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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 11, 2013 | CO | SB 197 | Prohibits a Domestic Violence Offender from Owning a Firearm | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| March 25, 2015 | CO | SB 86 | Repeals Background Check Requirement for Firearm Transfers | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
| March 13, 2023 | CO | SB 23-168 | Repeals Current Limits on Product Liability Actions Against Firearm Manufacturers | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14) |
| March 13, 2023 | CO | SB 23-169 | Increases Legal Age to Buy Firearms to 21 | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| Feb. 23, 2016 | CO | SB 17 | Authorizes the Concealed Carry of a Firearm Without a Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
| March 10, 2021 | CO | SB 21-078 | Requires Gun Owners Report Stolen or Lost Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| April 28, 2023 | CO | SB 23-279 | Prohibits the Sale of Unserialized Firearms Commonly Known as "Ghost Guns" | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12) |
| March 13, 2023 | CO | SB 23-170 | Expands Access to Extreme Risk Protection Orders | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13) |
| Feb. 19, 2015 | CO | SB 32 | Authorizes Concealed Handguns Without a Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
| Feb. 21, 2024 | CO | SB 24-066 | Authorizes Tracking Gun and Ammunition Purchases Through Payment Networks | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11) |
| March 11, 2013 | CO | SB 195 | Requires In-Person Classes for Concealed Carry Licenses | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13) |
| May 23, 2007 | CT | Sub SB 938 | Reporting of Lost or Stolen Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11) |
| May 8, 2018 | CT | HB 5542 | Prohibits Bump Stocks | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10) |
| May 23, 2019 | CT | HB 7218 | Amends Firearm Storage Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2) |
| May 23, 2019 | CT | HB 7219 | Establishes Regulations on Manufacturing Guns | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7) |
| May 23, 2019 | CT | HB 7223 | Prohibits Unlocked Vehicle Storage of Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| April 3, 2013 | CT | SB 1160 | Establishes Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10) |
| June 14, 2007 | DE | HB 175 | Emergency Power to Seize Private Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 3) |
| June 28, 2022 | DE | HB 451 | Increases the Minimum Age to Handle and Purchase Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7) |
| April 17, 2019 | DE | HB 63 | Amends Firearms Storage Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
| June 27, 2013 | DE | HB 88 | Prohibits Certain Individuals with Mental Health Issues from Possessing Firearms | Bill Failed - Senate (6 - 13) |
| June 29, 2022 | DE | HB 276 | Authorizes Medical Marijuana Patients to Possess Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4) |
| June 16, 2022 | DE | HB 423 | Authorizes State Agencies to Conduct Background Checks for Firearm Purchases | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0) |
| June 29, 2022 | DE | SB 8 | Prohibits Devices That Convert Handguns Into Automatic Weapons | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
| June 30, 2023 | DE | HB 155 | Classifies Unsafe Storage of a Firearm in a Vehicle Class A Misdemeanor | Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6) |
| April 18, 2013 | DE | HB 35 | Requires Background Checks Prior to the Purchase of Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
| June 15, 2021 | DE | HB 124 | Prohibits Abusive Individuals from Bearing Arms | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6) |
| Jan. 18, 2024 | DE | SB 276 | Amends Penalties for Possession of a Weapon in a Safe School and Recreation Zone | Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6) |
| June 16, 2022 | DE | SB 302 | Establishes New Legal Regulations for Firearm Industry Members | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
| June 16, 2022 | DE | SB 6 | Prohibits Individuals from Selling or Possessing a Large Capacity Magazine | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
| May 2, 2013 | DE | SB 16 | Requires Gun Owners to Report Missing Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10) |
| May 3, 2023 | DE | SB 2 | Prohibits Handgun Ownership Without a Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6) |
| April 1, 2021 | DE | SB 6 | Prohibits the Sale of Magazines that Hold More than 17 Rounds | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
