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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. 14, 2007 | SD | HB 1175 | Lethal Injection Reform | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
| Feb. 14, 2007 | SD | HB 1175 | Lethal Injection Reform | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
| April 6, 2006 | NH | HB 1177 | Smoking Ban | "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (12 - 11) |
| April 26, 2023 | IN | HB 1177 | Authorizes Teachers to Keep Firearms in Classrooms | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 8) |
| March 11, 2020 | WY | HB 118 | Establishes the Second Amendment Preservation Act | Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 14) |
| March 3, 2009 | ND | HB 1182 | Point Reduction for Seat Belt Use | Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 25) |
| March 3, 2009 | ND | HB 1182 | Point Reduction for Seat Belt Use | Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 25) |
| April 18, 2023 | TN | HB 1189 | Establishes Legal Protections for Gun Dealers, Manufacturers and Sellers Against Lawsuits | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9) |
| Feb. 28, 2024 | UT | HB 119 | Authorizes Incentives for Teachers to Conceal Carry in School | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 6) |
| March 20, 2015 | ND | HB 1195 | Authorizes Concealed Firearms in Schools | Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 28) |
| 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. 18, 2010 | UT | HB 12 | Abortion and Homicide Law Amendments | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 4) |
| March 9, 2012 | FL | HB 1205 | Authorizes Random Drug Tests of State Employees | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14) |
| May 2, 2008 | CO | HB 1208 | Limitations on Direct File Juvenile Cases | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16) |
| March 25, 2021 | MT | HB 121 | Repeals the Ability for Health Boards to Implement Rules Surrounding Covid-19 | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19) |
| March 11, 2020 | FL | HB 1213 | Requires Adding Ocoee Riots to School Curriculum | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0) |
| April 3, 2021 | WA | HB 1214 | Establishes the Category of Safety and Security Staff for K-12 Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13) |
| Feb. 22, 2006 | SD | HB 1215 | Abortion Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| March 8, 2012 | MO | HB 1219 | Workplace Discrimination Amendments | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8) |
| March 11, 2013 | CO | HB 1224 | Limits Firearm Magazine Capacity | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
| March 11, 2013 | CO | HB 1228 | Establishes a Background Check Fee | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| March 15, 2013 | CO | HB 1229 | Requires Background Checks for Private Gun Sales and Transfers | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 14) |
| March 5, 2014 | SD | HB 1229 | Requires Certain Individuals to be Reported to the National Background Check System | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9) |
| April 10, 2023 | ND | HB 1230 | Establishes Penalties for the Intentional Submission of Petitions with Fraudulent Signatures | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 6) |
| March 25, 2020 | PA | HB 1232 | Authorizes Emergency Finances and Tax Provisions in Response to the COVID-19 Emergency | Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0) |
| March 22, 2007 | IN | HB 1237 | Seat Belt Requirement | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 17) |
| Feb. 18, 2014 | VA | HB 1237 | Authorizes Hunting on Sundays | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11) |
| May 10, 2010 | CO | HB 1238 | Increasing Fines for Moving Traffic Violations in Wildlife Crossing Zones | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11) |
| June 15, 2021 | DE | HB 124 | Prohibits Abusive Individuals from Bearing Arms | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6) |
| June 15, 2021 | DE | HB 124 | Prohibits Abusive Individuals from Bearing Arms | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6) |
| March 4, 2009 | SD | HB 1240 | Smoking Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14) |
| Feb. 25, 2013 | AR | HB 1243 | Authorizes University Staff to Carry a Concealed Handgun | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4) |
| Feb. 28, 2017 | AZ | HB 1243 | Authorizes Gun Show Sales Without Background Checks | Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 16) |
| June 16, 2020 | NH | HB 1246 | Authorizes Pharmacists to Administer COVID-19 Vaccine | "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10) |
| May 23, 2013 | IL | HB 1247 | Prohibits Using a Hand-Held Cell Phone While Driving | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 20) |
