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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 27, 2018 | OH | HB 228 | Establishes New Self-Defense and Firearm Handling Rules | Veto Override Passed - Senate (21 - 11) |
Dec. 18, 2018 | National | S 756 | First Step Act of 2018 | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (87 - 12) |
Dec. 6, 2018 | OH | HB 228 | Establishes New Self-Defense and Firearm Handling Rules | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10) |
Dec. 6, 2018 | OH | SB 250 | Increases Trespass Penalties and Other Crimes Related to Protesting | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5) |
Nov. 28, 2018 | MI | SB 1175 | Amends Laws Regarding State Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11) |
Oct. 29, 2018 | NJ | S 2465 | Prohibits 3D Printed Firearms | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 0) |
Oct. 17, 2018 | PA | SB 554 | Establishes Protections for Juvenile Human Trafficking Victims | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 0) |
Oct. 17, 2018 | PA | SB 554 | Establishes Protections for Juvenile Human Trafficking Victims | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 0) |
Oct. 3, 2018 | PA | HB 2060 | Requires Surrender of Firearms in Protection Abuse Situations | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 5) |
Oct. 3, 2018 | PA | HB 2060 | Requires Surrender of Firearms in Protection Abuse Situations | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 5) |
Sept. 17, 2018 | National | HR 6 | Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 | Bill Passed - Senate (99 - 1) |
Sept. 5, 2018 | MI | HB 5377 | Amends Prison Parole Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4) |
Sept. 5, 2018 | MI | HB 5377 | Amends Prison Parole Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4) |
Aug. 24, 2018 | CA | SB 820 | Prohibits Non-Disclosure Agreements in Sexual Assault, Harassment, or Discrimination Cases | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 8) |
Aug. 21, 2018 | CA | SB 10 | Establishes New Provisions for the Criminal Justice System | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 12) |
Aug. 21, 2018 | CA | AB 2103 | Requires Concealed Carry Applicants Complete 8 Hours of Gun Safety Training | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9) |
Aug. 6, 2018 | CA | AB 282 | Amends the End of Life Option Act | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9) |
Aug. 1, 2018 | National | HR 5515 | National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (87 - 10) |
July 26, 2018 | NJ | S 2846 | Authorizes Police to Carry High Capacity Magazines | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0) |
July 19, 2018 | MA | S 2598 | Authorizes Diversion Program for First-Time Prostitution Offenses | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0) |
June 25, 2018 | NJ | A 3861 | Amends Unemployment Insurance Law | (23 - 14) |
June 25, 2018 | NJ | S 2532 | Requires Corrections Officers to Complete 4 Hours of Sexual Assault Prevention Training | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0) |
June 25, 2018 | NJ | S 2055 | Authorizes Student Financial Aid for Incarcerated Persons | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10) |
June 22, 2018 | PA | HB 1419 | Authorizes Limited Access to Certain Criminal Records | Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0) |
June 21, 2018 | RI | H 7715 | Classifies Delivery a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death as a Crime | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10) |
June 21, 2018 | RI | H 7715 | Classifies Delivery a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death as a Crime | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10) |
June 18, 2018 | National | HR 5515 | National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 | Bill Passed - Senate (85 - 10) |
June 14, 2018 | NY | S 2412 | Establishes A Commission Of Prosecutorial Conduct | Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 12) |
June 12, 2018 | MI | HB 5901 | Extends Funding for Statewide Trauma System | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13) |
June 7, 2018 | NJ | A 2761 | Prohibits Firearm Magazines with More than 10 Rounds | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13) |
June 7, 2018 | NJ | A 1217 | Authorizes Extreme Risk Protective Orders | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5) |
June 7, 2018 | NJ | A 2758 | Requires Justifiable Need to Carry a Handgun | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13) |
June 7, 2018 | NJ | A 2757 | Requires Background Checks for Private Gun Sales | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3) |
June 7, 2018 | NJ | A 1181 | Amends Various Firearm Confiscation Measures | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5) |
June 7, 2018 | NJ | S 121 | Prohibits Non-Disclosure Agreements Regarding Workplace Harassment | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1) |
June 7, 2018 | NJ | S 121 | Prohibits Non-Disclosure Agreements Regarding Workplace Harassment | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1) |
May 30, 2018 | IL | SB 337 | Amends Gun Dealer Licensing Rules | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 20) |
May 30, 2018 | IL | HB 2354 | Authorizes Courts to Confiscate Firearms from Potentially Dangerous Individuals | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 11) |
May 30, 2018 | IL | HB 2354 | Authorizes Courts to Confiscate Firearms from Potentially Dangerous Individuals | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 11) |
May 29, 2018 | MI | SB 872 | Amends Statue of Limitations for Sexual Misconduct Cases Going Back until 1997 | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 2) |
May 29, 2018 | MI | SB 871 | Increases the Statute of Limitations for Sexual Assault Offenses | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 0) |
May 29, 2018 | CA | SB 1100 | Increases the Purchasing Age for Firearms to 21 | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10) |
May 16, 2018 | LA | HB 88 | Establishes Crime of Government Benefits Fraud | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11) |
May 16, 2018 | National | S J Res 52 | A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission relating to "Restoring Internet Freedom" | Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 47) |
May 15, 2018 | LA | SB 243 | Establishes Constitutional Amendment for Unanimous Consent on Juries | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 7) |
May 14, 2018 | LA | SB 236 | Amends Laws Concerning Sexual Abuse of Animals | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 1) |
May 14, 2018 | MN | HF 390 | Establishes Penalties for Obstructing a Highway | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 27) |
