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
May 4, 2023 SC S 120 Authorizes the State to Buy Lethal Injection Drugs Without Disclosing Manufacturer Company Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
May 4, 2023 IL HB 3762 Repeals the Death Penalty for First Degree Murder Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
May 4, 2023 IL HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
May 4, 2023 IL HB 3762 Repeals the Death Penalty for First Degree Murder Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
May 4, 2023 CO HB 23-1307 Establishes Enhancede Supports for Youth Who are in Detention Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
May 3, 2023 FL SB 170 Amends Laws Concerning Local Ordinances and Legal Suits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
May 3, 2023 FL SB 170 Amends Laws Concerning Local Ordinances and Legal Suits Bill Passed - House (82 - 33)
May 3, 2023 FL SB 266 Prohibits Higher Education Institutions from Spending Federal or State Funds on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Bill Passed - House (81 - 34)
May 3, 2023 IA SF 563 Appropriates Funding for State Judicial Spending and Requires Courts Obtain Consent of Non-Contract Attorneys Bill Passed - House (60 - 33)
May 3, 2023 DE SB 2 Prohibits Handgun Ownership Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
May 3, 2023 NC HB 116 Establishes Various Provisions for State District Attorney's Offices Bill Passed - House (110 - 7)
May 3, 2023 AK HB 61 Limits State Restrictions on Firearms Bill Passed - House (26 - 12)
May 3, 2023 CT HB 6639 Requires Timely Scheduling of Temporary Financial Support Hearings in Divorce Proceedings Bill Passed - House (143 - 0)
May 2, 2023 MT HB 423 Amends and Authorizes Compensation Received by Individuals Wrongfully Convicted Amendment Adopted - House (87 - 8)
May 2, 2023 MT HB 423 Amends and Authorizes Compensation Received by Individuals Wrongfully Convicted Amendment Adopted - House (87 - 8)
May 2, 2023 MT HB 479 Appropriates $5 Million for Law Enforcement Services on the Flathead Indian Reservation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 28)
May 2, 2023 CO HB 23-1182 Requires Remote Public Access To Criminal Court Proceedings Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 8)
May 2, 2023 CO SB 23-254 Amends Statutes Regarding Search Warrants by Police Bill Passed - House (42 - 23)
May 2, 2023 MO SB 106 Requires Patient Approval before Doctors Give Prostate, Anal, or Pelvic Exams to Unconscious Individuals Bill Passed - House (118 - 29)
May 2, 2023 VT H 230 Establishes New Restrictions on Firearm Purchase to Prevent Suicide Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
May 2, 2023 HI SB 1079 Requires Courts Expunge Records of OWI Convictions if the Sentencing Occurred Before 1998 Bill Passed - House (49 - 2)
May 2, 2023 FL HB 931 Prohibits Public Institutions from Requiring Students, Faculty, or Staff Take Political Loyalty Tests Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
May 2, 2023 OR HB 2005 Amends Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (35 - 24)
May 2, 2023 HI SB 1079 Requires Courts Expunge Records of OWI Convictions if the Sentencing Occurred Before 1998 Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 1)
May 2, 2023 PA SB 140 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Appoint a Special Prosecutor for South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
May 2, 2023 IA SF 563 Appropriates Funding for State Judicial Spending and Requires Courts Obtain Consent of Non-Contract Attorneys Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
May 2, 2023 OR HB 2005 Amends Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (35 - 24)
May 1, 2023 CO SB 23-249 Classifies the False Reporting of a Mass Shooting as a Felony Bill Passed - House (53 - 10)
May 1, 2023 FL HB 1359 Increases Penalties for Fentanyl Dealers and Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
May 1, 2023 FL HB 1359 Increases Penalties for Fentanyl Dealers and Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
May 1, 2023 OR HB 3076 Extends Safe Surrender Period for Anonymously Leaving Infant at Authorized Facility to 60 days Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 13)
April 29, 2023 CO HB 23-1135 Classifies Indecent exposure to a Minor as Felony Bill Passed - House (37 - 27)
April 28, 2023 MT HB 808 Increases Insurance Requirements for Bail Bondsmen Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 29)
April 28, 2023 MT HB 479 Appropriates $5 Million for Law Enforcement Services on the Flathead Indian Reservation Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
April 28, 2023 FL SB 266 Prohibits Higher Education Institutions from Spending Federal or State Funds on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
April 28, 2023 FL HB 1543 Establishes a New Minimum Age to Purchase a Firearm Bill Passed - House (69 - 36)
April 28, 2023 CO SB 23-279 Prohibits the Sale of Unserialized Firearms Commonly Known as "Ghost Guns" Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