| April 1, 2021 | DE | SB 3 | Establishes that People Must Complete Firearm Training and Acquire a Permit Before Purchasing Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
| June 10, 2021 | DE | SB 7 | Requires Bond and Weapons Seizure for Those Facing Violent Crime Charges | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 2) |
| Jan. 27, 2021 | DE | SCR 8 | Classifies Gun Violence as a Public Health Crisis | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
| June 13, 2012 | DE | SB 204 | Extends the Gun Buy-back Program | Bill Failed - Senate (8 - 13) |
| April 9, 2008 | FL | HB 503 | Firearms in Vehicles | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13) |
| April 3, 2014 | FL | HB 89 | Prohibits Mandatory Sentencing for Certain Convictions of Aggravated Assault | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7) |
| April 24, 2014 | FL | HB 7029 | Prohibits Administrators From Punishing Simulation Of Weapon Play | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6) |
| March 30, 2023 | FL | HB 543 | Authorizes Conceal Carry Without a Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13) |
| March 24, 2015 | FL | SB 290 | Authorizes Concealed Carry During Emergency Evacuations | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10) |
| April 28, 2011 | FL | HB 45 | Regulation of Firearms and Ammunition | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8) |
| March 5, 2018 | FL | SB 7026 | Establishes the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18) |
| April 23, 2019 | FL | SB 7030 | Authorizes Firearms on School Campuses | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17) |
| Jan. 28, 2016 | FL | SB 344 | Amends Burden of Proof in Self-Defense Immunity Claims | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12) |
| March 3, 2010 | FL | SB 1158 | Prohibiting Gun Licensing Trust Fund to Budget Stabilization Fund Transfers | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9) |
| April 28, 2011 | FL | SB 234 | Authorizes Open Display of a Firearm | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11) |
| April 2, 2008 | GA | HB 257 | Limiting Concealed Weapon Restrictions | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17) |
| March 2, 2006 | GA | SCS SB 396 | Use of Deadly Force | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 13) |
| Jan. 17, 2008 | GA | HB 89 | Concealed Weapons in Motor Vehicles | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 15) |
| Feb. 24, 2022 | GA | HB 218 | Requires the State to Recognize Gun Carry Permits from Other States | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 20) |
| March 18, 2014 | GA | HB 60 | Amends Firearm Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 18) |
| March 29, 2021 | GA | HB 218 | Requires the State to Recognize Gun Carry Permits from Other States | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 18) |
| March 11, 2016 | GA | HB 859 | Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms at Institutions of Higher Education | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17) |
| March 13, 2023 | GA | HB 147 | Requires All Schools Submit School Safety Plans and Active Shooter Drills Annually | Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 3) |
| Feb. 28, 2022 | GA | SB 479 | Amends Law Relating to Firearm Possession by Felons | (43 - 9) |
| Feb. 28, 2022 | GA | SB 259 | Amends Firearm Open Carry and Possession Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20) |
| Feb. 28, 2022 | GA | SB 319 | Reduces Weapons Restrictions in Certain Public Places | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 22) |
| May 3, 2022 | HI | HB 2075 | Requires Inspection of Firearms | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 1) |
| April 18, 2019 | HI | SB 600 | Prohibits Individuals Younger than 21 from Bringing Firearms into the State | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 4) |
| March 5, 2019 | HI | SB 1466 | Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 2) |
| March 5, 2013 | HI | SB 69 | Requires Background Checks at Gun Registration | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 3) |
| April 18, 2007 | IA | S 3371 | Firearms for Campus Police | Amendment Rejected - Senate (25 - 25) |
| March 29, 2010 | IA | SF 2379 | Requiring County Sheriffs to Issue Concealed Weapons Permits to Qualified Applicants | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 4) |
| March 11, 2010 | IA | SF 2357 | Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 12) |
| April 4, 2017 | IA | HF 517 | Authorizes Use of Deadly Force when Deemed Necessary | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17) |
| April 10, 2024 | IA | HF 2586 | Authorizes School Employees to be Issued Permits to Carry Weapons | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 14) |
