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.


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Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
March 23, 2006 KS SB 418 Concealed Weapons Permits Veto Override Passed - House (91 - 33)
March 14, 2006 KS SB 418 Concealed Weapons Permits Bill Passed - House (90 - 33)
Feb. 15, 2006 KY HCS HB 290 Concealed Weapons Permit Classification Bill Passed - House (89 - 7)
Jan. 31, 2006 WI SB 403 Concealed Weapons Veto Override Failed - House (64 - 34)
Feb. 3, 2006 MS HB 1089 Deer Baiting Bill Passed - House (63 - 46)
Jan. 9, 2006 NY A 2466 Assault Weapon Definition Amendments Bill Passed - House (87 - 47)
March 16, 2006 AZ HB 2649 Firearms; Possession; Storage Bill Passed - House (32 - 23)
May 4, 2006 DE HB 368 Hunting License Restrictions for Felons Bill Passed - House (21 - 14)
Jan. 9, 2006 NY A 2302 Childproof Firearms Sales Bill Passed - House (91 - 44)
May 10, 2006 KS HB 2118 Conceal and Carry Conference Report Adopted - House (93 - 24)
Feb. 1, 2006 IN HB 1028 Firearms and Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (82 - 18)
April 12, 2006 AZ HB 2074 Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 19)
Feb. 7, 2006 AZ HB 2074 Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal Bill Passed - House (33 - 24)
April 6, 2006 AZ SB 1425 Prohibition on Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency Bill Passed - House (45 - 12)
March 21, 2006 MI Sub for HB 5192 Hunting License Program and Firearms Age Restriction Bill Passed - House (86 - 17)
March 6, 2006 ID H 630 School Grounds - Violence Bill Passed - House (49 - 12)
April 12, 2006 MO HA 9 Eminent Domain Amendment Rejected - House (23 - 129)
March 24, 2006 GA SCS SB 396 Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (115 - 42)
May 8, 2006 NY A 8098 Drug Law Reform and Drug Treatment Bill Passed - House (81 - 59)
April 25, 2006 MI Sub H-1 Self Defense Bill/ Deadly Force Bill Bill Passed - House (90 - 16)
April 19, 2006 VA HB 1106 Possession of Concealed Weapons Veto Override Failed - House (61 - 36)
March 15, 2006 OH Amdt. HB 9 Concealed Weapons Permit Disclosure Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (51 - 43)
Aug. 30, 2006 CA AB 352 Microstamping of Bullets Fired from Semi-Automatic Guns Concurrence Vote Failed - House (40 - 37)
April 26, 2006 NH SB 318 Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (193 - 134)
April 27, 2006 ME LD 1938 Notification Requirements for Certain Firearm Purchases Concurrence Vote Failed - House (68 - 77)
Feb. 20, 2006 UT HB 329 Big Game Hunting Age Bill Passed - House (41 - 26)
June 28, 2006 National H Amdt 1156 Trigger Lock Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (230 - 191)
Feb. 24, 1998 National HR 424 Minimum Sentences for Gun Crimes Bill Passed - House (350 - 59)
Feb. 12, 2007 ND HB 1319 Deadly Force in Self Defense Bill Passed - House (50 - 44)
March 28, 2007 CO SB 34 Concealed Weapons Permits Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
Feb. 14, 2007 CO HB 1011 Deadly Force in Self Defense Bill Passed - House (34 - 30)
Feb. 28, 2007 UT 2SSB 251 Concealed Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (52 - 13)
Oct. 20, 2005 National S 397 Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill Bill Passed - House (283 - 144)
March 22, 1996 National HR 125 Gun Ban Repeal Act of 1995 Bill Passed - House (239 - 173)
March 21, 2007 KS HB 2528 Concealed Gun Regulations Bill Passed - House (107 - 17)
April 19, 2007 NC HB 573 Concealed Weapons for Judges Bill Passed - House (86 - 15)
March 20, 2007 TX CSSB 378 Deadly Force in Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (133 - 13)
