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
Feb. 19, 2024 VA HB 46 Requires Individuals Named Under Protective Orders to Hand Over Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 13, 2024 VA SB 101 Requires Marriage License Approval for All Consenting Parties Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Feb. 12, 2024 VA SB 422 Prohibits Landlords from Requiring Various Extra Fees from Tenants Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
Feb. 7, 2024 VA SB 2 Establishes a Class 1 Misdemeanor for the Sale, Manufacture, or Purchase of an Assault Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 6, 2024 VA SB 238 Requires State Health Insurance Plans Cover All F.D.A. Approved Contraception Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
Feb. 6, 2024 VA SB 716 Prohibits the Board of Medicine from Taking Disciplinary Action Against a Doctor Based on an Alleged Abortion Care that is Not Prohibited Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 6, 2024 VA SB 57 Prohibits Firearms in Any Restaurant that Serves Alcohol Regardless of a Concealed Carry Permit Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Feb. 5, 2024 VA SB 99 Prohibits Open Carrying Semi-Automatic Firearms in Public Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Jan. 31, 2024 VA SB 635 Amends To-Go Alcohol Sale Laws to be Permanently Legal Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
April 12, 2023 VA SB 903 Authorizes New Limits on the THC Amount in Hemp Products Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
April 12, 2023 VA SB 1035 Specifies and Designates Certain Bridges Eligible for State Repair Funding Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
April 12, 2023 VA SB 989 Establishes Greater Victims Rights in Court Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 5)
Feb. 25, 2023 VA HB 2398 Classifies Sexual Extortion as a Class 5 Felony Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 3)
Feb. 25, 2023 VA SB 1188 Classifies Fentanyl as a "Weapons of Terrorism" and a Class 4 Felony Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 5)
Feb. 25, 2023 VA SB 887 Requires Individuals in Solitary Confinement Receive a Minimum of 4 Hours Out of Cell Each Day Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 2)
Feb. 22, 2023 VA SB 1337 Establishes New Regulations and Provisions to the Medical Marijuana Program Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
Feb. 20, 2023 VA HB 2441 Extends Eviction Notices for Month to Month tenants Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
Feb. 20, 2023 VA HB 2082 Requires Employees of Landlords with More than 200 Rental Units to Complete a Criminal Background Check Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 4)
Feb. 16, 2023 VA HB 2444 Authorizes Offshore Wind Farm Energy Capacity Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
Feb. 13, 2023 VA HB 1702 Requires Landlords Provide 60-Day Written Notice to Increase Rent Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Feb. 7, 2023 VA SB 1515 Establishes Civil Liability for or Publishing or Distributing Material Harmful to Minors on the Internet Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
Feb. 6, 2023 VA SB 951 Prohibits Registering an Uninsured Vehicle Beginning July 1, 2024 Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
Feb. 6, 2023 VA SB 1361 Amends Parole Rules in the state of Virginia Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
Feb. 2, 2023 VA SB 1141 Expands Affordable Housing Programs Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
Jan. 31, 2023 VA SB 1455 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Establish a Curfew Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
Jan. 24, 2023 VA SB 1096 Establishes State Code Language Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
Jan. 23, 2023 VA SB 888 Prohibits the Required Imposition of Mandatory Consecutive Sentences of Imprisonment Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
April 27, 2022 VA HB 297 Prohibits Healthcare Providers From Engaging in Certain Medical Debt Collection Activities Veto Override Failed - Senate (21 - 19)
March 10, 2022 VA SB 652 Amends Requirements for Absentee Voting Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (19 - 21)
March 8, 2022 VA HB 297 Prohibits Healthcare Providers From Engaging in Certain Medical Debt Collection Activities Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
March 8, 2022 VA HB 127 Prohibits Governor's School's from Using Race as a Factor in the Admissions Process Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
March 8, 2022 VA HB 1197 Establishes a Study Regarding Transferring the Department of Juvenile Justice to the Secretariat of Health and Human Resources Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
Feb. 23, 2022 VA HB 670 Establishes Independent Policing Auditor to Oversee Civilian Law Enforcement Oversight Groups Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 21, 2022 VA HB 4 Requires School Principals to Report Student Misdemeanors to Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
