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:
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.
Date | State | Bill No. | Title | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|---|
June 7, 2018 | NJ | A 1181 | Amends Various Firearm Confiscation Measures | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5) |
June 7, 2018 | NJ | A 2758 | Requires Justifiable Need to Carry a Handgun | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13) |
Dec. 19, 2022 | NJ | A 4769 | Establishes Gun Free Zones | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16) |
June 23, 2022 | NJ | S 1204 | Expands Requirements for Firearm Registration | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
June 20, 2019 | NJ | A 3696 | Amends Firearms Storage Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 18) |
June 29, 2022 | NJ | S 2846 | Amends Firearm Manufacturing Violations from Third to Second Degree Crimes | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6) |
July 26, 2018 | NJ | S 2846 | Authorizes Police to Carry High Capacity Magazines | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0) |
Feb. 12, 2024 | NJ | S 1425 | Expands Culpability Requirements for Firearms Tracking | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15) |
March 16, 2023 | NM | HB 306 | Prohibits Purchasing a Firearm for Someone Who is Not Allowed or Intends to Use it in a Crime | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10) |
Feb. 10, 2024 | NM | HB 129 | Establishes a Waiting Period for Firearm Purchases | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 18) |
March 3, 2023 | NM | HB 9 | Establishes Negligently Leaving a Firearm Accessible for a Minor as a Crime | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16) |
March 4, 2017 | NM | SB 259 | Prohibits Certain Individuals from Possessing or Purchasing Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15) |
Feb. 14, 2019 | NM | SB 8 | Requires Background Checks for Gun Sales | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 20) |
Feb. 12, 2022 | NM | SB 34 | Establishes Threatening a Mass Shooting as a Criminal Misdemeanor | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 5) |
Jan. 30, 2024 | NM | SB 5 | Prohibits Fireams at State Drop Boxes and Polling Places | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 16) |
Feb. 12, 2010 | NM | SB 40 | Authorizing Concealed Weapons in Restaurants that Serve Alcohol | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 15) |
May 31, 2019 | NV | AB 291 | Establishes Various Provisions to Increase Gun Safety | Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8) |
May 15, 2023 | NV | AB 355 | Increases Age to Purchase an Assault Weapon to 21 | Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8) |
May 15, 2023 | NV | AB 354 | Prohibits Firearms Within 100 Feet of Election Locations | Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8) |
May 21, 2021 | NV | AB 286 | Prohibits Production and Sale of Ghost Guns | Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9) |
April 19, 2021 | NV | SB 6 | Authorizes Seizure of Firearms from "High-Risk" Individuals | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5) |
April 25, 2023 | NV | SB 294 | Requires Licensed Gun Dealers Provide a Locking Device with Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6) |
Feb. 13, 2019 | NV | SB 143 | Expands Background Checks for Private Gun Sales | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
April 20, 2023 | NV | SB 171 | Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Committing or Attempting to Commit a Hate Crime from Owning a Firearm | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
May 26, 2021 | NV | SB 452 | Prohibits Guns in Casinos | Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10) |
May 22, 2013 | NV | SB 221 | Requires Background Checks Prior to the Purchase of Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10) |
May 29, 2024 | NY | S 138 | Amends Firearms Training Certification Rules | Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 19) |
May 28, 2024 | NY | S 6649 | Requires Firearms Dealers to Post and Provide Written Warnings | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 18) |
May 23, 2022 | NY | S 6363 | Reduces Judicial Discretion in Certain Firearm Cases | Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 15) |
June 4, 2024 | NY | A 7555 | Authorizes New Restrictions Banning Firearm Marketing and Usage | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 18) |
June 9, 2021 | NY | A 6522 | Amends the Definition of "Disguised Gun" | Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 16) |
Jan. 29, 2019 | NY | S 2448 | Prohibits Bump Stocks | Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 14) |
May 15, 2019 | NY | S 1414 | Prohibits 3D Printed Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 5) |
Jan. 14, 2013 | NY | S 2230 | Establishes Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 18) |
June 2, 2021 | NY | S 14A | Prohibits the Sale of Ghost Guns | Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 15) |
March 30, 2018 | NY | S 8121 | Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Domestic Abuse from Purchasing Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19) |
May 9, 2022 | NY | S 6443 | Requires Judges Inquire About Defendant's Firearm Possession when Protection Orders are Issued | Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 14) |
June 3, 2024 | NY | S 9760 | Establishes Educational Programs Regarding Safe Storage for Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 7) |
June 7, 2023 | NY | S 138 | Amends Firearms Training Certification Rules | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 20) |
June 4, 2024 | NY | S 4818 | Establishes a 10 Day Waiting Period for the Purchase of Any Firearm | Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 19) |
Feb. 10, 2021 | NY | S 13 | Increases Penalties and Regulations for Guns Without Serial Numbers | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20) |
Jan. 29, 2019 | NY | S 2451 | Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders | Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 21) |
June 2, 2022 | NY | S 9458 | Requires License for Possession of Semi-Automatic Firearm | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20) |
June 2, 2022 | NY | S 9113 | Expands Red Flag Law Relating to Potentially Violent Individuals | Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 14) |
June 2, 2022 | NY | S 9407 | Prohibits Civilian Purchase of Bullet-Resistant Vests | Bill Passed - Senate (55 - 8) |
Jan. 29, 2019 | NY | S 2374 | Amends Background Check Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 23) |
June 8, 2021 | NY | S 7196 | Authorizes the State to Sue Gun Manufactures for Damages Caused by Guns | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20) |
