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 30, 2022 | MI | HB 4698 | Prohibits Making False Threats of Mass Shootings | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7) |
| Feb. 19, 2024 | WV | HB 4782 | Requires Municipalities Regulate Zoning Ordinances Equally for All Businesses | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1) |
| Feb. 20, 2012 | VA | HB 48 | Authorizing Physical Force Against Intruders | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16) |
| June 30, 2022 | NC | HB 49 | Repeals Concealed Carry Firearms Safety Training Requirement in Some Cases | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20) |
| March 29, 2017 | MT | HB 494 | Authorizes Concealed Carry in Restaurants | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19) |
| Dec. 13, 2012 | OH | HB 495 | Amends Definition of Loaded Gun | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
| April 9, 2008 | FL | HB 503 | Firearms in Vehicles | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13) |
| April 15, 2021 | MT | HB 504 | Prohibits Peace Officers from Curtailing the Possession of Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17) |
| March 10, 2010 | VA | HB 505 | Authorizing Concealed Firearms in Establishments that Serve Alcohol | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15) |
| June 6, 2006 | MI | HB 5143 | "Self-Defense Act" | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10) |
| May 14, 2013 | MO | HB 533 | Authorizes State Employees to Keep Firearms in Vehicles | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
| May 2, 2012 | NH | HB 536 | Repeals License Requirement to Carry a Firearm | Bill Tabled - Senate (17 - 7) |
| March 30, 2023 | FL | HB 543 | Authorizes Conceal Carry Without a Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13) |
| Jan. 9, 2023 | IL | HB 5471 | Prohibits the Sale, Manufacture, Delivery and Purchase of Assault Weapons Across the State | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 20) |
| May 8, 2018 | CT | HB 5542 | Prohibits Bump Stocks | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10) |
| Feb. 29, 2016 | VA | HB 560 | Amends Brandishing Conviction to Include Intent to Induce Fear | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17) |
| March 18, 2014 | GA | HB 60 | Amends Firearm Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 18) |
| May 16, 2023 | AK | HB 61 | Limits State Restrictions on Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5) |
| April 17, 2019 | DE | HB 63 | Amends Firearms Storage Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
| Sept. 28, 2022 | MI | HB 6354 | Amends Law in Regard to Hunting | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10) |
| June 24, 2015 | NC | HB 640 | Authorizes Hunting on Sundays | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (33 - 15) |
| May 28, 2015 | NC | HB 640 | Authorizes Hunting on Sundays | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13) |
| June 29, 2020 | NH | HB 687 | Establishes a Procedure for Extreme Risk Protection Orders | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10) |
| June 29, 2020 | NH | HB 687 | Establishes a Procedure for Extreme Risk Protection Orders | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10) |
| April 24, 2014 | FL | HB 7029 | Prohibits Administrators From Punishing Simulation Of Weapon Play | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6) |
| 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) |
| March 13, 2013 | UT | HB 76 | Authorizes Concealed Carry of a Firearm Without a Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7) |
| Oct. 16, 2014 | PA | HB 80 | Authorizes Civil Action against Local Firearm Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14) |
| April 7, 2023 | MD | HB 824 | Prohibits Certain Individuals on Probation from Receiving a Concealed Carry Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 13) |
| March 11, 2016 | GA | HB 859 | Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms at Institutions of Higher Education | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17) |
| March 6, 2019 | OH | HB 86 | Amends Regulations for Firearm Length | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9) |
| June 27, 2013 | DE | HB 88 | Prohibits Certain Individuals with Mental Health Issues from Possessing Firearms | Bill Failed - Senate (6 - 13) |
| March 10, 2010 | VA | HB 885 | Authorizing Concealed Firearms in Vehicles | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16) |
| Jan. 17, 2008 | GA | HB 89 | Concealed Weapons in Motor Vehicles | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 15) |
| April 3, 2014 | FL | HB 89 | Prohibits Mandatory Sentencing for Certain Convictions of Aggravated Assault | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 7) |
| Feb. 26, 2020 | VA | HB 9 | Requires Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20) |
| March 3, 2023 | NM | HB 9 | Establishes Negligently Leaving a Firearm Accessible for a Minor as a Crime | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16) |
| May 22, 2015 | TX | HB 910 | Authorizes Open Carry of Handguns | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12) |
| July 23, 2013 | NC | HB 937 | Amends Firearm Laws | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 14) |
| Feb. 13, 2012 | VA | HB 940 | Repeals Purchase Limit for Handguns | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| June 4, 2009 | TN | HB 962 | Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol | Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 9) |
| April 16, 2009 | TN | HB 962 | Authorizing Guns in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
| Jan. 25, 2022 | PA | HB 979 | Authorizes Gun Owners and Organizations to Challenge Local Guns Laws that are Stricter than State Law | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17) |
| June 1, 2022 | OH | HB 99 | Reduces Training for Armed School Employees | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9) |
| April 16, 2015 | TN | HB 995 | Authorizes Firearms in Public Parks | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 6) |
| April 1, 2015 | TN | HB 995 | Authorizes Firearms in Public Parks | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
| March 4, 2021 | SD | HCR 6013 | Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach | Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 20) |
| April 25, 2006 | OK | HCS HB 2615 | "Stand Your Ground Law" | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 5) |
| Feb. 23, 2012 | MN | HF 1467 | Expands the Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 23) |
