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
Feb. 27, 2024 WA HB 2118 Requires Gun Dealers Have Surveillance Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
June 20, 2024 NC HB 971 Specifies Changes to Human Trafficking Laws Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 0)
Feb. 15, 2024 FL HB 1377 Establishes Exemptions From Public Document Requests Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
June 2, 2024 LA SB 371 Authorizes Surgical Castration Option for Individuals Guilty of Sex Crimes Against Minors Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
March 27, 2024 KY HB 278 Requires Age Verification for Porn Sites and Authorizes Parental Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
Feb. 28, 2024 UT HB 119 Authorizes Incentives for Teachers to Conceal Carry in School Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 6)
Feb. 29, 2024 LA HB 4 Amends and Authorizes Changes for Post-Conviction Relief Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
Feb. 29, 2024 LA HB 6 Establishes Methods of Execution and Requires Confidentiality of Records of Information Related to the Execution of a Death Sentence Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
April 2, 2024 MD HB 832 Defines "Damages" or "Losses" in Statutory Causes of Action to Protect Civil Rights Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 11)
April 2, 2024 MD HB 832 Defines "Damages" or "Losses" in Statutory Causes of Action to Protect Civil Rights Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 11)
May 7, 2024 CO HB 24-1004 Prohibits Certain Individuals Convicted of Certain Crimes from Receiving Licenses in Specific Occupations that are Directly Related Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
May 9, 2024 MN HF 2609 Increases the Penalty for Straw Gun Purchasing from a Gross Misdemeanor to a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 33)
May 9, 2024 MN HF 2609 Increases the Penalty for Straw Gun Purchasing from a Gross Misdemeanor to a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 33)
Feb. 10, 2024 NM HB 129 Establishes a Waiting Period for Firearm Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 18)
May 15, 2024 NC HB 591 Amends and Modernizes Sex Crime Definitions in the State Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 0)
May 15, 2024 NC HB 237 Authorizes a Health Exemption for Masking in Public and Prohibits Use of Masks During Criminal Activity Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 15)
Feb. 28, 2024 UT HB 30 Establishes Road Rage as a Criminal Offense Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
March 15, 2024 KY HB 5 Increases Penalties for Violent Crimes and Camping on Public Property Without Permission Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
May 16, 2024 LA HB 173 Establishes a Crime of Coming Within 25 Feet of Police Upon Command Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
March 19, 2024 MI HB 5209 Establishes Sentencing Guidelines for Surrogate Parentage Contracts involving Minors or Intellectually Disabled Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
Feb. 1, 2024 SC H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 15)
Feb. 27, 2024 SD HB 1098 Repeals the Fee for Homeless Individuals to Obtain a Copy of Their Birth Certificate Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
March 21, 2024 GA HB 301 Limits Law Enforcement Funding for Local Governments with Reduced Immigration Policies Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 18)
March 25, 2024 ID H 620 Prohibits Local Regulation of the Carrying of Knives Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
March 25, 2024 ID H 620 Prohibits Local Regulation of the Carrying of Knives Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
March 5, 2024 OR HB 4001 Establishes a Task Force on Specialty Courts Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
Feb. 1, 2024 SC H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 15)
Feb. 29, 2024 MI HB 4128 Prohibits Open Carrying at Ballot Drop Box Locations Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
March 5, 2024 IN HB 1002 Defines Antisemitism as Discrimination on the Basis of the Jewish Religion Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 6)
June 24, 2024 NC HB 563 Establishes Regulations for Medical Marijuana and Other Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 10)
March 1, 2024 OR HB 4002 Amends State Law to Re-Criminalize Drug Possession Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
March 1, 2024 OR HB 4002 Amends State Law to Re-Criminalize Drug Possession Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
Feb. 15, 2024 UT HB 249 Prohibits Government Entities from Granting or Recognizing Legal Personhood in Certain Categories of Nonhumans Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 5)
June 6, 2024 RI H 7373 Requires Firearms Not in Use be Kept in Locked Containers or Equipped with Tamper-Resistant Locks Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
March 4, 2024 OR HB 4104 Requires Alerting Health Care Providers if a Patient Overdoses Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
March 7, 2024 WY HB 125 Repeals Gun-Free Zones in Wyoming Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
Feb. 14, 2024 NM HB 33 Requires Increased Transparency in Prescription Drug Costs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
