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. 26, 2025 AR SB 17 Prohibits the Selling of a Human Corpse or Body Parts Set to be Cremated or Buried Bill Passed - House
Feb. 26, 2025 WY HB 211 Authorizes the Hunting of Wildlife from a Vehicle if the Wildlife does not Require a License or Permit to Take Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
Feb. 26, 2025 OH SB 56 Amends and Modifies Cannabis Regulations and Prohibits Smoking in Public Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
Feb. 26, 2025 AZ SB 1268 Require Hospitals to Question Patients on Legal Status in the United States Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
Feb. 26, 2025 NM SB 175 Expands the State Free Childcare Program to All Families Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Feb. 25, 2025 SC H 3523 Amends State Law on Organized Retail Crime and Retail Theft Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 0)
Feb. 25, 2025 AR SB 208 Requires Canvassers to Request a Photo ID of Potential Signers Bill Passed - House (70 - 24)
Feb. 25, 2025 SD SB 193 Authorizes an Applicant to have an Interpreter Present During the Driving Portion of a Driver License Exam Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
Feb. 25, 2025 RI S 63 Reduces Max Misdemeanor Sentences from One Year to 364 Days Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
Feb. 25, 2025 ND SB 2128 Increases State Mandatory Minimum Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 18)
Feb. 25, 2025 CO HB 25-1133 Requires Individuals Delivering Ammunition to Confirm Age of Purchaser Bill Passed - House (38 - 27)
Feb. 25, 2025 NM HB 12 Reduces Requirements for Law Enforcement to Temporarily Suspend Access to Firearms Bill Passed - House (41 - 27)
Feb. 25, 2025 WA SB 5128 Amends Medical Services for Individuals in Juvenile Detention Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
Feb. 25, 2025 AL SB 118 Amends Judges' Authority to Deny Bail Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
Feb. 25, 2025 NM SB 92 Establishes the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority and Jockey and Exercise Rider Insurance Fund Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
Feb. 25, 2025 NM HB 12 Reduces Requirements for Law Enforcement to Temporarily Suspend Access to Firearms Bill Passed - House (41 - 27)
Feb. 25, 2025 ID H 158 Establishes Protections for Confidential Informants who Provide Information or Documents to Journalist Bill Passed - House (69 - 0)
Feb. 25, 2025 AL SB 116 Prohibits the Use of Machine Gun Conversion Devices Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
Feb. 25, 2025 NJ S 2886 Requires Pharmacies to Share Information on Insulin Assistance Programs Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
Feb. 25, 2025 RI S 63 Reduces Max Misdemeanor Sentences from One Year to 364 Days Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
Feb. 24, 2025 ND HB 1600 Establishes an Immigration-Focused Law Clinic at the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - House (67 - 25)
Feb. 24, 2025 ND HCR 3013 A Concurrent Resolution Urging the U.S. Supreme Court Overturn Obergefell v. Hodges Joint Resolution Passed - House (52 - 40)
Feb. 21, 2025 VA SB 746 Expands the Definition of Felony Homicide to Include Fentanyl Distributors in Lethal Overdoses Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 3)
Feb. 21, 2025 VA SB 746 Expands the Definition of Felony Homicide to Include Fentanyl Distributors in Lethal Overdoses Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 3)
Feb. 21, 2025 VA HB 2657 Authorizes Fentanyl Dealers to be Charged with Felony Involuntary Manslaughter if Their Drugs Sold Result in a Minors Death Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
Feb. 21, 2025 VA HB 2657 Authorizes Fentanyl Dealers to be Charged with Felony Involuntary Manslaughter if Their Drugs Sold Result in a Minors Death Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
Feb. 21, 2025 VA SB 746 Expands the Definition of Felony Homicide to Include Fentanyl Distributors in Lethal Overdoses Conference Report Adopted - House (91 - 2)
Feb. 21, 2025 VA SB 746 Expands the Definition of Felony Homicide to Include Fentanyl Distributors in Lethal Overdoses Conference Report Adopted - House (91 - 2)
Feb. 21, 2025 NM HB 8 Establishes Enhanced Penalties for Several Crimes and Criminal Competency Provisions Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 3)
Feb. 21, 2025 WY HB 234 Increases Sportsmen's Credit Card Purchase Privacy Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 17)
Feb. 21, 2025 NM HB 56 Authorizes Medicaid Reimbursements for Birth Centers Bill Passed - House (62 - 1)
Feb. 21, 2025 GA SB 68 Establishes New Guidelines for Personal Injury Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 21)
Feb. 21, 2025 MD HB 380 Authorizes the Sale of Contraceptives and Condoms in School Vending Machines Bill Passed - House (89 - 41)
Feb. 21, 2025 MT HB 400 Prohibits Discipline Against Students who Refuse to Use Peers' Preferred Names or Pronouns Bill Passed - House (56 - 42)
Feb. 21, 2025 WV SB 460 Authorizes Religious and Philosophical Exemptions for School Vaccinations Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
Feb. 21, 2025 SD HB 1116 Repeals a Reporting Requirement Regarding Industrial Hemp Bill Passed - House (66 - 3)