Feb. 21, 2022 VA HB 283 Establishes Human Trafficking Training For Law Enforcement Personnel Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Feb. 15, 2022 VA SB 4 Limits the Duration of Executive Orders Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
Feb. 15, 2022 VA SB 391 Establishes Legal Framework for Sale of Recreational Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 15, 2022 VA SJ 1 Expands Voting Rights of Released Inmates (24 - 16)
Feb. 9, 2022 VA SB 739 Prohibits Mask Mandates at Schools Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
Feb. 9, 2022 VA SB 656 Requires Schools Notify Parents of Sexually Explicit Instructional Content Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Feb. 7, 2022 VA SB 508 Increases the Size and Responsibilities of the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Feb. 2, 2022 VA SB 226 Requires Notice to Employees of Right to Dispute Claim Denial Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Jan. 27, 2022 VA SB 246 Requires Law Enforcement Officers Inform Drivers on Why They are Being Stopped Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Jan. 20, 2022 VA SB 35 Extends the 60-Day Commission Planning Period Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
April 7, 2021 VA HB 2113 Authorizes Criminal Records Expungement Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
April 7, 2021 VA SB 1245 Requires the Establishment of Drop-Box Locations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA HB 2312 Authorizes the Simple Possession of Marijuana Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 19)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA HB 2004 Requires Releasing Records From Closed Criminal Investigations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 15)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA SJ 272 Amends the Qualifications to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA SB 1385 Rescinds the Sunset on a Pilot Program Allowing a Locality to Request an Electric Utility to Place Underground Electric Distribution Lines Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 7)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA HJ 555 Extends Voting Rights to Citizens on Parole Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA HB 1909 Establishes Gun-Free Zones on School Board Property Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
Feb. 24, 2021 VA SB 1182 Increases Auto Insurance Minimum Coverage Limits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
Feb. 23, 2021 VA SB 1097 Rescinds the Mandate for a Witness Signature on Absentee Ballots Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
Feb. 23, 2021 VA SB 1148 Amends the Primary Election Date Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
Feb. 23, 2021 VA HB 2020 Amends the Nomination Processes to Accommodate Servicemembers on Active Duty Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
Feb. 22, 2021 VA HB 1889 Extends Eviction Protections for Renters Experiencing Financial Hardship Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 19, 2021 VA SB 1392 Establishes a Framework for Controlling and Processing Personal Health Data Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
Feb. 19, 2021 VA HB 1888 Requires the Creation of More Ballot Drop Boxes Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
Feb. 19, 2021 VA HB 1810 Authorizes the Governor to Order the Online Voter Registration System be Made Available After Close of Registration if a System Error Occurs Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
Feb. 19, 2021 VA HB 1968 Authorizes the Electoral Board or General Registrar of a County or City to Provide Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
Feb. 19, 2021 VA HB 2125 Authorizes a Person Who is 16 Years of Age or Older to Preregister to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
Feb. 18, 2021 VA HB 2081 Prohibits the Possession of Firearms Within 40 Feet of a Polling Place Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 15, 2021 VA HB 2128 Increases the Amount of Time for the State Department to Complete Firearm Background Checks Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
Feb. 5, 2021 VA SB 1406 Expands Adult Cannabis Use and Eliminates Criminal Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Feb. 5, 2021 VA SB 1339 Requires an Individual Petition a Court for Permission to have Their Criminal Records Sealed Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 3, 2021 VA SB 1165 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
Feb. 1, 2021 VA SB 1387 Expands Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 29, 2021 VA SB 1413 Increases Broadband by Allowing Deals with the State Corporation Commission Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
Jan. 25, 2021 VA SB 1281 Specifies that the General Registrar of a Locality Does Not Need to be a Resident of that Locality Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
Jan. 25, 2021 VA SB 1239 Authorizes the General Registrar to Contract with a Third Party for the Printing, Assembly, and Mailing of Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
Jan. 22, 2021 VA SB 1276 Repeals the Abortion Prohibition in Virginia Health Insurance Plans Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
