Key Votes

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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
Dec. 13, 2023 PA SB 140 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Appoint a Special Prosecutor for South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Crimes Bill Passed - House (159 - 44)
Oct. 4, 2023 PA HB 27 Appropriates Funding for State K-12 Public Education System Concurrence Vote Passed - House (106 - 97)
Oct. 4, 2023 PA HB 1300 Authorizes Funding for Home Repair Subsidies, Adult Mental Health Services, and Public Defenders Concurrence Vote Passed - House (121 - 82)
Aug. 30, 2023 PA HB 1300 Authorizes Funding for Home Repair Subsidies, Adult Mental Health Services, and Public Defenders Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
July 25, 2023 ME LD 582 Expands Penalties for Possession of Firearms by Prohibited Persons Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 5)
June 30, 2023 NJ S 3771 Repeals Fees for Public Defenders Services Bill Passed - House (46 - 29)
June 30, 2023 NJ S 3772 Extends Public Defender Representation to Those Seeking Parole Revocation Bill Passed - House (45 - 31)
June 30, 2023 NJ S 3771 Repeals Fees for Public Defenders Services Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
June 30, 2023 NJ S 3772 Extends Public Defender Representation to Those Seeking Parole Revocation Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
June 23, 2023 OR HB 2929 Authorizes the Water Resources Department to Seek Injunctive Relief Against Violators or Attempted Violators of State Water Laws Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
June 22, 2023 OR HB 3242 Authorizes Policyholders to Recover Actual Damages from Unfair Claim Settlement Practices Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
June 22, 2023 OR HB 2054 Establishes that Deputy District Attorneys Qualify as Police Officers in the Retirement System Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
June 21, 2023 OR SB 337 Establishes the Oregon Public Defense Commission within Judicial Branch Bill Passed - House (34 - 16)
June 21, 2023 OH HB 122 Establishes Increased Protections for Guardian ad Litems and Court Appointed Special Advocates Bill Passed - House (64 - 28)
June 20, 2023 OR SB 337 Establishes the Oregon Public Defense Commission within Judicial Branch Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 8)
June 15, 2023 OH SB 21 Restructures Where Individuals can Contest State Agency Orders Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
June 15, 2023 RI S 912 Authorizes Residential Eviction Court Files to be Sealed Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 18)
June 14, 2023 OH SB 21 Restructures Where Individuals can Contest State Agency Orders Bill Passed - House (68 - 27)
June 14, 2023 RI S 912 Authorizes Residential Eviction Court Files to be Sealed Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
June 12, 2023 PA HB 1085 Appropriates Funding for the State Public Defenders Office Bill Passed - House (132 - 71)
June 8, 2023 LA SB 159 Amends Previous Law to Automatically Classify 17-Year-Old Defendants as Adults Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 34)
June 8, 2023 LA HB 160 Authorizes Victims and Family in Juvenile Court Proceedings to Openly Share Information Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 1)
June 8, 2023 LA SB 159 Amends Previous Law to Automatically Classify 17-Year-Old Defendants as Adults Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 11)
June 7, 2023 SC S 96 Prohibits a Person from Operating Certain Watercraft Without Possessing a Boating Safety Certificate Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 7)
June 6, 2023 LA HB 91 Authorizes Restitution to Victims of Vehicular Homicide Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 16)
June 5, 2023 NV AB 404 Authorizes Caps for Medical Malpractice Lawsuits to Increase Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
June 5, 2023 LA HB 91 Authorizes Restitution to Victims of Vehicular Homicide Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
June 4, 2023 LA SB 196 Increases Financial Transparency Requirements in Litigation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
June 1, 2023 LA SB 196 Increases Financial Transparency Requirements in Litigation Bill Passed - House (55 - 28)
June 1, 2023 NE LB 50 Establishes Statutes Regarding Administration of Justice Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
May 26, 2023 NV AB 404 Authorizes Caps for Medical Malpractice Lawsuits to Increase Bill Passed - House (24 - 17)
May 23, 2023 NV AB 101 Requires Prosecutors Using Jailhouse Informants to Disclose Their Criminal History Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
May 10, 2023 IL HB 1155 Authorizes Individuals Injured by an Impaired Minor to Sue the Individual Who Supplied the Drugs or Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
May 8, 2023 AK SB 53 Amends Statutes Regarding Competency to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate
May 6, 2023 CO SB 23-277 Expands Public Safety Programs and Extends Existing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (48 - 17)