April 3, 2024 NY A 4714 Repeals the Crime of Adultery Bill Passed - Senate (57 - 4)
March 1, 2024 WA HB 1958 Prohibits Nonconsensual Removal or Tampering of a Condom or Other Sexually Protective Device Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
March 14, 2024 TN HB 1931 Repeals Local Police Policies Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
Feb. 29, 2024 UT HB 432 Authorizes Clergy to Report on Child Abuse and Neglect Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 0)
Jan. 18, 2024 DE SB 276 Amends Penalties for Possession of a Weapon in a Safe School and Recreation Zone Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
May 23, 2024 IL HB 5239 Expands Abortion Shield Laws so State and Local Authorities are Prohibited from Providing Information for Out-of-State Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 19)
April 22, 2024 CO HB 24-1174 Increases Requirements for Individuals Seeking to Obtain a Concealed-Carry Permit Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
March 14, 2024 ID H 578 Prohibits Religious Discrimination in Adoption and Foster Care Cases Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
April 23, 2024 OK HB 4156 Amends Various State Immigration Laws, Policies, and Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 8)
March 6, 2024 OR HB 4140 Authorizes Requests for Future Budget Requests to Include Funds for Victims Help Programs Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 3)
Feb. 1, 2024 MA H 4139 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
March 12, 2024 WI AJR 109 Prohibits Governments from Giving Preferential Treatment to Staff on the Basis of Race, Sex, or National Origin Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
June 4, 2024 NY A 7555 Authorizes New Restrictions Banning Firearm Marketing and Usage Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 18)
Feb. 19, 2024 VA HB 46 Requires Individuals Named Under Protective Orders to Hand Over Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 13, 2024 NM HB 239 Establishes Cannabis as Prison Contraband Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
Feb. 29, 2024 MI HB 4127 Prohibits Open Carrying at Polling Places Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
May 24, 2024 IL HB 4592 Authorizes the Secretary of State to Issue Digital Identification Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 0)
March 7, 2024 OR HB 4156 Expands State Stalking Laws Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 3)
Feb. 15, 2024 UT HB 249 Prohibits Government Entities from Granting or Recognizing Legal Personhood in Certain Categories of Nonhumans Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 5)
Jan. 31, 2024 WV HB 4252 Establishes a Framework by Which Canadian Domestic Violence Orders can be Recognized and Enforced by Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
June 20, 2024 MI HB 4718 Prohibits the Use of the "Gay Panic Defense" to Justify Assault Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
Feb. 15, 2024 NH SB 322 Requires a License Authorizing an Individual to Carry a Loaded Handgun in this State to Include Sellers Information "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 9)
Feb. 15, 2024 NH SB 577 Establishes New Waiting Period for Purchase and Delivery of a Firearm "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
Feb. 15, 2024 NH SB 360 Establishes a Procedure for Issuing Extreme Risk Protection Orders "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
June 10, 2024 PA SB 1213 Prohibits Artificially Generated Sexual Depictions (Deep-Fakes) Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
June 12, 2024 PA SB 1236 Establishes Landlord and Homeowner Protections from Squatters Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
June 13, 2024 RI S 2704 Authorizes the Legal Sale of Kratom Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
June 13, 2024 RI S 2704 Authorizes the Legal Sale of Kratom Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
July 18, 2024 MA H 4885 Amends Various State Gun Reform Measures Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 5)
Jan. 16, 2024 WI SB 789 Authorizes Law Enforcement and Corrections Agencies to Charge a Requester a Fee for the Actual, Necessary, and Direct Cost for Redacting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
Jan. 16, 2024 WI SB 466 Prohibits Credit Card Companies from Requiring a Merchant Category Code that Identifies Firearms Retailers Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
Jan. 18, 2024 MA S 2551 Repeals Certain Language in Several State Laws Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Jan. 22, 2024 SD SB 71 Repeals Prohibition on Law Enforcement Ability to Inspect, Search, Seize, and Prosecute Cannabis Dispensaries Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Jan. 23, 2024 SD SB 57 Prohibits Professional Agencies from Denying Convicted Felons from Obtaining Trade Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Jan. 25, 2024 ID S 1220 Defines "Domestic Terrorism" in Idaho as Activities Done in Cooperation with Foreign Groups Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
Jan. 25, 2024 MI SB 517 Prohibits a Victim or Witness Necessary for Prosecution in a Human Trafficking Case from being Excused from Testifying if Evidence would Degrade or Incriminate Them Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