Jan. 31, 2008 GA HB 89 Concealed Weapons in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (111 - 58)
Feb. 12, 2007 GA HB 89 Concealed Weapons in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (130 - 38)
April 26, 2007 KS HB 2528 Concealed Firearms Veto Override Passed - House (98 - 26)
May 29, 2007 CA AB 1471 Crime Gun Identification Act of 2007 Bill Passed - House (44 - 31)
April 17, 2007 OK SB 507 Comprehensive tort reform-Provide Bill Passed - House (57 - 39)
June 5, 2007 CT Sub SB 938 Reporting of Lost or Stolen Firearms Bill Passed - House (94 - 56)
June 4, 2007 AZ SB 1251 Secure Storage of Guns at Public Establishments Bill Passed - House (32 - 23)
Sept. 26, 2006 National HR 5092 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bill Passed - House (277 - 131)
Feb. 4, 2008 SD HB 1261 Firearm Possession on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (63 - 3)
Feb. 21, 2008 VA SB 436 Concealed Weapons in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (69 - 29)
Feb. 21, 2008 VA SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
March 31, 2008 MS HB 1089 Legalizing Deer Baiting Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 51)
Feb. 21, 2008 MS HB 1089 Legalizing Deer Baiting Bill Passed - House (74 - 47)
Dec. 11, 2007 WI AB 581 Gun Possession During Emergencies Bill Passed - House (84 - 13)
March 3, 2008 UT HB 473 Campus Gun Restrictions Bill Passed - House (60 - 11)
Feb. 26, 2008 WI AR 13 Supporting the Individual's Right to Bear Arms Resolution Passed - House (78 - 18)
March 6, 2008 WY HB 137 Deadly Force in Self Defense Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 2)
Feb. 25, 2008 WY HB 137 Deadly Force in Self Defense Bill Passed - House (54 - 4)
March 3, 2008 UT AM 1 Mandating the Concealment of Firearms on Campus Amendment Adopted - House (41 - 29)
May 21, 2008 AZ HB 2629 Legalizing the Defensive Display of a Firearm Concurrence Vote Passed - House (34 - 26)
April 1, 2008 PA A 6178 to HB 1845 Reporting Missing Firearms Amendment Rejected - House (75 - 128)
March 19, 2008 ID S 1441 Prohibiting Local Gun Ordinances Bill Passed - House (60 - 9)
March 27, 2008 AZ HB 2788 Relaxing Concealed Weapon Restrictions Bill Passed - House (51 - 5)
March 26, 2008 FL HB 503 Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (72 - 42)
March 4, 2008 AZ HB 2630 Illegally Concealed Weapon Penalty Reduction Bill Passed - House (36 - 24)
April 30, 2008 IL HB 5191 Parental Responsibility for Gun Accessibility Bill Passed - House (74 - 36)
May 7, 2008 IL HB 4139 Peace Officer Firearms Bill Passed - House (91 - 18)
June 27, 2008 AZ HB 2389 Involving Gun Owners' Rights Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 21)
March 11, 2008 AZ HB 2389 Involving Gun Owners' Rights Bill Passed - House (37 - 22)
May 28, 2008 OH SB 184 Lethal Force Against Intruders Bill Passed - House (73 - 23)
May 29, 2008 CA AB 2062 Regulation Of Ammunition Sales Bill Passed - House (42 - 32)
June 20, 2008 LA SB 51 Guns in Parked Locked Cars Bill Passed - House (66 - 35)
July 10, 2002 National HR 4635 Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act Bill Passed - House (310 - 113)
June 18, 1999 National HR 2122 Mandatory Gun Show Background Check Act Bill Failed - House (147 - 280)
June 18, 1999 National H Amdt 216 72 Hour Background Check Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (193 - 235)
June 18, 1999 National H Amdt 215 24 Hour Background Check Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (218 - 211)
April 9, 2003 National HR 1036 Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act Bill Passed - House (285 - 140)
Nov. 10, 1993 National H Amdt 390 Instant Background Checks for Gun Purchase Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (238 - 192)
