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
Dec. 13, 2023 OH HB 68 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
Nov. 9, 2023 TX SB 3 Appropriates $1.5 Billion for the Construction of a Border Wall Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
Nov. 9, 2023 TX SB 4 Amends State Criminal Code to Establish Illegal Entry Across the Border as a Class B Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
Nov. 9, 2023 TX SB 4 Amends State Criminal Code to Establish Illegal Entry Across the Border as a Class B Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
Nov. 8, 2023 MI SB 382 Requires State Departments Take Reasonable Steps to Help Michigan Residents with Limited English Proficiency Access to State Services Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
Nov. 7, 2023 MI SB 474 Repeals Several Medically Unnecessary Abortion and Reproductive Health Care Restrictions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
Nov. 7, 2023 MI HB 4949 Establishes Rights to Reproductive Freedoms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
Nov. 7, 2023 MI HB 4956 Repeals and Expunges Individual Criminal Records Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
Nov. 7, 2023 MI HB 4951 Repeals Previously Established Felony Criminal Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
Nov. 7, 2023 MI HB 4953 Amends and Revises Previous State Jurisdiction Policies to Reflect Repealed Abortion Laws Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
Nov. 7, 2023 WI SJR 71 Prohibits Non-Citizens from Voting in Any State Primary or General Election Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
Nov. 7, 2023 WI SJR 54 Establishes the Freedom to Gather in Places of Worship During a State of Emergency Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
Nov. 1, 2023 MI HB 4852 Establishes Manoomin (Wild Rice) as the Official Native Grain of Michigan Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Oct. 18, 2023 MI SB 351 Prohibits Discriminatory Practices in Public Places Against Breastfeeding or Breast Pumping Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
Oct. 18, 2023 MI SB 351 Prohibits Discriminatory Practices in Public Places Against Breastfeeding or Breast Pumping Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
Oct. 17, 2023 WI AB 465 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
Oct. 17, 2023 WI SB 139 Establishes a Statewide Wolf Population Goal Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
Oct. 12, 2023 TX SB 4 Increases Criminal Penalties for Immigrant Smuggling or Operating a Stash House Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
Oct. 12, 2023 TX SB 4 Increases Criminal Penalties for Immigrant Smuggling or Operating a Stash House Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
Oct. 12, 2023 TX SB 11 Establishes a New State Crime for Illegally Entering Texas from a Foreign Nation Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
Oct. 5, 2023 MI SB 441 Amends Reporting Requirements for the Commercial Fishing Industry Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
Sept. 28, 2023 National S J Res 9 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status with Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment". Veto Override Failed - Senate (47 - 46)
Sept. 28, 2023 National S J Res 24 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat". Veto Override Failed - Senate (47 - 45)
Sept. 14, 2023 CA SB 407 Requires the Department of Social Services Amend the Foster Care Vetting Process to Ensure LGBTQ+ Youth are Not Placed in Hostile Homes. Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
Sept. 13, 2023 CA AB 352 Requires Information on Fertility and Menstrual Tracking Apps Be Subject to Medical Privacy Laws Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
Sept. 13, 2023 CA AB 280 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement in California State Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Sept. 13, 2023 CA AB 280 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement in California State Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Sept. 12, 2023 CA SB 2 Amends Penal Code Related to Firearms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
Sept. 12, 2023 CA SB 447 Authorizes State and Public University Employees to Resume Travel to Previously Restricted States Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
Sept. 12, 2023 CA AB 524 Prohibits Employment Discrimination for Those With Family Caregiver Status Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Sept. 12, 2023 CA AB 33 Establishes a Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
Sept. 11, 2023 CA SB 4 Authorizes Religious Institutions and Nonprofit Colleges to Build Affordable Housing on Their Property Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
Sept. 7, 2023 CA SB 58 Amends Laws and Statutes Concerning the Decriminalization of Certain Hallucinogens Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Sept. 7, 2023 CA SB 58 Amends Laws and Statutes Concerning the Decriminalization of Certain Hallucinogens Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Sept. 7, 2023 CA SB 345 Establishes State Protections for Health Care Providers who Prescribe an Abortion or Gender-Affirming Care from Out-of-State Legal Action Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
Sept. 7, 2023 CA AB 28 Establishes an 11% Tax on Firearm and Ammunition Purchases in California Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
Sept. 7, 2023 CA AB 1078 Prohibits School Book Bans Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
Sept. 6, 2023 CA SB 732 Establishes the Pallid Bat as the State Official Bat Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Sept. 6, 2023 CA AB 1089 Prohibits 3-D Printed Firearms or "Ghost Guns" Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
Sept. 6, 2023 CA AB 957 Establishes Gender Identity Acknowledgement as a Parental Custody Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
Sept. 6, 2023 CA SJR 7 Establishes Various State Gun Control Measures Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
Sept. 5, 2023 CA AB 1104 Amends Correction and Rehabilitation Statutes in California Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
Aug. 29, 2023 TN SB 7086 Reduces the Time Period for the Tennessee Bureau of Information to be Notified of Criminal Proceedings from 30 Days to 72 Hours Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
Aug. 16, 2023 NC SB 49 Establishes a Parents Bill of Right's for Students in Grades K-4 Veto Override Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
Aug. 16, 2023 NC HB 574 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Veto Override Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
July 25, 2023 ME LD 86 Amends the State Flag Designation to Reestablish the Former Flag Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
July 25, 2023 ME LD 279 Prohibits Public Entities from Discriminating Against Individuals "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 13)
