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
April 28, 2025 AZ HB 2438 Prohibits Individuals from Changing Their Birth Certificates to Reflect Their Gender Identity Concurrence Vote Passed - House (32 - 23)
April 28, 2025 CO SB 25-001 Establishes Protections for Voters in a Protected Class and Authorizes the Filing of Civil Suits for Discrimination Bill Passed - House (59 - 3)
April 28, 2025 National S 146 Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks (TAKE IT DOWN) Act Bill Passed - House (409 - 2)
April 23, 2025 IA HF 710 Authorizes Boat Owners to Construct Hard Dock Roofs on Iowa Docks Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 4)
April 22, 2025 ME LD 260 Extends and Expands Equal Rights in the Maine Constitution to Include Gender Identity and Gender Expression "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 13)
April 22, 2025 NV AB 499 Requires Voter Photo Identification and Reforms to Mail Voting and Voter Registration Systems Bill Passed - House (30 - 12)
April 21, 2025 NV AB 445 Exempts Library Employees in Nevada from Liability for Providing Access to Library Materials Bill Passed - House (32 - 9)
April 21, 2025 CO SB 25-276 Extends and Expands the State's Protections on Disclosing Personal Information Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
April 17, 2025 ME LD 522 Authorizes The Permanent Commission on the Status of Women to Study Gender Segregation in Maine's Workforce "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 12)
April 17, 2025 AZ SB 1378 Amends the Definition of a Political Sign to Include Flags Along with Signs to Clarify that Signs and Flags can be Used to Express Political Views Bill Passed - House (32 - 25)
April 17, 2025 IA SJR 9 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Allow Minors and Certain Adults with Disabilities to Testify Remotely Against Their Alleged Abusers Joint Resolution Passed - House (87 - 6)
April 17, 2025 ME LD 260 Extends and Expands Equal Rights in the Maine Constitution to Include Gender Identity and Gender Expression "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (74 - 69)
April 17, 2025 MI SB 30 Establishes Reporting Procedures for Mistreatment During Perinatal Period Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
April 17, 2025 MI SB 34 Amends the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to Prohibit Discrimination Based On Sex to Include Pregnancy Status Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
April 16, 2025 NV SB 444 Requires School Districts to Update Electronic Device Discipline Policies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
April 15, 2025 AZ HB 2438 Prohibits Individuals from Changing Their Birth Certificates to Reflect Their Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
April 15, 2025 ME LD 522 Authorizes The Permanent Commission on the Status of Women to Study Gender Segregation in Maine's Workforce "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (82 - 63)
April 15, 2025 IA SJR 11 Amends the State Constitution to Require a Super-Majority for Certain Tax Changes Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
April 15, 2025 OR SB 1191 Authorizes Individuals to Inform Others of Their Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 1)
April 15, 2025 OR SB 1175 Establishes a Temporary Task Force on Removing Barriers to Jury Service Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
April 10, 2025 IL SB 42 Prohibits Police from Stopping, Detaining, or Searching a Vehicle Based Solely on the Smell of Cannabis Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
April 8, 2025 IL HB 3527 Prohibit Schools from Using a Name, Logo, or Mascot that is Derogatory or Representative of a Disabled Individual or Group Bill Passed - House (71 - 38)
April 7, 2025 ND HB 1300 Specifies Timeline for When Term Limits Passed by Voters in 2022 Officially Take Effect Concurrence Vote Failed - House (42 - 48)
April 7, 2025 AR HJR 1018 Establishes a Citizens-Only Voting Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (82 - 6)
April 6, 2025 CO SB 25-183 Defines the Right to an Abortion in the State Constitution Bill Passed - House (40 - 21)
April 5, 2025 MT HB 821 Amends Vote Requirements to Enact Constitutional Amendment by Initiative Bill Passed - House (56 - 42)
April 5, 2025 MT HB 822 Amends Vote Requirements to Enact Constitutional Amendments by Legislative Referendum Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
April 2, 2025 GA SB 36 Prohibits State and Local Governments from "Substantially Burdening" an Individual's Religious Freedom Bill Passed - House (96 - 70)
April 2, 2025 NY A 6869 Prohibits Discriminatory Practices by Real Estate Appraisers Bill Passed - House (146 - 2)
April 1, 2025 TX HJR 4 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment that Would Ban the Legislature from Imposing a Tax on Financial Trades Joint Resolution Passed - House (111 - 31)
March 31, 2025 SD HB 1169 Amends Requirements for Petition Signatures to get a Constitutional Amendment on the Ballot Veto Override Failed - Senate (16 - 16)
March 31, 2025 SD HB 1169 Amends Requirements for Petition Signatures to get a Constitutional Amendment on the Ballot Veto Override Passed - House (50 - 18)
March 31, 2025 CO SB 25-001 Establishes Protections for Voters in a Protected Class and Authorizes the Filing of Civil Suits for Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
