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 25, 2025 MI SB 332 Prohibits the Sale, Possession, and Distribution of Ghost Guns Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
June 24, 2025 NC HB 805 Defines Sex in North Carolina State Law Based on Biological Attributes and Amends Relevant Laws Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
June 24, 2025 NC HB 805 Defines Sex in North Carolina State Law Based on Biological Attributes and Amends Relevant Laws Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
June 24, 2025 MI SB 217 Expands Protections for Bicyclists on Roadways Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
June 24, 2025 MI SB 216 Expands Protections for Bicyclists on Roadways Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
June 23, 2025 NC SB 442 Amends Child Abuse and Neglect Statutes to Exempt Conduct Described as Raising a Child "Consistent with the Juvenile's Biological Sex" and Prohibits Adoptive Parents from Being Screened Based on Whether They Would Deny Their Child Gender-Affirming Care Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
June 23, 2025 CA AB 1297 Prohibits Both Parties in a Divorce from Allowing an Insurance Plan to Lapse for Nonpayment of Premiums or for Failing to Renew Insurance Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
June 23, 2025 OR SB 1173 Prohibits Lawsuits Against Hospitals for Injury Caused by Drugs That the Hospital Did Not Design, Manufacture, or Sell Commercially Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
June 20, 2025 RI S 238 Establishes Protections Against the Censorship of Library Materials Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
June 20, 2025 RI H 5506 Prohibits Mandatory Attendance at Workplace Meetings Regarding an Employer's Opinions on Political or Religious Matters Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
June 20, 2025 RI H 5506 Prohibits Mandatory Attendance at Workplace Meetings Regarding an Employer's Opinions on Political or Religious Matters Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
June 20, 2025 RI S 359 Prohibits the Manufacture, Purchase and Sale of Certain Types of Semiautomatic Shotguns and Rifles Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
June 19, 2025 NC HB 442 Establishes Longer Flounder/Red Snapper Seasons and Shrimp Trawl Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 2)
June 18, 2025 ME LD 1971 Limits How Local Law Enforcement Agencies Assist Federal Immigration Officials Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
June 18, 2025 National PN 12-40 Nomination of Rodney Scott to be Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 46)
June 18, 2025 WI AB 85 Increases Early Release Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
June 18, 2025 WI AB 87 Requires an Individual Convicted of Child Trafficking to Pay Restitution Immediately or Have Assets Seized Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
June 18, 2025 OH HB 64 Reduces the Age of Eligibility for Discounted Hunting and Fishing Licenses From 66 to 65 Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
June 18, 2025 National PN 12-40 Nomination of Rodney Scott to be Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security Cloture Invoked - Senate (50 - 46)
June 18, 2025 OH SB 172 Prohibits Immigration-Related Arrest Protections Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
June 18, 2025 OH SB 172 Prohibits Immigration-Related Arrest Protections Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
June 18, 2025 WI SB 94 Increases Penalties for Acts of Violence and Other Actions Which Contribute to a Riot Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
June 18, 2025 WI SB 278 Extends the Governmental Grant Program for Community-Oriented Policing-House Programs to July 1, 2027 Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
June 18, 2025 WI SB 111 Requires Counties That Approve Emergency Detention for a Minor to Transport the Minor to the Detention Facility Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
June 17, 2025 ME LD 1189 Authorizes an Attorney for the State to Determine Whether to Charge Certain Class E Crimes as Civil Violations "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
June 16, 2025 VT S 51 Establishes a Vermont Unpaid Caregiver Tax Credit Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 0)
June 16, 2025 ME LD 1164 Authorizes Each Federally Recognized Indian Nation, Tribe, or Band, in the State to Operate Internet Gaming Under a License from the Gambling Control Unit "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
June 13, 2025 ME LD 1062 Repeals Private Sale Firearm Background Checks in Maine "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 15)
June 13, 2025 ME LD 1062 Repeals Private Sale Firearm Background Checks in Maine "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 15)
June 13, 2025 NY S 8391 Requires Prior Consent of a Deceased Individual's Heir to Use Their Voice in Media Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
June 12, 2025 ME LD 1120 Prohibits Certain Forms of Firearm Storage Defined as Negligent "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Not Adopted - Senate (16 - 19)
June 12, 2025 ME LD 1120 Prohibits Certain Forms of Firearm Storage Defined as Negligent "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Not Adopted - Senate (16 - 19)
June 12, 2025 ME LD 424 Reduces the Age Requirement for an Individual to Carry a Firearm Without a Permit "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 17)
June 12, 2025 ME LD 424 Reduces the Age Requirement for an Individual to Carry a Firearm Without a Permit "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 17)
June 12, 2025 ME LD 998 Authorizes Employers to Prohibit Employees From Storing Firearms in Their Vehicle While at Work "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 16)
June 12, 2025 ME LD 677 Prohibits the Posession of Certain Rapid-Fire Devices in Maine "Ought to Pass" Report Not Adopted - Senate (16 - 19)
June 12, 2025 NY S 54 Repeals the "Voluntary Intoxication" Loophole Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
June 11, 2025 LA SB 25 Establishes the St. George Community School System With the Same Authority as a Parish Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
June 11, 2025 NY A 6556 Authorizes Cruelty to Animals to be Considered as a Factor for a Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 1)
June 11, 2025 NY A 1894 Repeals Provisions Requiring Reporting of a Patient's Drug Use Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 20)
June 11, 2025 NY A 6556 Authorizes Cruelty to Animals to be Considered as a Factor for a Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 1)
June 11, 2025 NY A 1894 Repeals Provisions Requiring Reporting of a Patient's Drug Use Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 20)
June 11, 2025 NY S 4552 Prohibits The Sale of Kratom to Individuals Under The Age of 21 Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
June 11, 2025 NY S 6573 Requires Municipal Employees to Attempt to Identify and Notify the Owners of a Deceased Dog or Cat Recovered on Public Roads Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
