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.


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Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
Feb. 25, 2026 National PN 730-19 Nomination of John DeLeeuw, of Texas, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for the remainder of the term expiring December 31, 2026, vice Alvin Brown (50 - 45)
Feb. 25, 2026 IA SF 2203 Requires the Secretary of State to Use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program to Verify Registered Voters' Citizenship Status Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
Feb. 25, 2026 IA SF 2187 Requires the Department of Transportation to Use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program to Verify Drivers' Citizenship Status Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 5)
Feb. 25, 2026 AZ SB 1520 Requires State Law Enforcement to Share Information Upon Request with the Federal Government Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
Feb. 24, 2026 AL SB 149 Authorizes the Board of Education to Distribute Temporary Teaching Certificates to Veterans Bill Passed - House (102 - 1)
Feb. 24, 2026 SD HB 1184 Establishes State Definitions for "Man" and "Woman" Bill Passed - House (57 - 9)
Feb. 24, 2026 AL SB 201 Requires Public Schools to Offer JROTC Programs to Private and Home School Students Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
Feb. 24, 2026 OR SB 1570 Requires Hospitals to Adopt Policies to Protect Patients From Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 9)
Feb. 23, 2026 IN SB 1 Establishes and Amends Certain Requirements for SNAP Eligibility Bill Passed - House (62 - 31)
Feb. 23, 2026 AZ SB 1055 Requires State Law Enforcement to Notify Federal Immigration Enforcement When Someone Without Legal Status is Arrested Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
Feb. 19, 2026 NH HB 1792 Prohibits the Instruction of Critical Race Theory and LGBTQ+ Issues in Schools "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (184 - 164)
Feb. 19, 2026 TN HB 1473 Authorizes Private Citizens to Refuse Recognition of Same-Sex Marriages Bill Passed - House (68 - 24)
Feb. 19, 2026 SD SB 175 Requires Voters to Provide Citizenship Status When Registering to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
Feb. 18, 2026 KS SB 244 Requires Individuals to Use Restrooms in Government Buildings According to Their Biological Sex Veto Override Passed - House (87 - 37)
Feb. 17, 2026 KS SB 244 Requires Individuals to Use Restrooms in Government Buildings According to Their Biological Sex Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Feb. 17, 2026 NM SB 241 Establishes the Child Care Assistance Program for No-Cost Child Care Bill Passed - House (37 - 19)
Feb. 17, 2026 VA SB 783 Restricts State and Local Law Enforcement From Engaging in a Federal Immigration Enforcement Agreement Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 16, 2026 ID H 607 Requires Public Entities to Separate Restrooms by Sex Bill Passed - House (56 - 13)
Feb. 12, 2026 IN SB 76 Expands Requirements for State and Local Government Entities to Cooperate with Federal Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (61 - 28)
Feb. 12, 2026 MD HB 444 Prohibits the State and Any Local Government From Entering Into an Immigration Enforcement Agreement Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
Feb. 12, 2026 WI SB 405 Authorizes Lawsuits Against Healthcare Providers Who Perform Gender Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - House (53 - 45)
Feb. 12, 2026 GA HB 463 Establishes a Homestead Exemption for Senior Citizens who Volunteer with Local Governments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
Feb. 12, 2026 NM SB 241 Establishes the Child Care Assistance Program for No-Cost Child Care Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Feb. 12, 2026 MS HB 538 Requires Mississippi Agencies to Comply With Federal Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (77 - 40)
Feb. 12, 2026 SC H 4755 Authorizes the Governor to Appoint All Members of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission Bill Passed - House (71 - 10)
Feb. 12, 2026 SC H 4755 Authorizes the Governor to Appoint All Members of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission Bill Passed - House (71 - 10)
Feb. 11, 2026 National S 1383 Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (218 - 213)
Feb. 11, 2026 WI AB 100 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on K-12 Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Feb. 11, 2026 WI AB 102 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams at Any Institution of Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Feb. 11, 2026 WI AB 103 Prohibits Schools from Using a Students' Preferred Name and Pronouns Without Parental Approval Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Feb. 11, 2026 National H J Res 72 Relating to a national emergency by the President on February 1, 2025 Bill Passed - House (219 - 211)
Feb. 11, 2026 KS SB 387 Requires School Districts to Verify Household Income of Students Qualifying for Free Meals Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Feb. 10, 2026 National PN 726-4 Nomination of Daniel E. Burrows, of Colorado, to be an Assistant Attorney General, vice Aaron Reitz, resigned Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 46)
