Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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
Sept. 28, 2016 National S 2040 Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act Veto Override Passed - Senate (97 - 1)
Sept. 14, 2016 MO SB 656 Authorizes Concealed Carry Without a Permit Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
Aug. 31, 2016 CA SB 1241 Amends Current Provisions of Labor Contracts Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
Aug. 16, 2016 CA AB 2466 Expands Voting Rights for Certain Convicted Felons Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
July 6, 2016 National S 2193 Stop Illegal Reentry Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (55 - 42)
June 30, 2016 CA SB 1235 Requires Background Checks to Buy Ammunition Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
June 30, 2016 CA AB 1695 Prohibits Falsely Reporting the Loss or Theft of a Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
June 30, 2016 CA AB 1674 Limits the Purchase of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
June 30, 2016 CA AB 1695 Prohibits Falsely Reporting the Loss or Theft of a Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
June 30, 2016 CA AB 2607 Authorizes Certain Individuals to Request a Gun Violence Restraining Order Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
June 27, 2016 NJ A 3689 Requires Justifiable Need for Firearm Permits Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
June 27, 2016 NJ S 51 Authorizes Restrictions on Solitary Confinement Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
June 20, 2016 National S Amdt 4720 Prohibits the Transfer of Firearms to Suspected Terrorists Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (47 - 53)
June 20, 2016 National S Amdt 4749 Authorizes the Attorney General to Delay Transfer of Firearms to Suspected Terrorists Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 47)
June 20, 2016 National S Amdt 4749 Authorizes the Attorney General to Delay Transfer of Firearms to Suspected Terrorists Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 47)
June 20, 2016 National S Amdt 4750 Fix Gun Checks Act of 2016 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (44 - 56)
June 20, 2016 National S Amdt 4751 Protecting Communities and Preserving the Second Amendment Act of 2016 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 47)
June 20, 2016 National S Amdt 4720 Prohibits the Transfer of Firearms to Suspected Terrorists Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (47 - 53)
May 25, 2016 MI HB 4787 Prohibits Coercing a Pregnant Woman to Have an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
May 24, 2016 OH HB 110 Authorizes Immunity for Individuals Reporting Drug Overdose Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
May 24, 2016 OH HB 110 Authorizes Immunity for Individuals Reporting Drug Overdose Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
May 21, 2016 MN SF 498 Amends Police Body Camera Regulations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 17)
May 19, 2016 CA AB 1135 Prohibits Firearms with Bullet Button Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
May 19, 2016 CA SB 1235 Requires Background Checks to Buy Ammunition Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
May 19, 2016 CA SB 1446 Prohibits the Possession of High-Capacity Gun Magazines Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
May 13, 2016 MO SB 656 Authorizes Concealed Carry Without a Permit Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 8)
May 13, 2016 AK SB 91 Amends Criminal Justice System Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
May 5, 2016 NH HR 582 Repeals Permit Requirements for Concealed Carry of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
May 4, 2016 LA SB 127 Authorizes Parole Hearings for Juveniles Serving Life Terms Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
May 2, 2016 CA SB 1129 Repeals Minimum Sentences for Repeat Prostitution Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
April 25, 2016 CA SB 966 Prohibits Extending Sentences for Repeat Drug Offenders Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 16)
April 25, 2016 CA SB 966 Prohibits Extending Sentences for Repeat Drug Offenders Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 16)
April 20, 2016 VA HB 815 Amends Death Penalty Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
April 19, 2016 TN SJR 467 Urges Attorney General to File Lawsuit in Relation to Refugee Resettlement Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
April 19, 2016 TN SB 2376 Authorizes University of Tennessee Employees to Carry a Handgun on Campus Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
April 14, 2016 MO SR 1793 Requires Mary Kogut to Appear Before the Senate Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
April 14, 2016 MO SR 1794 Requires Dr. James Miller to Appear Before the Senate Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
April 7, 2016 AK SB 174 Prohibits the University of Alaska from Regulating Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 5)
April 7, 2016 AL SB 237 Establishes Innocence Inquiry Commission Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
April 7, 2016 AL SB 237 Establishes Innocence Inquiry Commission Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
April 7, 2016 AL SB 237 Establishes Innocence Inquiry Commission Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
April 5, 2016 IL SB 2465 Prohibits Certain Lawsuits against Inmates Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 19)
April 5, 2016 IL SB 2465 Prohibits Certain Lawsuits against Inmates Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 19)
April 5, 2016 AL SB 14 Authorizes Concealed Handguns in Vehicles without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
