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.


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Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
March 3, 2016 FL HB 1411 Amends Requirements for Disposal of Fetal Tissue Bill Passed - House (74 - 44)
March 3, 2016 MS SB 2306 Prohibits Establishment of Sanctuary Cities Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
March 3, 2016 AZ SB 1257 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms in Public Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
March 3, 2016 SC H 4701 Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Restrictions on Firearms Bill Passed - House (64 - 30)
March 2, 2016 UT SB 107 Amends Definition of a Hate Crime Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 17)
March 2, 2016 UT SB 189 Repeals Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 12)
March 1, 2016 CO HB 1231 Limits Use of Automated Vehicle Identification Systems Bill Passed - House (33 - 31)
March 1, 2016 AZ HB 2524 Authorizes Compacts with Other States to Develop Firearm Transfer Laws Bill Passed - House (35 - 24)
March 1, 2016 MS SB 2237 Establishes Identity Protections for Execution Teams Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
March 1, 2016 MS HB 738 Amends Attorney General Hiring and Filing Oversight Processes Bill Passed - House (61 - 60)
Feb. 29, 2016 VA HB 560 Amends Brandishing Conviction to Include Intent to Induce Fear Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
Feb. 29, 2016 VA HB 560 Amends Brandishing Conviction to Include Intent to Induce Fear Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
Feb. 29, 2016 AZ HB 2338 Authorizes Concealed Carry near Schools Bill Passed - House (35 - 24)
Feb. 29, 2016 MS HB 782 Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Law Relating to Firearms Bill Passed - House (75 - 46)
Feb. 26, 2016 ID S 1276 Expands List of Crimes that Prohibit an Individual from Possessing Firearm Bill Failed - Senate (6 - 29)
Feb. 26, 2016 National HR 2406 Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act of 2015 Bill Passed - House (242 - 161)
Feb. 26, 2016 ID S 1276 Expands List of Crimes that Prohibit an Individual from Possessing Firearm Bill Failed - Senate (6 - 29)
Feb. 25, 2016 IA SF 2289 Expands Criminal Offenses for Animal Mistreatment Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
Feb. 24, 2016 WV HB 4145 Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 31)
Feb. 23, 2016 SD HB 1206 Authorizes the Use of Handguns to Hunt Game Birds Bill Failed - House (23 - 44)
Feb. 23, 2016 WY SF 96 Classifies 3 Ounces of Marijuana Edibles as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
Feb. 23, 2016 CO SB 17 Authorizes the Concealed Carry of a Firearm Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
Feb. 23, 2016 IA HF 2281 Authorizes Individuals Under the age of 14 to Posses a Handgun Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
Feb. 22, 2016 WV HB 4145 Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
Feb. 22, 2016 OR HB 4147 Extends the Background Check Waiting Period for Gun Sales Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
Feb. 22, 2016 OK HB 2275 Requires Collection of DNA upon Arrest for a Felony Charge Bill Failed - House (38 - 56)
Feb. 22, 2016 GA HB 859 Authorizes Concealed Carry at Postsecondary Education Institutions Bill Passed - House (113 - 59)
Feb. 22, 2016 AZ SB 1377 Establishes Criminal Sentencing Requirements for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
Feb. 22, 2016 TN SJR 467 Urges Attorney General to File Lawsuit in Relation to Refugee Resettlement Program Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 5)
Feb. 22, 2016 WA HB 2362 Amends Police Body Camera Regulations Bill Passed - House (61 - 36)
Feb. 19, 2016 VA SB 610 Authorizes Concealed Carry Reciprocity for Out-of-State License Holders Bill Passed - House (69 - 29)
Feb. 18, 2016 AZ HB 2446 Amends the Definition of Prohibited Weapons Bill Passed - House (38 - 20)
Feb. 18, 2016 AZ HB 2451 Amends Requirements for Release of Undocumented Inmates Bill Passed - House (36 - 21)
Feb. 17, 2016 MS HB 786 Authorizes Designated Individuals to Carry Firearms in Church Bill Passed - House (85 - 33)
Feb. 16, 2016 MS HB 578 Establishes Civil and Criminal Immunity for Individuals who Report Suspicious Terrorist Activity Bill Passed - House (89 - 30)
Feb. 15, 2016 VA SB 552 Exempts Police Officer Names from Mandatory Disclosure Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Feb. 15, 2016 VA HB 1234 Authorizes School Security Officers to Carry Firearms Bill Passed - House (66 - 33)
Feb. 12, 2016 UT HB 136 Classifies Certain Cases of Human Trafficking as Capital Offense Bill Passed - House (44 - 28)
Feb. 11, 2016 VA HB 1096 Prohibits Regulation of Firearms without Legislative Authorization Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
Feb. 10, 2016 VA HB 815 Amends Death Penalty Procedures Bill Passed - House (62 - 33)
Feb. 9, 2016 VA HB 560 Amends Brandishing Conviction to Include Intent to Induce Fear Bill Passed - House (68 - 32)
Feb. 9, 2016 VA SB 705 Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrant Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 9, 2016 VA HB 560 Amends Brandishing Conviction to Include Intent to Induce Fear Bill Passed - House (68 - 32)