Feb. 10, 2026 MS SB 2322 Requires Drivers License or Permit to Reflect Gender Assigned at Birth When Renewed Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
Feb. 10, 2026 AL HB 220 Authorizes the Governor and Legislature Leaders to Replace Appointed State Board Members Bill Passed - House (82 - 3)
Feb. 10, 2026 AL HB 220 Authorizes the Governor and Legislature Leaders to Replace Appointed State Board Members Bill Passed - House (82 - 3)
Feb. 9, 2026 National PN 726-4 Nomination of Daniel E. Burrows, of Colorado, to be an Assistant Attorney General, vice Aaron Reitz, resigned Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 47)
Feb. 5, 2026 NE LB 258 Amends Annual Increases to State Minimum Wage Down to a Fixed Rate Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
Feb. 5, 2026 KS SB 254 Prohibits Undocumented Immigrants From Receiving Public Benefits Bill Passed - House (86 - 36)
Feb. 5, 2026 UT HB 174 Prohibits Healthcare Providers From Providing Cross-Sex Hormones and Puberty Blockers to Minors Bill Passed - House (54 - 15)
Feb. 3, 2026 NM HB 9 Prohibits Governmental Entities From Entering Into Certain Immigration Enforcement Agreements and Using Public Property for Immigration-Related Detainment Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
Feb. 3, 2026 VA SB 351 Restricts Civil Arrests in Courthouses Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 3, 2026 MD HB 444 Prohibits the State and Any Local Government From Entering Into an Immigration Enforcement Agreement Bill Passed - House (99 - 40)
Feb. 2, 2026 National HR 980 Veterans Readiness and Employment Improvement Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (402 - 2)
Feb. 2, 2026 National HR 3123 Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act Bill Passed - House (405 - 1)
Feb. 2, 2026 National HR 3123 Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act Bill Passed - House (405 - 1)
Jan. 30, 2026 UT SB 134 Increases the Number of Utah Supreme Court Justices and Judges of Lower Courts Bill Passed - House (57 - 18)
Jan. 30, 2026 NM HB 9 Prohibits Governmental Entities From Entering Into Certain Immigration Enforcement Agreements and Using Public Property for Immigration-Related Detainment Bill Passed - House (40 - 29)
Jan. 29, 2026 IN SB 88 Requires Public Schools to Incorporate Certain Personal Values into Instruction Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
Jan. 28, 2026 KS SB 244 Requires Individuals to Use Restrooms in Government Buildings According to Their Biological Sex Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
Jan. 28, 2026 KS SB 244 Requires Individuals to Use Restrooms in Government Buildings According to Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (87 - 36)
Jan. 28, 2026 IN HB 1343 Authorizes the Indiana National Guard to Establish a Military Police Force Bill Passed - House (67 - 29)
Jan. 28, 2026 KS SB 254 Prohibits Undocumented Immigrants From Receiving Public Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
Jan. 27, 2026 WV HB 4433 Expands the State Definition of Human Smuggling to Include Harboring and Assisting Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (81 - 9)
Jan. 27, 2026 IN SB 182 Requires State Detention Facilities and School Bathrooms to be Designated for Use Based on Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
Jan. 26, 2026 IN SB 76 Expands Requirements for State and Local Government Entities to Cooperate with Federal Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 7)
Jan. 26, 2026 SD SJR 501 Amends the State Constitution to Establish Term Limits for Members of the Legislature Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
Jan. 26, 2026 UT SB 134 Increases the Number of Utah Supreme Court Justices and Judges of Lower Courts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
Jan. 22, 2026 AL SB 149 Authorizes the Board of Education to Distribute Temporary Teaching Certificates to Veterans Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
Jan. 15, 2026 National HR 2988 Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act Bill Passed - House (213 - 205)
Jan. 15, 2026 FL HB 197 Requires Businesses of All Sizes to Use the E-Verify System to Check Worker Eligibility Bill Passed - House (80 - 30)
Jan. 13, 2026 TN HB 884 Defines Businesses as Adult-Oriented if They Hold Drag Shows Bill Passed - House (73 - 24)
Jan. 12, 2026 NJ A 5886 Amends the Process for Filling Vacancies From New Jersey in the United States House of Representatives Bill Passed - House (66 - 7)
Jan. 8, 2026 National HR 504 Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act Veto Override Failed - House (236 - 188)
Jan. 8, 2026 National H Res 780 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1834) to advance policy priorities that will break the gridlock Resolution Passed - House (224 - 202)
Jan. 8, 2026 National S J Res 98 A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress Motion Agreed - Senate (52 - 47)
Jan. 7, 2026 National H Res 780 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1834) to advance policy priorities that will break the gridlock Motion Agreed - House (221 - 205)
Jan. 7, 2026 MS SB 2003 Amends Regulations Regarding Retired Teachers' Benefits and Return-to-Work Authorizations Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 2)
Jan. 7, 2026 MS SB 2004 Appropriates Funds to the Mississippi Public Employees' Retirement System Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
