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.


results per page:
Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
June 7, 2018 NJ A 1217 Authorizes Extreme Risk Protective Orders Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
March 30, 2018 NY S 8121 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Domestic Abuse from Purchasing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19)
May 8, 2018 CT HB 5542 Prohibits Bump Stocks Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
May 2, 2018 OK SB 1212 Establishes a State Firearm Constitutional Carry Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 9)
May 30, 2018 IL HB 2354 Authorizes Courts to Confiscate Firearms from Potentially Dangerous Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 11)
June 7, 2018 NJ A 2761 Prohibits Firearm Magazines with More than 10 Rounds Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
July 26, 2018 NJ S 2846 Authorizes Police to Carry High Capacity Magazines Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
May 29, 2018 CA SB 1100 Increases the Purchasing Age for Firearms to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
June 7, 2018 NJ A 2757 Requires Background Checks for Private Gun Sales Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
Oct. 3, 2018 PA HB 2060 Requires Surrender of Firearms in Protection Abuse Situations Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 5)
Aug. 21, 2018 CA AB 2103 Requires Concealed Carry Applicants Complete 8 Hours of Gun Safety Training Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
Feb. 9, 2018 WA SB 6298 Amends Definitions and Regulations for Domestic Violence Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
Dec. 27, 2018 OH HB 228 Establishes New Self-Defense and Firearm Handling Rules Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
Dec. 6, 2018 OH HB 228 Establishes New Self-Defense and Firearm Handling Rules Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
Oct. 29, 2018 NJ S 2465 Prohibits 3D Printed Firearms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
April 3, 2018 MD SB 101 Amends Certain Definitions and Regulations for Crimes of Violence Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 7)
Jan. 22, 2019 SD SB 47 Authorizes Concealed Carry to Individuals Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
Jan. 29, 2019 NY S 2451 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 21)
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)
May 30, 2018 IL SB 337 Amends Gun Dealer Licensing Rules Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 20)
Jan. 22, 2019 VA SB 1012 Amends Conceal Carry Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 13, 2019 NV SB 143 Expands Background Checks for Private Gun Sales Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
Feb. 14, 2019 NM SB 8 Requires Background Checks for Gun Sales Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 20)
March 28, 2019 CO HB 19-1177 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
March 5, 2019 HI SB 1466 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 2)
April 16, 2019 IN HB 1253 Authorizes Firearm Training for Teachers and School Staff Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
Feb. 20, 2019 SD SB 115 Authorizes Constitutional Carry Within the Capital Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
March 29, 2019 ND HB 1381 Prohibits Government Funded Gun Buyback Programs Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12)
April 17, 2019 DE HB 63 Amends Firearms Storage Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
March 21, 2019 VT S 169 Establishes a 24-Hour Waiting Period for Handgun Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
April 3, 2019 TX SB 406 Amends Conceal Carry Regulations for Local School Marshals Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
April 16, 2019 WA HB 1739 Prohibits All Untraceable 3D Printed "Ghost Guns" Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
April 23, 2019 FL SB 7030 Authorizes Firearms on School Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
May 15, 2019 NY S 1414 Prohibits 3D Printed Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 5)
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)
June 11, 2019 PA SB 621 Authorizes Schools to Arm Security Guards Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
June 18, 2019 ME LD 1312 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 15)
June 20, 2019 NJ A 3696 Amends Firearms Storage Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 18)
June 20, 2019 NJ S 101 Requires Firearm Retailers to Sell Personalized Handguns Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
March 6, 2019 OH HB 86 Amends Regulations for Firearm Length Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
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)
Aug. 12, 2019 CA AJR 5 Urges the Federal Government to Pass Universal Firearm Safety Regulation Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
May 22, 2019 CA SB 172 Amends Firearm Storage Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
Sept. 9, 2019 CA AB 1669 Increases Firearm Purchasing Fees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
May 1, 2019 TX SB 535 Authorizes Handguns on the Premises of Places of Worship Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
May 21, 2019 TX HB 1143 Authorizes Storage and Transportation of Firearms in School Parking Areas Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