July 29, 2008 MA Peterson Amdt to H 5022 Reducing Firearm Licensing Fee Amendment Adopted - House (97 - 59)
Aug. 13, 2008 CA SB 1171 Expanding Loaded Firearm Restrictions Bill Passed - House (45 - 32)
May 5, 1994 National HR 4296 Regulation of Semi-Automatic Assault Weapons Bill Passed - House (216 - 214)
Nov. 23, 1993 National HR 1025 Brady Handgun Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (238 - 187)
Nov. 10, 1993 National HR 1025 Brady Handgun Bill Bill Passed - House (238 - 189)
Sept. 17, 2008 National HR 6842 Repealing Portions of the D.C. Firearm Ban Bill Passed - House (266 - 152)
June 23, 2008 NJ A 339 Handgun Purchasing Limitations Bill Passed - House (47 - 28)
Dec. 11, 2008 MI SB 505 Authorizing Judges to Carry Concealed Weapons in Courtrooms Bill Passed - House (80 - 18)
Feb. 10, 2009 MT HB 228 Amending Concealed Weapons and Self-Defense Statutes Bill Passed - House (60 - 40)
Feb. 11, 2009 AR HB 1237 Allowing Concealed Weapons in Churches Bill Passed - House (57 - 42)
Feb. 18, 2009 ND HB 1348 Allowing Concealed Firearms on Campuses Bill Passed - House (48 - 46)
Feb. 24, 2009 VA SB 1035 Allowing Guns in Alcohol-Serving Establishments Bill Passed - House (66 - 33)
March 17, 2009 MD HB 302 Allowing Judges to Confiscate Firearms from Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - House (92 - 45)
March 17, 2009 MD HB 359 Handgun Permit Eligibility for Domestic Abuse Victims Bill Failed - House (51 - 86)
Feb. 17, 2009 SD HB 1278 Ban on Local Firearm Restrictions Bill Passed - House (46 - 20)
March 19, 2009 TN HB 390 Allowing Loaded "Long Guns" in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (82 - 10)
March 12, 2009 TN HB 254 Eliminating Thumbprint Requirement for Gun Purchases Bill Passed - House (82 - 11)
April 6, 2009 TN HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (70 - 26)
April 16, 2009 MO HB 668 Firearm Regulation Amendments Bill Passed - House (105 - 50)
April 28, 2009 NY A 6468 Microstamping Requirement for Semiautomatic Pistols Bill Passed - House (94 - 47)
April 28, 2009 NY A 801 Renewal Requirement for Pistol and Revolver Licenses Bill Passed - House (87 - 58)
May 4, 2009 TN HB 959 Close Handgun Permit Records Bill Passed - House (83 - 12)
May 20, 2009 National HR 627 Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (279 - 147)
June 3, 2009 TN HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Veto Override Passed - House (69 - 27)
Feb. 10, 2010 UT SB 11 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - House (56 - 17)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/23 SB 418 Concealed Weapons Permits Veto Override Passed - House (91 - 33)
3/14 SB 418 Concealed Weapons Permits Bill Passed - House (90 - 33)
2/15 HCS HB 290 Concealed Weapons Permit Classification Bill Passed - House (89 - 7)
1/31 SB 403 Concealed Weapons Veto Override Failed - House (64 - 34)
2/03 HB 1089 Deer Baiting Bill Passed - House (63 - 46)
1/09 A 2466 Assault Weapon Definition Amendments Bill Passed - House (87 - 47)
3/16 HB 2649 Firearms; Possession; Storage Bill Passed - House (32 - 23)
5/04 HB 368 Hunting License Restrictions for Felons Bill Passed - House (21 - 14)
1/09 A 2302 Childproof Firearms Sales Bill Passed - House (91 - 44)
5/10 HB 2118 Conceal and Carry Conference Report Adopted - House (93 - 24)
2/01 HB 1028 Firearms and Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (82 - 18)
4/12 HB 2074 Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 19)
2/07 HB 2074 Concealed Weapons; Training Requirement; Renewal Bill Passed - House (33 - 24)
4/06 SB 1425 Prohibition on Confiscation of Firearms During an Emergency Bill Passed - House (45 - 12)