Feb. 21, 2025 UT HB 77 Authorizes a Select Few Flags to be Displayed Inside of Public Classrooms Bill Passed - House (49 - 20)
Feb. 20, 2025 NH HB 207 Reduces Certain Weapon Restrictions and Bans "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (207 - 162)
Feb. 20, 2025 MO SB 105 Amends and Modifies Provisions Relating to Invasive Plants Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
Feb. 20, 2025 NM HB 10 Establishes a Law Enforcement Bureau in New Mexico to Regulate Cannabis Bill Passed - House (68 - 1)
Feb. 20, 2025 KS HB 2359 Establishes the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act and the Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship and Other Protective Arrangements Act Bill Passed - House (89 - 34)
Feb. 20, 2025 OR HB 2933 Authorizes Amendments Made by the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission Relating to Sentencing Guidelines Bill Passed - House (33 - 18)
Feb. 20, 2025 AL SB 40 Authorizes Firearm Hold Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
Feb. 20, 2025 WA HB 1484 Increases Sentences for Individuals Convicted of Rape Resulting in a Pregnancy Bill Passed - House (97 - 0)
Feb. 20, 2025 WA HB 1720 Expands Medication Assistance to Residents in Community-Based Settings Bill Passed - House (97 - 0)
Feb. 20, 2025 KS HB 2164 Authorizes Individuals Who Are 20 Years of Age or Older to Apply for Certification as a Police Officer Bill Passed - House (97 - 4)
Feb. 20, 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 - House (65 - 5)
Feb. 20, 2025 IN SB 197 Establishes a Class C Misdemeanor to Use Public Land for Long-Term Shelter Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
Feb. 20, 2025 IA HF 180 Requires Individuals Convicted of Grooming to Register as Sex Offenders Bill Passed - House (87 - 5)
Feb. 20, 2025 TX SJR 5 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Denial of Bail Under Limited Circumstances Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
Feb. 20, 2025 TX SJR 5 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Denial of Bail Under Limited Circumstances Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
Feb. 20, 2025 MO SB 167 Requires the Protection of the First Person to Call 911 in Incidents Involving Hazing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
Feb. 20, 2025 MO SB 60 Amends Existing Law Making Manufacturing or Possessing Meth an Act of Child Endangerment Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
Feb. 20, 2025 SD HB 1260 Requires that Birth Certificates and Certain Official Documents Reflect an Individual's Biological Sex Bill Failed - House (34 - 36)
Feb. 20, 2025 MO HB 495 Transfers State Control of the St. Louis Police Department to a Governor Appointed Board Bill Passed - House (106 - 47)
Feb. 20, 2025 CO SB 25-004 Authorizes Parents to Request Refunds on Fees from Childcare Centers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Feb. 20, 2025 ND HB 1181 Defines Gender as Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (74 - 13)
Feb. 19, 2025 AR SB 213 Establishes the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act to Improve Maternal Health Bill Passed - House (76 - 6)
Feb. 19, 2025 TX SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 2)
Feb. 19, 2025 KS SB 89 Authorizes the Kansas Department of Agriculture to Assess a Participant Fee for Poultry Producers Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
Feb. 19, 2025 SD HB 1259 Prohibits Unauthorized Access to Certain Multi-Occupancy Restrooms Bill Passed - House (49 - 21)
Feb. 19, 2025 SD HB 1236 Extends the Safety Zone from 660 Feet to One-Quarter Mile Bill Passed - House (51 - 19)
Feb. 19, 2025 AZ HB 2438 Prohibits Individuals from Changing Their Birth Certificates to Reflect Their Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (33 - 26)
Feb. 19, 2025 KS SB 79 Limits SNAP Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
Feb. 19, 2025 KY HJR 15 Requires the Return of a Granite Monument Inscribed with the 10 Commandments to the Capitol Grounds for Permanent Display Joint Resolution Passed - House (79 - 13)
Feb. 19, 2025 KS SB 67 Authorizes Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists to Prescribe and Administer Drugs Consistent with Registered Nurse Anesthetist's Education and Qualifications Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 4)
Feb. 19, 2025 AZ HB 2438 Prohibits Individuals from Changing Their Birth Certificates to Reflect Their Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (33 - 26)
Feb. 19, 2025 SD HB 1236 Extends the Safety Zone from 660 Feet to One-Quarter Mile Bill Passed - House (51 - 19)
Feb. 19, 2025 TX SB 40 Amends Bail Bonds and Prohibits the Use of Public Tax Funds to Pay Bail Bonds Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
Feb. 18, 2025 KS SB 63 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Feb. 18, 2025 KS SB 63 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Veto Override Passed - House (84 - 35)
Feb. 18, 2025 VA HB 1876 Authorizes Public Colleges and Universities to Prohibit Guns on School Property Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 45)
Feb. 18, 2025 WY HB 45 Repeals and Removes Otters from the List of Protected Animals for Hunting Purposes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 7)