Jan. 6, 2026 National PN 499-11 Nomination of Joshua Simmons to be General Counsel of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Nomination Confirmed - Senate (53 - 47)
Jan. 6, 2026 National PN 373 Nomination of Sara Bailey to be Director of National Drug Control Policy Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 48)
Jan. 5, 2026 National PN 12-1 Nomination of Keith Bass to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 35)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/25 PN 730-19 Nomination of John DeLeeuw, of Texas, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for the remainder of the term expiring December 31, 2026, vice Alvin Brown (50 - 45)
2/25 SF 2203 Requires the Secretary of State to Use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program to Verify Registered Voters' Citizenship Status Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
2/25 SF 2187 Requires the Department of Transportation to Use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program to Verify Drivers' Citizenship Status Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 5)
2/25 SB 1520 Requires State Law Enforcement to Share Information Upon Request with the Federal Government Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
2/24 SB 149 Authorizes the Board of Education to Distribute Temporary Teaching Certificates to Veterans Bill Passed - House (102 - 1)
2/24 HB 1184 Establishes State Definitions for "Man" and "Woman" Bill Passed - House (57 - 9)
2/24 SB 201 Requires Public Schools to Offer JROTC Programs to Private and Home School Students Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
2/24 SB 1570 Requires Hospitals to Adopt Policies to Protect Patients From Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 9)
2/23 SB 1 Establishes and Amends Certain Requirements for SNAP Eligibility Bill Passed - House (62 - 31)
2/23 SB 1055 Requires State Law Enforcement to Notify Federal Immigration Enforcement When Someone Without Legal Status is Arrested Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
2/19 HB 1792 Prohibits the Instruction of Critical Race Theory and LGBTQ+ Issues in Schools "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (184 - 164)
2/19 HB 1473 Authorizes Private Citizens to Refuse Recognition of Same-Sex Marriages Bill Passed - House (68 - 24)
2/19 SB 175 Requires Voters to Provide Citizenship Status When Registering to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
2/18 SB 244 Requires Individuals to Use Restrooms in Government Buildings According to Their Biological Sex Veto Override Passed - House (87 - 37)
2/17 SB 244 Requires Individuals to Use Restrooms in Government Buildings According to Their Biological Sex Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
2/17 SB 241 Establishes the Child Care Assistance Program for No-Cost Child Care Bill Passed - House (37 - 19)
2/17 SB 783 Restricts State and Local Law Enforcement From Engaging in a Federal Immigration Enforcement Agreement Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/16 H 607 Requires Public Entities to Separate Restrooms by Sex Bill Passed - House (56 - 13)
2/12 SB 76 Expands Requirements for State and Local Government Entities to Cooperate with Federal Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (61 - 28)
2/12 HB 444 Prohibits the State and Any Local Government From Entering Into an Immigration Enforcement Agreement Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
2/12 SB 405 Authorizes Lawsuits Against Healthcare Providers Who Perform Gender Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - House (53 - 45)
2/12 HB 463 Establishes a Homestead Exemption for Senior Citizens who Volunteer with Local Governments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
2/12 SB 241 Establishes the Child Care Assistance Program for No-Cost Child Care Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
2/12 HB 538 Requires Mississippi Agencies to Comply With Federal Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - House (77 - 40)
2/12 H 4755 Authorizes the Governor to Appoint All Members of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission Bill Passed - House (71 - 10)
2/12 H 4755 Authorizes the Governor to Appoint All Members of the Judicial Merit Selection Commission Bill Passed - House (71 - 10)
2/11 S 1383 Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (218 - 213)
2/11 AB 100 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on K-12 Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
2/11 AB 102 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams at Any Institution of Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
2/11 AB 103 Prohibits Schools from Using a Students' Preferred Name and Pronouns Without Parental Approval Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
2/11 H J Res 72 Relating to a national emergency by the President on February 1, 2025 Bill Passed - House (219 - 211)
2/11 SB 387 Requires School Districts to Verify Household Income of Students Qualifying for Free Meals Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
2/10 PN 726-4 Nomination of Daniel E. Burrows, of Colorado, to be an Assistant Attorney General, vice Aaron Reitz, resigned Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 46)
