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 22, 2020 | LA | HB 241 | Amends Certain Requirements of the Records Expungement Process | Bill Passed - House (73 - 19) |
| May 21, 2020 | LA | HB 420 | Establishes Minimum Training Requirements for Peace Officers | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0) |
| May 15, 2020 | LA | HB 173 | Expands Parole Eligibility for Certain Juvenile Offenders | Bill Passed - House (68 - 22) |
| May 13, 2020 | LA | SB 130 | Authorizes a Ballot Referendum Vote on Legalizing Sports Betting | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8) |
| May 7, 2020 | LA | HB 132 | Establishes Daylight Savings Time as the Standard Time Year-Round | Bill Passed - House (89 - 0) |
| June 5, 2019 | LA | HB 518 | Exempts Certain Non-Violent Crimes From Habitual Offender Law | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 6) |
| June 2, 2019 | LA | SB 172 | Requires Individuals to be At Least 16 Years Old to Marry | Bill Passed - House (67 - 28) |
| May 22, 2019 | LA | HB 506 | Establishes Task Force for Law Enforcement Data Collection | Bill Passed - House (77 - 20) |
| May 20, 2019 | LA | SB 172 | Requires Individuals to be At Least 16 Years Old to Marry | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15) |
| May 7, 2019 | LA | HB 431 | Authorizes Inmates Trained in the Angola Hospice Program to Receive Certification for Similar Work Outside of Prison | Bill Passed - House (78 - 17) |
| May 16, 2018 | LA | SB 184 | Amends Video Draw Poker Devices Control Law | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 14) |
| 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 389 | Amends Probation Regulations | Bill Passed - House (81 - 6) |
| May 15, 2018 | LA | SB 316 | Amend State Riverboat Gaming Laws | Bill Passed - House (53 - 42) |
| May 14, 2018 | LA | SB 236 | Amends Laws Concerning Sexual Abuse of Animals | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 1) |
| May 14, 2018 | LA | SB 236 | Amends Laws Concerning Sexual Abuse of Animals | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 1) |
| 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) |
| April 17, 2018 | LA | HB 484 | Authorizes Fantasy Sports Contests | Bill Passed - House (67 - 23) |
| 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 24, 2017 | LA | HB 269 | Establishes Protections of Free Speech on College Campuses | Bill Passed - House (66 - 26) |
| 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 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) |
| May 24, 2016 | LA | SB 436 | Prohibits Discrimination on Basis of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity | Bill Failed - Senate (8 - 25) |
| 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 | HB 1148 | Prohibits Sanctuary Cities from Receiving Certain State Funds | Bill Passed - House (67 - 27) |
| May 4, 2016 | LA | SB 127 | Authorizes Parole Hearings for Juveniles Serving Life Terms | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8) |
| May 4, 2016 | LA | HB 453 | Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Passed - House (65 - 20) |
| April 27, 2016 | LA | HB 598 | Amends Voter Registration Policies for Convicted Felons | Bill Failed - House (37 - 60) |
| April 25, 2016 | LA | HB 863 | Prohibits Schools from Holding Membership in Certain Associations or Organizations | Bill Failed - House (33 - 51) |
| June 3, 2015 | LA | HB 149 | Amends Penalties for Marijuana Possesion | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13) |
| May 13, 2015 | LA | HB 149 | Amends Penalties for Marijuana Possesion | Bill Passed - House (54 - 37) |
| 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) |
| 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 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) |
| April 7, 2014 | LA | S Amdt 2081 | Authorizes "Chicken Boxing" under Certain Conditions | Amendment Rejected - Senate (8 - 29) |
| 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 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 5 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations | Bill Passed - House (67 - 25) |
| April 23, 2013 | LA | HB 5 | Prohibits the Enforcement of Federal Firearm Regulations | Bill Passed - House (67 - 25) |
| April 23, 2013 | LA | HB 8 | Prohibits Disclosure of Concealed Firearm Permit Information | Bill Passed - House (76 - 18) |
| April 17, 2013 | LA | SB 147 | Prohibits the Use of Social Media While Driving | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9) |
| May 29, 2012 | LA | SB 303 | Limits Gun Regulations | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 4) |
| May 29, 2012 | LA | SB 303 | Limits Gun Regulations | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 4) |
| May 24, 2012 | LA | SB 303 | Limits Gun Regulations | Bill Passed - House (77 - 22) |
| May 22, 2012 | LA | HB 543 | Parole Eligibility for Nonviolent Offenders | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| May 15, 2012 | LA | HB 380 | Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients | Bill Passed - House (65 - 26) |
| May 15, 2012 | LA | HB 380 | Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients | Bill Passed - House (65 - 26) |
| May 14, 2012 | LA | HB 1072 | Tax Incentives for a Franchise of the NBA | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7) |
