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:
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.
| Date | State | Bill No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 16, 2018 | LA | HB 88 | Establishes Crime of Government Benefits Fraud | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11) |
| May 15, 2018 | LA | SB 243 | Establishes Constitutional Amendment for Unanimous Consent on Juries | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 7) |
| May 15, 2018 | LA | SB 364 | Requires Campus Free Speech Policies | Bill Passed - House (58 - 26) |
| May 15, 2018 | LA | SB 389 | Amends Probation Regulations | Bill Passed - House (81 - 6) |
| May 15, 2018 | LA | HB 1 | Establishes Budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10) |
| May 15, 2018 | LA | SB 316 | Amend State Riverboat Gaming Laws | Bill Passed - House (53 - 42) |
| May 15, 2018 | LA | SB 181 | Prohibits Abortion After 15 Weeks | Bill Passed - House (81 - 9) |
| May 14, 2018 | LA | SB 236 | Amends Laws Concerning Sexual Abuse of Animals | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 1) |
| May 10, 2018 | LA | HB 206 | Authorizes Employment of Convicted Felons in Insurance Businesses | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9) |
| May 9, 2018 | LA | HB 823 | Amends Termination Date of Medical Marijuana Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13) |
| May 9, 2018 | LA | HB 627 | Authorizes Recommendation of Medical Marijuana for Treating Certain Health Conditions of Individuals with Autism | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10) |
| May 9, 2018 | LA | HB 484 | Authorizes Fantasy Sports Contests | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15) |
| May 7, 2018 | LA | SB 160 | Prohibits Tying Up Pets During Hurricanes | Bill Passed - House (67 - 25) |
| May 1, 2018 | LA | SB 534 | Amends "Crime of Violence" to Include Abortion | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0) |
| May 1, 2018 | LA | SB 325 | Authorizes Department of Health to Close Clinics that Falsify Records | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3) |
| April 19, 2018 | LA | HB 1 | Establishes Budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 | Bill Passed - House (55 - 47) |
| April 17, 2018 | LA | HB 484 | Authorizes Fantasy Sports Contests | Bill Passed - House (67 - 23) |
| April 12, 2018 | LA | HB 579 | Authorizes Additional Uses for Medical Marijuana | Bill Passed - House (60 - 40) |
| June 16, 2017 | LA | HB 1 | Appropriates Funds for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9) |
| June 14, 2017 | LA | HB 1 | Appropriates Funds for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 | Bill Passed - House (56 - 44) |
| June 7, 2017 | LA | HB 598 | Increases Gas Tax | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 38) |
| June 6, 2017 | LA | SB 139 | Establishes New Parole Regulations | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 13) |
| May 30, 2017 | LA | HB 27 | Extends Domestic Abuse Laws to Dating Partners | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13) |
| May 24, 2017 | LA | HB 269 | Establishes Protections of Free Speech on College Campuses | Bill Passed - House (66 - 26) |
| May 16, 2017 | LA | SB 111 | Requires Identification from Parents for Minors to Obtain an Abortion | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6) |
| May 15, 2017 | LA | HB 71 | Prohibits Removal of Public Military Memorials | Bill Passed - House (65 - 31) |
| April 26, 2017 | LA | SB 16 | Provides Parole Eligibility to Juveniles Sentenced to Life in Prison | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13) |
| April 19, 2017 | LA | SB 22 | Redefines Hunting Supplies for Purposes of Sales Tax Holiday | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6) |
| June 19, 2016 | LA | HB 38 | Limits Individual Income Tax Deductions | Bill Failed - House (46 - 55) |
| June 16, 2016 | LA | SB 10 | Prohibits Certain Businesses from Receiving 2 Different Tax Credits | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14) |
| June 16, 2016 | LA | SB 6 | Amends Tax Credit Standards | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10) |
| May 30, 2016 | LA | SB 227 | Authorizes REAL ID Driver's Licenses | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate |
| May 26, 2016 | LA | HB 67 | Prohibits Minors from Possessing Alcohol on Private Property | Bill Failed - House (48 - 37) |
| May 24, 2016 | LA | SB 436 | Prohibits Discrimination on Basis of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity | Bill Failed - Senate (8 - 25) |
| May 16, 2016 | LA | SB 271 | Expands Eligibility for Medical Marijuana | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 14) |
| May 11, 2016 | LA | SB 271 | Expands Eligibility for Medical Marijuana | Bill Passed - House (62 - 32) |
| May 4, 2016 | LA | HB 1148 | Prohibits Sanctuary Cities from Receiving Certain State Funds | Bill Passed - House (67 - 27) |
| May 4, 2016 | LA | HB 453 | Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Passed - House (65 - 20) |
| May 4, 2016 | LA | SB 127 | Authorizes Parole Hearings for Juveniles Serving Life Terms | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8) |
| April 27, 2016 | LA | HB 598 | Amends Voter Registration Policies for Convicted Felons | Bill Failed - House (37 - 60) |
| April 26, 2016 | LA | HB 266 | Prohibits Criminal History Questions on Certain Employment Applications | Bill Passed - House (54 - 39) |
| April 25, 2016 | LA | HB 863 | Prohibits Schools from Holding Membership in Certain Associations or Organizations | Bill Failed - House (33 - 51) |
| April 20, 2016 | LA | SB 271 | Expands Eligibility for Medical Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16) |
| April 20, 2016 | LA | HB 337 | Prohibits Individuals Under 21 from Riding a Motorcycle Without a Helmet | Bill Failed - House (49 - 46) |
| April 19, 2016 | LA | SB 271 | Expands Eligibility for Medical Marijuana | Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| April 18, 2016 | LA | SB 29 | Authorizes the Sale of Raw Milk | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| April 12, 2016 | LA | SB 254 | Expands Equal Pay Protections | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10) |
| April 5, 2016 | LA | HB 580 | Limits Time Frame for Real Estate Appraisal Lawsuits | Bill Failed - House (45 - 47) |
| April 4, 2016 | LA | SB 25 | Authorizes Legislature to Introduce Fiscal Bills Every Year | Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 24) |
| March 29, 2016 | LA | SB 227 | Authorizes REAL ID Driver's Licenses | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7) |
| March 29, 2016 | LA | SB 164 | Amends Absentee Voting Requirements | Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 24) |
| March 3, 2016 | LA | HB 14 | Increases Cigarette Tax | Bill Passed - House (74 - 26) |
| June 3, 2015 | LA | HB 149 | Amends Penalties for Marijuana Possesion | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13) |
| June 2, 2015 | LA | SB 48 | Amends the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students | Bill Passed - House (65 - 33) |
| May 21, 2015 | LA | HB 1 | 2015-2016 Budget | Bill Passed - House (65 - 37) |
| May 13, 2015 | LA | HB 564 | Establishes 5-Year Vehicle Inspection Certificate | Bill Passed - House (60 - 33) |
| May 13, 2015 | LA | HB 149 | Amends Penalties for Marijuana Possesion | Bill Passed - House (54 - 37) |
| May 12, 2015 | LA | SB 219 | Amends Equal Pay Protections | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16) |
| May 7, 2015 | LA | HB 805 | Reduces Corporate Inventory Tax Refunds | Bill Passed - House (58 - 42) |
| May 4, 2015 | LA | SB 143 | Authorizes Pharmacies to Distribute Medical Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13) |
| April 29, 2015 | LA | SB 48 | Amends the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9) |
| June 1, 2014 | LA | HB 953 | Extends Timeline for Implementation of Common Core Standards | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 17) |
| May 30, 2014 | LA | SB 469 | Prohibits Government Entities from Pursuing Cause of Action under the Coastal Management Program | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 11) |
| May 29, 2014 | LA | SB 469 | Prohibits Government Entities from Pursuing Cause of Action under the Coastal Management Program | Bill Passed - House (59 - 39) |
| May 28, 2014 | LA | HB 953 | Extends Timeline for Implementation of Common Core Standards | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8) |
| May 21, 2014 | LA | HB 388 | Requires Abortion Providers to Have Hospital Admitting Privileges | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (88 - 5) |