Jan. 25, 2024 MI SB 516 Authorizes Evidence of a Defendant's Prior Commission of Commercial Sexual Activity, Human Trafficking, or Prostitution be Admissible in Court Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
Jan. 25, 2024 MI SB 515 Authorizes a Statement Concerning Prostitution or Human Trafficking to be Admissible as Evidence Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/27 HB 2118 Requires Gun Dealers Have Surveillance Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
6/20 HB 971 Specifies Changes to Human Trafficking Laws Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 0)
2/15 HB 1377 Establishes Exemptions From Public Document Requests Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
6/02 SB 371 Authorizes Surgical Castration Option for Individuals Guilty of Sex Crimes Against Minors Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
3/27 HB 278 Requires Age Verification for Porn Sites and Authorizes Parental Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
2/28 HB 119 Authorizes Incentives for Teachers to Conceal Carry in School Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 6)
2/29 HB 4 Amends and Authorizes Changes for Post-Conviction Relief Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
2/29 HB 6 Establishes Methods of Execution and Requires Confidentiality of Records of Information Related to the Execution of a Death Sentence Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
4/02 HB 832 Defines "Damages" or "Losses" in Statutory Causes of Action to Protect Civil Rights Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 11)
4/02 HB 832 Defines "Damages" or "Losses" in Statutory Causes of Action to Protect Civil Rights Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 11)
5/07 HB 24-1004 Prohibits Certain Individuals Convicted of Certain Crimes from Receiving Licenses in Specific Occupations that are Directly Related Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
5/09 HF 2609 Increases the Penalty for Straw Gun Purchasing from a Gross Misdemeanor to a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 33)
5/09 HF 2609 Increases the Penalty for Straw Gun Purchasing from a Gross Misdemeanor to a Felony Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 33)
2/10 HB 129 Establishes a Waiting Period for Firearm Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 18)
5/15 HB 591 Amends and Modernizes Sex Crime Definitions in the State Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 0)
5/15 HB 237 Authorizes a Health Exemption for Masking in Public and Prohibits Use of Masks During Criminal Activity Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 15)
2/28 HB 30 Establishes Road Rage as a Criminal Offense Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
3/15 HB 5 Increases Penalties for Violent Crimes and Camping on Public Property Without Permission Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
5/16 HB 173 Establishes a Crime of Coming Within 25 Feet of Police Upon Command Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
3/19 HB 5209 Establishes Sentencing Guidelines for Surrogate Parentage Contracts involving Minors or Intellectually Disabled Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
2/01 H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 15)
2/27 HB 1098 Repeals the Fee for Homeless Individuals to Obtain a Copy of Their Birth Certificate Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
3/21 HB 301 Limits Law Enforcement Funding for Local Governments with Reduced Immigration Policies Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 18)
3/25 H 620 Prohibits Local Regulation of the Carrying of Knives Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
3/25 H 620 Prohibits Local Regulation of the Carrying of Knives Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
3/05 HB 4001 Establishes a Task Force on Specialty Courts Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
2/01 H 3594 Authorizes Permitless Carriage of Firearms by Eligible Adults Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 15)
2/29 HB 4128 Prohibits Open Carrying at Ballot Drop Box Locations Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
3/05 HB 1002 Defines Antisemitism as Discrimination on the Basis of the Jewish Religion Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 6)
6/24 HB 563 Establishes Regulations for Medical Marijuana and Other Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 10)
3/01 HB 4002 Amends State Law to Re-Criminalize Drug Possession Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
3/01 HB 4002 Amends State Law to Re-Criminalize Drug Possession Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
2/15 HB 249 Prohibits Government Entities from Granting or Recognizing Legal Personhood in Certain Categories of Nonhumans Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 5)
6/06 H 7373 Requires Firearms Not in Use be Kept in Locked Containers or Equipped with Tamper-Resistant Locks Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
3/04 HB 4104 Requires Alerting Health Care Providers if a Patient Overdoses Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
3/07 HB 125 Repeals Gun-Free Zones in Wyoming Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
2/14 HB 33 Requires Increased Transparency in Prescription Drug Costs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
4/03 A 4714 Repeals the Crime of Adultery Bill Passed - Senate (57 - 4)
