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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sept. 14, 2016 | MO | SB 656 | Authorizes Concealed Carry Without a Permit | Veto Override Passed - House (112 - 41) |
Jan. 21, 2016 | MD | SB 528 | Amends Asset Forfeiture Regulations | Veto Override Passed - House (89 - 52) |
March 4, 2016 | WV | HB 4145 | Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit | Veto Override Passed - House (64 - 33) |
Jan. 21, 2016 | MD | SB 190 | Amends Taxable Price for Sale or Use of Accommodations | Veto Override Passed - House (89 - 52) |
Jan. 21, 2016 | MD | SB 517 | Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia | Veto Override Passed - House (86 - 55) |
May 13, 2016 | MO | SB 656 | Authorizes Concealed Carry Without a Permit | Conference Report Adopted - House (114 - 36) |
May 21, 2016 | MN | SF 498 | Amends Police Body Camera Regulations | Conference Report Adopted - House (96 - 34) |
March 8, 2016 | WA | HB 2362 | Amends Police Body Camera Regulations | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 39) |
June 30, 2016 | CA | AB 1674 | Limits the Purchase of Firearms | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (44 - 34) |
Jan. 6, 2016 | National | HR 3762 | Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015 | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (240 - 181) |
April 9, 2016 | MD | HB 1003 | Prohibits Wage Discrimination on Basis of Gender Identity | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 33) |
Feb. 24, 2016 | WV | HB 4145 | Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 31) |
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) |
June 30, 2016 | CA | AB 1135 | Prohibits Firearms with Bullet Button | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 30) |
March 9, 2016 | FL | HB 1411 | Amends Requirements for Disposal of Fetal Tissue | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 40) |
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) |
June 1, 2016 | MA | S 735 | Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity | Bill Passed - House (116 - 36) |
May 11, 2016 | AK | SB 91 | Amends Criminal Justice System | Bill Passed - House (28 - 10) |
Feb. 19, 2016 | VA | SB 610 | Authorizes Concealed Carry Reciprocity for Out-of-State License Holders | Bill Passed - House (69 - 29) |
April 18, 2016 | TN | SJR 467 | Urges Attorney General to File Lawsuit in Relation to Refugee Resettlement Program | Bill Passed - House (69 - 25) |
May 11, 2016 | NH | SB 336 | Amends Requirements to Obtain Concealed Carry License | Bill Passed - House (217 - 132) |
June 30, 2016 | CA | SB 1235 | Requires Background Checks to Buy Ammunition | Bill Passed - House (46 - 30) |
April 6, 2016 | TN | SB 1556 | Authorizes Therapists to Decline to Provide Services | Bill Passed - House (68 - 22) |
Aug. 18, 2016 | CA | SB 1322 | Exempts Minors from Prostitution Charges | Bill Passed - House (42 - 29) |
April 7, 2016 | HI | SB 2954 | Requires Gun Owners to Register in Database | Bill Passed - House (26 - 21) |
Aug. 4, 2016 | CA | SB 759 | Authorizes Early Release for Certain Prisoners in Solitary Confinement | Bill Passed - House (41 - 31) |
April 26, 2016 | AZ | SB 1257 | Authorizes Concelead Carry of Firearms in Public Places | Bill Passed - House (35 - 23) |
Feb. 5, 2016 | KS | SB 133 | Establishes Immunity for Underage Drinkers Who Seek Medical Help | Bill Passed - House (92 - 27) |
June 16, 2016 | CA | SB 839 | Prohibits Orca Captivity and Breeding | Bill Passed - House (48 - 28) |