| June 3, 2020 | IA | HF 2502 | Amends Gun Policies | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17) |
| April 10, 2024 | IA | HF 2586 | Authorizes School Employees to be Issued Permits to Carry Weapons | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 14) |
| May 9, 2024 | MN | HF 2609 | Increases the Penalty for Straw Gun Purchasing from a Gross Misdemeanor to a Felony | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 33) |
| April 4, 2017 | IA | HF 517 | Authorizes Use of Deadly Force when Deemed Necessary | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 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) |
| Feb. 15, 2017 | National | H J Res 40 | Providing for congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Social Security Administration relating to Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (57 - 43) |
| Nov. 20, 1993 | National | HR 1025 | Brady Handgun Bill | Bill Passed - Senate (63 - 36) |
| May 5, 2016 | NH | HR 582 | Repeals Permit Requirements for Concealed Carry of Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10) |
| March 30, 2006 | NE | LB 454 | Concealed Handgun Permit Act | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12) |
| April 3, 2014 | NE | LB 671 | Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions | Veto Override Failed - Senate (28 - 21) |
| April 2, 2014 | NE | LB 671 | Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions | Veto Override Failed - Senate (24 - 21) |
| March 24, 2014 | NE | LB 671 | Prohibits the Hunting of Mountain Lions | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 13) |
| April 19, 2023 | NE | LB 77 | Authorizes Legal Gun Owners to Conceal Carry Without a Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14) |
| March 11, 2022 | NE | LB 773 | Authorizes the Concealed Carry of Handguns Without a Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 9) |
| June 19, 2013 | ME | LD 1240 | Establishes Penalties for Unauthorized Private Gun Sales and Requires Background Checks | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
| June 18, 2019 | ME | LD 1312 | Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders | "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 15) |
| April 17, 2024 | ME | LD 2086 | Amending Laws Governing the Disposition of Forefeited Firearms | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15) |
| April 12, 2024 | ME | LD 2086 | Amending Laws Governing the Disposition of Forefeited Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15) |
| April 12, 2024 | ME | LD 2119 | Establish the Task Force to Study the Creation of a System to Allow for the Voluntary Waiver of Firearm Rights | "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 12) |
| April 17, 2024 | ME | LD 2224 | Increases Maine's Firearm Laws and Mental Health System | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 15) |
| Feb. 28, 2024 | ME | LD 2283 | Establishes Various Red Flag Gun Purchase Provisions | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11) |
| June 14, 2023 | ME | LD 52 | Authorizes Certain Employees to Carry Firearms on School Property | "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 13) |
| July 25, 2023 | ME | LD 582 | Expands Penalties for Possession of Firearms by Prohibited Persons | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 5) |
| June 30, 2015 | ME | LD 652 | Authorizes Concealed Carry Without a Permit | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| June 20, 2019 | NJ | S 101 | Requires Firearm Retailers to Sell Personalized Handguns | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12) |
| Jan. 29, 2019 | NY | S 101 | Prohibits Firearms on School Campuses | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 22) |
| June 2, 2021 | NY | S 1048 | Increases Potential Liability for Gun Manufacturers if the Firearm was Harmfully Misused | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20) |
| March 6, 2023 | ID | S 1056 | Repeals State Law that Prohibits Local Groups from Carrying Firearms in Public | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9) |
| June 23, 2022 | NJ | S 1204 | Expands Requirements for Firearm Registration | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
| April 20, 2021 | ID | S 1205 | Prohibits Cooperating with Enforcement of Federal Gun Laws | 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) |
| Feb. 10, 2022 | ID | S 1262 | Expands Firearm Protections During Declared Disaster Emergencies | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5) |
| Feb. 26, 2016 | ID | S 1276 | Expands List of Crimes that Prohibit an Individual from Possessing Firearm | Bill Failed - Senate (6 - 29) |
| Feb. 10, 2021 | NY | S 13 | Increases Penalties and Regulations for Guns Without Serial Numbers | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20) |
| March 2, 2018 | ID | S 1313 | Authorizes "Stand Your Ground" Policy | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6) |
| 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) |
| May 29, 2024 | NY | S 138 | Amends Firearms Training Certification Rules | Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 19) |
| June 7, 2023 | NY | S 138 | Amends Firearms Training Certification Rules | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 20) |
| March 16, 2016 | ID | S 1389 | Authorizes Concealed Carry Without Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8) |
| March 14, 2024 | ID | S 1413 | Prohibits the False Reporting of Violence or Emergency in Public or Private Places | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| May 15, 2019 | NY | S 1414 | Prohibits 3D Printed Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 5) |
| Feb. 12, 2024 | NJ | S 1425 | Expands Culpability Requirements for Firearms Tracking | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15) |
| June 2, 2021 | NY | S 14A | Prohibits the Sale of Ghost Guns | Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 15) |
| Feb. 26, 2009 | National | S 160 | Washington DC Voting Act | Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 37) |
| March 21, 2019 | VT | S 169 | Establishes a 24-Hour Waiting Period for Handgun Purchases | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10) |
| March 2, 2004 | National | S 1805 | Firearms Manufacturers Protection Bill | Bill Failed - Senate (8 - 90) |
| June 17, 2020 | RI | S 2004 | Prohibits Non-Metallic Firearms and "Ghost Guns" | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 4) |
| Jan. 14, 2013 | NY | S 2230 | Establishes Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 18) |