2/10 SB 2322 Requires Drivers License or Permit to Reflect Gender Assigned at Birth When Renewed Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
2/10 HB 220 Authorizes the Governor and Legislature Leaders to Replace Appointed State Board Members Bill Passed - House (82 - 3)
2/10 HB 220 Authorizes the Governor and Legislature Leaders to Replace Appointed State Board Members Bill Passed - House (82 - 3)
2/09 PN 726-4 Nomination of Daniel E. Burrows, of Colorado, to be an Assistant Attorney General, vice Aaron Reitz, resigned Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 47)
2/05 LB 258 Amends Annual Increases to State Minimum Wage Down to a Fixed Rate Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
2/05 SB 254 Prohibits Undocumented Immigrants From Receiving Public Benefits Bill Passed - House (86 - 36)
2/05 HB 174 Prohibits Healthcare Providers From Providing Cross-Sex Hormones and Puberty Blockers to Minors Bill Passed - House (54 - 15)
2/03 HB 9 Prohibits Governmental Entities From Entering Into Certain Immigration Enforcement Agreements and Using Public Property for Immigration-Related Detainment Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
2/03 SB 351 Restricts Civil Arrests in Courthouses Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/03 HB 444 Prohibits the State and Any Local Government From Entering Into an Immigration Enforcement Agreement Bill Passed - House (99 - 40)
2/02 HR 980 Veterans Readiness and Employment Improvement Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (402 - 2)
2/02 HR 3123 Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act Bill Passed - House (405 - 1)
2/02 HR 3123 Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act Bill Passed - House (405 - 1)
1/30 SB 134 Increases the Number of Utah Supreme Court Justices and Judges of Lower Courts Bill Passed - House (57 - 18)
1/30 HB 9 Prohibits Governmental Entities From Entering Into Certain Immigration Enforcement Agreements and Using Public Property for Immigration-Related Detainment Bill Passed - House (40 - 29)
1/29 SB 88 Requires Public Schools to Incorporate Certain Personal Values into Instruction Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
1/28 SB 244 Requires Individuals to Use Restrooms in Government Buildings According to Their Biological Sex Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
1/28 SB 244 Requires Individuals to Use Restrooms in Government Buildings According to Their Biological Sex Bill Passed - House (87 - 36)
1/28 HB 1343 Authorizes the Indiana National Guard to Establish a Military Police Force Bill Passed - House (67 - 29)
1/28 SB 254 Prohibits Undocumented Immigrants From Receiving Public Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
1/27 HB 4433 Expands the State Definition of Human Smuggling to Include Harboring and Assisting Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - House (81 - 9)
1/27 SB 182 Requires State Detention Facilities and School Bathrooms to be Designated for Use Based on Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
1/26 SB 76 Expands Requirements for State and Local Government Entities to Cooperate with Federal Immigration Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 7)
1/26 SJR 501 Amends the State Constitution to Establish Term Limits for Members of the Legislature Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
1/26 SB 134 Increases the Number of Utah Supreme Court Justices and Judges of Lower Courts Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
1/22 SB 149 Authorizes the Board of Education to Distribute Temporary Teaching Certificates to Veterans Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
1/15 HR 2988 Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act Bill Passed - House (213 - 205)
1/15 HB 197 Requires Businesses of All Sizes to Use the E-Verify System to Check Worker Eligibility Bill Passed - House (80 - 30)
1/13 HB 884 Defines Businesses as Adult-Oriented if They Hold Drag Shows Bill Passed - House (73 - 24)
1/12 A 5886 Amends the Process for Filling Vacancies From New Jersey in the United States House of Representatives Bill Passed - House (66 - 7)
1/08 HR 504 Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act Veto Override Failed - House (236 - 188)
1/08 H Res 780 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1834) to advance policy priorities that will break the gridlock Resolution Passed - House (224 - 202)
1/08 S J Res 98 A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress Motion Agreed - Senate (52 - 47)
1/07 H Res 780 Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1834) to advance policy priorities that will break the gridlock Motion Agreed - House (221 - 205)
1/07 SB 2003 Amends Regulations Regarding Retired Teachers' Benefits and Return-to-Work Authorizations Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 2)
1/07 SB 2004 Appropriates Funds to the Mississippi Public Employees' Retirement System Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
1/06 PN 499-11 Nomination of Joshua Simmons to be General Counsel of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Nomination Confirmed - Senate (53 - 47)
1/06 PN 373 Nomination of Sara Bailey to be Director of National Drug Control Policy Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 48)
1/05 PN 12-1 Nomination of Keith Bass to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 35)

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