| Feb. 28, 2012 | SD | HB 1248 | Authorizes the Concealed Carry of a Handgun Without a Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11) |
| April 3, 2023 | ND | HB 1249 | Requires Classification of Student Athletes Based on "Biological Sex" | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9) |
| March 7, 2024 | WY | HB 125 | Repeals Gun-Free Zones in Wyoming | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8) |
| March 8, 2020 | VA | HB 1250 | Establishes the "Community Policing Act" | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 17) |
| March 8, 2020 | VA | HB 1250 | Establishes the "Community Policing Act" | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 17) |
| April 16, 2019 | IN | HB 1253 | Authorizes Firearm Training for Teachers and School Staff | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14) |
| March 13, 2020 | FL | HB 1259 | Prohibits Putting Pregnant Prisoners in Restrictive Housing | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 0) |
| April 9, 2021 | WA | HB 1267 | Establishes the Office of Independent Investigations within the Governor's Office to Investigate Deadly Use of Force Incidents Involving Police Officers | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2) |
| March 26, 2007 | CO | HB 1269 | Casino Smoking Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16) |
| May 23, 2019 | OK | HB 1269 | Amends Criminal Sentencing Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 11) |
| April 25, 2019 | OK | HB 1269 | Amends Criminal Sentencing Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 5) |
| May 16, 2024 | LA | HB 127 | Increases Penalties for Protesters Who Disrupt Traffic | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10) |
| April 5, 2012 | CO | HB 1271 | Repeals Direct Filing of Juveniles by Prosecutors | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13) |
| June 15, 2010 | LA | HB 1272 | Authorizing Handguns in of Places of Worship | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9) |
| May 6, 2009 | CO | HB 1274 | Repeals Death Penalty | Conference Report Rejected - Senate (17 - 18) |
| April 22, 2019 | IN | HB 1284 | Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 7) |
| April 22, 2019 | IN | HB 1284 | Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 7) |
| May 6, 2010 | CO | HB 1284 | Increasing Medical Marijuana Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9) |
| May 5, 2023 | FL | HB 1285 | Authorizes the Creation of a Specialized State Guard as a Part of State Law Enforcement | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 11) |
| Feb. 10, 2024 | NM | HB 129 | Establishes a Waiting Period for Firearm Purchases | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 18) |
| June 17, 2020 | MS | HB 1295 | Prohibits Abortions for Reasons of Race, Sex, or Genetic Abnormality | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 11) |
| March 8, 2022 | IN | HB 1296 | Repeals License Requirement to Carry a Handgun | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20) |
| March 18, 2008 | CO | HB 1297 | Supplemental Department of Public Safety Funding | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9) |
| April 18, 2023 | FL | HB 1297 | Authorizes the Death Penalty for for People Who Commit Sexual Assault on Children | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 5) |
| Aug. 30, 2023 | PA | HB 1300 | Authorizes Funding for Home Repair Subsidies, Adult Mental Health Services, and Public Defenders | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18) |
| March 13, 2023 | AR | HB 1307 | Requires the State Divest from Financial Companies that Follow Certain Sociopolitical Guidelines | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9) |
| March 28, 2017 | ND | HB 1310 | Amends Concealed Carry Laws | Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 27) |
| March 28, 2017 | ND | HB 1310 | Amends Concealed Carry Laws | Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 27) |
| May 8, 2006 | CO | HB 1314 | Prohibiting Forced Exposure to Employers Religious or Political Speech | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 16) |
| May 3, 2006 | CO | HB 1315 | Juvenile Criminal Parole Act | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11) |
| May 2, 2018 | NH | HB 1319 | Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity | "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10) |
| April 10, 2021 | WA | HB 1320 | Amends Protection Order Laws to include Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, Anti-Harassment, Vulnerable Adult, and Extreme Risk Protection Orders | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20) |
| April 2, 2015 | ND | HB 1328 | Prohibits the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Without a Warrant | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17) |
