Key Votes
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About the Selection and Descriptions of Key Votes
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:
- The vote should be helpful in portraying how a member stands on a particular issue
- The vote should be clear for any person to understand
- The vote has received media attention
- The vote was passed or defeated by a very close margin
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 14, 2022 | RI | H 6614 | Prohibits High-Capacity Magazines for Semi-Automatic Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11) |
| March 16, 2018 | ID | H 665 | Increases Penalties for Threats Against Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1) |
| March 16, 2018 | ID | H 665 | Increases Penalties for Threats Against Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1) |
| March 28, 2012 | ID | H 695 | Establishes a Legislative Legal Defense Fund | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11) |
| June 17, 2024 | VT | H 72 | Establishes and Appropriates Funding for Overdose Prevention Centers in the State | Veto Override Failed - Senate (20 - 9) |
| May 1, 2008 | RI | H 7204 | 2007-2008 Budget Amendments | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11) |
| May 3, 2022 | VT | H 728 | Expands Policies Addressing Opioid Epidemic | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7) |
| March 29, 2010 | ID | H 729 | Prohibiting Text Messaging While Driving | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4) |
| June 14, 2022 | RI | H 7358 | Prohibits Carrying a Loaded Rifle or Shotgun in Public | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5) |
| June 6, 2024 | RI | H 7373 | Requires Firearms Not in Use be Kept in Locked Containers or Equipped with Tamper-Resistant Locks | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7) |
| June 14, 2022 | RI | H 7457 | Increases the Minimum Age to Purchase Firearms and Ammunition | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 5) |
| July 16, 2020 | RI | H 7541 | Establishes the "Uniform Parentage Act" | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1) |
| May 24, 2022 | RI | H 7593 | Authorizes Recreational Use of Marijuana | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 5) |
| June 21, 2018 | RI | H 7715 | Classifies Delivery a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death as a Crime | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10) |
| June 21, 2018 | RI | H 7715 | Classifies Delivery a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death as a Crime | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10) |
| March 24, 2022 | ID | H 782 | Amends Existing Law Regarding Members of the Judicial Council | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9) |
| June 13, 2012 | RI | H 7909 | Requires State Health Laws to Comply with the Affordable Care Act | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8) |
| May 3, 2022 | VT | H 96 | Establishes a State Commission to Study Racism, Discrimination, and Eugenics | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7) |
| May 28, 2011 | TX | HB 1 | 2011-2013 Budget | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 11) |
| March 22, 2022 | MD | HB 1 | Authorizes the Use and Possession of Cannabis | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17) |
| Feb. 28, 2024 | LA | HB 1 | Requires Publication of Minute Entries in Juvenile Justice Records | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9) |
| Nov. 24, 2020 | NM | HB 1 | Appropriates $330 Million in Coronavirus Relief | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5) |
| April 15, 2021 | FL | HB 1 | Increases Criminal Penalties for Assaulting Law Enforcement Officials | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17) |
| Nov. 17, 2021 | FL | HB 1 | Prohibits Private Employers from Imposing COVID-19 Vaccination Mandates | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14) |
| May 4, 2011 | TX | HB 1 | 2011-2013 Budget | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12) |
| April 20, 2012 | KY | HB 1 | Requires Use of Prescription Monitoring System by Physicians | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12) |
| March 6, 2009 | UT | HB 100 | Prison Education and Medical Financing Amendments | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7) |
| March 1, 2022 | IN | HB 1001 | Amends COVID-19 Immunization and Vaccine Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18) |
| March 5, 2024 | IN | HB 1002 | Defines Antisemitism as Discrimination on the Basis of the Jewish Religion | Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 6) |
| April 26, 2013 | IN | HB 1006 | Amends the Criminal Code | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 15) |
| March 16, 2021 | IN | HB 1006 | Increases Police Accountability | Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0) |