March 28, 2025 ID H 96 Prohibits Government Entities from Displaying Certain Flags Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 13)
March 28, 2025 ND HB 1300 Specifies Timeline for When Term Limits Passed by Voters in 2022 Officially Take Effect Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 6)
March 27, 2025 KY HB 399 Establishes Criminal Penalties for Interfering with a Legislative Proceeding Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
March 27, 2025 KY HB 399 Establishes Criminal Penalties for Interfering with a Legislative Proceeding Veto Override Passed - House (69 - 28)
March 26, 2025 ID H 96 Prohibits Government Entities from Displaying Certain Flags Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
March 25, 2025 KS HCR 5004 Amends Constitutional Citizenship Requirement for Voting Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
March 25, 2025 KS HCR 5004 Amends Constitutional Citizenship Requirement for Voting Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
March 25, 2025 CO SB 25-014 Repeals Colorado's Statutory Ban on Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (45 - 14)
March 25, 2025 IA SF 473 Establishes Protections for Religious and Moral Beliefs of Foster and Adoptive Parents Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
March 24, 2025 WV SB 579 Prohibits Municipalities Participating in the Home Rule Program from Establishing Nondiscrimination Ordinances Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
March 20, 2025 NC SB 50 Establishes State Constitutional Concealed Carry Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 18)
March 18, 2025 OK SB 1027 Limits Petitions for Ballot Measures Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 7)
March 17, 2025 PA HB 439 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Hair or Hairstyles Bill Passed - House (194 - 8)
March 12, 2025 SD SB 68 Requires an Individual be a Citizen of the United States Before Being Eligible to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (66 - 4)
March 12, 2025 SD SB 68 Requires an Individual be a Citizen of the United States Before Being Eligible to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (66 - 4)
March 12, 2025 CO SB 25-183 Defines the Right to an Abortion in the State Constitution Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
March 11, 2025 WV SB 456 Defines "Men" and "Women" in State Code Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 8)
March 11, 2025 SD HB 1169 Amends Requirements for Petition Signatures to get a Constitutional Amendment on the Ballot Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 6)
March 11, 2025 WV SB 456 Defines "Men" and "Women" in State Code Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
March 11, 2025 ID HJR 4 Authorizes a Ballot Proposal that Amends the State Constitution to State "Only the Legislature" May Reform State Cannabis Laws Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
March 11, 2025 AR SB 210 Requires Canvassers to Provide Ballot Title to Petition Signees Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
March 11, 2025 AR SB 209 Prohibits Signatures Gathered by Canvassers Which Violated State Law Bill Passed - House (72 - 25)
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 SD HB 1169 Amends Requirements for Petition Signatures to get a Constitutional Amendment on the Ballot Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
March 10, 2025 SD HJR 5003 Authorizes Asking Voters to Increase the Approval Threshold for Constitutional Amendments from a Simple Majority to 60% Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
March 10, 2025 SD HB 1184 Amends the Deadline for Filing a Petition to get a Constitutional Amendment on the Ballot Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
March 7, 2025 WV SB 456 Defines "Men" and "Women" in State Code Bill Passed - House (87 - 9)
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 UT HB 77 Authorizes a Select Few Flags to be Displayed Inside of Public Classrooms Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
March 6, 2025 National H Res 189 Censuring Representative Al Green of Texas. Resolution Passed - House (224 - 198)
March 6, 2025 AL HB 202 Extends Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - House (75 - 26)
March 5, 2025 National H Res 189 Censuring Representative Al Green of Texas. Resolution Not Tabled - House (209 - 211)
March 5, 2025 ID HJR 4 Authorizes a Ballot Proposal that Amends the State Constitution to State "Only the Legislature" May Reform State Cannabis Laws Joint Resolution Passed - House (58 - 10)
March 4, 2025 GA SB 36 Prohibits State and Local Governments from "Substantially Burdening" an Individual's Religious Freedom Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 23)
March 4, 2025 AL HB 209 Exempts Nursing Mothers from Jury Duty in Alabama Bill Passed - House (103 - 0)
March 3, 2025 AR SB 208 Requires Canvassers to Request a Photo ID of Potential Signers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
March 3, 2025 WY HB 207 Establishes the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 3)
March 3, 2025 WY HB 207 Establishes the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
March 3, 2025 WV SB 456 Defines "Men" and "Women" in State Code Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
