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
March 12, 2025 SD HB 1218 Prohibits Local Governments from Restricting the Concealed Carry of Firearms by Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 3)
March 12, 2025 SD HB 1218 Prohibits Local Governments from Restricting the Concealed Carry of Firearms by Employees Conference Report Adopted - House (56 - 14)
March 12, 2025 MO HB 495 Transfers State Control of the St. Louis Police Department to a Governor Appointed Board Concurrence Vote Passed - House (113 - 39)
March 12, 2025 CO HB 25-1091 Establishes the Agaricus Julius Mushroom as Colorado's State Mushroom Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 7)
March 12, 2025 KY SB 202 Establishes Regulations on Cannabis Infused Beverages Bill Passed - House (77 - 17)
March 12, 2025 WA HB 1815 Amends Prison Riot Charges Concerning Juveniles Bill Passed - House (64 - 33)
March 11, 2025 WV SB 456 Defines "Men" and "Women" in State Code Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 8)
March 11, 2025 SD HB 1230 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Distribution Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 4)
March 11, 2025 SD HB 1230 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Distribution Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 4)
March 11, 2025 SD HB 1259 Prohibits Unauthorized Access to Certain Multi-Occupancy Restrooms Concurrence Vote Passed - House (58 - 9)
March 11, 2025 WV SB 456 Defines "Men" and "Women" in State Code Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
March 11, 2025 MS HB 1063 Establishes 6-Weeks of Paid Parental Leave for Women Working in State Government Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
March 11, 2025 MS SB 2510 Prohibits Online Sweepstakes Casinos Bill Passed - House (83 - 19)
March 11, 2025 ID H 83 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Regulate Undocumented Immigrants if They are Involved in Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
March 11, 2025 ID H 83 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Regulate Undocumented Immigrants if They are Involved in Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
March 11, 2025 AR SB 209 Prohibits Signatures Gathered by Canvassers Which Violated State Law Bill Passed - House (72 - 25)
March 11, 2025 AR SB 210 Requires Canvassers to Provide Ballot Title to Petition Signees Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
March 11, 2025 AR HB 1489 Authorizes the Use of Nitrogen Gas in State Executions Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
March 11, 2025 National PN 12-41 Nomination of Abigail Slater to be an Assistant Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (77 - 19)
March 11, 2025 CO HB 25-1180 Prohibits Selling a Pet or Offering One for Adoption on the Side of the Road, in a Parking Lot, or at a Public Market Bill Passed - House (44 - 15)
March 11, 2025 National HR 1156 Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act Bill Passed - House (295 - 127)
March 11, 2025 SC S 345 Prohibits the Hunting, Taking, or Attempt of Hunting or Taking of Turkey on Baited Area Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 0)
March 11, 2025 OK HB 1595 Increases the Maximum Penalty for Assault from 30 to 90 Days Bill Passed - House (73 - 16)
March 11, 2025 OK HB 1597 Establishes Misdemeanor Charges for Continuing to Approach First Responders Bill Passed - House (84 - 5)
March 11, 2025 OR HB 3378 Requires Landlords to Provide Non-Digital Access Options to Rental Units Bill Passed - House (46 - 12)
March 10, 2025 MS SB 2280 Requires Both In-State and Out-of-State Hunters Purchase Turkey Hunting Stamps Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
March 10, 2025 MS SB 2280 Requires Both In-State and Out-of-State Hunters Purchase Turkey Hunting Stamps Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
March 10, 2025 MO HB 495 Transfers State Control of the St. Louis Police Department to a Governor Appointed Board Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 5)
March 10, 2025 SD HB 1259 Prohibits Unauthorized Access to Certain Multi-Occupancy Restrooms Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
March 10, 2025 AZ SB 1610 Requires County Jails to Provide Identifying Information for Individuals Arrested for Certain Crimes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 10)
March 10, 2025 OK SB 742 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Handguns for State Judges Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
March 10, 2025 OK SB 418 Requires Certain Bathroom Gender Designations in Prisons and the Department of Corrections Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 8)
March 10, 2025 OK SB 418 Requires Certain Bathroom Gender Designations in Prisons and the Department of Corrections Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 8)
March 10, 2025 IA HF 181 Prohibits Open Containers of THC Beverages Bill Passed - House (86 - 1)
March 10, 2025 OK SB 523 Authorizes Certain Duties Outside the County of Employment for Sheriffs Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 3)
