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. 6, 2025 AL SB 79 Defines "Gender" to be Based on Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
Feb. 6, 2025 ID H 37 Establishes Firing Squads as the Primary Method of Execution Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
Feb. 5, 2025 PA HB 324 Authorizes Licensing of Poultry Technicians to be Done by the Secretary of Agriculture Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 4)
Feb. 5, 2025 AR HB 1181 Amends the Full Practice Authority of a Certified Nurse Midwife to Allow Admitting Privileges Bill Passed - House (96 - 2)
Feb. 5, 2025 KS HCR 5004 Amends Constitutional Citizenship Requirement for Voting Joint Resolution Passed - House (90 - 28)
Feb. 5, 2025 CO SB 25-014 Repeals Colorado's Statutory Ban on Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
Feb. 5, 2025 CO SB 25-014 Repeals Colorado's Statutory Ban on Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
Feb. 4, 2025 VA SB 982 Authorizes Casinos to be Owned and Operated in New Localities Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Feb. 4, 2025 VA HB 1597 Requires Secure Storage of Firearms in Households with Minors Bill Passed - House (50 - 48)
Feb. 4, 2025 VA SB 746 Expands the Definition of Felony Homicide to Include Fentanyl Distributors in Lethal Overdoses Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6)
Feb. 4, 2025 VA SB 746 Expands the Definition of Felony Homicide to Include Fentanyl Distributors in Lethal Overdoses Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6)
Feb. 4, 2025 VA HB 1977 Prohibits Weapons in Hospitals that Provide Mental Health Care Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
Feb. 4, 2025 VA HB 1876 Authorizes Public Colleges and Universities to Prohibit Guns on School Property Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
Feb. 4, 2025 VA HB 2657 Authorizes Fentanyl Dealers to be Charged with Felony Involuntary Manslaughter if Their Drugs Sold Result in a Minors Death Bill Passed - House (98 - 1)
Feb. 4, 2025 VA HB 2657 Authorizes Fentanyl Dealers to be Charged with Felony Involuntary Manslaughter if Their Drugs Sold Result in a Minors Death Bill Passed - House (98 - 1)
Feb. 4, 2025 VA HB 1660 Prohibits the Use of Trigger Activators in Firearms Bill Passed - House (51 - 48)
Feb. 4, 2025 MT SB 164 Establishes a Felony Charge for a Parent to Seek Care or for Their Transgender Youth Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
Feb. 4, 2025 MT SB 164 Establishes a Felony Charge for a Parent to Seek Care or for Their Transgender Youth Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
Feb. 4, 2025 IN HB 1393 Requires Law Enforcement to Report Arrestees for Suspected Illegal Immigration Status Bill Passed - House (67 - 26)
Feb. 4, 2025 IN HB 1393 Requires Law Enforcement to Report Arrestees for Suspected Illegal Immigration Status Bill Passed - House (67 - 26)
Feb. 4, 2025 IN HB 1095 Expands the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force to include Lake County Bill Passed - House (89 - 0)
Feb. 4, 2025 VA HB 2631 Establishes a 5-Day Waiting Period for Gun Purchases Bill Passed - House (51 - 47)
Feb. 4, 2025 National HR 776 Nutria Eradication and Control Reauthorization Act Bill Passed - House (361 - 56)
Feb. 3, 2025 CA SB 2 Appropriates $25 Million for the State Department of Justice to Pay for Legal Battles Involving the Federal Government Bill Passed - House (58 - 17)
Feb. 3, 2025 SD SB 7 Prohibits Sanctuary City Policies in the State Bill Passed - House (62 - 6)
Feb. 3, 2025 MS HB 1302 Authorizes Legal Online Mobile Sports Betting Bill Passed - House (89 - 11)
Feb. 3, 2025 IN SB 430 Appropriates Grants to Law Enforcement Agencies that Seek Training with ICE Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
Feb. 3, 2025 PA HB 324 Authorizes Licensing of Poultry Technicians to be Done by the Secretary of Agriculture Bill Passed - House (161 - 41)
Feb. 3, 2025 ND HB 1263 Amends State Criminal Records Sealing Laws Bill Passed - House (93 - 0)
Feb. 3, 2025 IN SB 430 Appropriates Grants to Law Enforcement Agencies that Seek Training with ICE Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
Feb. 3, 2025 VA SB 1098 Prohibits Healthcare Professionals from Out of State Extradition for Providing Legal Services Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Jan. 31, 2025 VA HJR 2 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment that Restores Felon Voting Rights Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 31, 2025 VA HJR 1 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment Enshrining Rights to Abortion Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 31, 2025 KS SB 63 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - House (83 - 35)
Jan. 31, 2025 KS SB 63 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2025 TN SB 6002 Establishes Class E Felony Criminal Penalties for Officials Who Adopt Sanctuary City Policies Bill Passed - House (72 - 21)