| April 2, 2015 | ND | HB 1328 | Prohibits the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Without a Warrant | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17) |
| May 10, 2017 | CO | HB 1329 | Establishes Requirements for Youth Corrections Centers | (21 - 14) |
| April 12, 2007 | CO | HB 1330 | Second Parent Adoption | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| March 29, 2019 | ND | HB 1332 | Authorizes Schools to Develop a Plan for an Armed First Responder | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14) |
| April 5, 2023 | ND | HB 1339 | Authorizes Citizens to Conceal Carry in North Dakota With a State Issued ID | Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 2) |
| April 6, 2023 | WA | HB 1340 | Prohibits Medical Licensing Boards from Retaliating Against Clinicians for Providing Reproductive Health Services and Gender-Affirming Care | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19) |
| April 5, 2023 | ND | HB 1340 | Prohibits Local Governments from Enforcing Stricter Gun Laws then Passed by the State | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6) |
| April 5, 2023 | ND | HB 1340 | Prohibits Local Governments from Enforcing Stricter Gun Laws then Passed by the State | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6) |
| May 4, 2006 | CO | HB 1344 | Same-Sex Partnership Benefits Act | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| April 5, 2023 | ND | HB 1350 | Establishes Places That a Person Can Carry a Concealed Weapon and Penalties for Armed Offenders | Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 2) |
| April 5, 2023 | ND | HB 1350 | Establishes Places That a Person Can Carry a Concealed Weapon and Penalties for Armed Offenders | Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 2) |
| March 13, 2014 | IN | HB 1351 | Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients | Conference Report Rejected - Senate (24 - 24) |
| March 4, 2014 | IN | HB 1351 | Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14) |
| March 13, 2019 | MS | HB 1352 | Amends Criminal Justice Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 2) |
| May 10, 2010 | CO | HB 1352 | Concerning Charges to Crimes Involving Controlled Substances | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5) |
| May 10, 2010 | CO | HB 1352 | Concerning Charges to Crimes Involving Controlled Substances | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5) |
| May 1, 2023 | FL | HB 1359 | Increases Penalties for Fentanyl Dealers and Manufacturers | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0) |
| Feb. 27, 2018 | IN | HB 1359 | Increases Penalties for Drug Dealers Connected to Overdose Deaths | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 9) |
| May 1, 2023 | FL | HB 1359 | Increases Penalties for Fentanyl Dealers and Manufacturers | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0) |
| Feb. 27, 2018 | IN | HB 1359 | Increases Penalties for Drug Dealers Connected to Overdose Deaths | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 9) |
| May 12, 2010 | CO | HB 1360 | Parole Violation Punishment Reduction | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11) |
| March 20, 2023 | IN | HB 1365 | Prohibits and Criminalizes "Machine-Gun Conversion" Devices | Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 4) |
| March 5, 2008 | WY | HB 137 | Deadly Force in Self Defense | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1) |
| March 5, 2008 | WY | HB 137 | Deadly Force in Self Defense | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1) |
| Feb. 15, 2024 | FL | HB 1377 | Establishes Exemptions From Public Document Requests | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9) |
| March 29, 2019 | ND | HB 1381 | Prohibits Government Funded Gun Buyback Programs | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12) |
| April 19, 2021 | ND | HB 1383 | Prohibits State Enforcement of Federal Regulations on Firearms | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 7) |
| April 4, 2022 | GA | HB 1390 | Establishes a Cause of Action Against Government Employers Who Retaliate Against Employees Due to Complaints of Sexual Harassment | Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0) |
| Oct. 26, 2022 | PA | HB 1393 | Defines Testing of Fentanyl Test Strips and Other Compounds in Relation to Controlled Substances | Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0) |
| April 10, 2023 | WA | HB 1394 | Establishes a Developmentally Appropriate Response to Youth Who Commit Sexual Offenses | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21) |
| March 7, 2017 | KY | HB 14 | Classifies First-Responders as a Protected Class Under Hate Crimes Law | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5) |
| Dec. 2, 2020 | MO | HB 14 | Appropriates Emergency Spending for COVID-19 | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 1) |