Nov. 9, 2020 VA HB 5109 Amends Existing Law Enforcement Officer Training and Qualifications Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Oct. 16, 2020 VA HB 5043 Authorizes Mental Health Experts to Accompany Police Officers Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 12)
Oct. 14, 2020 VA HB 5099 Prohibits No-Knock Search Warrants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 16)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/19 HB 46 Requires Individuals Named Under Protective Orders to Hand Over Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/13 SB 101 Requires Marriage License Approval for All Consenting Parties Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
2/12 SB 422 Prohibits Landlords from Requiring Various Extra Fees from Tenants Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
2/07 SB 2 Establishes a Class 1 Misdemeanor for the Sale, Manufacture, or Purchase of an Assault Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/06 SB 238 Requires State Health Insurance Plans Cover All F.D.A. Approved Contraception Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
2/06 SB 716 Prohibits the Board of Medicine from Taking Disciplinary Action Against a Doctor Based on an Alleged Abortion Care that is Not Prohibited Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/06 SB 57 Prohibits Firearms in Any Restaurant that Serves Alcohol Regardless of a Concealed Carry Permit Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
2/05 SB 99 Prohibits Open Carrying Semi-Automatic Firearms in Public Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
1/31 SB 635 Amends To-Go Alcohol Sale Laws to be Permanently Legal Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
4/12 SB 903 Authorizes New Limits on the THC Amount in Hemp Products Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
4/12 SB 1035 Specifies and Designates Certain Bridges Eligible for State Repair Funding Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
4/12 SB 989 Establishes Greater Victims Rights in Court Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 5)
2/25 HB 2398 Classifies Sexual Extortion as a Class 5 Felony Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 3)
2/25 SB 1188 Classifies Fentanyl as a "Weapons of Terrorism" and a Class 4 Felony Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 5)
2/25 SB 887 Requires Individuals in Solitary Confinement Receive a Minimum of 4 Hours Out of Cell Each Day Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 2)
2/22 SB 1337 Establishes New Regulations and Provisions to the Medical Marijuana Program Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
2/20 HB 2441 Extends Eviction Notices for Month to Month tenants Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
2/20 HB 2082 Requires Employees of Landlords with More than 200 Rental Units to Complete a Criminal Background Check Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 4)
2/16 HB 2444 Authorizes Offshore Wind Farm Energy Capacity Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
2/13 HB 1702 Requires Landlords Provide 60-Day Written Notice to Increase Rent Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
2/07 SB 1515 Establishes Civil Liability for or Publishing or Distributing Material Harmful to Minors on the Internet Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
2/06 SB 951 Prohibits Registering an Uninsured Vehicle Beginning July 1, 2024 Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
2/06 SB 1361 Amends Parole Rules in the state of Virginia Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
2/02 SB 1141 Expands Affordable Housing Programs Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
1/31 SB 1455 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Establish a Curfew Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
1/24 SB 1096 Establishes State Code Language Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
1/23 SB 888 Prohibits the Required Imposition of Mandatory Consecutive Sentences of Imprisonment Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
4/27 HB 297 Prohibits Healthcare Providers From Engaging in Certain Medical Debt Collection Activities Veto Override Failed - Senate (21 - 19)
3/10 SB 652 Amends Requirements for Absentee Voting Concurrence Vote Failed - Senate (19 - 21)
3/08 HB 297 Prohibits Healthcare Providers From Engaging in Certain Medical Debt Collection Activities Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
3/08 HB 127 Prohibits Governor's School's from Using Race as a Factor in the Admissions Process Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
3/08 HB 1197 Establishes a Study Regarding Transferring the Department of Juvenile Justice to the Secretariat of Health and Human Resources Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
2/23 HB 670 Establishes Independent Policing Auditor to Oversee Civilian Law Enforcement Oversight Groups Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/21 HB 4 Requires School Principals to Report Student Misdemeanors to Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