3/21 Sub for HB 5192 Hunting License Program and Firearms Age Restriction Bill Passed - House (86 - 17)
3/06 H 630 School Grounds - Violence Bill Passed - House (49 - 12)
4/12 HA 9 Eminent Domain Amendment Rejected - House (23 - 129)
3/24 SCS SB 396 Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (115 - 42)
5/08 A 8098 Drug Law Reform and Drug Treatment Bill Passed - House (81 - 59)
4/25 Sub H-1 Self Defense Bill/ Deadly Force Bill Bill Passed - House (90 - 16)
4/19 HB 1106 Possession of Concealed Weapons Veto Override Failed - House (61 - 36)
3/15 Amdt. HB 9 Concealed Weapons Permit Disclosure Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (51 - 43)
8/30 AB 352 Microstamping of Bullets Fired from Semi-Automatic Guns Concurrence Vote Failed - House (40 - 37)
4/26 SB 318 Use of Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (193 - 134)
4/27 LD 1938 Notification Requirements for Certain Firearm Purchases Concurrence Vote Failed - House (68 - 77)
2/20 HB 329 Big Game Hunting Age Bill Passed - House (41 - 26)
6/28 H Amdt 1156 Trigger Lock Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (230 - 191)
2/24 HR 424 Minimum Sentences for Gun Crimes Bill Passed - House (350 - 59)
2/12 HB 1319 Deadly Force in Self Defense Bill Passed - House (50 - 44)
3/28 SB 34 Concealed Weapons Permits Bill Passed - House (36 - 29)
2/14 HB 1011 Deadly Force in Self Defense Bill Passed - House (34 - 30)
2/28 2SSB 251 Concealed Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (52 - 13)
10/20 S 397 Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill Bill Passed - House (283 - 144)
3/22 HR 125 Gun Ban Repeal Act of 1995 Bill Passed - House (239 - 173)
3/21 HB 2528 Concealed Gun Regulations Bill Passed - House (107 - 17)
4/19 HB 573 Concealed Weapons for Judges Bill Passed - House (86 - 15)
3/20 CSSB 378 Deadly Force in Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (133 - 13)
1/31 HB 89 Concealed Weapons in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (111 - 58)
2/12 HB 89 Concealed Weapons in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (130 - 38)
4/26 HB 2528 Concealed Firearms Veto Override Passed - House (98 - 26)
5/29 AB 1471 Crime Gun Identification Act of 2007 Bill Passed - House (44 - 31)
4/17 SB 507 Comprehensive tort reform-Provide Bill Passed - House (57 - 39)
6/05 Sub SB 938 Reporting of Lost or Stolen Firearms Bill Passed - House (94 - 56)
6/04 SB 1251 Secure Storage of Guns at Public Establishments Bill Passed - House (32 - 23)
9/26 HR 5092 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bill Passed - House (277 - 131)
2/04 HB 1261 Firearm Possession on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (63 - 3)
2/21 SB 436 Concealed Weapons in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (69 - 29)
2/21 SB 476 Prohibiting Drinking with a Concealed Weapon Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
3/31 HB 1089 Legalizing Deer Baiting Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 51)
2/21 HB 1089 Legalizing Deer Baiting Bill Passed - House (74 - 47)
12/11 AB 581 Gun Possession During Emergencies Bill Passed - House (84 - 13)
3/03 HB 473 Campus Gun Restrictions Bill Passed - House (60 - 11)
2/26 AR 13 Supporting the Individual's Right to Bear Arms Resolution Passed - House (78 - 18)
3/06 HB 137 Deadly Force in Self Defense Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 2)
2/25 HB 137 Deadly Force in Self Defense Bill Passed - House (54 - 4)
3/03 AM 1 Mandating the Concealment of Firearms on Campus Amendment Adopted - House (41 - 29)
5/21 HB 2629 Legalizing the Defensive Display of a Firearm Concurrence Vote Passed - House (34 - 26)
4/01 A 6178 to HB 1845 Reporting Missing Firearms Amendment Rejected - House (75 - 128)