April 4, 2016 TN HB 1416 Prohibits Driving in Left Lane without Passing Other Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 7)
March 24, 2016 TN HB 1679 Requires a Claimant to Pay for Defendant Attorney Fees in Certain Legal Proceedings Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
March 24, 2016 AZ HB 2451 Amends Requirements for Release of Undocumented Inmates Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
March 16, 2016 ID S 1389 Authorizes Concealed Carry Without Permit Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
March 15, 2016 KY HB 160 Establishes 1-for-1 Syringe Exchange Program Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
March 11, 2016 VA HB 815 Amends Death Penalty Procedures Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 17)
March 11, 2016 GA HB 859 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms at Institutions of Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
March 10, 2016 IN HB 1127 Establishes Regulations on Lawsuit Funding Practices Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 10)
March 9, 2016 FL HB 1411 Amends Requirements for Disposal of Fetal Tissue Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
March 8, 2016 IA SF 2284 Amends Definition of Hate Crime to Include Gender Identity or Expression Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
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 2, 2016 UT SB 189 Repeals Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 12)
March 2, 2016 UT SB 107 Amends Definition of a Hate Crime Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 17)
March 1, 2016 MS SB 2237 Establishes Identity Protections for Execution Teams Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
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. 26, 2016 ID S 1276 Expands List of Crimes that Prohibit an Individual from Possessing Firearm Bill Failed - Senate (6 - 29)
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. 23, 2016 CO SB 17 Authorizes the Concealed Carry of a Firearm Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
Feb. 23, 2016 WY SF 96 Classifies 3 Ounces of Marijuana Edibles as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
Feb. 22, 2016 WV HB 4145 Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
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 AZ SB 1377 Establishes Criminal Sentencing Requirements for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
Feb. 15, 2016 VA SB 552 Exempts Police Officer Names from Mandatory Disclosure Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Feb. 9, 2016 VA SB 705 Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrant Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 4, 2016 VA SB 610 Authorizes Concealed Carry Reciprocity for Out-of-State License Holders Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
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 MO SB 572 Establishes Regulations for Municipal Ordinance Violation Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
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. 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 - Senate (32 - 14)
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)
Date No. Title Outcome
9/28 S 2040 Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act Veto Override Passed - Senate (97 - 1)
9/14 SB 656 Authorizes Concealed Carry Without a Permit Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
8/31 SB 1241 Amends Current Provisions of Labor Contracts Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
8/16 AB 2466 Expands Voting Rights for Certain Convicted Felons Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
7/06 S 2193 Stop Illegal Reentry Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (55 - 42)
6/30 SB 1235 Requires Background Checks to Buy Ammunition Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
6/30 AB 1695 Prohibits Falsely Reporting the Loss or Theft of a Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
6/30 AB 1674 Limits the Purchase of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
6/30 AB 1695 Prohibits Falsely Reporting the Loss or Theft of a Firearm Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
6/30 AB 2607 Authorizes Certain Individuals to Request a Gun Violence Restraining Order Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
6/27 A 3689 Requires Justifiable Need for Firearm Permits Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
6/27 S 51 Authorizes Restrictions on Solitary Confinement Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
6/20 S Amdt 4720 Prohibits the Transfer of Firearms to Suspected Terrorists Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (47 - 53)
6/20 S Amdt 4749 Authorizes the Attorney General to Delay Transfer of Firearms to Suspected Terrorists Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 47)
6/20 S Amdt 4749 Authorizes the Attorney General to Delay Transfer of Firearms to Suspected Terrorists Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 47)
6/20 S Amdt 4750 Fix Gun Checks Act of 2016 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (44 - 56)
6/20 S Amdt 4751 Protecting Communities and Preserving the Second Amendment Act of 2016 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 47)
6/20 S Amdt 4720 Prohibits the Transfer of Firearms to Suspected Terrorists Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (47 - 53)
5/25 HB 4787 Prohibits Coercing a Pregnant Woman to Have an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
5/24 HB 110 Authorizes Immunity for Individuals Reporting Drug Overdose Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
5/24 HB 110 Authorizes Immunity for Individuals Reporting Drug Overdose Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