Feb. 8, 2016 WV HB 4145 Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
Feb. 5, 2016 KS SB 133 Establishes Immunity for Underage Drinkers Who Seek Medical Help Bill Passed - House (92 - 27)
Feb. 4, 2016 VA SB 610 Authorizes Concealed Carry Reciprocity for Out-of-State License Holders Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
Feb. 3, 2016 FL HB 4001 Authorizes Open-Carry on State College Campuses Bill Passed - House (80 - 37)
Feb. 3, 2016 VA HB 766 Authorizes Individual with Restraining Order to Carry Concealed Gun without Permit Bill Passed - House (68 - 29)
Feb. 3, 2016 FL HB 163 Authorizes Open Carry of Firearms Bill Passed - House (80 - 38)
Feb. 3, 2016 IN SB 80 Authorizes Pharmacists to Decline to Sell Certain Cold Medicines Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
Feb. 2, 2016 IN SB 220 Classifies an Offense Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity as Aggravating Circumstance Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
Feb. 1, 2016 VA SB 48 Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 21)
Jan. 28, 2016 DE SB 40 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Failed - House (16 - 23)
Jan. 28, 2016 FL SB 344 Amends Burden of Proof in Self-Defense Immunity Claims Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
Jan. 28, 2016 FL SB 344 Amends Burden of Proof in Self-Defense Immunity Claims Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
Jan. 28, 2016 MO SB 572 Establishes Regulations for Municipal Ordinance Violation Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
Jan. 28, 2016 SC H 3521 Prohibits Courts From Enforcing Foreign Law Bill Passed - House (68 - 42)
Jan. 26, 2016 IN HB 1019 Limits Public Access to Police Body Camera Footage Bill Passed - House (65 - 30)
Jan. 26, 2016 IN SB 259 Authorizes General Assembly Employees to Carry Handguns in the Statehouse Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 528 Amends Asset Forfeiture Regulations Veto Override Passed - House (89 - 52)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 528 Amends Asset Forfeiture Regulations Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 517 Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia Veto Override Passed - House (86 - 55)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 517 Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
Jan. 20, 2016 National HR 4038 American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (55 - 43)
Jan. 20, 2016 MI SB 207 Authorizes Peace Officers to Conduct Roadside Saliva Drug Test Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
Jan. 20, 2016 WI SB 248 Repeals Certain Requirements to Strip Search Detained Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
Jan. 14, 2016 NH HB 560 Amends Classification of Criminal Offenses for Death of a Viable Fetus Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 11)
Jan. 8, 2016 National HR 1927 Fairness in Class Action Litigation and Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act of 2016 Bill Passed - House (211 - 188)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/03 HB 1411 Amends Requirements for Disposal of Fetal Tissue Bill Passed - House (74 - 44)
3/03 SB 2306 Prohibits Establishment of Sanctuary Cities Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
3/03 SB 1257 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms in Public Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
3/03 H 4701 Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Restrictions on Firearms Bill Passed - House (64 - 30)
3/02 SB 107 Amends Definition of a Hate Crime Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 17)
3/02 SB 189 Repeals Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 12)
3/01 HB 1231 Limits Use of Automated Vehicle Identification Systems Bill Passed - House (33 - 31)
3/01 HB 2524 Authorizes Compacts with Other States to Develop Firearm Transfer Laws Bill Passed - House (35 - 24)
3/01 SB 2237 Establishes Identity Protections for Execution Teams Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
3/01 HB 738 Amends Attorney General Hiring and Filing Oversight Processes Bill Passed - House (61 - 60)
2/29 HB 560 Amends Brandishing Conviction to Include Intent to Induce Fear Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
2/29 HB 560 Amends Brandishing Conviction to Include Intent to Induce Fear Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
2/29 HB 2338 Authorizes Concealed Carry near Schools Bill Passed - House (35 - 24)
2/29 HB 782 Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Law Relating to Firearms Bill Passed - House (75 - 46)
2/26 S 1276 Expands List of Crimes that Prohibit an Individual from Possessing Firearm Bill Failed - Senate (6 - 29)
2/26 HR 2406 Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act of 2015 Bill Passed - House (242 - 161)
2/26 S 1276 Expands List of Crimes that Prohibit an Individual from Possessing Firearm Bill Failed - Senate (6 - 29)
2/25 SF 2289 Expands Criminal Offenses for Animal Mistreatment Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
2/24 HB 4145 Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 31)
2/23 HB 1206 Authorizes the Use of Handguns to Hunt Game Birds Bill Failed - House (23 - 44)