| June 3, 2020 | IA | HF 2502 | Amends Gun Policies | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17) |
| March 22, 2021 | IA | HF 621 | Establishes Which Legal Actions can be Brought Against Firearm Manufacturers and Distributors | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 17) |
| March 22, 2021 | IA | HF 756 | Specifies Guidelines for Acquisition and Possession of Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 17) |
| Jan. 28, 2021 | IA | SJR 7 | Authorizes Referendum as to Keeping and Bearing of Arms | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18) |
| March 27, 2010 | IA | Amdt 5371 | Authorizing Qualified Individuals to Conceal Weapons Without a Permit | Amendment Rejected - Senate (20 - 28) |
| March 28, 2006 | ID | H 630 | School Grounds - Violence | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4) |
| March 18, 2020 | ID | H 516 | Amends Constitutional Carry Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 5) |
| Feb. 26, 2016 | ID | S 1276 | Expands List of Crimes that Prohibit an Individual from Possessing Firearm | Bill Failed - Senate (6 - 29) |
| March 2, 2018 | ID | S 1313 | Authorizes "Stand Your Ground" Policy | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6) |
| March 6, 2023 | ID | S 1056 | Repeals State Law that Prohibits Local Groups from Carrying Firearms in Public | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9) |
| March 14, 2024 | ID | S 1413 | Prohibits the False Reporting of Violence or Emergency in Public or Private Places | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| Feb. 10, 2022 | ID | S 1262 | Expands Firearm Protections During Declared Disaster Emergencies | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5) |
| April 20, 2021 | ID | S 1205 | Prohibits Cooperating with Enforcement of Federal Gun Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7) |
| March 11, 2024 | ID | S 1374 | Establishes Provisions Regarding Concealed Weapons on Certain Property Owned by the State of Idaho. | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7) |
| Feb. 18, 2014 | ID | S 1254 | Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Firearms on College or University Campuses | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10) |
| March 16, 2016 | ID | S 1389 | Authorizes Concealed Carry Without Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8) |
| May 9, 2007 | IL | SB 1007 | Large Capacity Firearm Magazine Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 26) |
| July 9, 2013 | IL | HB 183 | Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Firearms | Veto Override Passed - Senate (41 - 17) |
| May 30, 2018 | IL | SB 337 | Amends Gun Dealer Licensing Rules | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 20) |
| Jan. 9, 2023 | IL | HB 5471 | Prohibits the Sale, Manufacture, Delivery and Purchase of Assault Weapons Across the State | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 20) |
| April 8, 2022 | IL | HB 4383 | Prohibits the Sale and Possession of "Ghost Guns" | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19) |
| May 21, 2015 | IL | HB 352 | Authorizes Bobcat Hunting | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17) |
| March 18, 2018 | IL | HB 1465 | Establishes Age Limit for Purchase of Assault-Style Weapons | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 22) |
| May 18, 2023 | IL | HB 218 | Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to Include Firearm Industry Members | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 22) |
| May 30, 2018 | IL | HB 2354 | Authorizes Courts to Confiscate Firearms from Potentially Dangerous Individuals | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 11) |
| April 27, 2017 | IL | SB 1657 | Requires State-Level License to Sell Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 21) |
| March 30, 2023 | IL | SB 754 | Prohibits Purchase of Explosive Devices Without a Firearm Identification Card | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 16) |
| Feb. 28, 2006 | IN | HB 1028 | Firearms and Self-Defense | Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5) |
| April 22, 2019 | IN | HB 1284 | Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 7) |
| April 26, 2023 | IN | HB 1177 | Authorizes Teachers to Keep Firearms in Classrooms | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 8) |
| March 13, 2014 | IN | SB 229 | Authorizes the Concealed Possession of Firearms on School Property | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 10) |
| March 4, 2010 | IN | HB 1065 | Authorizing Firearms at Workplace | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 9) |