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 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 CT HB 6639 Requires Timely Scheduling of Temporary Financial Support Hearings in Divorce Proceedings Bill Passed - House (143 - 0)
May 3, 2023 NC HB 116 Establishes Various Provisions for State District Attorney's Offices Bill Passed - House (110 - 7)
May 2, 2023 MT HB 423 Amends and Authorizes Compensation Received by Individuals Wrongfully Convicted Amendment Adopted - House (87 - 8)
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 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)
April 19, 2023 CO HB 23-1186 Authorizes Remote Participation in County Court Residential Eviction Filings Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
April 17, 2023 CO SB 23-1196 Authorizes Individuals to Seek Legal Remedies for Breaches of the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act of 1971 Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
April 14, 2023 WA HB 1340 Prohibits Medical Licensing Boards from Retaliating Against Clinicians for Providing Reproductive Health Services and Gender-Affirming Care Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 39)
April 13, 2023 OR HB 2929 Authorizes the Water Resources Department to Seek Injunctive Relief Against Violators or Attempted Violators of State Water Laws Bill Passed - House (31 - 20)
April 12, 2023 AZ SB 1021 Requires the Arizona Attorney General Defend the Constitutionality of Any Bill Signed into Law Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
April 10, 2023 WA HB 1469 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion and Gender Affirming Care Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
April 6, 2023 WA HB 1340 Prohibits Medical Licensing Boards from Retaliating Against Clinicians for Providing Reproductive Health Services and Gender-Affirming Care Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
April 6, 2023 MD SB 5 Authorizes Victims of Hate Crimes to Bring Civil Lawsuits Against Those Who Committed the Act Bill Passed - House (106 - 31)
April 6, 2023 MD SB 290 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Prosecute Law Enforcement Officers Involved in Incidents Resulting in Death Bill Passed - House (99 - 37)
April 5, 2023 AZ SB 1021 Requires the Arizona Attorney General Defend the Constitutionality of Any Bill Signed into Law Bill Passed - House (31 - 27)
April 4, 2023 OR HB 3243 Authorizes Auto Repair Facilities to Sue on Behalf of Their Customers Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
April 3, 2023 OR HB 3242 Authorizes Policyholders to Recover Actual Damages from Unfair Claim Settlement Practices Bill Passed - House (34 - 25)
March 30, 2023 ID H 374 Amends Existing Laws to Specify the Definition of Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
March 27, 2023 GA SB 92 Establishes Provisions Regarding Prosecuting Attorneys Bill Passed - House (97 - 77)
March 24, 2023 WA SB 5028 Amends Process for Legal Name Change Bill Passed - House (64 - 32)
March 20, 2023 CO SB 23-1196 Authorizes Individuals to Seek Legal Remedies for Breaches of the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act of 1971 Bill Passed - House (44 - 18)
March 20, 2023 CO HB 23-1186 Authorizes Remote Participation in County Court Residential Eviction Filings Bill Passed - House (44 - 18)
March 17, 2023 HI SB 1 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (43 - 7)
March 9, 2023 MD SB 290 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Prosecute Law Enforcement Officers Involved in Incidents Resulting in Death Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
March 8, 2023 WA HB 1112 Authorizes New Penalties for Negligent Driving Bill Passed - House (86 - 11)
March 7, 2023 HI SB 1 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 3)
March 2, 2023 GA SB 92 Establishes Provisions Regarding Prosecuting Attorneys Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 24)
Feb. 28, 2023 SD HB 1090 Authorizes Protections for Farmers and Agricultural Operations from Frivolous Lawsuits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 7)
Feb. 28, 2023 WA HB 1469 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion and Gender Affirming Care Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (59 - 38)
Feb. 27, 2023 UT HB 208 Amends Criminal Trespass Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 17)
Feb. 24, 2023 UT HB 208 Amends Criminal Trespass Laws Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 4)
Feb. 24, 2023 SD HB 1090 Authorizes Protections for Farmers and Agricultural Operations from Frivolous Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
Feb. 22, 2023 IA SF 228 Limits Employee Liability in Commercial Vehicle Crashes Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
Feb. 15, 2023 OR SB 310 Increases Penalty for Antitrust Violations Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
Feb. 14, 2023 UT HJR 2 Amends how State Courts can Grant Injunctions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 14)
Feb. 10, 2023 UT HJR 2 Amends how State Courts can Grant Injunctions Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