Sept. 9, 2019 CA AB 12 Authorizes Gun Violence Restraining Orders Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
June 26, 2019 PA SB 147 Establishes Hunting Regulations on Sundays Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
Sept. 4, 2019 CA AB 61 Amends Restraining Order Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
Jan. 29, 2019 NY S 2449 Establishes a Firearm Buyback Program Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 13)
May 31, 2019 NV AB 291 Establishes Various Provisions to Increase Gun Safety Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
March 29, 2019 ND HB 1332 Authorizes Schools to Develop a Plan for an Armed First Responder Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
March 4, 2019 NY S 2450 Increases Penalties for Improper Gun Storages Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 22)
Jan. 29, 2019 NY S 101 Prohibits Firearms on School Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 22)
April 22, 2019 IN HB 1284 Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 7)
April 8, 2019 MD SB 737 Amends Long Gun License Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
March 7, 2019 UT HB 114 Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 8)
May 23, 2019 CT HB 7223 Prohibits Unlocked Vehicle Storage of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
April 18, 2019 HI SB 600 Prohibits Individuals Younger than 21 from Bringing Firearms into the State Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 4)
Sept. 9, 2019 CA AB 521 Authorizes Healthcare Professions be Trained to Reduce Firearm-Related Injuries Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
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 35 Authorizes Localities to Prohibit Guns at Public Events 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 70 Requires Background Check for Firearm Transfers Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
March 11, 2019 WA SB 5434 Establishes Restrictions for Firearms in Daycare and Child Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
Jan. 14, 2020 IN SB 69 Authorizes Firearms on School Grounds Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
March 5, 2020 WA HB 2467 Establishes a Background Check System for Firearms Transfers Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Feb. 12, 2020 OK HB 2336 Authorizes Handguns on the Premises of Schools Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 7)
March 9, 2020 MD HB 4 Requires Background Checks for Private Sales of Long Guns Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
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)
March 31, 2020 NY S 7505 Amends Criminal Justice Laws Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 24)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/07 A 1217 Authorizes Extreme Risk Protective Orders Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
3/30 S 8121 Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Domestic Abuse from Purchasing Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19)
5/08 HB 5542 Prohibits Bump Stocks Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
5/02 SB 1212 Establishes a State Firearm Constitutional Carry Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 9)
5/30 HB 2354 Authorizes Courts to Confiscate Firearms from Potentially Dangerous Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 11)
6/07 A 2761 Prohibits Firearm Magazines with More than 10 Rounds Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
7/26 S 2846 Authorizes Police to Carry High Capacity Magazines Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
5/29 SB 1100 Increases the Purchasing Age for Firearms to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10)
6/07 A 2757 Requires Background Checks for Private Gun Sales Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
10/03 HB 2060 Requires Surrender of Firearms in Protection Abuse Situations Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 5)
8/21 AB 2103 Requires Concealed Carry Applicants Complete 8 Hours of Gun Safety Training Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
2/09 SB 6298 Amends Definitions and Regulations for Domestic Violence Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
12/27 HB 228 Establishes New Self-Defense and Firearm Handling Rules Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
12/06 HB 228 Establishes New Self-Defense and Firearm Handling Rules Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
10/29 S 2465 Prohibits 3D Printed Firearms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
4/03 SB 101 Amends Certain Definitions and Regulations for Crimes of Violence Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 7)
1/22 SB 47 Authorizes Concealed Carry to Individuals Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
1/29 S 2451 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 21)
1/29 S 2448 Prohibits Bump Stocks Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 14)
1/29 S 2374 Amends Background Check Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 23)
5/30 SB 337 Amends Gun Dealer Licensing Rules Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 20)
1/22 SB 1012 Amends Conceal Carry Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/13 SB 143 Expands Background Checks for Private Gun Sales Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
2/14 SB 8 Requires Background Checks for Gun Sales Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 20)
3/28 HB 19-1177 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