March 10, 2025 National HR 495 Subterranean Border Defense Act Bill Passed - House (402 - 1)
March 10, 2025 WA SB 5278 Authorizes the Placement of Juvenile Offenders in Adult Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
March 10, 2025 National HR 993 Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act Bill Passed - House (406 - 9)
March 10, 2025 AZ SB 1610 Requires County Jails to Provide Identifying Information for Individuals Arrested for Certain Crimes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 10)
March 8, 2025 NM HB 255 Extends the Time Period that an Individual Remains on Supervised Release from Juvenile Detention Bill Passed - House (34 - 24)
March 8, 2025 WA HB 1163 Requires New Permits for Gun Ownership Bill Passed - House (58 - 38)
March 7, 2025 WV SB 456 Defines "Men" and "Women" in State Code Bill Passed - House (87 - 9)
March 7, 2025 CO HB 25-1109 Requires that Death Certificates Issued in Colorado Must Report a Decedent's Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (38 - 26)
March 7, 2025 NM HB 9 Prohibits State Agencies and Local Governments from Entering into Agreements used to Detain Individuals for Violations of Civil Immigration Law Bill Passed - House (35 - 25)
March 7, 2025 IA SF 311 Prohibits Police Citizen Review Boards Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 9)
March 7, 2025 NM HB 9 Prohibits State Agencies and Local Governments from Entering into Agreements used to Detain Individuals for Violations of Civil Immigration Law Bill Passed - House (35 - 25)
March 6, 2025 UT HB 77 Authorizes a Select Few Flags to be Displayed Inside of Public Classrooms Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 20)
March 6, 2025 SD SB 75 Requires Driver's Licenses and State IDs to Show Citizenship Status Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 2)
March 6, 2025 UT HB 77 Authorizes a Select Few Flags to be Displayed Inside of Public Classrooms Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
March 6, 2025 MS SB 2280 Requires Both In-State and Out-of-State Hunters Purchase Turkey Hunting Stamps Bill Passed - House (100 - 13)
March 6, 2025 AL SB 116 Prohibits the Use of Machine Gun Conversion Devices Bill Passed - House (77 - 23)
March 6, 2025 UT HB 441 Exempts Franchise Owners from Having to Operate on Days that Conflict with Their Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 2)
March 6, 2025 MS SB 2280 Requires Both In-State and Out-of-State Hunters Purchase Turkey Hunting Stamps Bill Passed - House (100 - 13)
March 6, 2025 SD HB 1174 Amends Certain Provisions Related to the Rights and Obligations of a Father of a Child Born to an Unmarried Mother Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
March 6, 2025 SD SB 100 Authorizes Concealed Carry Permit Holders to Carry on State University and Technical College Campuses Bill Passed - House (55 - 14)
March 6, 2025 SD SB 64 Amends Rules about Setting Parole Dates Bill Passed - House (63 - 6)
March 6, 2025 SD HB 1116 Repeals a Reporting Requirement Regarding Industrial Hemp Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
March 6, 2025 National S 331 Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act (HALT Fentanyl Act) Cloture Invoked - Senate (82 - 12)
March 6, 2025 National S 331 Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act (HALT Fentanyl Act) Cloture Invoked - Senate (82 - 12)
March 6, 2025 AZ SB 1705 Amends Firearm Preemption Laws in Arizona Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 9)
March 6, 2025 MN HF 13 Expands the Right to Use Reasonable Force in Self-Defense Bill Failed - House (66 - 66)
March 6, 2025 MN HF 13 Expands the Right to Use Reasonable Force in Self-Defense Bill Failed - House (66 - 66)
March 6, 2025 AL HB 202 Extends Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - House (75 - 26)
March 6, 2025 AL HB 202 Extends Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - House (75 - 26)
March 6, 2025 WV SB 299 Prohibits Gender-Affirming Medical Care for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
March 6, 2025 MO SB 160 Reduces Hazing on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
March 6, 2025 MT SB 508 Amends Drunk Driving Laws to Include Any Detectable Traces of THC for Individuals Under the Age of 21 Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
March 6, 2025 AL HB 3 Increases Penalties for Undocumented Immigrants Convicted of Felonies with Minor Victims Bill Passed - House (76 - 3)
March 6, 2025 AL HB 3 Increases Penalties for Undocumented Immigrants Convicted of Felonies with Minor Victims Bill Passed - House (76 - 3)
March 6, 2025 GA SB 61 Establishes Additional Offenses for Terroristic Threats Against Public or Private Schools Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 22)
March 6, 2025 MT SB 437 Amends and Defines Sex as Binary in Montana State Law Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
March 6, 2025 MT HB 675 Authorizes Private Citizens to Sue Individuals Who Perform or Promote Drag Performances Bill Failed - House (44 - 55)