April 28, 2023 FL HB 1543 Establishes a New Minimum Age to Purchase a Firearm Bill Passed - House (69 - 36)
April 27, 2023 IN SB 8 Authorizes Pharmacy Benefit Managers to Negotiate Prices for Drugs Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 21)
April 27, 2023 KS SB 174 Exempts and Decriminalizes Fentanyl Testing Strips from the List of Drug Paraphernalia Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
April 27, 2023 IN SB 187 Requires State Police Departments Conduct Background Checks on Police Reserve Officers Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 7)
April 27, 2023 KS SB 174 Exempts and Decriminalizes Fentanyl Testing Strips from the List of Drug Paraphernalia Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
April 27, 2023 IN SB 8 Authorizes Pharmacy Benefit Managers to Negotiate Prices for Drugs Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 9)
April 27, 2023 TX SB 2209 Prohibits Civilian Oversight of Police Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
April 26, 2023 IN HB 1016 Establishes a Merit System for Police and Fire Departments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 18)
April 26, 2023 IN HB 1177 Authorizes Teachers to Keep Firearms in Classrooms Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 8)
April 26, 2023 IN HB 1177 Authorizes Teachers to Keep Firearms in Classrooms Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 22)
April 26, 2023 IN SB 187 Requires State Police Departments Conduct Background Checks on Police Reserve Officers Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 13)
April 26, 2023 OK SB 674 Authorizes the Creation of an Oklahoma Organized Retail Crime Task Force Bill Passed - House (69 - 12)
April 26, 2023 FL HB 1627 Authorizes Pretrial Detention for DUI Manslaughter, Fentanyl Trafficking, and Extortion Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
April 26, 2023 OH SB 58 Exempts Firearms from Liability Insurance Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
April 26, 2023 FL HB 931 Prohibits Public Institutions from Requiring Students, Faculty, or Staff Take Political Loyalty Tests Bill Passed - House (82 - 34)
April 26, 2023 CO HB 23-1086 Amends the Due Process Asset Forfeiture Act Bill Passed - House (59 - 6)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 243 Increases Criminal Penalties for Catalytic Converter Theft Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 1)
April 25, 2023 NV AB 250 Reduces Prescription Drug Costs by Expanding Policies Under the Federal Inflation Reduction Act Bill Passed - House (27 - 15)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 133 Establishes Falsifying Presidential Elector Signatures as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
April 25, 2023 NV AB 354 Prohibits Firearms Within 100 Feet of Election Locations Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
April 25, 2023 LA SB 49 Establishes New Penalties for the Operation of a Fentanyl Producing Laboratory Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
April 25, 2023 LA SB 49 Establishes New Penalties for the Operation of a Fentanyl Producing Laboratory Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
April 25, 2023 NV AB 408 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Remove "Dangerous Vehicles" from the Road Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 35 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possession Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 35 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possession Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 294 Requires Licensed Gun Dealers Provide a Locking Device with Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
April 25, 2023 NV AB 286 Authorizes Incarcerated Individuals to Vote Bill Passed - House (39 - 3)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 155 Authorizes Homeless Individuals who Committed Misdemeanors to be Deferred to a Specialty Court Program Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 391 Prohibits Local Government Use of "Sundown Sirens" Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
April 24, 2023 IN HB 1087 Prohibits the Department of Corrections from Transporting Offenders to Any Location That's Not Their County of Residence Concurrence Vote Passed - House (89 - 5)
April 21, 2023 TN SB 807 Exempts Those Convicted of Criminal Exposure to HIV from Having to Register as a Sex Offender Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
April 21, 2023 ND HB 1473 Requires Designated Male and Female Restrooms, Lockers, and Showers in Correctional Facilities and Dormitories Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 14)
April 21, 2023 WA HB 1470 Establishes New Regulations Concerning Private Prisons Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 40)
April 21, 2023 MT SB 359 Prohibits the Tracking of Firearms Sales by Financial Institutions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
April 21, 2023 NV AB 355 Increases Age to Purchase an Assault Weapon to 21 Bill Passed - House (26 - 14)