Jan. 30, 2025 SD SB 5 Authorizes Sheriffs to Charge a Fee for Service of Process Whether Service is Completed or Not Bill Passed - House (58 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2025 TN SB 6002 Establishes Class E Felony Criminal Penalties for Officials Who Adopt Sanctuary City Policies Bill Passed - House (72 - 21)
Jan. 30, 2025 NH SB 62 Authorizes Law Enforcement Officials to Enter into Agreements with ICE "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2025 NH SB 13 Prohibits the State from Recognizing Licenses Issued to Undocumented Immigrants in Other States "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2025 NH SB 15 Authorizes a Sentence of Hard Labor for Individuals Convicted of Capital Murder or Serious Sexual Assaults on Children "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 9)
Jan. 30, 2025 NH SB 71 Prohibits Sanctuary City Policies in the State "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2025 NH SB 14 Establishes Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Individuals Convicted on Fentanyl Charges "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2025 NH SB 14 Establishes Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Individuals Convicted on Fentanyl Charges "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2025 NH SB 62 Authorizes Law Enforcement Officials to Enter into Agreements with ICE "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2025 ID S 1019 Prohibits Making False Emergency Reports (Swatting) Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
Jan. 30, 2025 DE HB 33 Establishes Jurisdiction over Adult Cannabis Offenses Committed in Newark to the Alderman's Court Bill Passed - House (37 - 0)
Jan. 30, 2025 NJ A 1682 Requires Labor Movement History be Included in Social Studies Curriculum for Grades 6-12 Bill Passed - House (64 - 3)
Jan. 30, 2025 SD SB 64 Amends Rules about Setting Parole Dates Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
Jan. 30, 2025 IA HF 144 Establishes a 5-Year Moratorium on New Casino Licenses Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
Jan. 29, 2025 ND SB 2137 Authorizes Hunters to Bait Deer on Private Property Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
Jan. 29, 2025 TN SB 6002 Establishes Class E Felony Criminal Penalties for Officials Who Adopt Sanctuary City Policies Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Jan. 29, 2025 WY SF 62 Requires Students to Utilize Bathrooms Based on Sex at Birth Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
Jan. 29, 2025 ND SB 2137 Authorizes Hunters to Bait Deer on Private Property Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
Jan. 29, 2025 TN SB 6002 Establishes Class E Felony Criminal Penalties for Officials Who Adopt Sanctuary City Policies Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Jan. 28, 2025 NY A 434 Requires Car Makers and Dealers Allow Domestic Violence Victims to Block Third-Party Access to Their Vehicle's Tracking or Control System Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 0)
Jan. 28, 2025 NY A 432 Repeals References to an "I Love NY Historic Small Business" Brand While Maintaining Other Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 0)
Jan. 28, 2025 MS HB 553 Establishes a State Stamp or Permit to Hunt Wild Turkeys Bill Passed - House (103 - 12)
Jan. 28, 2025 VA SB 1105 Establishes the Right to Access and Use FDA-Approved Contraceptives Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 28, 2025 VA SB 1182 Authorizes Public Universities to Ban Firearms and Explosive Materials in Their Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 28, 2025 MS HB 553 Establishes a State Stamp or Permit to Hunt Wild Turkeys Bill Passed - House (103 - 12)
Jan. 28, 2025 SD SB 51 Requires Public Schools Display the 10 Commandments in Every Classroom Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
Jan. 28, 2025 MS HB 816 Requires Mandatory Harvest Reporting of Deer Bill Passed - House (79 - 29)
Jan. 28, 2025 MS HB 816 Requires Mandatory Harvest Reporting of Deer Bill Passed - House (79 - 29)
Jan. 28, 2025 DE HB 6 Authorizes and Grants Subpoena Power to the State Auditor Bill Passed - House (37 - 0)
Jan. 28, 2025 VA SB 886 Prohibits the Use of Trigger Activators in Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 28, 2025 VA SB 1134 Requires Secure Storage of Firearms in Households with Minors Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 28, 2025 VA SB 880 Prohibits Carrying Assault-Style Weapons in Public Areas Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 27, 2025 VA SB 891 Requires a 5-Day Waiting Period for Firearm Sales Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Jan. 27, 2025 VA SB 881 Prohibits the Manufacturing and Sale of Unserialized Firearms (Ghost Guns) Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Jan. 27, 2025 VA SB 1110 Prohibits Weapons in Hospitals that Provide Mental Health Services Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Jan. 27, 2025 VA SB 1181 Limits the Sale of Assault-Style Firearm Weapons to Individuals 21 or Older Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Jan. 27, 2025 ID S 1001 Establishes the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