| May 21, 2014 | LA | HB 1091 | Prohibits the Transportation of Dogs in the Bed of a Pickup Truck on Interstates | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7) |
| May 14, 2014 | LA | HB 388 | Requires Abortion Providers to Have Hospital Admitting Privileges | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3) |
| May 12, 2014 | LA | HB 1275 | Requires Companies to Give Public Notice of Proposed Hydraulic Fracturing | Bill Failed - House (19 - 73) |
| April 22, 2014 | LA | SB 330 | Prohibits Individuals from Using an Unmanned Aircraft to Capture Certain Images or Wireless Data | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16) |
| April 22, 2014 | LA | HB 1091 | Prohibits the Transportation of Dogs in the Bed of a Pickup Truck on Interstates | Bill Passed - House (53 - 34) |
| April 21, 2014 | LA | SB 330 | Prohibits Individuals from Using an Unmanned Aircraft to Capture Certain Images or Wireless Data | Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 21) |
| April 15, 2014 | LA | HB 12 | Repeals Certain "Crimes Against Nature" | Bill Failed - House (27 - 67) |
| April 9, 2014 | LA | HB 72 | Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Weapons in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol | Bill Passed - House (79 - 19) |
| April 7, 2014 | LA | S Amdt 2081 | Authorizes "Chicken Boxing" under Certain Conditions | Amendment Rejected - Senate (8 - 29) |
| June 6, 2013 | LA | HB 103 | Reduces Penalties for Marijuana Possession | Motion Rejected - Senate (24 - 11) |
| June 4, 2013 | LA | SB 188 | Increases Judicial Pay | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 7) |
| June 3, 2013 | LA | SB 153 | Requires Equal Pay for State Employees | Bill Passed - House (86 - 12) |
| June 3, 2013 | LA | SB 188 | Increases Judicial Pay | Bill Passed - House (79 - 18) |
| June 3, 2013 | LA | SB 5 | Repeals Mandatory Retirement Age for Judges | Amendment Rejected - House (63 - 33) |
| June 2, 2013 | LA | SB 162 | Authorizes Surrogacy Contracts | Conference Report Adopted - House (85 - 12) |
| May 30, 2013 | LA | SB 162 | Authorizes Surrogacy Contracts | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 3) |
| May 29, 2013 | LA | HB 103 | Reduces Penalties for Marijuana Possession | Bill Passed - House (54 - 38) |
| May 22, 2013 | LA | SB 153 | Requires Equal Pay for State Employees | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13) |
| May 6, 2013 | LA | HB 45 | Establishes Licenses for the In-State Sale and Manufacture of Firearms | Bill Passed - House (77 - 20) |
| April 24, 2013 | LA | HB 265 | Establishes Lifetime Concealed Handgun Permits | Bill Passed - House (65 - 19) |
| April 23, 2013 | LA | HB 8 | Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information | Bill Passed - House (76 - 18) |
| April 23, 2013 | LA | HB 5 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations | Bill Passed - House (67 - 25) |
| April 17, 2013 | LA | SB 147 | Prohibits the Use of Social Media While Driving | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9) |
| June 4, 2012 | LA | SCR 99 | Funding for Public and Private Schools | Conference Report Adopted - House (51 - 49) |
| June 3, 2012 | LA | SCR 99 | Funding for Public and Private Schools | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 15) |
| May 31, 2012 | LA | SB 708 | Amends Abortion Requirements | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 3) |
| May 30, 2012 | LA | HB 61 | Amends State Workers Pensions | Conference Report Adopted - House (68 - 36) |
| May 30, 2012 | LA | HB 61 | Amends State Workers Pensions | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 8) |
| May 29, 2012 | LA | SB 303 | Limits Gun Regulations | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 4) |
| May 29, 2012 | LA | HB 209 | Reduces Voting Hours | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11) |
| May 24, 2012 | LA | SB 303 | Limits Gun Regulations | Bill Passed - House (77 - 22) |
| May 22, 2012 | LA | HB 292 | School Board Member Term Limits | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16) |
| May 22, 2012 | LA | HB 543 | Parole Eligibility for Nonviolent Offenders | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| May 17, 2012 | LA | HB 822 | Authorizes the Transfer of Funds Among State Agencies | Bill Passed - House (63 - 38) |