Key Votes
State
Issue
Year
Chamber
Keyword Search
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 25, 2021 | OR | SB 554 | Authorizes Local Governments and School Districts to Prohibit Guns on Capital and State Property | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 7) |
| March 22, 2021 | IA | HF 756 | Specifies Guidelines for Acquisition and Possession of Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 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 18, 2021 | VT | S 30 | Establishes A Ban On Firearms In Hospitals | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10) |
| March 18, 2021 | TN | SB 765 | Authorizes Individuals 21 Years Old and Older to Either Openly Carry or Carry a Concealed Handgun Without a Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9) |
| March 11, 2021 | MD | SB 10 | Prohibits Individuals from Possessing a Firearm Within 100 Feet of a Polling Site | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13) |
| March 10, 2021 | CO | SB 21-078 | Requires Gun Owners Report Stolen or Lost Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| March 4, 2021 | SD | HCR 6013 | Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach | Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 20) |
| March 4, 2021 | MI | SB 11 | Limits Emergency Gun Restrictions | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| March 3, 2021 | AZ | SB 1382 | Classifies Gun Stores as Essential Businesses | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14) |
| March 2, 2021 | MT | SB 283 | Specifies Response to Guns in Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15) |
| March 1, 2021 | NC | SB 43 | Establishes Churches With Schools Have the Right to Bear Arms | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18) |
| Feb. 27, 2021 | VA | HB 1909 | Establishes Gun-Free Zones on School Board Property | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17) |
| Feb. 25, 2021 | WA | SB 5038 | Prohibits Open Carry Near the State Capitol or Public Demonstrations | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 20) |
| Feb. 18, 2021 | VA | HB 2081 | Prohibits the Possession of Firearms Within 40 Feet of a Polling Place | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18) |
| Feb. 15, 2021 | VA | HB 2128 | Increases the Amount of Time for the State Department to Complete Firearm Background Checks | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17) |
| Feb. 10, 2021 | NY | S 13 | Increases Penalties and Regulations for Guns Without Serial Numbers | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20) |
| Feb. 9, 2021 | MS | SB 2107 | Prohibits Cities and Counties from Creating Rental Agreements that Restrict Firearm Access | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 16) |
| Feb. 3, 2021 | MT | HB 102 | Authorizes Carrying Concealed Firearms in Public Settings Without a Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21) |
| Jan. 28, 2021 | IA | SJR 7 | Authorizes Referendum as to Keeping and Bearing of Arms | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18) |
| Jan. 27, 2021 | DE | SCR 8 | Classifies Gun Violence as a Public Health Crisis | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
| Jan. 19, 2021 | AR | SB 24 | Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7) |
| Jan. 18, 2021 | ND | SB 2144 | Amends Hunting Laws Related to Trespassing | Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 2) |
| Dec. 18, 2020 | OH | SB 175 | Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11) |
| Nov. 18, 2020 | PA | HB 1747 | Limits the Governors Ability to Restrict Firearm Access During a Disaster Emergency | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20) |
| Nov. 18, 2020 | PA | HB 2440 | Classifies Shooting Ranges, Sportsman Clubs, Hunting Facilities, and Firearm Businesses as "Life-Sustaining" | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20) |
| Nov. 18, 2020 | OH | SB 317 | Authorizes Teachers to Carry Firearms on School Grounds if Approved by the School Board | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11) |
| Sept. 30, 2020 | MI | HB 4332 | Authorizes Use of Pneumatic Guns | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
| Sept. 23, 2020 | OH | SB 360 | Prohibits Public Officials from Issuing an Order that Prohibits Statewide Firearm Sales | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5) |
| Aug. 28, 2020 | CA | AB 2847 | Requires Microstamping Within Handguns | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12) |
| 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) |
| June 17, 2020 | RI | S 2004 | Prohibits Non-Metallic Firearms and "Ghost Guns" | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 4) |
| June 3, 2020 | IA | HF 2502 | Amends Gun Policies | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17) |
| May 29, 2020 | LA | HB 140 | Prohibits Localities from Establishing Restrictions to Prohibit Firearm Possession | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3) |
| April 22, 2020 | VA | SB 479 | Prohibits Individuals Subject to a Protective Order From Possessing Firearms | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 18) |
| March 31, 2020 | NY | S 7505 | Amends Criminal Justice Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 24) |
| March 18, 2020 | ID | H 516 | Amends Constitutional Carry Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 5) |
| March 12, 2020 | OK | SB 1081 | Prohibits Localities from Enacting "Red Flag" Firearm Ordinances | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9) |
| March 11, 2020 | WY | HB 118 | Establishes the Second Amendment Preservation Act | Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 14) |
| March 10, 2020 | MD | SB 35 | Amends Various Gun Laws Including Making Theft of a Firearm a Felony | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 4) |
| March 9, 2020 | MD | HB 4 | Requires Background Checks for Private Sales of Long Guns | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14) |
| March 5, 2020 | WA | HB 2467 | Establishes a Background Check System for Firearms Transfers | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20) |
| Feb. 26, 2020 | VA | HB 1083 | Amends Safety Requirements for Unsecured Firearms and Increases Penalties | (22 - 18) |
| Feb. 26, 2020 | VA | HB 9 | Requires Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20) |
| Feb. 12, 2020 | OK | HB 2336 | Authorizes Handguns on the Premises of Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 7) |
| Jan. 22, 2020 | VA | SB 240 | Authorizes Temporary Seizure of Guns from Persons Posing Substantial Risk | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| Jan. 16, 2020 | VA | SB 69 | Prohibits Purchasing more than One Handgun per Month | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| Jan. 16, 2020 | VA | SB 35 | Authorizes Localities to Prohibit Guns at Public Events | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| Jan. 16, 2020 | VA | SB 70 | Requires Background Check for Firearm Transfers | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17) |