Feb. 27, 2025 IA SF 418 Prohibits the Recognition of Gender Identity as a Protected Class Bill Passed - House (60 - 36)
Feb. 27, 2025 IA SF 418 Prohibits the Recognition of Gender Identity as a Protected Class Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
Feb. 25, 2025 AR SB 208 Requires Canvassers to Request a Photo ID of Potential Signers Bill Passed - House (70 - 24)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/28 HB 2438 Prohibits Individuals from Changing Their Birth Certificates to Reflect Their Gender Identity Concurrence Vote Passed - House (32 - 23)
4/28 SB 25-001 Establishes Protections for Voters in a Protected Class and Authorizes the Filing of Civil Suits for Discrimination Bill Passed - House (59 - 3)
4/28 S 146 Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks (TAKE IT DOWN) Act Bill Passed - House (409 - 2)
4/23 HF 710 Authorizes Boat Owners to Construct Hard Dock Roofs on Iowa Docks Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 4)
4/22 LD 260 Extends and Expands Equal Rights in the Maine Constitution to Include Gender Identity and Gender Expression "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 13)
4/22 AB 499 Requires Voter Photo Identification and Reforms to Mail Voting and Voter Registration Systems Bill Passed - House (30 - 12)
4/21 AB 445 Exempts Library Employees in Nevada from Liability for Providing Access to Library Materials Bill Passed - House (32 - 9)
4/21 SB 25-276 Extends and Expands the State's Protections on Disclosing Personal Information Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
4/17 LD 522 Authorizes The Permanent Commission on the Status of Women to Study Gender Segregation in Maine's Workforce "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 12)
4/17 SB 1378 Amends the Definition of a Political Sign to Include Flags Along with Signs to Clarify that Signs and Flags can be Used to Express Political Views Bill Passed - House (32 - 25)
4/17 SJR 9 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Allow Minors and Certain Adults with Disabilities to Testify Remotely Against Their Alleged Abusers Joint Resolution Passed - House (87 - 6)
4/17 LD 260 Extends and Expands Equal Rights in the Maine Constitution to Include Gender Identity and Gender Expression "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (74 - 69)
4/17 SB 30 Establishes Reporting Procedures for Mistreatment During Perinatal Period Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
4/17 SB 34 Amends the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to Prohibit Discrimination Based On Sex to Include Pregnancy Status Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
4/16 SB 444 Requires School Districts to Update Electronic Device Discipline Policies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
4/15 HB 2438 Prohibits Individuals from Changing Their Birth Certificates to Reflect Their Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
4/15 LD 522 Authorizes The Permanent Commission on the Status of Women to Study Gender Segregation in Maine's Workforce "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (82 - 63)
4/15 SJR 11 Amends the State Constitution to Require a Super-Majority for Certain Tax Changes Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
4/15 SB 1191 Authorizes Individuals to Inform Others of Their Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 1)
4/15 SB 1175 Establishes a Temporary Task Force on Removing Barriers to Jury Service Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
4/10 SB 42 Prohibits Police from Stopping, Detaining, or Searching a Vehicle Based Solely on the Smell of Cannabis Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
4/08 HB 3527 Prohibit Schools from Using a Name, Logo, or Mascot that is Derogatory or Representative of a Disabled Individual or Group Bill Passed - House (71 - 38)
4/07 HB 1300 Specifies Timeline for When Term Limits Passed by Voters in 2022 Officially Take Effect Concurrence Vote Failed - House (42 - 48)
4/07 HJR 1018 Establishes a Citizens-Only Voting Constitutional Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (82 - 6)
4/06 SB 25-183 Defines the Right to an Abortion in the State Constitution Bill Passed - House (40 - 21)
4/05 HB 821 Amends Vote Requirements to Enact Constitutional Amendment by Initiative Bill Passed - House (56 - 42)
4/05 HB 822 Amends Vote Requirements to Enact Constitutional Amendments by Legislative Referendum Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
4/02 SB 36 Prohibits State and Local Governments from "Substantially Burdening" an Individual's Religious Freedom Bill Passed - House (96 - 70)
4/02 A 6869 Prohibits Discriminatory Practices by Real Estate Appraisers Bill Passed - House (146 - 2)
4/01 HJR 4 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment that Would Ban the Legislature from Imposing a Tax on Financial Trades Joint Resolution Passed - House (111 - 31)
3/31 HB 1169 Amends Requirements for Petition Signatures to get a Constitutional Amendment on the Ballot Veto Override Failed - Senate (16 - 16)
3/31 HB 1169 Amends Requirements for Petition Signatures to get a Constitutional Amendment on the Ballot Veto Override Passed - House (50 - 18)
3/31 SB 25-001 Establishes Protections for Voters in a Protected Class and Authorizes the Filing of Civil Suits for Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