Jan. 27, 2025 VA SB 1110 Prohibits Weapons in Hospitals that Provide Mental Health Services Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Jan. 24, 2025 SD SB 41 Specifies the Minimum Age Requirements for a Hunting License Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/06 SB 79 Defines "Gender" to be Based on Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
2/06 H 37 Establishes Firing Squads as the Primary Method of Execution Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
2/05 HB 324 Authorizes Licensing of Poultry Technicians to be Done by the Secretary of Agriculture Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 4)
2/05 HB 1181 Amends the Full Practice Authority of a Certified Nurse Midwife to Allow Admitting Privileges Bill Passed - House (96 - 2)
2/05 HCR 5004 Amends Constitutional Citizenship Requirement for Voting Joint Resolution Passed - House (90 - 28)
2/05 SB 25-014 Repeals Colorado's Statutory Ban on Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
2/05 SB 25-014 Repeals Colorado's Statutory Ban on Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
2/04 SB 982 Authorizes Casinos to be Owned and Operated in New Localities Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
2/04 HB 1597 Requires Secure Storage of Firearms in Households with Minors Bill Passed - House (50 - 48)
2/04 SB 746 Expands the Definition of Felony Homicide to Include Fentanyl Distributors in Lethal Overdoses Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6)
2/04 SB 746 Expands the Definition of Felony Homicide to Include Fentanyl Distributors in Lethal Overdoses Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6)
2/04 HB 1977 Prohibits Weapons in Hospitals that Provide Mental Health Care Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
2/04 HB 1876 Authorizes Public Colleges and Universities to Prohibit Guns on School Property Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
2/04 HB 2657 Authorizes Fentanyl Dealers to be Charged with Felony Involuntary Manslaughter if Their Drugs Sold Result in a Minors Death Bill Passed - House (98 - 1)
2/04 HB 2657 Authorizes Fentanyl Dealers to be Charged with Felony Involuntary Manslaughter if Their Drugs Sold Result in a Minors Death Bill Passed - House (98 - 1)
2/04 HB 1660 Prohibits the Use of Trigger Activators in Firearms Bill Passed - House (51 - 48)
2/04 SB 164 Establishes a Felony Charge for a Parent to Seek Care or for Their Transgender Youth Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
2/04 SB 164 Establishes a Felony Charge for a Parent to Seek Care or for Their Transgender Youth Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20)
2/04 HB 1393 Requires Law Enforcement to Report Arrestees for Suspected Illegal Immigration Status Bill Passed - House (67 - 26)
2/04 HB 1393 Requires Law Enforcement to Report Arrestees for Suspected Illegal Immigration Status Bill Passed - House (67 - 26)
2/04 HB 1095 Expands the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force to include Lake County Bill Passed - House (89 - 0)
2/04 HB 2631 Establishes a 5-Day Waiting Period for Gun Purchases Bill Passed - House (51 - 47)
2/04 HR 776 Nutria Eradication and Control Reauthorization Act Bill Passed - House (361 - 56)
2/03 SB 2 Appropriates $25 Million for the State Department of Justice to Pay for Legal Battles Involving the Federal Government Bill Passed - House (58 - 17)
2/03 SB 7 Prohibits Sanctuary City Policies in the State Bill Passed - House (62 - 6)
2/03 HB 1302 Authorizes Legal Online Mobile Sports Betting Bill Passed - House (89 - 11)
2/03 SB 430 Appropriates Grants to Law Enforcement Agencies that Seek Training with ICE Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
2/03 HB 324 Authorizes Licensing of Poultry Technicians to be Done by the Secretary of Agriculture Bill Passed - House (161 - 41)
2/03 HB 1263 Amends State Criminal Records Sealing Laws Bill Passed - House (93 - 0)
2/03 SB 430 Appropriates Grants to Law Enforcement Agencies that Seek Training with ICE Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
2/03 SB 1098 Prohibits Healthcare Professionals from Out of State Extradition for Providing Legal Services Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
1/31 HJR 2 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment that Restores Felon Voting Rights Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/31 HJR 1 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment Enshrining Rights to Abortion Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/31 SB 63 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - House (83 - 35)
1/31 SB 63 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
1/30 SB 6002 Establishes Class E Felony Criminal Penalties for Officials Who Adopt Sanctuary City Policies Bill Passed - House (72 - 21)
1/30 SB 5 Authorizes Sheriffs to Charge a Fee for Service of Process Whether Service is Completed or Not Bill Passed - House (58 - 8)