3/05 SB 1466 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 2)
4/16 HB 1253 Authorizes Firearm Training for Teachers and School Staff Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
2/20 SB 115 Authorizes Constitutional Carry Within the Capital Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
3/29 HB 1381 Prohibits Government Funded Gun Buyback Programs Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12)
4/17 HB 63 Amends Firearms Storage Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
3/21 S 169 Establishes a 24-Hour Waiting Period for Handgun Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
4/03 SB 406 Amends Conceal Carry Regulations for Local School Marshals Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
4/16 HB 1739 Prohibits All Untraceable 3D Printed "Ghost Guns" Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
4/23 SB 7030 Authorizes Firearms on School Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
5/15 S 1414 Prohibits 3D Printed Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 5)
5/23 HB 7218 Amends Firearm Storage Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
5/23 HB 7219 Establishes Regulations on Manufacturing Guns Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
6/11 SB 621 Authorizes Schools to Arm Security Guards Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
6/18 LD 1312 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 15)
6/20 A 3696 Amends Firearms Storage Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 18)
6/20 S 101 Requires Firearm Retailers to Sell Personalized Handguns Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
3/06 HB 86 Amends Regulations for Firearm Length Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
5/23 SB 55 Expands List of Persons Prohibited from Owning Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
5/22 SB 61 Prohibits Purchasing More than One Gun per Month Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
8/12 AJR 5 Urges the Federal Government to Pass Universal Firearm Safety Regulation Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
5/22 SB 172 Amends Firearm Storage Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
9/09 AB 1669 Increases Firearm Purchasing Fees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
5/01 SB 535 Authorizes Handguns on the Premises of Places of Worship Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
5/21 HB 1143 Authorizes Storage and Transportation of Firearms in School Parking Areas Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
9/09 AB 12 Authorizes Gun Violence Restraining Orders Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
6/26 SB 147 Establishes Hunting Regulations on Sundays Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
9/04 AB 61 Amends Restraining Order Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
1/29 S 2449 Establishes a Firearm Buyback Program Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 13)
5/31 AB 291 Establishes Various Provisions to Increase Gun Safety Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
3/29 HB 1332 Authorizes Schools to Develop a Plan for an Armed First Responder Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
3/04 S 2450 Increases Penalties for Improper Gun Storages Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 22)
1/29 S 101 Prohibits Firearms on School Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 22)
4/22 HB 1284 Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 7)
4/08 SB 737 Amends Long Gun License Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
3/07 HB 114 Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 8)
5/23 HB 7223 Prohibits Unlocked Vehicle Storage of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
4/18 SB 600 Prohibits Individuals Younger than 21 from Bringing Firearms into the State Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 4)
9/09 AB 521 Authorizes Healthcare Professions be Trained to Reduce Firearm-Related Injuries Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
1/22 SB 240 Authorizes Temporary Seizure of Guns from Persons Posing Substantial Risk Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
1/16 SB 35 Authorizes Localities to Prohibit Guns at Public Events Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
1/16 SB 69 Prohibits Purchasing more than One Handgun per Month Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
1/16 SB 70 Requires Background Check for Firearm Transfers Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
3/11 SB 5434 Establishes Restrictions for Firearms in Daycare and Child Care Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
1/14 SB 69 Authorizes Firearms on School Grounds Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 7)
3/05 HB 2467 Establishes a Background Check System for Firearms Transfers Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
2/12 HB 2336 Authorizes Handguns on the Premises of Schools Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 7)
3/09 HB 4 Requires Background Checks for Private Sales of Long Guns Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
6/29 HB 687 Establishes a Procedure for Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
6/29 HB 687 Establishes a Procedure for Extreme Risk Protection Orders Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
3/31 S 7505 Amends Criminal Justice Laws Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 24)

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