Feb. 8, 2023 IA HF 161 Establishes a $1 Million Cap on Noneconomic Damages in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Feb. 8, 2023 IA HF 161 Establishes a $1 Million Cap on Noneconomic Damages in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (54 - 46)
Feb. 1, 2023 WA SB 5028 Amends Process for Legal Name Change Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 3)
Jan. 25, 2023 NY S 345 Establishes 6-Year Statute of Limitations for Employment Discrimination Claims Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
Date No. Title Outcome
12/13 SB 140 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Appoint a Special Prosecutor for South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Crimes Bill Passed - House (159 - 44)
10/04 HB 27 Appropriates Funding for State K-12 Public Education System Concurrence Vote Passed - House (106 - 97)
10/04 HB 1300 Authorizes Funding for Home Repair Subsidies, Adult Mental Health Services, and Public Defenders Concurrence Vote Passed - House (121 - 82)
8/30 HB 1300 Authorizes Funding for Home Repair Subsidies, Adult Mental Health Services, and Public Defenders Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
7/25 LD 582 Expands Penalties for Possession of Firearms by Prohibited Persons Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 5)
6/30 S 3771 Repeals Fees for Public Defenders Services Bill Passed - House (46 - 29)
6/30 S 3772 Extends Public Defender Representation to Those Seeking Parole Revocation Bill Passed - House (45 - 31)
6/30 S 3771 Repeals Fees for Public Defenders Services Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
6/30 S 3772 Extends Public Defender Representation to Those Seeking Parole Revocation Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
6/23 HB 2929 Authorizes the Water Resources Department to Seek Injunctive Relief Against Violators or Attempted Violators of State Water Laws Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
6/22 HB 3242 Authorizes Policyholders to Recover Actual Damages from Unfair Claim Settlement Practices Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
6/22 HB 2054 Establishes that Deputy District Attorneys Qualify as Police Officers in the Retirement System Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
6/21 SB 337 Establishes the Oregon Public Defense Commission within Judicial Branch Bill Passed - House (34 - 16)
6/21 HB 122 Establishes Increased Protections for Guardian ad Litems and Court Appointed Special Advocates Bill Passed - House (64 - 28)
6/20 SB 337 Establishes the Oregon Public Defense Commission within Judicial Branch Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 8)
6/15 SB 21 Restructures Where Individuals can Contest State Agency Orders Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
6/15 S 912 Authorizes Residential Eviction Court Files to be Sealed Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 18)
6/14 SB 21 Restructures Where Individuals can Contest State Agency Orders Bill Passed - House (68 - 27)
6/14 S 912 Authorizes Residential Eviction Court Files to be Sealed Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
6/12 HB 1085 Appropriates Funding for the State Public Defenders Office Bill Passed - House (132 - 71)
6/08 SB 159 Amends Previous Law to Automatically Classify 17-Year-Old Defendants as Adults Conference Report Adopted - House (70 - 34)
6/08 HB 160 Authorizes Victims and Family in Juvenile Court Proceedings to Openly Share Information Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 1)
6/08 SB 159 Amends Previous Law to Automatically Classify 17-Year-Old Defendants as Adults Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 11)
6/07 S 96 Prohibits a Person from Operating Certain Watercraft Without Possessing a Boating Safety Certificate Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 7)
6/06 HB 91 Authorizes Restitution to Victims of Vehicular Homicide Concurrence Vote Passed - House (78 - 16)
6/05 AB 404 Authorizes Caps for Medical Malpractice Lawsuits to Increase Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
6/05 HB 91 Authorizes Restitution to Victims of Vehicular Homicide Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
6/04 SB 196 Increases Financial Transparency Requirements in Litigation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
6/01 SB 196 Increases Financial Transparency Requirements in Litigation Bill Passed - House (55 - 28)
6/01 LB 50 Establishes Statutes Regarding Administration of Justice Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
5/26 AB 404 Authorizes Caps for Medical Malpractice Lawsuits to Increase Bill Passed - House (24 - 17)
5/23 AB 101 Requires Prosecutors Using Jailhouse Informants to Disclose Their Criminal History Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
5/10 HB 1155 Authorizes Individuals Injured by an Impaired Minor to Sue the Individual Who Supplied the Drugs or Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 2)
5/08 SB 53 Amends Statutes Regarding Competency to Stand Trial Bill Passed - Senate
5/06 SB 23-277 Expands Public Safety Programs and Extends Existing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (48 - 17)
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 SF 563 Appropriates Funding for State Judicial Spending and Requires Courts Obtain Consent of Non-Contract Attorneys Bill Passed - House (60 - 33)