1/30 SB 6002 Establishes Class E Felony Criminal Penalties for Officials Who Adopt Sanctuary City Policies Bill Passed - House (72 - 21)
1/30 SB 62 Authorizes Law Enforcement Officials to Enter into Agreements with ICE "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
1/30 SB 13 Prohibits the State from Recognizing Licenses Issued to Undocumented Immigrants in Other States "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
1/30 SB 15 Authorizes a Sentence of Hard Labor for Individuals Convicted of Capital Murder or Serious Sexual Assaults on Children "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 9)
1/30 SB 71 Prohibits Sanctuary City Policies in the State "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
1/30 SB 14 Establishes Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Individuals Convicted on Fentanyl Charges "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
1/30 SB 14 Establishes Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Individuals Convicted on Fentanyl Charges "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
1/30 SB 62 Authorizes Law Enforcement Officials to Enter into Agreements with ICE "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 8)
1/30 S 1019 Prohibits Making False Emergency Reports (Swatting) Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
1/30 HB 33 Establishes Jurisdiction over Adult Cannabis Offenses Committed in Newark to the Alderman's Court Bill Passed - House (37 - 0)
1/30 A 1682 Requires Labor Movement History be Included in Social Studies Curriculum for Grades 6-12 Bill Passed - House (64 - 3)
1/30 SB 64 Amends Rules about Setting Parole Dates Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
1/30 HF 144 Establishes a 5-Year Moratorium on New Casino Licenses Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
1/29 SB 2137 Authorizes Hunters to Bait Deer on Private Property Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
1/29 SB 6002 Establishes Class E Felony Criminal Penalties for Officials Who Adopt Sanctuary City Policies Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
1/29 SF 62 Requires Students to Utilize Bathrooms Based on Sex at Birth Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
1/29 SB 2137 Authorizes Hunters to Bait Deer on Private Property Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
1/29 SB 6002 Establishes Class E Felony Criminal Penalties for Officials Who Adopt Sanctuary City Policies Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
1/28 A 434 Requires Car Makers and Dealers Allow Domestic Violence Victims to Block Third-Party Access to Their Vehicle's Tracking or Control System Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 0)
1/28 A 432 Repeals References to an "I Love NY Historic Small Business" Brand While Maintaining Other Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 0)
1/28 HB 553 Establishes a State Stamp or Permit to Hunt Wild Turkeys Bill Passed - House (103 - 12)
1/28 SB 1105 Establishes the Right to Access and Use FDA-Approved Contraceptives Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/28 SB 1182 Authorizes Public Universities to Ban Firearms and Explosive Materials in Their Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/28 HB 553 Establishes a State Stamp or Permit to Hunt Wild Turkeys Bill Passed - House (103 - 12)
1/28 SB 51 Requires Public Schools Display the 10 Commandments in Every Classroom Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
1/28 HB 816 Requires Mandatory Harvest Reporting of Deer Bill Passed - House (79 - 29)
1/28 HB 816 Requires Mandatory Harvest Reporting of Deer Bill Passed - House (79 - 29)
1/28 HB 6 Authorizes and Grants Subpoena Power to the State Auditor Bill Passed - House (37 - 0)
1/28 SB 886 Prohibits the Use of Trigger Activators in Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/28 SB 1134 Requires Secure Storage of Firearms in Households with Minors Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/28 SB 880 Prohibits Carrying Assault-Style Weapons in Public Areas Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/27 SB 891 Requires a 5-Day Waiting Period for Firearm Sales Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
1/27 SB 881 Prohibits the Manufacturing and Sale of Unserialized Firearms (Ghost Guns) Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
1/27 SB 1110 Prohibits Weapons in Hospitals that Provide Mental Health Services Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
1/27 SB 1181 Limits the Sale of Assault-Style Firearm Weapons to Individuals 21 or Older Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
1/27 S 1001 Establishes the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
1/27 SB 1110 Prohibits Weapons in Hospitals that Provide Mental Health Services Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
1/24 SB 41 Specifies the Minimum Age Requirements for a Hunting License Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)

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