| May 22, 2013 | TX | HB 1009 | Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4) |
| March 30, 2022 | GA | HB 1013 | Establishes the Mental Health Parity Act | (54 - 0) |
| April 26, 2023 | IN | HB 1016 | Establishes a Merit System for Police and Fire Departments | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 18) |
| Feb. 3, 2021 | MT | HB 102 | Authorizes Carrying Concealed Firearms in Public Settings Without a Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21) |
| March 7, 2023 | MS | HB 1020 | Establishes a Court System of Unelected Judges and Prosecutors for the City of Jackson, Mississippi | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15) |
| March 7, 2022 | AR | HB 1026 | Appropriates Funds for Law Enforcement Budgets and Spending | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0) |
| Feb. 28, 2006 | IN | HB 1028 | Firearms and Self-Defense | Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5) |
| April 1, 2021 | AL | HB 103 | Prohibits the Government Selecting Which Entities Can Remain Open During COVID-19 | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6) |
| March 8, 2022 | AR | HB 1034 | Increases Prison Spending | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 3) |
| Feb. 28, 2013 | AR | HB 1037 | Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks | Veto Override Passed - Senate (19 - 14) |
| Feb. 18, 2013 | AR | HB 1037 | Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7) |
| Feb. 8, 2021 | SD | HB 1046 | Establishes a COVID-19 Liability Shield for Businesses and Healthcare Providers | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 3) |
| March 2, 2022 | FL | HB 105 | Establishes New Regulations on Smoking and Vaping | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7) |
| May 30, 2019 | NH | HB 105 | Repeals State Photo Identification Voter ID Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10) |
| June 2, 2022 | LA | HB 1059 | Amends Bail Hearing Requirements for Certain Individuals | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8) |
| April 27, 2022 | AK | HB 106 | Authorizes Specific Police Reporting in Relation to Missing Persons Under 21 | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 0) |
| April 27, 2022 | AK | HB 106 | Authorizes Specific Police Reporting in Relation to Missing Persons Under 21 | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 0) |
| March 4, 2010 | IN | HB 1065 | Authorizing Firearms at Workplace | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 9) |
| March 4, 2010 | IN | HB 1065 | Authorizing Firearms at Workplace | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 9) |
| March 1, 2023 | UT | HB 107 | Repeals Fees for Conceal Carry Permits for School Employees | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6) |
| April 10, 2023 | MD | HB 1071 | Prohibits the Smell of Cannabis as Reasonable Suspicion or Probable Cause for Police | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20) |
| March 27, 2019 | WA | HB 1074 | Increases the Smoking and Vaping Age to 21 | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12) |
| March 24, 2021 | WA | HB 1078 | Extends Voting Rights to Citizens on Parole | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22) |
| April 25, 2019 | TN | HB 1079 | Increases Penalties for Voter Registration Errors | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6) |
| May 2, 2008 | CO | HB 1082 | Sealing Criminal Records | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9) |
| May 2, 2008 | CO | HB 1082 | Sealing Criminal Records | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9) |
| Feb. 26, 2020 | VA | HB 1083 | Amends Safety Requirements for Unsecured Firearms and Increases Penalties | (22 - 18) |
| March 7, 2018 | MS | HB 1083 | Authorizes Concealed Carry on Public Property | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18) |
| June 17, 2020 | MS | HB 1087 | Rescinds the Prohibition on Alcohol Possession | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11) |
| Feb. 27, 2013 | SD | HB 1087 | Authorizes School Sentinel Programs | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14) |
| March 19, 2008 | MS | HB 1089 | Legalizing Deer Baiting | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 24) |
| March 8, 2006 | MS | HB 1089 | Wildlife Feeding Regulation | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 12) |
| May 3, 2006 | CO | HB 1090 | Sexual Abuse Prosecution Bill | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 17) |
| Feb. 24, 2023 | SD | HB 1090 | Authorizes Protections for Farmers and Agricultural Operations from Frivolous Lawsuits | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8) |
| Dec. 1, 2022 | IL | HB 1095 | Amends Previously Passed Criminal Justice Reforms Known as the SAFE-T Act | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 17) |