June 11, 2025 NY S 3967 Authorizes Legal Immunity for Sex Workers 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 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 LA SB 15 Authorizes Punishments to Jailers for Not Cooperating with ICE Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
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)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/25 SB 332 Prohibits the Sale, Possession, and Distribution of Ghost Guns Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
6/24 HB 805 Defines Sex in North Carolina State Law Based on Biological Attributes and Amends Relevant Laws Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
6/24 HB 805 Defines Sex in North Carolina State Law Based on Biological Attributes and Amends Relevant Laws Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
6/24 SB 217 Expands Protections for Bicyclists on Roadways Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
6/24 SB 216 Expands Protections for Bicyclists on Roadways Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
6/23 SB 442 Amends Child Abuse and Neglect Statutes to Exempt Conduct Described as Raising a Child "Consistent with the Juvenile's Biological Sex" and Prohibits Adoptive Parents from Being Screened Based on Whether They Would Deny Their Child Gender-Affirming Care Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
6/23 AB 1297 Prohibits Both Parties in a Divorce from Allowing an Insurance Plan to Lapse for Nonpayment of Premiums or for Failing to Renew Insurance Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
6/23 SB 1173 Prohibits Lawsuits Against Hospitals for Injury Caused by Drugs That the Hospital Did Not Design, Manufacture, or Sell Commercially Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
6/20 S 238 Establishes Protections Against the Censorship of Library Materials Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
6/20 H 5506 Prohibits Mandatory Attendance at Workplace Meetings Regarding an Employer's Opinions on Political or Religious Matters Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
6/20 H 5506 Prohibits Mandatory Attendance at Workplace Meetings Regarding an Employer's Opinions on Political or Religious Matters Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
6/20 S 359 Prohibits the Manufacture, Purchase and Sale of Certain Types of Semiautomatic Shotguns and Rifles Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
6/19 HB 442 Establishes Longer Flounder/Red Snapper Seasons and Shrimp Trawl Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 2)
6/18 LD 1971 Limits How Local Law Enforcement Agencies Assist Federal Immigration Officials Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
6/18 PN 12-40 Nomination of Rodney Scott to be Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 46)
6/18 AB 85 Increases Early Release Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
6/18 AB 87 Requires an Individual Convicted of Child Trafficking to Pay Restitution Immediately or Have Assets Seized Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
6/18 HB 64 Reduces the Age of Eligibility for Discounted Hunting and Fishing Licenses From 66 to 65 Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
6/18 PN 12-40 Nomination of Rodney Scott to be Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security Cloture Invoked - Senate (50 - 46)
6/18 SB 172 Prohibits Immigration-Related Arrest Protections Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
6/18 SB 172 Prohibits Immigration-Related Arrest Protections Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
6/18 SB 94 Increases Penalties for Acts of Violence and Other Actions Which Contribute to a Riot Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
6/18 SB 278 Extends the Governmental Grant Program for Community-Oriented Policing-House Programs to July 1, 2027 Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
6/18 SB 111 Requires Counties That Approve Emergency Detention for a Minor to Transport the Minor to the Detention Facility Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
6/17 LD 1189 Authorizes an Attorney for the State to Determine Whether to Charge Certain Class E Crimes as Civil Violations "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
6/16 S 51 Establishes a Vermont Unpaid Caregiver Tax Credit Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 0)
6/16 LD 1164 Authorizes Each Federally Recognized Indian Nation, Tribe, or Band, in the State to Operate Internet Gaming Under a License from the Gambling Control Unit "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
6/13 LD 1062 Repeals Private Sale Firearm Background Checks in Maine "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 15)
6/13 LD 1062 Repeals Private Sale Firearm Background Checks in Maine "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 15)
6/13 S 8391 Requires Prior Consent of a Deceased Individual's Heir to Use Their Voice in Media Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
6/12 LD 1120 Prohibits Certain Forms of Firearm Storage Defined as Negligent "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Not Adopted - Senate (16 - 19)
6/12 LD 1120 Prohibits Certain Forms of Firearm Storage Defined as Negligent "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Not Adopted - Senate (16 - 19)
6/12 LD 424 Reduces the Age Requirement for an Individual to Carry a Firearm Without a Permit "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 17)
6/12 LD 424 Reduces the Age Requirement for an Individual to Carry a Firearm Without a Permit "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 17)
6/12 LD 998 Authorizes Employers to Prohibit Employees From Storing Firearms in Their Vehicle While at Work "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 16)
6/12 LD 677 Prohibits the Posession of Certain Rapid-Fire Devices in Maine "Ought to Pass" Report Not Adopted - Senate (16 - 19)
6/12 S 54 Repeals the "Voluntary Intoxication" Loophole Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
6/11 SB 25 Establishes the St. George Community School System With the Same Authority as a Parish Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
6/11 A 6556 Authorizes Cruelty to Animals to be Considered as a Factor for a Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 1)
6/11 A 1894 Repeals Provisions Requiring Reporting of a Patient's Drug Use Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 20)
6/11 A 6556 Authorizes Cruelty to Animals to be Considered as a Factor for a Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 1)
6/11 A 1894 Repeals Provisions Requiring Reporting of a Patient's Drug Use Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 20)
6/11 S 4552 Prohibits The Sale of Kratom to Individuals Under The Age of 21 Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
6/11 S 6573 Requires Municipal Employees to Attempt to Identify and Notify the Owners of a Deceased Dog or Cat Recovered on Public Roads Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
6/11 S 3967 Authorizes Legal Immunity for Sex Workers 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 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 SB 15 Authorizes Punishments to Jailers for Not Cooperating with ICE Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
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)

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