March 6, 2025 AL SB 138 Authorizes Certain Parolees and Probationers the Opportunity to Obtain Licenses without Automatic Disqualification by a Licensing Board Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
March 5, 2025 WY HB 32 Establishes Statutory Definitions for "Man", "Woman", and "Biological Sex" Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 10)
March 5, 2025 CT SB 1453 Appropriates $2.8 Million to Support Certain LGBTQ+ Nonprofit Organizations and Planned Parenthood Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/12 HB 1218 Prohibits Local Governments from Restricting the Concealed Carry of Firearms by Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 3)
3/12 HB 1218 Prohibits Local Governments from Restricting the Concealed Carry of Firearms by Employees Conference Report Adopted - House (56 - 14)
3/12 HB 495 Transfers State Control of the St. Louis Police Department to a Governor Appointed Board Concurrence Vote Passed - House (113 - 39)
3/12 HB 25-1091 Establishes the Agaricus Julius Mushroom as Colorado's State Mushroom Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 7)
3/12 SB 202 Establishes Regulations on Cannabis Infused Beverages Bill Passed - House (77 - 17)
3/12 HB 1815 Amends Prison Riot Charges Concerning Juveniles Bill Passed - House (64 - 33)
3/11 SB 456 Defines "Men" and "Women" in State Code Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 8)
3/11 HB 1230 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Distribution Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 4)
3/11 HB 1230 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Distribution Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 4)
3/11 HB 1259 Prohibits Unauthorized Access to Certain Multi-Occupancy Restrooms Concurrence Vote Passed - House (58 - 9)
3/11 SB 456 Defines "Men" and "Women" in State Code Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
3/11 HB 1063 Establishes 6-Weeks of Paid Parental Leave for Women Working in State Government Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
3/11 SB 2510 Prohibits Online Sweepstakes Casinos Bill Passed - House (83 - 19)
3/11 H 83 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Regulate Undocumented Immigrants if They are Involved in Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
3/11 H 83 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Regulate Undocumented Immigrants if They are Involved in Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
3/11 SB 209 Prohibits Signatures Gathered by Canvassers Which Violated State Law Bill Passed - House (72 - 25)
3/11 SB 210 Requires Canvassers to Provide Ballot Title to Petition Signees Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
3/11 HB 1489 Authorizes the Use of Nitrogen Gas in State Executions Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
3/11 PN 12-41 Nomination of Abigail Slater to be an Assistant Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (77 - 19)
3/11 HB 25-1180 Prohibits Selling a Pet or Offering One for Adoption on the Side of the Road, in a Parking Lot, or at a Public Market Bill Passed - House (44 - 15)
3/11 HR 1156 Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act Bill Passed - House (295 - 127)
3/11 S 345 Prohibits the Hunting, Taking, or Attempt of Hunting or Taking of Turkey on Baited Area Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 0)
3/11 HB 1595 Increases the Maximum Penalty for Assault from 30 to 90 Days Bill Passed - House (73 - 16)
3/11 HB 1597 Establishes Misdemeanor Charges for Continuing to Approach First Responders Bill Passed - House (84 - 5)
3/11 HB 3378 Requires Landlords to Provide Non-Digital Access Options to Rental Units Bill Passed - House (46 - 12)
3/10 SB 2280 Requires Both In-State and Out-of-State Hunters Purchase Turkey Hunting Stamps Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
3/10 SB 2280 Requires Both In-State and Out-of-State Hunters Purchase Turkey Hunting Stamps Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
3/10 HB 495 Transfers State Control of the St. Louis Police Department to a Governor Appointed Board Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 5)
3/10 HB 1259 Prohibits Unauthorized Access to Certain Multi-Occupancy Restrooms Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
3/10 SB 1610 Requires County Jails to Provide Identifying Information for Individuals Arrested for Certain Crimes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 10)
3/10 SB 742 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Handguns for State Judges Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
3/10 SB 418 Requires Certain Bathroom Gender Designations in Prisons and the Department of Corrections Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 8)
3/10 SB 418 Requires Certain Bathroom Gender Designations in Prisons and the Department of Corrections Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 8)
3/10 HF 181 Prohibits Open Containers of THC Beverages Bill Passed - House (86 - 1)
3/10 SB 523 Authorizes Certain Duties Outside the County of Employment for Sheriffs Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 3)