May 31, 2016 | CA | SB 10 | Authorizes Undocumented Immigrants to be Eligible for Health Coverage | Bill Passed - House (55 - 20) |
April 6, 2016 | AZ | SB 1248 | Prohibits Pet Stores from Selling Commercially Bred Animals | Bill Passed - House (36 - 23) |
Feb. 16, 2016 | WI | SB 533 | Prohibits Local Governments from Issuing Identification Cards | Bill Passed - House (62 - 35) |
April 20, 2016 | TN | SB 2376 | Authorizes University of Tennessee Employees to Carry a Handgun on Campus | Bill Passed - House (69 - 24) |
June 30, 2016 | CA | SB 1446 | Prohibits the Possession of High-Capacity Gun Magazines | Bill Passed - House (44 - 31) |
March 8, 2016 | FL | SB 668 | Amends Divorce and Child Custody Procedures | Bill Passed - House (74 - 38) |
Feb. 11, 2016 | VA | HB 1096 | Prohibits Regulation of Firearms without Legislative Authorization | Bill Passed - House (63 - 35) |
March 21, 2016 | ID | S 1342 | Authorizes Bibles in Schools as Educational References | Bill Passed - House (54 - 15) |
Oct. 20, 2016 | NJ | S 51 | Authorizes Restrictions on Solitary Confinement | Bill Passed - House (45 - 26) |
March 3, 2016 | RI | S 2081 | Authorizes a Gambling Facility in Tiverton | Bill Passed - House (66 - 3) |
March 16, 2016 | KS | SB 175 | Prohibits Discrimination Against Religious Student Associations | Bill Passed - House (81 - 41) |
Feb. 22, 2016 | IN | SB 91 | Authorizes Adopted Individuals to Access Birth Certificates | Bill Passed - House (72 - 24) |
Jan. 27, 2016 | NH | HB 630 | Authorizes Video Lottery Machine Licenses | "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (200 - 129) |
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 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) |
March 3, 2016 | SC | H 4701 | Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Restrictions on Firearms | Bill Passed - House (64 - 30) |
March 3, 2016 | MD | HB 274 | Repeals Witness Requirement for Uncontested Divorces | Bill Passed - House (94 - 45) |
March 3, 2016 | FL | HB 1411 | Amends Requirements for Disposal of Fetal Tissue | Bill Passed - House (74 - 44) |
March 9, 2016 | FL | HB 4027 | Prohibits Traffic Infraction Detectors | Bill Passed - House (83 - 33) |
March 10, 2016 | OK | HB 2504 | Expands Punishments for Theft of Domestic Animals | Bill Passed - House (71 - 21) |
March 10, 2016 | OK | HB 3098 | Amends License and Training Requirements for Gun Possession | Bill Passed - House (73 - 15) |
March 12, 2016 | MD | HB 1002 | Prohibits Firearms on College Campuses | Bill Passed - House (81 - 54) |
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) |
March 17, 2016 | CO | HB 1210 | Prohibits Conversion Therapy for Minors | Bill Passed - House (35 - 29) |
March 21, 2016 | MD | HB 1016 | Amends Certain Law Enforcement Procedures | Bill Passed - House (92 - 44) |
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) |
March 23, 2016 | NH | HB 1661 | Prohibits Conversion Therapy on Minors | Bill Passed - House (299 - 99) |
March 28, 2016 | CO | HB 1296 | Increases Penalties for Unlicensed Car Dealers | Bill Passed - House (34 - 31) |
April 7, 2016 | ME | LD 1600 | Requires Legislative Approval for National Monument Designations | Bill Passed - House (77 - 73) |
April 13, 2016 | OH | HB 425 | Authorizes Religious Expression in Schools | Bill Passed - House (73 - 22) |
April 14, 2016 | MO | HB 2069 | Prohibits Donation of Fetal Tissue | Bill Passed - House (120 - 34) |
April 20, 2016 | IA | HF 2460 | Appropriates Funding for Health and Human Services | Bill Passed - House (56 - 42) |
