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 16, 2016 | NJ | A 3689 | Requires Justifiable Need for Firearm Permits | Bill Passed - House (46 - 28) |
June 30, 2016 | CA | AB 1135 | Prohibits Firearms with Bullet Button | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 30) |
June 30, 2016 | CA | AB 1674 | Limits the Purchase of Firearms | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (44 - 34) |
June 30, 2016 | CA | AB 1695 | Prohibits Falsely Reporting the Loss or Theft of a Firearm | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 25) |
June 30, 2016 | CA | AB 1695 | Prohibits Falsely Reporting the Loss or Theft of a Firearm | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 25) |
May 9, 2016 | CA | AB 1732 | Requires Single User Restrooms to be Gender Neutral | Bill Passed - House (55 - 19) |
May 31, 2016 | CA | AB 2466 | Expands Voting Rights for Certain Convicted Felons | Bill Passed - House (41 - 37) |
June 1, 2016 | CA | AB 2607 | Authorizes Certain Individuals to Request a Gun Violence Restraining Order | Bill Passed - House (41 - 37) |
Feb. 16, 2016 | WI | AB 450 | Prohibits Local Policies Preventing Immigration Status Inquiries | Bill Passed - House (62 - 35) |
April 28, 2016 | CA | ACR 137 | Establishes May 26th as John Wayne Day | Resolution Failed - House (36 - 19) |
Jan. 28, 2016 | SC | H 3521 | Prohibits Courts From Enforcing Foreign Law | Bill Passed - House (68 - 42) |
March 3, 2016 | SC | H 4701 | Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Restrictions on Firearms | Bill Passed - House (64 - 30) |
March 2, 2016 | RI | H 7228 | Authorizes a Gambling Facility in Tiverton | Bill Passed - House (69 - 4) |
May 19, 2016 | National | H Amdt 1079 | Prohibits Use of Funds for Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity | Amendment Rejected - House (212 - 213) |
May 25, 2016 | National | H Amdt 1128 | Prohibits Use of Funds for Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity | Amendment Adopted - House (223 - 195) |
March 12, 2016 | MD | HB 1002 | Prohibits Firearms on College Campuses | Bill Passed - House (81 - 54) |
April 9, 2016 | MD | HB 1003 | Prohibits Wage Discrimination on Basis of Gender Identity | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 33) |
March 3, 2016 | SD | HB 1008 | Prohibits Students from Using School Restrooms Designated for the Opposite Biological Sex | Veto Override Failed - House (36 - 29) |
Jan. 27, 2016 | SD | HB 1008 | Prohibits Students from Using School Restrooms Designated for the Opposite Biological Sex | Bill Passed - House (58 - 10) |
March 21, 2016 | MD | HB 1016 | Amends Certain Law Enforcement Procedures | Bill Passed - House (92 - 44) |
Jan. 26, 2016 | IN | HB 1019 | Limits Public Access to Police Body Camera Footage | Bill Passed - House (65 - 30) |
June 16, 2016 | NC | HB 1047 | Requires Lottery Commission to Report Winner Information to Social Services | Bill Passed - House (74 - 39) |
Jan. 27, 2016 | SD | HB 1075 | Expands Nonresident Waterfowl Hunting Areas | Bill Passed - House (36 - 32) |
Feb. 16, 2016 | VA | HB 1090 | Rescinds Funds from Certain Abortion Clinics | Bill Passed - House (64 - 35) |
Feb. 11, 2016 | VA | HB 1096 | Prohibits Regulation of Firearms without Legislative Authorization | Bill Passed - House (63 - 35) |
Feb. 8, 2016 | SD | HB 1107 | Prohibits Discrimination Based on Religious Beliefs | Bill Passed - House (46 - 10) |
Feb. 9, 2016 | SD | HB 1112 | Repeals Transgender Policies Adopted by High School Sports Associations | Bill Passed - House (45 - 23) |
May 4, 2016 | LA | HB 1148 | Prohibits Sanctuary Cities from Receiving Certain State Funds | Bill Passed - House (67 - 27) |
Feb. 23, 2016 | SD | HB 1206 | Authorizes the Use of Handguns to Hunt Game Birds | Bill Failed - House (23 - 44) |
Feb. 23, 2016 | SD | HB 1206 | Authorizes the Use of Handguns to Hunt Game Birds | Bill Failed - House (23 - 44) |
March 17, 2016 | CO | HB 1210 | Prohibits Conversion Therapy for Minors | Bill Passed - House (35 - 29) |
March 1, 2016 | CO | HB 1231 | Limits Use of Automated Vehicle Identification Systems | Bill Passed - House (33 - 31) |
Feb. 15, 2016 | VA | HB 1234 | Authorizes School Security Officers to Carry Firearms | Bill Passed - House (66 - 33) |