Jan. 29, 2019 | NY | S 101 | Prohibits Firearms on School Campuses | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 22) |
March 4, 2019 | NY | S 2450 | Increases Penalties for Improper Gun Storages | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 22) |
Jan. 29, 2019 | NY | S 2449 | Establishes a Firearm Buyback Program | Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 13) |
July 1, 2022 | NY | S 51001 | Requires Social Media Account Disclosure for Individuals Applying for a Handgun License | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20) |
March 31, 2020 | NY | S 7505 | Amends Criminal Justice Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 24) |
June 2, 2021 | NY | S 1048 | Increases Potential Liability for Gun Manufacturers if the Firearm was Harmfully Misused | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20) |
May 29, 2008 | OH | SB 184 | Lethal Force Against Intruders | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 7) |
Dec. 27, 2018 | OH | HB 228 | Establishes New Self-Defense and Firearm Handling Rules | Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 11) |
Dec. 18, 2020 | OH | SB 175 | Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11) |
March 2, 2022 | OH | SB 215 | Amends Concealed Handgun Licensee Duties | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 9) |
June 15, 2011 | OH | SB 17 | Authorizes Concealed Handguns at Alcohol Vendors | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 7) |
Dec. 9, 2014 | OH | HB 234 | Authorizes Noise Suppressors on Certain Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6) |
Dec. 6, 2018 | OH | HB 228 | Establishes New Self-Defense and Firearm Handling Rules | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10) |
Dec. 13, 2012 | OH | HB 495 | Amends Definition of Loaded Gun | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
June 1, 2022 | OH | HB 99 | Reduces Training for Armed School Employees | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9) |
March 6, 2019 | OH | HB 86 | Amends Regulations for Firearm Length | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9) |
Oct. 20, 2021 | OH | SB 185 | Prohibits Local Governments from Confiscating Firearms During Declared Emergencies | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7) |
Feb. 28, 2024 | OH | SB 148 | Establishes the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7) |
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) |
April 26, 2023 | OH | SB 58 | Exempts Firearms from Liability Insurance Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7) |
Sept. 23, 2020 | OH | SB 360 | Prohibits Public Officials from Issuing an Order that Prohibits Statewide Firearm Sales | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5) |
May 27, 2010 | OH | SB 239 | Allowing Concealed Firearms in Establishments that Serve Alcohol | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
April 19, 2007 | OK | SB 507 | Comprehensive tort reform-Provide | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 23) |
March 13, 2007 | OK | SB 507 | Firearm Injury Liability and Tort Reform | Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 5) |
April 25, 2006 | OK | HCS HB 2615 | "Stand Your Ground Law" | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 5) |
May 2, 2018 | OK | SB 1212 | Establishes a State Firearm Constitutional Carry Program | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 9) |
May 10, 2012 | OK | SB 1733 | Authorizes Open Carry of Firearms | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 10) |
Feb. 12, 2020 | OK | HB 2336 | Authorizes Handguns on the Premises of Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 7) |
March 23, 2022 | OK | SB 186 | Prohibits Certain Firearm Carry for Persons Serving Probation | (44 - 1) |
May 5, 2010 | OK | SB 1685 | Oklahoma Firearms Freedom Act | Veto Override Failed - Senate (28 - 16) |
March 12, 2020 | OK | SB 1081 | Prohibits Localities from Enacting "Red Flag" Firearm Ordinances | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9) |
April 12, 2011 | OK | S Amdt 1 | Removes Provision Authorizing Legislators to Carry Firearms | Amendment Adopted - Senate (29 - 19) |
April 21, 2010 | OK | HB 3354 | Concealed and Unconcealed Weapons Guidelines | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15) |
Feb. 22, 2018 | OR | HB 4145 | Prohibits Convicted Stalkers from Possessing Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13) |
March 1, 2012 | OR | HB 4045 | Prohibits Disclosure of the Names of Licensed Concealed Handgun Carriers | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 5) |
April 14, 2015 | OR | SB 941 | Requires Background Checks For Firearm Transfers | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13) |
March 4, 2024 | OR | SB 1503 | Establishes the Task Force on Community Safety and Firearm Suicide Prevention | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11) |
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) |
May 1, 2017 | OR | SB 719 | Prohibits Individuals with Risk of Suicide from Owning Deadly Weapons | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11) |
March 1, 2012 | OR | SB 1594 | Prohibits weapons on school grounds | Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 15) |
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) |
Oct. 15, 2014 | PA | HB 1750 | Prohibits Pigeon Shoots | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12) |
Oct. 16, 2014 | PA | HB 80 | Authorizes Civil Action against Local Firearm Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14) |
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 | PA | HB 1747 | Limits the Governors Ability to Restrict Firearm Access During a Disaster Emergency | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20) |
Oct. 3, 2018 | PA | HB 2060 | Requires Surrender of Firearms in Protection Abuse Situations | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 5) |
Oct. 14, 2010 | PA | HB 1926 | Amending Self-Protection Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 4) |
June 28, 2017 | PA | SB 383 | Authorizes Teachers to Carry Firearms on School Property | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22) |
June 26, 2019 | PA | SB 147 | Establishes Hunting Regulations on Sundays | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14) |
July 3, 2024 | PA | SB 67 | Repeals Provisions that Prohibited Hunting on Sundays | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17) |
Nov. 9, 2021 | PA | SB 565 | Expands Concealed Carry Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21) |
June 11, 2019 | PA | SB 621 | Authorizes Schools to Arm Security Guards | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17) |
Nov. 9, 2021 | PA | SB 448 | Authorizes Municipalities and Counties to be Sued for Gun Ordinances | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19) |