3/01 HB 1958 Prohibits Nonconsensual Removal or Tampering of a Condom or Other Sexually Protective Device Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 6)
3/14 HB 1931 Repeals Local Police Policies Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
2/29 HB 432 Authorizes Clergy to Report on Child Abuse and Neglect Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 0)
1/18 SB 276 Amends Penalties for Possession of a Weapon in a Safe School and Recreation Zone Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
5/23 HB 5239 Expands Abortion Shield Laws so State and Local Authorities are Prohibited from Providing Information for Out-of-State Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 19)
4/22 HB 24-1174 Increases Requirements for Individuals Seeking to Obtain a Concealed-Carry Permit Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
3/14 H 578 Prohibits Religious Discrimination in Adoption and Foster Care Cases Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
4/23 HB 4156 Amends Various State Immigration Laws, Policies, and Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 8)
3/06 HB 4140 Authorizes Requests for Future Budget Requests to Include Funds for Victims Help Programs Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 3)
2/01 H 4139 Amends and Updates Various State Gun Control Laws Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
3/12 AJR 109 Prohibits Governments from Giving Preferential Treatment to Staff on the Basis of Race, Sex, or National Origin Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
6/04 A 7555 Authorizes New Restrictions Banning Firearm Marketing and Usage Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 18)
2/19 HB 46 Requires Individuals Named Under Protective Orders to Hand Over Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/13 HB 239 Establishes Cannabis as Prison Contraband Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
2/29 HB 4127 Prohibits Open Carrying at Polling Places Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
5/24 HB 4592 Authorizes the Secretary of State to Issue Digital Identification Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 0)
3/07 HB 4156 Expands State Stalking Laws Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 3)
2/15 HB 249 Prohibits Government Entities from Granting or Recognizing Legal Personhood in Certain Categories of Nonhumans Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 5)
1/31 HB 4252 Establishes a Framework by Which Canadian Domestic Violence Orders can be Recognized and Enforced by Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
6/20 HB 4718 Prohibits the Use of the "Gay Panic Defense" to Justify Assault Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
2/15 SB 322 Requires a License Authorizing an Individual to Carry a Loaded Handgun in this State to Include Sellers Information "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 9)
2/15 SB 577 Establishes New Waiting Period for Purchase and Delivery of a Firearm "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
2/15 SB 360 Establishes a Procedure for Issuing Extreme Risk Protection Orders "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
6/10 SB 1213 Prohibits Artificially Generated Sexual Depictions (Deep-Fakes) Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
6/12 SB 1236 Establishes Landlord and Homeowner Protections from Squatters Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
6/13 S 2704 Authorizes the Legal Sale of Kratom Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
6/13 S 2704 Authorizes the Legal Sale of Kratom Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
7/18 H 4885 Amends Various State Gun Reform Measures Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 5)
1/16 SB 789 Authorizes Law Enforcement and Corrections Agencies to Charge a Requester a Fee for the Actual, Necessary, and Direct Cost for Redacting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
1/16 SB 466 Prohibits Credit Card Companies from Requiring a Merchant Category Code that Identifies Firearms Retailers Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
1/18 S 2551 Repeals Certain Language in Several State Laws Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
1/22 SB 71 Repeals Prohibition on Law Enforcement Ability to Inspect, Search, Seize, and Prosecute Cannabis Dispensaries Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
1/23 SB 57 Prohibits Professional Agencies from Denying Convicted Felons from Obtaining Trade Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
1/25 S 1220 Defines "Domestic Terrorism" in Idaho as Activities Done in Cooperation with Foreign Groups Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
1/25 SB 517 Prohibits a Victim or Witness Necessary for Prosecution in a Human Trafficking Case from being Excused from Testifying if Evidence would Degrade or Incriminate Them Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
1/25 SB 516 Authorizes Evidence of a Defendant's Prior Commission of Commercial Sexual Activity, Human Trafficking, or Prostitution be Admissible in Court Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
1/25 SB 515 Authorizes a Statement Concerning Prostitution or Human Trafficking to be Admissible as Evidence Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)

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