March 28, 2016 | CO | HB 1296 | Increases Penalties for Unlicensed Car Dealers | Bill Passed - House (34 - 31) |
Feb. 12, 2016 | UT | HB 136 | Classifies Certain Cases of Human Trafficking as Capital Offense | Bill Passed - House (44 - 28) |
March 9, 2016 | FL | HB 1411 | Amends Requirements for Disposal of Fetal Tissue | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 40) |
March 3, 2016 | FL | HB 1411 | Amends Requirements for Disposal of Fetal Tissue | Bill Passed - House (74 - 44) |
Feb. 19, 2016 | MS | HB 1523 | Establishes Protections for Religious Beliefs or Moral Convictions | Bill Passed - House (80 - 39) |
Feb. 19, 2016 | MS | HB 1523 | Establishes Protections for Religious Beliefs or Moral Convictions | Bill Passed - House (80 - 39) |
Feb. 3, 2016 | FL | HB 163 | Authorizes Open Carry of Firearms | Bill Passed - House (80 - 38) |
March 23, 2016 | NH | HB 1661 | Prohibits Conversion Therapy on Minors | Bill Passed - House (299 - 99) |
April 26, 2016 | MO | HB 1679 | Authorizes Pharmacists to Prescribe Oral Contraceptives | Bill Passed - House (97 - 50) |
March 23, 2016 | NC | HB 2 | Requires Individuals to Use Bathrooms According to Biological Sex | Bill Passed - House (82 - 26) |
March 23, 2016 | NC | HB 2 | Requires Individuals to Use Bathrooms According to Biological Sex | Bill Passed - House (82 - 26) |
April 14, 2016 | MO | HB 2069 | Prohibits Donation of Fetal Tissue | Bill Passed - House (120 - 34) |
Feb. 18, 2016 | TN | HB 2129 | Requires Historical Commission Approval to Alter Monuments | Bill Passed - House (71 - 23) |
Feb. 22, 2016 | OK | HB 2275 | Requires Collection of DNA upon Arrest for a Felony Charge | Bill Failed - House (38 - 56) |
Feb. 29, 2016 | AZ | HB 2338 | Authorizes Concealed Carry near Schools | Bill Passed - House (35 - 24) |
March 8, 2016 | WA | HB 2362 | Amends Police Body Camera Regulations | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 39) |
Feb. 22, 2016 | WA | HB 2362 | Amends Police Body Camera Regulations | Bill Passed - House (61 - 36) |
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. 18, 2016 | AZ | HB 2451 | Amends Requirements for Release of Undocumented Inmates | Bill Passed - House (36 - 21) |
March 10, 2016 | OK | HB 2504 | Expands Punishments for Theft of Domestic Animals | Bill Passed - House (71 - 21) |
March 1, 2016 | AZ | HB 2524 | Authorizes Compacts with Other States to Develop Firearm Transfer Laws | Bill Passed - House (35 - 24) |
Feb. 23, 2016 | KS | HB 2578 | Expands List of Medical Professionals Who Can Clear High School Athletes for Play After a Concussion | Bill Passed - House (70 - 53) |
March 3, 2016 | MD | HB 274 | Repeals Witness Requirement for Uncontested Divorces | Bill Passed - House (94 - 45) |
March 10, 2016 | OK | HB 3098 | Amends License and Training Requirements for Gun Possession | Bill Passed - House (73 - 15) |
April 21, 2016 | DE | HB 325 | Amends Requirements for Purchasing a Firearm | Bill Passed - House (22 - 17) |
Feb. 3, 2016 | FL | HB 4001 | Authorizes Open-Carry on State College Campuses | Bill Passed - House (80 - 37) |
Feb. 11, 2016 | WV | HB 4012 | Prohibits State Action from Burdening the Exercise of Religion | Bill Passed - House (72 - 26) |
March 9, 2016 | FL | HB 4027 | Prohibits Traffic Infraction Detectors | Bill Passed - House (83 - 33) |
Feb. 12, 2016 | OR | HB 4040 | Authorizes Removal of Gray Wolf from Endangered Species List | Bill Passed - House (33 - 23) |
March 4, 2016 | WV | HB 4145 | Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit | Veto Override Passed - House (64 - 33) |
Feb. 24, 2016 | WV | HB 4145 | Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 31) |
Feb. 8, 2016 | WV | HB 4145 | Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit | Bill Passed - House (68 - 31) |
Feb. 22, 2016 | OR | HB 4147 | Extends the Background Check Waiting Period for Gun Sales | Bill Passed - House (31 - 28) |
April 13, 2016 | OH | HB 425 | Authorizes Religious Expression in Schools | Bill Passed - House (73 - 22) |
March 2, 2016 | FL | HB 43 | Authorizes Churches to Decline to Provide Certain Marriage Services | Bill Passed - House (82 - 37) |