2/23 SF 96 Classifies 3 Ounces of Marijuana Edibles as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
2/23 SB 17 Authorizes the Concealed Carry of a Firearm Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
2/23 HF 2281 Authorizes Individuals Under the age of 14 to Posses a Handgun Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
2/22 HB 4145 Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
2/22 HB 4147 Extends the Background Check Waiting Period for Gun Sales Bill Passed - House (31 - 28)
2/22 HB 2275 Requires Collection of DNA upon Arrest for a Felony Charge Bill Failed - House (38 - 56)
2/22 HB 859 Authorizes Concealed Carry at Postsecondary Education Institutions Bill Passed - House (113 - 59)
2/22 SB 1377 Establishes Criminal Sentencing Requirements for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
2/22 SJR 467 Urges Attorney General to File Lawsuit in Relation to Refugee Resettlement Program Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 5)
2/22 HB 2362 Amends Police Body Camera Regulations Bill Passed - House (61 - 36)
2/19 SB 610 Authorizes Concealed Carry Reciprocity for Out-of-State License Holders Bill Passed - House (69 - 29)
2/18 HB 2446 Amends the Definition of Prohibited Weapons Bill Passed - House (38 - 20)
2/18 HB 2451 Amends Requirements for Release of Undocumented Inmates Bill Passed - House (36 - 21)
2/17 HB 786 Authorizes Designated Individuals to Carry Firearms in Church Bill Passed - House (85 - 33)
2/16 HB 578 Establishes Civil and Criminal Immunity for Individuals who Report Suspicious Terrorist Activity Bill Passed - House (89 - 30)
2/15 SB 552 Exempts Police Officer Names from Mandatory Disclosure Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
2/15 HB 1234 Authorizes School Security Officers to Carry Firearms Bill Passed - House (66 - 33)
2/12 HB 136 Classifies Certain Cases of Human Trafficking as Capital Offense Bill Passed - House (44 - 28)
2/11 HB 1096 Prohibits Regulation of Firearms without Legislative Authorization Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
2/10 HB 815 Amends Death Penalty Procedures Bill Passed - House (62 - 33)
2/09 HB 560 Amends Brandishing Conviction to Include Intent to Induce Fear Bill Passed - House (68 - 32)
2/09 SB 705 Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrant Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/09 HB 560 Amends Brandishing Conviction to Include Intent to Induce Fear Bill Passed - House (68 - 32)
2/08 HB 4145 Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit Bill Passed - House (68 - 31)
2/05 SB 133 Establishes Immunity for Underage Drinkers Who Seek Medical Help Bill Passed - House (92 - 27)
2/04 SB 610 Authorizes Concealed Carry Reciprocity for Out-of-State License Holders Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
2/03 HB 4001 Authorizes Open-Carry on State College Campuses Bill Passed - House (80 - 37)
2/03 HB 766 Authorizes Individual with Restraining Order to Carry Concealed Gun without Permit Bill Passed - House (68 - 29)
2/03 HB 163 Authorizes Open Carry of Firearms Bill Passed - House (80 - 38)
2/03 SB 80 Authorizes Pharmacists to Decline to Sell Certain Cold Medicines Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
2/02 SB 220 Classifies an Offense Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity as Aggravating Circumstance Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
2/01 SB 48 Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 21)
1/28 SB 40 Repeals the Death Penalty Bill Failed - House (16 - 23)
1/28 SB 344 Amends Burden of Proof in Self-Defense Immunity Claims Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
1/28 SB 344 Amends Burden of Proof in Self-Defense Immunity Claims Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
1/28 SB 572 Establishes Regulations for Municipal Ordinance Violation Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
1/28 H 3521 Prohibits Courts From Enforcing Foreign Law Bill Passed - House (68 - 42)
1/26 HB 1019 Limits Public Access to Police Body Camera Footage Bill Passed - House (65 - 30)
1/26 SB 259 Authorizes General Assembly Employees to Carry Handguns in the Statehouse Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
1/21 SB 528 Amends Asset Forfeiture Regulations Veto Override Passed - House (89 - 52)
1/21 SB 528 Amends Asset Forfeiture Regulations Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
1/21 SB 517 Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia Veto Override Passed - House (86 - 55)
1/21 SB 517 Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
1/20 HR 4038 American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (55 - 43)
1/20 SB 207 Authorizes Peace Officers to Conduct Roadside Saliva Drug Test Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
1/20 SB 248 Repeals Certain Requirements to Strip Search Detained Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
1/14 HB 560 Amends Classification of Criminal Offenses for Death of a Viable Fetus Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 11)
1/08 HR 1927 Fairness in Class Action Litigation and Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act of 2016 Bill Passed - House (211 - 188)

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