| Feb. 27, 2024 | SD | HB 1098 | Repeals the Fee for Homeless Individuals to Obtain a Copy of Their Birth Certificate | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5) |
| March 14, 2006 | IN | HB 1099 | Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 16) |
| March 14, 2006 | IN | HB 1099 | Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 16) |
| March 2, 2006 | IN | HB 1099 | Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18) |
| March 2, 2006 | IN | HB 1099 | Fireworks Sales, Regulations, Discharge, Public Safety Fees, and Injuries | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18) |
| Feb. 28, 2024 | LA | HB 11 | Authorizes Sanctions for Violation of Probation or Parole Conditions | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11) |
| March 10, 2015 | UT | HB 11 | Authorizes Execution by Firing Squad | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10) |
| May 24, 2016 | OH | HB 110 | Authorizes Immunity for Individuals Reporting Drug Overdose | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
| May 24, 2016 | OH | HB 110 | Authorizes Immunity for Individuals Reporting Drug Overdose | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
| April 8, 2022 | MD | HB 1116 | Establishes Regulations for the Issuance of Alcoholic Beverage Licenses in Charles County | Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0) |
| March 5, 2020 | SD | HB 1117 | Repeals and Revises Certain Provisions Regarding Riots | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8) |
| March 17, 2021 | GA | HB 112 | Establishes COVID-19 Liability Protections for Businesses | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 17) |
| March 17, 2021 | GA | HB 112 | Establishes COVID-19 Liability Protections for Businesses | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 17) |
| March 10, 2006 | CO | HB 1125 | Seat Belt Enforcement Bill | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14) |
| March 4, 2014 | IN | HB 1126 | Amends Procedures for Awarding Unpaid Wages | Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 25) |
| March 10, 2016 | IN | HB 1127 | Establishes Regulations on Lawsuit Funding Practices | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 10) |
| April 10, 2021 | WA | HB 1127 | Increases Security and Privacy for COVID-19 Health Data Collected by Private Entities | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20) |
| Feb. 27, 2023 | SD | HB 1135 | Establishes Transparency in the Pricing of Prescription Drugs | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0) |
| March 7, 2019 | UT | HB 114 | Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 8) |
| April 11, 2021 | WA | HB 1140 | Requires Law Enforcement Provide Attorney Access to Juveniles | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 19) |
| May 21, 2019 | TX | HB 1143 | Authorizes Storage and Transportation of Firearms in School Parking Areas | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6) |
| March 7, 2020 | VA | HB 1150 | Eliminates Requirement that Jails and Prisons Ascertain Citizenship Status of Inmates | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 19) |
| April 30, 2019 | TN | HB 1151 | Prohibits Indecent Exposure to Include Restrooms, Locker Rooms, Dressing Rooms, and Showers | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 5) |
| May 3, 2013 | CO | HB 1154 | Establishes Penalties for Violent Offenses Against Pregnant Women | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14) |
| May 10, 2023 | IL | HB 1155 | Authorizes Individuals Injured by an Impaired Minor to Sue the Individual Who Supplied the Drugs or Alcohol | Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 2) |
| May 10, 2023 | IL | HB 1155 | Authorizes Individuals Injured by an Impaired Minor to Sue the Individual Who Supplied the Drugs or Alcohol | Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 2) |
| March 3, 2020 | UT | HB 116 | Establishes a Missing Indigenous Women and Girls Task Force | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 0) |
| Feb. 14, 2007 | SD | HB 1160 | Physician Presence at Executions | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3) |
| Feb. 14, 2007 | SD | HB 1160 | Physician Presence at Executions | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3) |
| June 16, 2020 | NH | HB 1166 | Extends Emergency Benefit Enhancements Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic | "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10) |
| March 13, 2013 | CO | HB 1166 | Repeals Classification of Adultery as a Criminal Offense | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
| April 17, 2014 | NH | HB 1170 | Repeals the Death Penalty | Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 12) |
| March 16, 2006 | CO | HB 1175 | Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15) |
| Feb. 28, 2006 | CO | HB 1175 | Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14) |