April 21, 2016 | IL | HB 5576 | Requires Health Insurance Plans to Cover Birth Control | Bill Passed - House (61 - 52) |
April 21, 2016 | DE | HB 325 | Amends Requirements for Purchasing a Firearm | Bill Passed - House (22 - 17) |
April 26, 2016 | MO | HB 1679 | Authorizes Pharmacists to Prescribe Oral Contraceptives | Bill Passed - House (97 - 50) |
May 4, 2016 | LA | HB 1148 | Prohibits Sanctuary Cities from Receiving Certain State Funds | Bill Passed - House (67 - 27) |
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) |
May 9, 2016 | CA | AB 1732 | Requires Single User Restrooms to be Gender Neutral | Bill Passed - House (55 - 19) |
March 24, 2016 | MI | HB 4787 | Prohibits Coercing a Pregnant Woman to Have an Abortion | Bill Passed - House (65 - 43) |
Jan. 21, 2016 | NM | HB 99 | Requires Driver's Licenses to Comply with Federal Standards | Bill Passed - House (39 - 30) |
Jan. 26, 2016 | IN | HB 1019 | Limits Public Access to Police Body Camera Footage | Bill Passed - House (65 - 30) |
Jan. 27, 2016 | SD | HB 1008 | Prohibits Students from Using School Restrooms Designated for the Opposite Biological Sex | Bill Passed - House (58 - 10) |
Jan. 27, 2016 | SD | HB 1075 | Expands Nonresident Waterfowl Hunting Areas | Bill Passed - House (36 - 32) |
Jan. 28, 2016 | SC | H 3521 | Prohibits Courts From Enforcing Foreign Law | Bill Passed - House (68 - 42) |
Feb. 3, 2016 | FL | HB 163 | Authorizes Open Carry of Firearms | Bill Passed - House (80 - 38) |
Feb. 3, 2016 | FL | HB 675 | Requires Local Governments to Enforce Federal Immigration Regulations | Bill Passed - House (80 - 38) |
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 4001 | Authorizes Open-Carry on State College Campuses | Bill Passed - House (80 - 37) |
Feb. 8, 2016 | WV | HB 4145 | Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit | Bill Passed - House (68 - 31) |
Feb. 8, 2016 | SD | HB 1107 | Prohibits Discrimination Based on Religious Beliefs | Bill Passed - House (46 - 10) |
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. 9, 2016 | SD | HB 1112 | Repeals Transgender Policies Adopted by High School Sports Associations | Bill Passed - House (45 - 23) |
Feb. 11, 2016 | WV | HB 4012 | Prohibits State Action from Burdening the Exercise of Religion | Bill Passed - House (72 - 26) |
Feb. 12, 2016 | UT | HB 136 | Classifies Certain Cases of Human Trafficking as Capital Offense | Bill Passed - House (44 - 28) |
Feb. 12, 2016 | OR | HB 4040 | Authorizes Removal of Gray Wolf from Endangered Species List | Bill Passed - House (33 - 23) |
Feb. 15, 2016 | VA | HB 1234 | Authorizes School Security Officers to Carry Firearms | Bill Passed - House (66 - 33) |
Feb. 16, 2016 | WI | AB 450 | Prohibits Local Policies Preventing Immigration Status Inquiries | Bill Passed - House (62 - 35) |
Feb. 16, 2016 | MS | HB 578 | Establishes Civil and Criminal Immunity for Individuals who Report Suspicious Terrorist Activity | Bill Passed - House (89 - 30) |
Feb. 16, 2016 | VA | HB 1090 | Rescinds Funds from Certain Abortion Clinics | Bill Passed - House (64 - 35) |
Feb. 16, 2016 | VA | HB 773 | Prohibits Discrimination Based on Certain Religious Beliefs | Bill Passed - House (56 - 41) |
Feb. 17, 2016 | MS | HB 786 | Authorizes Designated Individuals to Carry Firearms in Church | Bill Passed - House (85 - 33) |
Feb. 18, 2016 | TN | HB 2129 | Requires Historical Commission Approval to Alter Monuments | Bill Passed - House (71 - 23) |
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) |
Feb. 18, 2016 | AZ | HB 2446 | Amends the Definition of Prohibited Weapons | Bill Passed - House (38 - 20) |