| Jan. 14, 2020 | IN | SB 69 | Authorizes Firearms on School Grounds | Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 7) |
| Sept. 9, 2019 | CA | AB 1669 | Increases Firearm Purchasing Fees | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11) |
| Sept. 9, 2019 | CA | AB 521 | Authorizes Healthcare Professions be Trained to Reduce Firearm-Related Injuries | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6) |
| Sept. 9, 2019 | CA | AB 12 | Authorizes Gun Violence Restraining Orders | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8) |
| Sept. 4, 2019 | CA | AB 61 | Amends Restraining Order Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10) |
| Aug. 12, 2019 | CA | AJR 5 | Urges the Federal Government to Pass Universal Firearm Safety Regulation | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9) |
| June 26, 2019 | PA | SB 147 | Establishes Hunting Regulations on Sundays | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14) |
| June 20, 2019 | NJ | S 101 | Requires Firearm Retailers to Sell Personalized Handguns | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12) |
| June 20, 2019 | NJ | A 3696 | Amends Firearms Storage Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 18) |
| June 18, 2019 | ME | LD 1312 | Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders | "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 15) |
| June 11, 2019 | PA | SB 621 | Authorizes Schools to Arm Security Guards | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17) |
| May 31, 2019 | NV | AB 291 | Establishes Various Provisions to Increase Gun Safety | Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8) |
| May 23, 2019 | CT | HB 7218 | Amends Firearm Storage Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2) |
| May 23, 2019 | CT | HB 7223 | Prohibits Unlocked Vehicle Storage of Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| May 23, 2019 | CT | HB 7219 | Establishes Regulations on Manufacturing Guns | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7) |
| May 23, 2019 | CA | SB 55 | Expands List of Persons Prohibited from Owning Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10) |
| May 22, 2019 | CA | SB 61 | Prohibits Purchasing More than One Gun per Month | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10) |
| May 22, 2019 | CA | SB 172 | Amends Firearm Storage Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9) |
| May 21, 2019 | TX | HB 1143 | Authorizes Storage and Transportation of Firearms in School Parking Areas | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6) |
| May 15, 2019 | NY | S 1414 | Prohibits 3D Printed Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 5) |
| May 1, 2019 | TX | SB 535 | Authorizes Handguns on the Premises of Places of Worship | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6) |
| April 23, 2019 | FL | SB 7030 | Authorizes Firearms on School Campuses | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17) |
| April 22, 2019 | IN | HB 1284 | Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 7) |
| April 18, 2019 | HI | SB 600 | Prohibits Individuals Younger than 21 from Bringing Firearms into the State | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 4) |
| April 17, 2019 | DE | HB 63 | Amends Firearms Storage Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
| April 16, 2019 | IN | HB 1253 | Authorizes Firearm Training for Teachers and School Staff | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14) |
| April 16, 2019 | WA | HB 1739 | Prohibits All Untraceable 3D Printed "Ghost Guns" | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18) |
| April 11, 2019 | AZ | HB 2693 | Repeals Requirement that Firearms be Unloaded on School Grounds | Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 14) |
| April 8, 2019 | MD | SB 737 | Amends Long Gun License Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14) |
| April 3, 2019 | TX | SB 406 | Amends Conceal Carry Regulations for Local School Marshals | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3) |
| March 29, 2019 | ND | HB 1381 | Prohibits Government Funded Gun Buyback Programs | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12) |
| March 29, 2019 | ND | HB 1332 | Authorizes Schools to Develop a Plan for an Armed First Responder | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14) |
| March 28, 2019 | CO | HB 19-1177 | Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
| March 21, 2019 | VT | S 169 | Establishes a 24-Hour Waiting Period for Handgun Purchases | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10) |
| March 11, 2019 | WA | SB 5434 | Establishes Restrictions for Firearms in Daycare and Child Care Facilities | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21) |
| March 7, 2019 | UT | HB 114 | Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 8) |
| March 6, 2019 | OH | HB 86 | Amends Regulations for Firearm Length | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9) |
| March 5, 2019 | HI | SB 1466 | Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 2) |
| March 4, 2019 | NY | S 2450 | Increases Penalties for Improper Gun Storages | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 22) |
| Feb. 20, 2019 | SD | SB 115 | Authorizes Constitutional Carry Within the Capital | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13) |
| Feb. 14, 2019 | NM | SB 8 | Requires Background Checks for Gun Sales | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 20) |
| Feb. 13, 2019 | NV | SB 143 | Expands Background Checks for Private Gun Sales | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
| Jan. 29, 2019 | NY | S 2449 | Establishes a Firearm Buyback Program | Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 13) |
| Jan. 29, 2019 | NY | S 101 | Prohibits Firearms on School Campuses | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 22) |
| Jan. 29, 2019 | NY | S 2448 | Prohibits Bump Stocks | Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 14) |
| Jan. 29, 2019 | NY | S 2374 | Amends Background Check Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 23) |
| Jan. 29, 2019 | NY | S 2451 | Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders | Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 21) |
| Jan. 22, 2019 | SD | SB 47 | Authorizes Concealed Carry to Individuals Without a Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11) |
| Jan. 22, 2019 | VA | SB 1012 | Amends Conceal Carry Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
| Dec. 27, 2018 | OH | HB 228 | Establishes New Self-Defense and Firearm Handling Rules | Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 11) |