April 20, 2023 SC S 120 Authorizes the State to Buy Lethal Injection Drugs Without Disclosing Manufacturer Company Bill Passed - House (80 - 22)
April 20, 2023 WA SB 5768 Authorizes the Department of Corrections to Acquire and Dispense Abortion Medications Bill Passed - House (55 - 40)
April 20, 2023 CO HB 23-1100 Prohibits Government Participation in Civil Immigration Detention Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/04 S 120 Authorizes the State to Buy Lethal Injection Drugs Without Disclosing Manufacturer Company Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
5/04 HB 3762 Repeals the Death Penalty for First Degree Murder Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
5/04 HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
5/04 HB 3762 Repeals the Death Penalty for First Degree Murder Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
5/04 HB 23-1307 Establishes Enhancede Supports for Youth Who are in Detention Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
5/03 SB 170 Amends Laws Concerning Local Ordinances and Legal Suits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
5/03 SB 170 Amends Laws Concerning Local Ordinances and Legal Suits Bill Passed - House (82 - 33)
5/03 SB 266 Prohibits Higher Education Institutions from Spending Federal or State Funds on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Bill Passed - House (81 - 34)
5/03 SF 563 Appropriates Funding for State Judicial Spending and Requires Courts Obtain Consent of Non-Contract Attorneys Bill Passed - House (60 - 33)
5/03 SB 2 Prohibits Handgun Ownership Without a Permit Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
5/03 HB 116 Establishes Various Provisions for State District Attorney's Offices Bill Passed - House (110 - 7)
5/03 HB 61 Limits State Restrictions on Firearms Bill Passed - House (26 - 12)
5/03 HB 6639 Requires Timely Scheduling of Temporary Financial Support Hearings in Divorce Proceedings Bill Passed - House (143 - 0)
5/02 HB 423 Amends and Authorizes Compensation Received by Individuals Wrongfully Convicted Amendment Adopted - House (87 - 8)
5/02 HB 423 Amends and Authorizes Compensation Received by Individuals Wrongfully Convicted Amendment Adopted - House (87 - 8)
5/02 HB 479 Appropriates $5 Million for Law Enforcement Services on the Flathead Indian Reservation Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 28)
5/02 HB 23-1182 Requires Remote Public Access To Criminal Court Proceedings Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 8)
5/02 SB 23-254 Amends Statutes Regarding Search Warrants by Police Bill Passed - House (42 - 23)
5/02 SB 106 Requires Patient Approval before Doctors Give Prostate, Anal, or Pelvic Exams to Unconscious Individuals Bill Passed - House (118 - 29)
5/02 H 230 Establishes New Restrictions on Firearm Purchase to Prevent Suicide Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
5/02 SB 1079 Requires Courts Expunge Records of OWI Convictions if the Sentencing Occurred Before 1998 Bill Passed - House (49 - 2)
5/02 HB 931 Prohibits Public Institutions from Requiring Students, Faculty, or Staff Take Political Loyalty Tests Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
5/02 HB 2005 Amends Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (35 - 24)
5/02 SB 1079 Requires Courts Expunge Records of OWI Convictions if the Sentencing Occurred Before 1998 Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 1)
5/02 SB 140 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Appoint a Special Prosecutor for South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
5/02 SF 563 Appropriates Funding for State Judicial Spending and Requires Courts Obtain Consent of Non-Contract Attorneys Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
5/02 HB 2005 Amends Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - House (35 - 24)
5/01 SB 23-249 Classifies the False Reporting of a Mass Shooting as a Felony Bill Passed - House (53 - 10)
5/01 HB 1359 Increases Penalties for Fentanyl Dealers and Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
5/01 HB 1359 Increases Penalties for Fentanyl Dealers and Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
5/01 HB 3076 Extends Safe Surrender Period for Anonymously Leaving Infant at Authorized Facility to 60 days Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 13)
4/29 HB 23-1135 Classifies Indecent exposure to a Minor as Felony Bill Passed - House (37 - 27)
4/28 HB 808 Increases Insurance Requirements for Bail Bondsmen Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 29)
4/28 HB 479 Appropriates $5 Million for Law Enforcement Services on the Flathead Indian Reservation Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
4/28 SB 266 Prohibits Higher Education Institutions from Spending Federal or State Funds on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
4/28 HB 1543 Establishes a New Minimum Age to Purchase a Firearm Bill Passed - House (69 - 36)