3/28 H 96 Prohibits Government Entities from Displaying Certain Flags Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 13)
3/28 HB 1300 Specifies Timeline for When Term Limits Passed by Voters in 2022 Officially Take Effect Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 6)
3/27 HB 399 Establishes Criminal Penalties for Interfering with a Legislative Proceeding Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
3/27 HB 399 Establishes Criminal Penalties for Interfering with a Legislative Proceeding Veto Override Passed - House (69 - 28)
3/26 H 96 Prohibits Government Entities from Displaying Certain Flags Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
3/25 HCR 5004 Amends Constitutional Citizenship Requirement for Voting Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
3/25 HCR 5004 Amends Constitutional Citizenship Requirement for Voting Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
3/25 SB 25-014 Repeals Colorado's Statutory Ban on Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (45 - 14)
3/25 SF 473 Establishes Protections for Religious and Moral Beliefs of Foster and Adoptive Parents Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
3/24 SB 579 Prohibits Municipalities Participating in the Home Rule Program from Establishing Nondiscrimination Ordinances Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
3/20 SB 50 Establishes State Constitutional Concealed Carry Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 18)
3/18 SB 1027 Limits Petitions for Ballot Measures Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 7)
3/17 HB 439 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Hair or Hairstyles Bill Passed - House (194 - 8)
3/12 SB 68 Requires an Individual be a Citizen of the United States Before Being Eligible to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (66 - 4)
3/12 SB 68 Requires an Individual be a Citizen of the United States Before Being Eligible to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (66 - 4)
3/12 SB 25-183 Defines the Right to an Abortion in the State Constitution Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
3/11 SB 456 Defines "Men" and "Women" in State Code Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 8)
3/11 HB 1169 Amends Requirements for Petition Signatures to get a Constitutional Amendment on the Ballot Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 6)
3/11 SB 456 Defines "Men" and "Women" in State Code Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
3/11 HJR 4 Authorizes a Ballot Proposal that Amends the State Constitution to State "Only the Legislature" May Reform State Cannabis Laws Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
3/11 SB 210 Requires Canvassers to Provide Ballot Title to Petition Signees Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
3/11 SB 209 Prohibits Signatures Gathered by Canvassers Which Violated State Law Bill Passed - House (72 - 25)
3/11 HB 3378 Requires Landlords to Provide Non-Digital Access Options to Rental Units Bill Passed - House (46 - 12)
3/10 HB 1169 Amends Requirements for Petition Signatures to get a Constitutional Amendment on the Ballot Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
3/10 HJR 5003 Authorizes Asking Voters to Increase the Approval Threshold for Constitutional Amendments from a Simple Majority to 60% Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
3/10 HB 1184 Amends the Deadline for Filing a Petition to get a Constitutional Amendment on the Ballot Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
3/07 SB 456 Defines "Men" and "Women" in State Code Bill Passed - House (87 - 9)
3/06 HB 77 Authorizes a Select Few Flags to be Displayed Inside of Public Classrooms Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 20)
3/06 HB 77 Authorizes a Select Few Flags to be Displayed Inside of Public Classrooms Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
3/06 H Res 189 Censuring Representative Al Green of Texas. Resolution Passed - House (224 - 198)
3/06 HB 202 Extends Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - House (75 - 26)
3/05 H Res 189 Censuring Representative Al Green of Texas. Resolution Not Tabled - House (209 - 211)
3/05 HJR 4 Authorizes a Ballot Proposal that Amends the State Constitution to State "Only the Legislature" May Reform State Cannabis Laws Joint Resolution Passed - House (58 - 10)
3/04 SB 36 Prohibits State and Local Governments from "Substantially Burdening" an Individual's Religious Freedom Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 23)
3/04 HB 209 Exempts Nursing Mothers from Jury Duty in Alabama Bill Passed - House (103 - 0)
3/03 SB 208 Requires Canvassers to Request a Photo ID of Potential Signers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
3/03 HB 207 Establishes the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 3)
3/03 HB 207 Establishes the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
3/03 SB 456 Defines "Men" and "Women" in State Code Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
2/27 SF 418 Prohibits the Recognition of Gender Identity as a Protected Class Bill Passed - House (60 - 36)
2/27 SF 418 Prohibits the Recognition of Gender Identity as a Protected Class Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
2/25 SB 208 Requires Canvassers to Request a Photo ID of Potential Signers Bill Passed - House (70 - 24)

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