March 2, 2016 | FL | HB 43 | Authorizes Churches to Decline to Provide Certain Marriage Services | Bill Passed - House (82 - 37) |
May 4, 2016 | LA | HB 453 | Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Passed - House (65 - 20) |
May 4, 2016 | LA | HB 453 | Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Passed - House (65 - 20) |
March 1, 2016 | WV | HB 4625 | Requires Greyhound Racing Funds to be Redirected to State Road Fund | Bill Passed - House (61 - 36) |
March 24, 2016 | MI | HB 4787 | Prohibits Coercing a Pregnant Woman to Have an Abortion | Bill Passed - House (65 - 43) |
April 21, 2016 | IL | HB 5576 | Requires Health Insurance Plans to Cover Birth Control | Bill Passed - House (61 - 52) |
Feb. 9, 2016 | VA | HB 560 | Amends Brandishing Conviction to Include Intent to Induce Fear | Bill Passed - House (68 - 32) |
Feb. 9, 2016 | VA | HB 560 | Amends Brandishing Conviction to Include Intent to Induce Fear | Bill Passed - House (68 - 32) |
Feb. 16, 2016 | MS | HB 578 | Establishes Civil and Criminal Immunity for Individuals who Report Suspicious Terrorist Activity | Bill Passed - House (89 - 30) |
April 27, 2016 | LA | HB 598 | Amends Voter Registration Policies for Convicted Felons | Bill Failed - House (37 - 60) |
April 20, 2016 | TN | HB 615 | Establishes the Bible as the Official State Book | Veto Override Failed - House (43 - 50) |
Jan. 27, 2016 | NH | HB 630 | Authorizes Video Lottery Machine Licenses | "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (200 - 129) |
Feb. 3, 2016 | FL | HB 675 | Requires Local Governments to Enforce Federal Immigration Regulations | Bill Passed - House (80 - 38) |
March 16, 2016 | GA | HB 757 | Authorizes Religious Officials to Decline to Perform Certain Ceremonies | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (104 - 65) |
March 16, 2016 | GA | HB 757 | Authorizes Religious Officials to Decline to Perform Certain Ceremonies | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (104 - 65) |
Feb. 3, 2016 | VA | HB 766 | Authorizes Individual with Restraining Order to Carry Concealed Gun without Permit | Bill Passed - House (68 - 29) |
Feb. 16, 2016 | VA | HB 773 | Prohibits Discrimination Based on Certain Religious Beliefs | Bill Passed - House (56 - 41) |
Feb. 26, 2016 | GA | HB 781 | Prohibits Undocumented Immigrants from Serving on Local Governing Bodies | Bill Passed - House (93 - 50) |
Feb. 29, 2016 | MS | HB 782 | Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Law Relating to Firearms | Bill Passed - House (75 - 46) |
Feb. 17, 2016 | MS | HB 786 | Authorizes Designated Individuals to Carry Firearms in Church | Bill Passed - House (85 - 33) |
Feb. 22, 2016 | GA | HB 859 | Authorizes Concealed Carry at Postsecondary Education Institutions | Bill Passed - House (113 - 59) |
April 25, 2016 | LA | HB 863 | Prohibits Schools from Holding Membership in Certain Associations or Organizations | Bill Failed - House (33 - 51) |
Feb. 26, 2016 | GA | HB 951 | Establishes Tax Exemptions for Certain Purchases | Bill Passed - House (127 - 22) |
Jan. 21, 2016 | NM | HB 99 | Requires Driver's Licenses to Comply with Federal Standards | Bill Passed - House (39 - 30) |
Feb. 23, 2016 | IA | HF 2281 | Authorizes Individuals Under the age of 14 to Posses a Handgun | Bill Passed - House (62 - 36) |
April 20, 2016 | IA | HF 2460 | Appropriates Funding for Health and Human Services | Bill Passed - House (56 - 42) |
Feb. 26, 2016 | National | HR 2406 | Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act of 2015 | Bill Passed - House (242 - 161) |
Feb. 26, 2016 | National | HR 2406 | Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act of 2015 | Bill Passed - House (242 - 161) |
Feb. 2, 2016 | National | HR 3762 | Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015 | Veto Override Failed - House (241 - 186) |
Jan. 6, 2016 | National | HR 3762 | Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015 | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (240 - 181) |
March 17, 2016 | National | H Res 639 | Authorizing the Speaker to Appear as Amicus Curiae on Behalf of the House of Representatives in the Matter of United States, et al. v. Texas, et al., No. 15-674 | Resolution Passed - House (234 - 186) |