May 8, 2018 | CT | HB 5542 | Prohibits Bump Stocks | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10) |
May 3, 2018 | VT | H 25 | Amends State Domestic Terrorism Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 0) |
May 3, 2018 | VT | H 25 | Amends State Domestic Terrorism Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 0) |
May 2, 2018 | OK | SB 1212 | Establishes a State Firearm Constitutional Carry Program | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 9) |
May 2, 2018 | NH | HB 1319 | Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity | "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10) |
May 2, 2018 | IL | SB 3249 | Requires LGBT History in Public Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 18) |
May 1, 2018 | HI | HB 1489 | Prohibits LGBTQ Discrimination | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 0) |
May 1, 2018 | MI | HB 5010 | Extends Statute of Limitations for Armed Robbery | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4) |
May 1, 2018 | HI | HB 2131 | Establishes A Sexual Assault Training Program | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 0) |
May 1, 2018 | MI | HB 5010 | Extends Statute of Limitations for Armed Robbery | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4) |
May 1, 2018 | LA | SB 534 | Amends "Crime of Violence" to Include Abortion | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0) |
April 26, 2018 | National | PN 1761 | Nomination of Mike Pompeo to Secretary of State | (57 - 42) |
April 26, 2018 | National | PN 1761 | Nomination of Mike Pompeo to Secretary of State | Cloture Invoked - Senate (57 - 42) |
April 23, 2018 | MN | SF 3673 | Amends Prison Release Requirements for Sex Offenders | Bill Passed - Senate (67 - 0) |
April 19, 2018 | NH | HB 587 | Prohibits Providing Conversion Therapy to Minors | "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10) |
April 18, 2018 | VA | HB 83 | Requires Feminine Hygiene Products to be Provided to Prisons Inmates | (39 - None) |
April 18, 2018 | VT | H 333 | Requires Gender-Neutral Bathrooms | Bill Passed - Senate |
April 18, 2018 | ME | LD 912 | Prohibits Conversion Therapy on Minors | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
April 18, 2018 | PA | SB 961 | Increases OWI Penalties | Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 4) |
April 18, 2018 | National | S J Res 57 | A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to "Indirect Auto Lending and Compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act" | Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 47) |
April 18, 2018 | PA | SB 961 | Increases OWI Penalties | Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 4) |
April 12, 2018 | NJ | A 1827 | Requires Employers to Provide Paid Sick Leave | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12) |
April 12, 2018 | NJ | A 3686 | Increases State Protections for Labor Unions | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9) |
April 11, 2018 | OH | SB 231 | Establishes Database of Violent Offenders | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 2) |
April 4, 2018 | MA | S 2371 | Amends Criminal Justice Law | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 0) |
April 3, 2018 | MD | SB 101 | Amends Certain Definitions and Regulations for Crimes of Violence | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 7) |
April 3, 2018 | MD | SB 101 | Amends Certain Definitions and Regulations for Crimes of Violence | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 7) |
April 3, 2018 | MD | HB 447 | Establishes Pretrial Services Program Grant Fund | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 11) |
March 30, 2018 | VT | S 55 | Amends Various State Gun Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13) |
March 30, 2018 | NY | S 8121 | Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Domestic Abuse from Purchasing Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19) |
March 30, 2018 | NY | S 8121 | Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Domestic Abuse from Purchasing Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19) |
March 26, 2018 | NJ | S 1036 | Requires Attorney General to Appoint an Independent Prosecutor | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11) |
March 26, 2018 | NJ | S 1036 | Requires Attorney General to Appoint an Independent Prosecutor | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11) |
March 22, 2018 | MD | HB 532 | Establishes Election Day Voter Registration and Same-Day Voting | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14) |
March 21, 2018 | ID | H 658 | Amends Trespassing Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6) |
March 21, 2018 | National | HR 1865 | Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017 | Bill Passed - Senate (97 - 2) |
March 21, 2018 | National | HR 1865 | Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017 | Bill Passed - Senate (97 - 2) |
March 19, 2018 | KY | HB 198 | Limits Fees for Attorneys Contracting with State Agencies | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12) |
March 18, 2018 | IL | HB 1465 | Establishes Age Limit for Purchase of Assault-Style Weapons | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 22) |
March 16, 2018 | ID | H 665 | Increases Penalties for Threats Against Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1) |
March 16, 2018 | ID | H 649 | Amends Drug Use Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1) |
March 16, 2018 | ID | H 649 | Amends Drug Use Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1) |
March 16, 2018 | ID | H 665 | Increases Penalties for Threats Against Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1) |
March 15, 2018 | KS | HB 2042 | Authorizes Individuals Aged 18-20 to Obtain a Concealed Carry Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15) |
March 15, 2018 | NH | SB 593 | Repeals Death Penalty | "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10) |
March 15, 2018 | NH | SB 593 | Repeals Death Penalty | "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10) |
March 12, 2018 | IN | SB 12 | Specifies Rules of Sex Offender Residency | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 20) |
March 12, 2018 | MD | SB 122 | Amends Criminal Law | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 8) |
March 12, 2018 | MD | SB 122 | Amends Criminal Law | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 8) |
March 9, 2018 | WY | HB 168 | Authorizes "Stand Your Ground" Policy | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4) |
March 9, 2018 | WY | HB 168 | Authorizes "Stand Your Ground" Policy | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4) |
March 9, 2018 | WY | HB 168 | Authorizes "Stand Your Ground" Policy | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4) |
March 8, 2018 | WA | HB 3003 | Amends Various Police 'Use of Force' Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 24) |