July 25, 2023 ME LD 582 Expands Penalties for Possession of Firearms by Prohibited Persons Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 5)
July 18, 2023 LA HB 648 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
July 6, 2023 ME LD 535 Authorizes Gender Affirming Care for Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
Date No. Title Outcome
12/13 HB 68 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
11/09 SB 3 Appropriates $1.5 Billion for the Construction of a Border Wall Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
11/09 SB 4 Amends State Criminal Code to Establish Illegal Entry Across the Border as a Class B Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
11/09 SB 4 Amends State Criminal Code to Establish Illegal Entry Across the Border as a Class B Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
11/08 SB 382 Requires State Departments Take Reasonable Steps to Help Michigan Residents with Limited English Proficiency Access to State Services Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
11/07 SB 474 Repeals Several Medically Unnecessary Abortion and Reproductive Health Care Restrictions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
11/07 HB 4949 Establishes Rights to Reproductive Freedoms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
11/07 HB 4956 Repeals and Expunges Individual Criminal Records Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
11/07 HB 4951 Repeals Previously Established Felony Criminal Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
11/07 HB 4953 Amends and Revises Previous State Jurisdiction Policies to Reflect Repealed Abortion Laws Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
11/07 SJR 71 Prohibits Non-Citizens from Voting in Any State Primary or General Election Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
11/07 SJR 54 Establishes the Freedom to Gather in Places of Worship During a State of Emergency Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
11/01 HB 4852 Establishes Manoomin (Wild Rice) as the Official Native Grain of Michigan Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
10/18 SB 351 Prohibits Discriminatory Practices in Public Places Against Breastfeeding or Breast Pumping Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
10/18 SB 351 Prohibits Discriminatory Practices in Public Places Against Breastfeeding or Breast Pumping Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
10/17 AB 465 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
10/17 SB 139 Establishes a Statewide Wolf Population Goal Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
10/12 SB 4 Increases Criminal Penalties for Immigrant Smuggling or Operating a Stash House Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
10/12 SB 4 Increases Criminal Penalties for Immigrant Smuggling or Operating a Stash House Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
10/12 SB 11 Establishes a New State Crime for Illegally Entering Texas from a Foreign Nation Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
10/05 SB 441 Amends Reporting Requirements for the Commercial Fishing Industry Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
9/28 S J Res 9 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status with Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment". Veto Override Failed - Senate (47 - 46)
9/28 S J Res 24 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat". Veto Override Failed - Senate (47 - 45)
9/14 SB 407 Requires the Department of Social Services Amend the Foster Care Vetting Process to Ensure LGBTQ+ Youth are Not Placed in Hostile Homes. Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
9/13 AB 352 Requires Information on Fertility and Menstrual Tracking Apps Be Subject to Medical Privacy Laws Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
9/13 AB 280 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement in California State Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
9/13 AB 280 Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement in California State Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
9/12 SB 2 Amends Penal Code Related to Firearms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
9/12 SB 447 Authorizes State and Public University Employees to Resume Travel to Previously Restricted States Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
9/12 AB 524 Prohibits Employment Discrimination for Those With Family Caregiver Status Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
9/12 AB 33 Establishes a Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
9/11 SB 4 Authorizes Religious Institutions and Nonprofit Colleges to Build Affordable Housing on Their Property Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
9/07 SB 58 Amends Laws and Statutes Concerning the Decriminalization of Certain Hallucinogens Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
9/07 SB 58 Amends Laws and Statutes Concerning the Decriminalization of Certain Hallucinogens Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
9/07 SB 345 Establishes State Protections for Health Care Providers who Prescribe an Abortion or Gender-Affirming Care from Out-of-State Legal Action Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 8)
9/07 AB 28 Establishes an 11% Tax on Firearm and Ammunition Purchases in California Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
9/07 AB 1078 Prohibits School Book Bans Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9)
9/06 SB 732 Establishes the Pallid Bat as the State Official Bat Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
9/06 AB 1089 Prohibits 3-D Printed Firearms or "Ghost Guns" Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
9/06 AB 957 Establishes Gender Identity Acknowledgement as a Parental Custody Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
9/06 SJR 7 Establishes Various State Gun Control Measures Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
9/05 AB 1104 Amends Correction and Rehabilitation Statutes in California Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
8/29 SB 7086 Reduces the Time Period for the Tennessee Bureau of Information to be Notified of Criminal Proceedings from 30 Days to 72 Hours Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 6)
8/16 SB 49 Establishes a Parents Bill of Right's for Students in Grades K-4 Veto Override Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
8/16 HB 574 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams Veto Override Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
7/25 LD 86 Amends the State Flag Designation to Reestablish the Former Flag Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
7/25 LD 279 Prohibits Public Entities from Discriminating Against Individuals "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 13)
7/25 LD 582 Expands Penalties for Possession of Firearms by Prohibited Persons Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 5)
7/18 HB 648 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
7/06 LD 535 Authorizes Gender Affirming Care for Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 12)

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