Feb. 18, 2025 VA SB 1105 Establishes the Right to Access and Use FDA-Approved Contraceptives Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 18, 2025 WY HB 45 Repeals and Removes Otters from the List of Protected Animals for Hunting Purposes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 7)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/26 SB 17 Prohibits the Selling of a Human Corpse or Body Parts Set to be Cremated or Buried Bill Passed - House
2/26 HB 211 Authorizes the Hunting of Wildlife from a Vehicle if the Wildlife does not Require a License or Permit to Take Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
2/26 SB 56 Amends and Modifies Cannabis Regulations and Prohibits Smoking in Public Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
2/26 SB 1268 Require Hospitals to Question Patients on Legal Status in the United States Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
2/26 SB 175 Expands the State Free Childcare Program to All Families Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
2/25 H 3523 Amends State Law on Organized Retail Crime and Retail Theft Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 0)
2/25 SB 208 Requires Canvassers to Request a Photo ID of Potential Signers Bill Passed - House (70 - 24)
2/25 SB 193 Authorizes an Applicant to have an Interpreter Present During the Driving Portion of a Driver License Exam Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
2/25 S 63 Reduces Max Misdemeanor Sentences from One Year to 364 Days Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
2/25 SB 2128 Increases State Mandatory Minimum Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 18)
2/25 HB 25-1133 Requires Individuals Delivering Ammunition to Confirm Age of Purchaser Bill Passed - House (38 - 27)
2/25 HB 12 Reduces Requirements for Law Enforcement to Temporarily Suspend Access to Firearms Bill Passed - House (41 - 27)
2/25 SB 5128 Amends Medical Services for Individuals in Juvenile Detention Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
2/25 SB 118 Amends Judges' Authority to Deny Bail Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
2/25 SB 92 Establishes the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority and Jockey and Exercise Rider Insurance Fund Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
2/25 HB 12 Reduces Requirements for Law Enforcement to Temporarily Suspend Access to Firearms Bill Passed - House (41 - 27)
2/25 H 158 Establishes Protections for Confidential Informants who Provide Information or Documents to Journalist Bill Passed - House (69 - 0)
2/25 SB 116 Prohibits the Use of Machine Gun Conversion Devices Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
2/25 S 2886 Requires Pharmacies to Share Information on Insulin Assistance Programs Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
2/25 S 63 Reduces Max Misdemeanor Sentences from One Year to 364 Days Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
2/24 HB 1600 Establishes an Immigration-Focused Law Clinic at the University of North Dakota Bill Passed - House (67 - 25)
2/24 HCR 3013 A Concurrent Resolution Urging the U.S. Supreme Court Overturn Obergefell v. Hodges Joint Resolution Passed - House (52 - 40)
2/21 SB 746 Expands the Definition of Felony Homicide to Include Fentanyl Distributors in Lethal Overdoses Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 3)
2/21 SB 746 Expands the Definition of Felony Homicide to Include Fentanyl Distributors in Lethal Overdoses Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 3)
2/21 HB 2657 Authorizes Fentanyl Dealers to be Charged with Felony Involuntary Manslaughter if Their Drugs Sold Result in a Minors Death Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
2/21 HB 2657 Authorizes Fentanyl Dealers to be Charged with Felony Involuntary Manslaughter if Their Drugs Sold Result in a Minors Death Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
2/21 SB 746 Expands the Definition of Felony Homicide to Include Fentanyl Distributors in Lethal Overdoses Conference Report Adopted - House (91 - 2)
2/21 SB 746 Expands the Definition of Felony Homicide to Include Fentanyl Distributors in Lethal Overdoses Conference Report Adopted - House (91 - 2)
2/21 HB 8 Establishes Enhanced Penalties for Several Crimes and Criminal Competency Provisions Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 3)
2/21 HB 234 Increases Sportsmen's Credit Card Purchase Privacy Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 17)
2/21 HB 56 Authorizes Medicaid Reimbursements for Birth Centers Bill Passed - House (62 - 1)
2/21 SB 68 Establishes New Guidelines for Personal Injury Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 21)
2/21 HB 380 Authorizes the Sale of Contraceptives and Condoms in School Vending Machines Bill Passed - House (89 - 41)
2/21 HB 400 Prohibits Discipline Against Students who Refuse to Use Peers' Preferred Names or Pronouns Bill Passed - House (56 - 42)
2/21 SB 460 Authorizes Religious and Philosophical Exemptions for School Vaccinations Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
2/21 HB 1116 Repeals a Reporting Requirement Regarding Industrial Hemp Bill Passed - House (66 - 3)