5/21 SF 498 Amends Police Body Camera Regulations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 17)
5/19 AB 1135 Prohibits Firearms with Bullet Button Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
5/19 SB 1235 Requires Background Checks to Buy Ammunition Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
5/19 SB 1446 Prohibits the Possession of High-Capacity Gun Magazines Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
5/13 SB 656 Authorizes Concealed Carry Without a Permit Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 8)
5/13 SB 91 Amends Criminal Justice System Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
5/05 HR 582 Repeals Permit Requirements for Concealed Carry of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
5/04 SB 127 Authorizes Parole Hearings for Juveniles Serving Life Terms Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
5/02 SB 1129 Repeals Minimum Sentences for Repeat Prostitution Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
4/25 SB 966 Prohibits Extending Sentences for Repeat Drug Offenders Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 16)
4/25 SB 966 Prohibits Extending Sentences for Repeat Drug Offenders Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 16)
4/20 HB 815 Amends Death Penalty Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16)
4/19 SJR 467 Urges Attorney General to File Lawsuit in Relation to Refugee Resettlement Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
4/19 SB 2376 Authorizes University of Tennessee Employees to Carry a Handgun on Campus Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
4/14 SR 1793 Requires Mary Kogut to Appear Before the Senate Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
4/14 SR 1794 Requires Dr. James Miller to Appear Before the Senate Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
4/07 SB 174 Prohibits the University of Alaska from Regulating Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 5)
4/07 SB 237 Establishes Innocence Inquiry Commission Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
4/07 SB 237 Establishes Innocence Inquiry Commission Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
4/07 SB 237 Establishes Innocence Inquiry Commission Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
4/05 SB 2465 Prohibits Certain Lawsuits against Inmates Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 19)
4/05 SB 2465 Prohibits Certain Lawsuits against Inmates Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 19)
4/05 SB 14 Authorizes Concealed Handguns in Vehicles without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
4/04 HB 1416 Prohibits Driving in Left Lane without Passing Other Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 7)
3/24 HB 1679 Requires a Claimant to Pay for Defendant Attorney Fees in Certain Legal Proceedings Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
3/24 HB 2451 Amends Requirements for Release of Undocumented Inmates Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
3/16 S 1389 Authorizes Concealed Carry Without Permit Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
3/15 HB 160 Establishes 1-for-1 Syringe Exchange Program Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
3/11 HB 815 Amends Death Penalty Procedures Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 17)
3/11 HB 859 Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms at Institutions of Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
3/10 HB 1127 Establishes Regulations on Lawsuit Funding Practices Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 10)
3/09 HB 1411 Amends Requirements for Disposal of Fetal Tissue Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
3/08 SF 2284 Amends Definition of Hate Crime to Include Gender Identity or Expression Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
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)
3/02 SB 189 Repeals Death Penalty Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 12)
3/02 SB 107 Amends Definition of a Hate Crime Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 17)
3/01 SB 2237 Establishes Identity Protections for Execution Teams Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
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)
2/26 S 1276 Expands List of Crimes that Prohibit an Individual from Possessing Firearm Bill Failed - Senate (6 - 29)
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)
2/23 SB 17 Authorizes the Concealed Carry of a Firearm Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
2/23 SF 96 Classifies 3 Ounces of Marijuana Edibles as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
2/22 HB 4145 Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
2/22 SJR 467 Urges Attorney General to File Lawsuit in Relation to Refugee Resettlement Program Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 5)
2/22 SB 1377 Establishes Criminal Sentencing Requirements for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
2/15 SB 552 Exempts Police Officer Names from Mandatory Disclosure Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
2/09 SB 705 Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrant Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/04 SB 610 Authorizes Concealed Carry Reciprocity for Out-of-State License Holders Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
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 572 Establishes Regulations for Municipal Ordinance Violation Penalties Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
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)
1/26 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 - Senate (32 - 14)
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)

arrow_upward