| April 30, 2012 | LA | HB 1072 | Tax Incentives for a Franchise of the NBA | Bill Passed - House (60 - 41) |
| April 9, 2012 | LA | SB 303 | Limits Gun Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6) |
| June 21, 2011 | LA | HB 7 | Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients | Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 12) |
| June 19, 2011 | LA | HB 342 | Requires Certain Employers to Use E-Verify | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8) |
| June 7, 2011 | LA | HB 138 | Parole Eligibility for Elderly Inmates | Bill Passed - House (65 - 25) |
| May 17, 2011 | LA | HB 7 | Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients | Bill Passed - House (67 - 26) |
| May 4, 2011 | LA | HB 52 | Increasing New Orleans Traffic Court Costs | Bill Failed - House (49 - 22) |
| June 20, 2010 | LA | SB 381 | Establishing "Crime Against Nature by Solicitation" | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 5) |
| June 20, 2010 | LA | SB 381 | Establishing "Crime Against Nature by Solicitation" | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 5) |
| June 18, 2010 | LA | SB 381 | Establishing "Crime Against Nature by Solicitation" | Bill Passed - House (80 - 10) |
| June 18, 2010 | LA | SB 381 | Establishing "Crime Against Nature by Solicitation" | Bill Passed - House (80 - 10) |
| June 17, 2010 | LA | HB 1272 | Authorizing Handguns in of Places of Worship | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 26) |
| June 16, 2010 | LA | HB 303 | Authorizing Home School Student Athletic Participation | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (82 - 13) |
| June 16, 2010 | LA | HB 1339 | Increasing Driving Restrictions on Class E License Holders | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13) |
| June 15, 2010 | LA | HB 1272 | Authorizing Handguns in of Places of Worship | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9) |
| June 14, 2010 | LA | HB 1247 | Prohibiting Insurance Coverage of Elective Abortions | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3) |
| June 14, 2010 | LA | HB 303 | Authorizing Home School Student Athletic Participation | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10) |
| June 14, 2010 | LA | HB 195 | Inmate Parole Modifications | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7) |
| June 3, 2010 | LA | SB 593 | Governor's Office Records | Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 24) |
| June 2, 2010 | LA | SB 9 | Classifying Text Messaging While Driving as a Primary Offense | Bill Passed - House (69 - 22) |
| May 26, 2010 | LA | SB 38 | Criminalization of Participation in Cockfighting | Bill Passed - House (73 - 13) |
| May 26, 2010 | LA | SB 38 | Criminalization of Participation in Cockfighting | Bill Passed - House (73 - 13) |
| May 18, 2010 | LA | SB 528 | Requiring an Ultrasound for an Abortion | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4) |
| May 13, 2010 | LA | HB 554 | Prohibiting Release on Own Recognizance for Domestic Abuse Suspects | Bill Passed - House (63 - 20) |
| May 13, 2010 | LA | HB 554 | Prohibiting Release on Own Recognizance for Domestic Abuse Suspects | Bill Passed - House (63 - 20) |
| May 12, 2010 | LA | HB 1339 | Increasing Driving Restrictions on Class E License Holders | Bill Passed - House (59 - 34) |
| May 12, 2010 | LA | SB 348 | Smoking in Public Places | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| May 10, 2010 | LA | HB 219 | Illegal Dog Restraining | Bill Failed - House (46 - 40) |
| May 6, 2010 | LA | HB 863 | Prohibits Hand-Held Cell Phones while Driving | Bill Failed - House (49 - 41) |
| May 6, 2010 | LA | HB 68 | Authorizing Concealed Handguns in Places of Worship | Bill Failed - House (45 - 39) |
| April 28, 2010 | LA | HB 617 | Expanding Drug Testing Requirements for Welfare Recipients | Bill Passed - House (61 - 27) |
| April 28, 2010 | LA | HB 1259 | Prohibiting "Cyber-Bullying" | Bill Passed - House (78 - 16) |
| April 28, 2010 | LA | SB 38 | Criminalization of Participation in Cockfighting | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2) |
| April 28, 2010 | LA | SB 38 | Criminalization of Participation in Cockfighting | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2) |
| April 22, 2010 | LA | Amdt 89 | Rape and Incest Exemption From Prohibition on Insurance Coverage of Elective Abortion | Amendment Rejected - House (21 - 65) |
| April 22, 2010 | LA | Amdt 87A | Non-Viability Exemption From Prohibition on Insurance Coverage of Elective Abortion | Amendment Rejected - House (19 - 66) |
| April 22, 2010 | LA | Amdt 88 | Health Risk Exemption from Prohibition on Insurance Coverage of Elective Abortion | Amendment Rejected - House (17 - 67) |
| April 22, 2010 | LA | HB 1247 | Prohibiting Insurance Coverage of Elective Abortions | Bill Passed - House (76 - 13) |
| April 21, 2010 | LA | SB 9 | Classifying Text Messaging While Driving as a Primary Offense | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9) |
| April 20, 2010 | LA | SB 368 | Notification Requirements for Iguana Sales | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14) |
| April 19, 2010 | LA | HB 224 | Withholding Pension Benefits from Incarcerated Public Employees | Bill Failed - House (42 - 56) |