4/28 SB 23-279 Prohibits the Sale of Unserialized Firearms Commonly Known as "Ghost Guns" Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
4/28 HB 1543 Establishes a New Minimum Age to Purchase a Firearm Bill Passed - House (69 - 36)
4/27 SB 8 Authorizes Pharmacy Benefit Managers to Negotiate Prices for Drugs Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 21)
4/27 SB 174 Exempts and Decriminalizes Fentanyl Testing Strips from the List of Drug Paraphernalia Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
4/27 SB 187 Requires State Police Departments Conduct Background Checks on Police Reserve Officers Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 7)
4/27 SB 174 Exempts and Decriminalizes Fentanyl Testing Strips from the List of Drug Paraphernalia Conference Report Adopted - Senate (31 - 7)
4/27 SB 8 Authorizes Pharmacy Benefit Managers to Negotiate Prices for Drugs Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 9)
4/27 SB 2209 Prohibits Civilian Oversight of Police Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
4/26 HB 1016 Establishes a Merit System for Police and Fire Departments Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 18)
4/26 HB 1177 Authorizes Teachers to Keep Firearms in Classrooms Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 8)
4/26 HB 1177 Authorizes Teachers to Keep Firearms in Classrooms Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 22)
4/26 SB 187 Requires State Police Departments Conduct Background Checks on Police Reserve Officers Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 13)
4/26 SB 674 Authorizes the Creation of an Oklahoma Organized Retail Crime Task Force Bill Passed - House (69 - 12)
4/26 HB 1627 Authorizes Pretrial Detention for DUI Manslaughter, Fentanyl Trafficking, and Extortion Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
4/26 SB 58 Exempts Firearms from Liability Insurance Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
4/26 HB 931 Prohibits Public Institutions from Requiring Students, Faculty, or Staff Take Political Loyalty Tests Bill Passed - House (82 - 34)
4/26 HB 23-1086 Amends the Due Process Asset Forfeiture Act Bill Passed - House (59 - 6)
4/25 SB 243 Increases Criminal Penalties for Catalytic Converter Theft Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 1)
4/25 AB 250 Reduces Prescription Drug Costs by Expanding Policies Under the Federal Inflation Reduction Act Bill Passed - House (27 - 15)
4/25 SB 133 Establishes Falsifying Presidential Elector Signatures as a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10)
4/25 AB 354 Prohibits Firearms Within 100 Feet of Election Locations Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
4/25 SB 49 Establishes New Penalties for the Operation of a Fentanyl Producing Laboratory Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
4/25 SB 49 Establishes New Penalties for the Operation of a Fentanyl Producing Laboratory Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
4/25 AB 408 Authorizes Law Enforcement to Remove "Dangerous Vehicles" from the Road Bill Passed - House (28 - 14)
4/25 SB 35 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possession Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
4/25 SB 35 Increases Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possession Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
4/25 SB 294 Requires Licensed Gun Dealers Provide a Locking Device with Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
4/25 AB 286 Authorizes Incarcerated Individuals to Vote Bill Passed - House (39 - 3)
4/25 SB 155 Authorizes Homeless Individuals who Committed Misdemeanors to be Deferred to a Specialty Court Program Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
4/25 SB 391 Prohibits Local Government Use of "Sundown Sirens" Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
4/24 HB 1087 Prohibits the Department of Corrections from Transporting Offenders to Any Location That's Not Their County of Residence Concurrence Vote Passed - House (89 - 5)
4/21 SB 807 Exempts Those Convicted of Criminal Exposure to HIV from Having to Register as a Sex Offender Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
4/21 HB 1473 Requires Designated Male and Female Restrooms, Lockers, and Showers in Correctional Facilities and Dormitories Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 14)
4/21 HB 1470 Establishes New Regulations Concerning Private Prisons Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 40)
4/21 SB 359 Prohibits the Tracking of Firearms Sales by Financial Institutions Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
4/21 AB 355 Increases Age to Purchase an Assault Weapon to 21 Bill Passed - House (26 - 14)
4/20 S 120 Authorizes the State to Buy Lethal Injection Drugs Without Disclosing Manufacturer Company Bill Passed - House (80 - 22)
4/20 SB 5768 Authorizes the Department of Corrections to Acquire and Dispense Abortion Medications Bill Passed - House (55 - 40)
4/20 HB 23-1100 Prohibits Government Participation in Civil Immigration Detention Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)

arrow_upward