3/19 S 1441 Prohibiting Local Gun Ordinances Bill Passed - House (60 - 9)
3/27 HB 2788 Relaxing Concealed Weapon Restrictions Bill Passed - House (51 - 5)
3/26 HB 503 Firearms in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (72 - 42)
3/04 HB 2630 Illegally Concealed Weapon Penalty Reduction Bill Passed - House (36 - 24)
4/30 HB 5191 Parental Responsibility for Gun Accessibility Bill Passed - House (74 - 36)
5/07 HB 4139 Peace Officer Firearms Bill Passed - House (91 - 18)
6/27 HB 2389 Involving Gun Owners' Rights Conference Report Adopted - House (33 - 21)
3/11 HB 2389 Involving Gun Owners' Rights Bill Passed - House (37 - 22)
5/28 SB 184 Lethal Force Against Intruders Bill Passed - House (73 - 23)
5/29 AB 2062 Regulation Of Ammunition Sales Bill Passed - House (42 - 32)
6/20 SB 51 Guns in Parked Locked Cars Bill Passed - House (66 - 35)
7/10 HR 4635 Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act Bill Passed - House (310 - 113)
6/18 HR 2122 Mandatory Gun Show Background Check Act Bill Failed - House (147 - 280)
6/18 H Amdt 216 72 Hour Background Check Amendment Amendment Rejected - House (193 - 235)
6/18 H Amdt 215 24 Hour Background Check Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (218 - 211)
4/09 HR 1036 Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act Bill Passed - House (285 - 140)
11/10 H Amdt 390 Instant Background Checks for Gun Purchase Amendment Amendment Adopted - House (238 - 192)
7/29 Peterson Amdt to H 5022 Reducing Firearm Licensing Fee Amendment Adopted - House (97 - 59)
8/13 SB 1171 Expanding Loaded Firearm Restrictions Bill Passed - House (45 - 32)
5/05 HR 4296 Regulation of Semi-Automatic Assault Weapons Bill Passed - House (216 - 214)
11/23 HR 1025 Brady Handgun Bill Conference Report Adopted - House (238 - 187)
11/10 HR 1025 Brady Handgun Bill Bill Passed - House (238 - 189)
9/17 HR 6842 Repealing Portions of the D.C. Firearm Ban Bill Passed - House (266 - 152)
6/23 A 339 Handgun Purchasing Limitations Bill Passed - House (47 - 28)
12/11 SB 505 Authorizing Judges to Carry Concealed Weapons in Courtrooms Bill Passed - House (80 - 18)
2/10 HB 228 Amending Concealed Weapons and Self-Defense Statutes Bill Passed - House (60 - 40)
2/11 HB 1237 Allowing Concealed Weapons in Churches Bill Passed - House (57 - 42)
2/18 HB 1348 Allowing Concealed Firearms on Campuses Bill Passed - House (48 - 46)
2/24 SB 1035 Allowing Guns in Alcohol-Serving Establishments Bill Passed - House (66 - 33)
3/17 HB 302 Allowing Judges to Confiscate Firearms from Domestic Abuse Suspects Bill Passed - House (92 - 45)
3/17 HB 359 Handgun Permit Eligibility for Domestic Abuse Victims Bill Failed - House (51 - 86)
2/17 HB 1278 Ban on Local Firearm Restrictions Bill Passed - House (46 - 20)
3/19 HB 390 Allowing Loaded "Long Guns" in Vehicles Bill Passed - House (82 - 10)
3/12 HB 254 Eliminating Thumbprint Requirement for Gun Purchases Bill Passed - House (82 - 11)
4/06 HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Bill Passed - House (70 - 26)
4/16 HB 668 Firearm Regulation Amendments Bill Passed - House (105 - 50)
4/28 A 6468 Microstamping Requirement for Semiautomatic Pistols Bill Passed - House (94 - 47)
4/28 A 801 Renewal Requirement for Pistol and Revolver Licenses Bill Passed - House (87 - 58)
5/04 HB 959 Close Handgun Permit Records Bill Passed - House (83 - 12)
5/20 HR 627 Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (279 - 147)
6/03 HB 962 Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol Veto Override Passed - House (69 - 27)
2/10 SB 11 Federal Arms Regulation Exemption Bill Passed - House (56 - 17)

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