3/10 HR 495 Subterranean Border Defense Act Bill Passed - House (402 - 1)
3/10 SB 5278 Authorizes the Placement of Juvenile Offenders in Adult Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
3/10 HR 993 Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act Bill Passed - House (406 - 9)
3/10 SB 1610 Requires County Jails to Provide Identifying Information for Individuals Arrested for Certain Crimes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 10)
3/08 HB 255 Extends the Time Period that an Individual Remains on Supervised Release from Juvenile Detention Bill Passed - House (34 - 24)
3/08 HB 1163 Requires New Permits for Gun Ownership Bill Passed - House (58 - 38)
3/07 SB 456 Defines "Men" and "Women" in State Code Bill Passed - House (87 - 9)
3/07 HB 25-1109 Requires that Death Certificates Issued in Colorado Must Report a Decedent's Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (38 - 26)
3/07 HB 9 Prohibits State Agencies and Local Governments from Entering into Agreements used to Detain Individuals for Violations of Civil Immigration Law Bill Passed - House (35 - 25)
3/07 SF 311 Prohibits Police Citizen Review Boards Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 9)
3/07 HB 9 Prohibits State Agencies and Local Governments from Entering into Agreements used to Detain Individuals for Violations of Civil Immigration Law Bill Passed - House (35 - 25)
3/06 HB 77 Authorizes a Select Few Flags to be Displayed Inside of Public Classrooms Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 20)
3/06 SB 75 Requires Driver's Licenses and State IDs to Show Citizenship Status Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 2)
3/06 HB 77 Authorizes a Select Few Flags to be Displayed Inside of Public Classrooms Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
3/06 SB 2280 Requires Both In-State and Out-of-State Hunters Purchase Turkey Hunting Stamps Bill Passed - House (100 - 13)
3/06 SB 116 Prohibits the Use of Machine Gun Conversion Devices Bill Passed - House (77 - 23)
3/06 HB 441 Exempts Franchise Owners from Having to Operate on Days that Conflict with Their Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 2)
3/06 SB 2280 Requires Both In-State and Out-of-State Hunters Purchase Turkey Hunting Stamps Bill Passed - House (100 - 13)
3/06 HB 1174 Amends Certain Provisions Related to the Rights and Obligations of a Father of a Child Born to an Unmarried Mother Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
3/06 SB 100 Authorizes Concealed Carry Permit Holders to Carry on State University and Technical College Campuses Bill Passed - House (55 - 14)
3/06 SB 64 Amends Rules about Setting Parole Dates Bill Passed - House (63 - 6)
3/06 HB 1116 Repeals a Reporting Requirement Regarding Industrial Hemp Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
3/06 S 331 Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act (HALT Fentanyl Act) Cloture Invoked - Senate (82 - 12)
3/06 S 331 Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act (HALT Fentanyl Act) Cloture Invoked - Senate (82 - 12)
3/06 SB 1705 Amends Firearm Preemption Laws in Arizona Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 9)
3/06 HF 13 Expands the Right to Use Reasonable Force in Self-Defense Bill Failed - House (66 - 66)
3/06 HF 13 Expands the Right to Use Reasonable Force in Self-Defense Bill Failed - House (66 - 66)
3/06 HB 202 Extends Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - House (75 - 26)
3/06 HB 202 Extends Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - House (75 - 26)
3/06 SB 299 Prohibits Gender-Affirming Medical Care for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
3/06 SB 160 Reduces Hazing on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
3/06 SB 508 Amends Drunk Driving Laws to Include Any Detectable Traces of THC for Individuals Under the Age of 21 Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
3/06 HB 3 Increases Penalties for Undocumented Immigrants Convicted of Felonies with Minor Victims Bill Passed - House (76 - 3)
3/06 HB 3 Increases Penalties for Undocumented Immigrants Convicted of Felonies with Minor Victims Bill Passed - House (76 - 3)
3/06 SB 61 Establishes Additional Offenses for Terroristic Threats Against Public or Private Schools Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 22)
3/06 SB 437 Amends and Defines Sex as Binary in Montana State Law Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
3/06 HB 675 Authorizes Private Citizens to Sue Individuals Who Perform or Promote Drag Performances Bill Failed - House (44 - 55)
3/06 SB 138 Authorizes Certain Parolees and Probationers the Opportunity to Obtain Licenses without Automatic Disqualification by a Licensing Board Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
3/05 HB 32 Establishes Statutory Definitions for "Man", "Woman", and "Biological Sex" Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 10)
3/05 SB 1453 Appropriates $2.8 Million to Support Certain LGBTQ+ Nonprofit Organizations and Planned Parenthood Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10)

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