2/21 HB 283 Establishes Human Trafficking Training For Law Enforcement Personnel Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
2/15 SB 4 Limits the Duration of Executive Orders Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
2/15 SB 391 Establishes Legal Framework for Sale of Recreational Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/15 SJ 1 Expands Voting Rights of Released Inmates (24 - 16)
2/09 SB 739 Prohibits Mask Mandates at Schools Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
2/09 SB 656 Requires Schools Notify Parents of Sexually Explicit Instructional Content Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
2/07 SB 508 Increases the Size and Responsibilities of the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
2/02 SB 226 Requires Notice to Employees of Right to Dispute Claim Denial Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
1/27 SB 246 Requires Law Enforcement Officers Inform Drivers on Why They are Being Stopped Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
1/20 SB 35 Extends the 60-Day Commission Planning Period Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
4/07 HB 2113 Authorizes Criminal Records Expungement Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
4/07 SB 1245 Requires the Establishment of Drop-Box Locations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/27 HB 2312 Authorizes the Simple Possession of Marijuana Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 19)
2/27 HB 2004 Requires Releasing Records From Closed Criminal Investigations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 15)
2/27 SJ 272 Amends the Qualifications to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
2/27 SB 1385 Rescinds the Sunset on a Pilot Program Allowing a Locality to Request an Electric Utility to Place Underground Electric Distribution Lines Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 7)
2/27 HJ 555 Extends Voting Rights to Citizens on Parole Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 18)
2/27 HB 1909 Establishes Gun-Free Zones on School Board Property Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
2/24 SB 1182 Increases Auto Insurance Minimum Coverage Limits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
2/23 SB 1097 Rescinds the Mandate for a Witness Signature on Absentee Ballots Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
2/23 SB 1148 Amends the Primary Election Date Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
2/23 HB 2020 Amends the Nomination Processes to Accommodate Servicemembers on Active Duty Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
2/22 HB 1889 Extends Eviction Protections for Renters Experiencing Financial Hardship Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/19 SB 1392 Establishes a Framework for Controlling and Processing Personal Health Data Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 7)
2/19 HB 1888 Requires the Creation of More Ballot Drop Boxes Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
2/19 HB 1810 Authorizes the Governor to Order the Online Voter Registration System be Made Available After Close of Registration if a System Error Occurs Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
2/19 HB 1968 Authorizes the Electoral Board or General Registrar of a County or City to Provide Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
2/19 HB 2125 Authorizes a Person Who is 16 Years of Age or Older to Preregister to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
2/18 HB 2081 Prohibits the Possession of Firearms Within 40 Feet of a Polling Place Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/15 HB 2128 Increases the Amount of Time for the State Department to Complete Firearm Background Checks Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
2/05 SB 1406 Expands Adult Cannabis Use and Eliminates Criminal Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
2/05 SB 1339 Requires an Individual Petition a Court for Permission to have Their Criminal Records Sealed Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/03 SB 1165 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
2/01 SB 1387 Expands Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/29 SB 1413 Increases Broadband by Allowing Deals with the State Corporation Commission Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
1/25 SB 1281 Specifies that the General Registrar of a Locality Does Not Need to be a Resident of that Locality Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
1/25 SB 1239 Authorizes the General Registrar to Contract with a Third Party for the Printing, Assembly, and Mailing of Absentee Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
1/22 SB 1276 Repeals the Abortion Prohibition in Virginia Health Insurance Plans Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
11/09 HB 5109 Amends Existing Law Enforcement Officer Training and Qualifications Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
10/16 HB 5043 Authorizes Mental Health Experts to Accompany Police Officers Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 12)
10/14 HB 5099 Prohibits No-Knock Search Warrants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 16)

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