2/21 HB 77 Authorizes a Select Few Flags to be Displayed Inside of Public Classrooms Bill Passed - House (49 - 20)
2/20 HB 207 Reduces Certain Weapon Restrictions and Bans "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (207 - 162)
2/20 SB 105 Amends and Modifies Provisions Relating to Invasive Plants Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
2/20 HB 10 Establishes a Law Enforcement Bureau in New Mexico to Regulate Cannabis Bill Passed - House (68 - 1)
2/20 HB 2359 Establishes the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act and the Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship and Other Protective Arrangements Act Bill Passed - House (89 - 34)
2/20 HB 2933 Authorizes Amendments Made by the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission Relating to Sentencing Guidelines Bill Passed - House (33 - 18)
2/20 SB 40 Authorizes Firearm Hold Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
2/20 HB 1484 Increases Sentences for Individuals Convicted of Rape Resulting in a Pregnancy Bill Passed - House (97 - 0)
2/20 HB 1720 Expands Medication Assistance to Residents in Community-Based Settings Bill Passed - House (97 - 0)
2/20 HB 2164 Authorizes Individuals Who Are 20 Years of Age or Older to Apply for Certification as a Police Officer Bill Passed - House (97 - 4)
2/20 HB 1174 Amends Certain Provisions Related to the Rights and Obligations of a Father of a Child Born to an Unmarried Mother Bill Passed - House (65 - 5)
2/20 SB 197 Establishes a Class C Misdemeanor to Use Public Land for Long-Term Shelter Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
2/20 HF 180 Requires Individuals Convicted of Grooming to Register as Sex Offenders Bill Passed - House (87 - 5)
2/20 SJR 5 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Denial of Bail Under Limited Circumstances Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
2/20 SJR 5 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment Authorizing the Denial of Bail Under Limited Circumstances Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
2/20 SB 167 Requires the Protection of the First Person to Call 911 in Incidents Involving Hazing Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
2/20 SB 60 Amends Existing Law Making Manufacturing or Possessing Meth an Act of Child Endangerment Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
2/20 HB 1260 Requires that Birth Certificates and Certain Official Documents Reflect an Individual's Biological Sex Bill Failed - House (34 - 36)
2/20 HB 495 Transfers State Control of the St. Louis Police Department to a Governor Appointed Board Bill Passed - House (106 - 47)
2/20 SB 25-004 Authorizes Parents to Request Refunds on Fees from Childcare Centers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
2/20 HB 1181 Defines Gender as Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (74 - 13)
2/19 SB 213 Establishes the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act to Improve Maternal Health Bill Passed - House (76 - 6)
2/19 SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 2)
2/19 SB 89 Authorizes the Kansas Department of Agriculture to Assess a Participant Fee for Poultry Producers Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
2/19 HB 1259 Prohibits Unauthorized Access to Certain Multi-Occupancy Restrooms Bill Passed - House (49 - 21)
2/19 HB 1236 Extends the Safety Zone from 660 Feet to One-Quarter Mile Bill Passed - House (51 - 19)
2/19 HB 2438 Prohibits Individuals from Changing Their Birth Certificates to Reflect Their Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (33 - 26)
2/19 SB 79 Limits SNAP Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
2/19 HJR 15 Requires the Return of a Granite Monument Inscribed with the 10 Commandments to the Capitol Grounds for Permanent Display Joint Resolution Passed - House (79 - 13)
2/19 SB 67 Authorizes Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists to Prescribe and Administer Drugs Consistent with Registered Nurse Anesthetist's Education and Qualifications Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 4)
2/19 HB 2438 Prohibits Individuals from Changing Their Birth Certificates to Reflect Their Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (33 - 26)
2/19 HB 1236 Extends the Safety Zone from 660 Feet to One-Quarter Mile Bill Passed - House (51 - 19)
2/19 SB 40 Amends Bail Bonds and Prohibits the Use of Public Tax Funds to Pay Bail Bonds Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
2/18 SB 63 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
2/18 SB 63 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Veto Override Passed - House (84 - 35)
2/18 HB 1876 Authorizes Public Colleges and Universities to Prohibit Guns on School Property Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 45)
2/18 HB 45 Repeals and Removes Otters from the List of Protected Animals for Hunting Purposes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 7)
2/18 SB 1105 Establishes the Right to Access and Use FDA-Approved Contraceptives Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/18 HB 45 Repeals and Removes Otters from the List of Protected Animals for Hunting Purposes Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 7)

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