5/03 HB 6639 Requires Timely Scheduling of Temporary Financial Support Hearings in Divorce Proceedings Bill Passed - House (143 - 0)
5/03 HB 116 Establishes Various Provisions for State District Attorney's Offices Bill Passed - House (110 - 7)
5/02 HB 423 Amends and Authorizes Compensation Received by Individuals Wrongfully Convicted Amendment Adopted - House (87 - 8)
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 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)
4/19 HB 23-1186 Authorizes Remote Participation in County Court Residential Eviction Filings Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
4/17 SB 23-1196 Authorizes Individuals to Seek Legal Remedies for Breaches of the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act of 1971 Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
4/14 HB 1340 Prohibits Medical Licensing Boards from Retaliating Against Clinicians for Providing Reproductive Health Services and Gender-Affirming Care Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 39)
4/13 HB 2929 Authorizes the Water Resources Department to Seek Injunctive Relief Against Violators or Attempted Violators of State Water Laws Bill Passed - House (31 - 20)
4/12 SB 1021 Requires the Arizona Attorney General Defend the Constitutionality of Any Bill Signed into Law Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
4/10 HB 1469 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion and Gender Affirming Care Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
4/06 HB 1340 Prohibits Medical Licensing Boards from Retaliating Against Clinicians for Providing Reproductive Health Services and Gender-Affirming Care Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 19)
4/06 SB 5 Authorizes Victims of Hate Crimes to Bring Civil Lawsuits Against Those Who Committed the Act Bill Passed - House (106 - 31)
4/06 SB 290 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Prosecute Law Enforcement Officers Involved in Incidents Resulting in Death Bill Passed - House (99 - 37)
4/05 SB 1021 Requires the Arizona Attorney General Defend the Constitutionality of Any Bill Signed into Law Bill Passed - House (31 - 27)
4/04 HB 3243 Authorizes Auto Repair Facilities to Sue on Behalf of Their Customers Bill Passed - House (36 - 23)
4/03 HB 3242 Authorizes Policyholders to Recover Actual Damages from Unfair Claim Settlement Practices Bill Passed - House (34 - 25)
3/30 H 374 Amends Existing Laws to Specify the Definition of Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
3/27 SB 92 Establishes Provisions Regarding Prosecuting Attorneys Bill Passed - House (97 - 77)
3/24 SB 5028 Amends Process for Legal Name Change Bill Passed - House (64 - 32)
3/20 SB 23-1196 Authorizes Individuals to Seek Legal Remedies for Breaches of the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act of 1971 Bill Passed - House (44 - 18)
3/20 HB 23-1186 Authorizes Remote Participation in County Court Residential Eviction Filings Bill Passed - House (44 - 18)
3/17 SB 1 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (43 - 7)
3/09 SB 290 Authorizes the State Attorney General to Prosecute Law Enforcement Officers Involved in Incidents Resulting in Death Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
3/08 HB 1112 Authorizes New Penalties for Negligent Driving Bill Passed - House (86 - 11)
3/07 SB 1 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 3)
3/02 SB 92 Establishes Provisions Regarding Prosecuting Attorneys Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 24)
2/28 HB 1090 Authorizes Protections for Farmers and Agricultural Operations from Frivolous Lawsuits Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 7)
2/28 HB 1469 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion and Gender Affirming Care Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (59 - 38)
2/27 HB 208 Amends Criminal Trespass Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 17)
2/24 HB 208 Amends Criminal Trespass Laws Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 4)
2/24 HB 1090 Authorizes Protections for Farmers and Agricultural Operations from Frivolous Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8)
2/22 SF 228 Limits Employee Liability in Commercial Vehicle Crashes Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
2/15 SB 310 Increases Penalty for Antitrust Violations Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
2/14 HJR 2 Amends how State Courts can Grant Injunctions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 14)
2/10 HJR 2 Amends how State Courts can Grant Injunctions Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
2/08 HF 161 Establishes a $1 Million Cap on Noneconomic Damages in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
2/08 HF 161 Establishes a $1 Million Cap on Noneconomic Damages in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (54 - 46)
2/01 SB 5028 Amends Process for Legal Name Change Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 3)
1/25 S 345 Establishes 6-Year Statute of Limitations for Employment Discrimination Claims Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)

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