-16 Nomination of John Andrew Eisenberg to be an Assistant Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 43)
6/05 PN 26-43 Nomination of Brett Shumate to be an Assistant Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 41)
6/05 PN 26-43 Nomination of Brett Shumate to be an Assistant Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (49 - 40)
6/05 PN 26-16 Nomination of John Andrew Eisenberg to be an Assistant Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 43)
6/04 HB 7192 Authorizes the Implementation of Connecticut's Bipartisan Drug Task Force Recommendations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
6/04 SB 380 Requires the State Department of State Hospitals to Conduct a Feasibility Study on Transitional Housing Facilities for the Conditional Release Program Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
6/04 SB 356 Requires Parole Board to Consider Specified Photographs in Parole Suitability Hearings for Individuals With a Life Sentence Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
6/03 LD 134 Establishes the Decriminalization of Personal Possession of Psilocybin for Adults "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 16)
6/03 PN 25-19 Nomination of Allison Hooker to be an Under Secretary of State (Political Affairs) Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 36)
6/03 PN 25-19 Nomination of Allison Hooker to be an Under Secretary of State (Political Affairs) Cloture Invoked - Senate (59 - 37)
6/03 SB 379 Requires the State Department of State Hospitals to Ensure Department Vendors Consider Public Safety in the Placement of a Conditionally Released Sexually Violent Predator Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
6/03 SB 720 Amends the Way Red Light Cameras are Regulated and Tickets are Issued Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
6/02 AB 499 Requires Voter Photo Identification and Reforms to Mail Voting and Voter Registration Systems Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
6/02 AB 381 Expands Protections and Penalties Related to Animal Cruelty and Rescue Situations Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
6/02 AB 416 Prohibits Public Schools and Libraries from Restricting Access to Materials Based on Content Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
6/02 SB 245 Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to Certify that a Defendant Successfully Participated in Certain Programs Prior to their Release Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
6/02 SB 497 Prohibits Information Sharing Regarding Individuals Seeking Gender-Affirming Care or With Controlled Substance History Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
6/02 SB 81 Prohibits Immigration Enforcement from Obtaining Medical Information from Healthcare Providers without a Valid Warrant Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
6/01 SB 2972 Requires the Governing Boards of Institutions of Higher Education to Designate Areas on Campus for Public Forum and Prohibits Certain Activities During Student Demonstrations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 9)
6/01 SB 328 Specifies that the Transaction of any Business Within the State Submits any Person to the Jurisdiction of the Courts of Illinois Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
5/31 SB 2487 Establishes Penalties for Businesses that Violate the Human Rights Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 18)
5/30 LB 298 Increases Legislative Supervision Over Divisions Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 2)
5/30 AB 105 Prohibits Firearm Possession Near Election Sites and Requires Signage Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
5/30 AB 105 Prohibits Firearm Possession Near Election Sites and Requires Signage Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
5/30 HB 6990 Classifies Digital Wallets as "Property" and Authorizes Law Enforcement to Seize Them as Assets in Criminal Cases Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
5/30 HB 7042 Authorizes Lawsuits Against the Firearm Industry Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
5/30 HB 7042 Authorizes Lawsuits Against the Firearm Industry Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
5/29 HB 1137 Requires the Creation of a Unit Within the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) that Focuses Exclusively on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Individuals Veto Override Passed - Senate (40 - 4)
5/29 SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
5/29 SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
5/29 SB 40 Amends Bail Bonds and Prohibits the Use of Public Tax Funds to Pay Bail Bonds Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
5/29 HB 2987 Establishes the Warehouse Tornado Preparedness Act Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 2)
5/29 AB 555 Establishes Price Cap Provisions on Insulin Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 2)
5/29 SB 243 Prohibits High-Speed Firing Gun Accessories and Limits Firearm Possession in Public Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
5/29 SB 243 Prohibits High-Speed Firing Gun Accessories and Limits Firearm Possession in Public Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)

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