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.


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Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
April 11, 2024 National HR 2560 Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2023 Bill Passed - House (332 - 82)
March 22, 2024 VT S 258 Amends State Management of Fish and Wildlife Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
March 1, 2024 UT HB 297 Limits the Ability of Local Governments to Regulate Beekeeping Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 0)
Jan. 29, 2024 SD SB 54 Increases Criteria to Qualify for Resident Hunting and Fishing Licenses Bill Passed - House (37 - 29)
Nov. 9, 2023 MI SB 441 Amends Reporting Requirements for the Commercial Fishing Industry Bill Passed - House (87 - 20)
Oct. 17, 2023 WI SB 139 Establishes a Statewide Wolf Population Goal Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
Oct. 5, 2023 MI SB 441 Amends Reporting Requirements for the Commercial Fishing Industry Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
Sept. 28, 2023 National S J Res 9 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status with Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment". Veto Override Failed - Senate (47 - 46)
Sept. 28, 2023 National S J Res 24 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat". Veto Override Failed - Senate (47 - 45)
Sept. 6, 2023 CA SB 732 Establishes the Pallid Bat as the State Official Bat Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
July 27, 2023 National S J Res 9 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status with Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment". Joint Resolution Passed - House (221 - 206)
July 27, 2023 National S J Res 24 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat". Joint Resolution Passed - House (220 - 209)
July 5, 2023 CA SB 147 Amends the Fish and Game Code to Protect Certain Species Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
June 23, 2023 OR HB 2915 Prohibits Retail Pet Stores From Selling Dogs and Cats Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 12)
June 21, 2023 OR HB 2915 Prohibits Retail Pet Stores From Selling Dogs and Cats Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
June 5, 2023 NY S 3431 Establishes Punishments for Promotion of Animal Fighting Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 1)
May 25, 2023 NV SB 269 Amends Prohibitions on the Legal Ways Dogs May be Restrained Bill Passed - House (27 - 15)
May 11, 2023 National S J Res 23 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Marine Fisheries Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
May 11, 2023 National S J Res 24 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
May 10, 2023 MO SB 138 Increases Eligibility of the Loan Forgiveness Program for Large Animal Veterinary Students Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
May 10, 2023 MO SB 138 Increases Eligibility of the Loan Forgiveness Program for Large Animal Veterinary Students Bill Passed - House (107 - 40)
May 9, 2023 IL SB 1883 Prohibits Human Contact With Bears or Other Nonhuman Primates Bill Passed - House (73 - 35)
May 8, 2023 AK HB 120 Authorizes Hunting, Trapping, Or Fishing Licenses for Non-Resident Post-Secondary Students Bill Passed - House (36 - 4)
May 3, 2023 National S J Res 9 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status with Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (50 - 48)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 269 Amends Prohibitions on the Legal Ways Dogs May be Restrained Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
April 24, 2023 ND HB 1371 Amends State Anti-Corporate Farming Laws to Increase Animal Agriculture Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 5)
April 24, 2023 ND HB 1371 Amends State Anti-Corporate Farming Laws to Increase Animal Agriculture Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 20)
April 24, 2023 CO SB 23-163 Classifies Wildlife Officers as State Troopers Bill Passed - House (61 - 3)
April 17, 2023 WA SB 5371 Authorizes Protections for Orca Whales Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
April 11, 2023 IA HF 651 Prohibits the Banning of Certain Breeds of Dogs Bill Passed - House (82 - 16)
April 10, 2023 MD SB 720 Establishes State Horse Thoroughbred Racing Commission Bill Passed - House (137 - 3)
April 3, 2023 CO SB 23-163 Classifies Wildlife Officers as State Troopers Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
March 24, 2023 IL SB 1883 Prohibits Human Contact With Bears or Other Nonhuman Primates Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 9)
March 12, 2023 NM SB 9 Appropriates Millions in State Funds for Environment and Cultural Conservation Bill Passed - House (54 - 11)
March 3, 2023 UT HB 137 Establishes Brine Shrimp as the State Crustacean Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 3)
Feb. 28, 2023 MS SB 2228 Authorizes the Sale of Pet Insurance Bill Passed - House (103 - 9)
Feb. 17, 2023 UT HB 137 Establishes Brine Shrimp as the State Crustacean Bill Passed - House (45 - 24)
Feb. 14, 2023 NM SB 9 Appropriates Millions in State Funds for Environment and Cultural Conservation Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
Feb. 9, 2023 HI SB 432 Defines Hawaii Coral Reefs as Critical Natural Infrastructure Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 0)
Feb. 9, 2023 IA HF 175 Amends List of Fur Bearing Animals to Include Black Bears and Authorizes Hunting Bill Passed - House (90 - 5)
Jan. 27, 2023 MT SB 85 Amends Law Regarding Grizzly Bear Population Management Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
Jan. 24, 2023 IN HB 1306 Increases Penalty for Killing Law Enforcement Animal Bill Passed - House (89 - 8)
Nov. 14, 2022 National HR 5441 PAST Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (304 - 111)
Sept. 28, 2022 MI HB 6354 Amends Law in Regard to Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
Sept. 21, 2022 MI HB 6354 Amends Law in Regard to Hunting (73 - 33)
July 29, 2022 National HR 263 Big Cat Public Safety Act Bill Passed - House (278 - 134)
June 30, 2022 DE HB 386 Prohibits Cat Declawing as Condition of Rental Agreement Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
June 16, 2022 DE HB 386 Prohibits Cat Declawing as Condition of Rental Agreement Bill Passed - House (24 - 13)
June 14, 2022 National HR 2773 Recovering America's Wildlife Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (231 - 190)
June 3, 2022 NY S 1130 Prohibits the Sale of Cats, Dogs, and Rabbits in Stores Bill Passed - House (134 - 15)
May 11, 2022 NY S 1130 Prohibits the Sale of Cats, Dogs, and Rabbits in Stores Bill Passed - Senate (57 - 5)
May 3, 2022 HI SB 2065 Prohibits Aerial Drones and Vehicles for Fishing Purposes Conference Report Adopted - House (47 - 4)
May 3, 2022 HI SB 2065 Prohibits Aerial Drones and Vehicles for Fishing Purposes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 2)
May 2, 2022 AK SB 33 Establishes Fisheries Product Development Tax Credit Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 1)
April 29, 2022 AK SB 33 Establishes Fisheries Product Development Tax Credit (36 - 2)
April 28, 2022 OK SB 1696 Extends Hunting License Expiration Dates Bill Passed - House (79 - 1)
April 27, 2022 TN SB 2013 Increases Penalties for Killing Police Dogs Bill Passed - House (77 - 6)
April 12, 2022 NE LB 829 Amends State Animal Abuse Laws Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 5)
April 8, 2022 MD HB 16 Specifies When Dogs May Not Be Left Unattended Outdoors (118 - 15)
April 7, 2022 MD HB 22 Prohibits Declawing of Cats Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 12)
March 23, 2022 ID H 720 Prohibits Non-Human Entities From Being Granted Personhood Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
March 10, 2022 MD HB 22 Prohibits Declawing of Cats Bill Passed - House (112 - 25)
March 10, 2022 MD HB 52 Prohibits Sale of Certain Animal Parts, Products Bill Passed - House (125 - 14)
March 3, 2022 ID H 720 Prohibits Non-Human Entities From Being Granted Personhood Bill Passed - House (50 - 17)
March 1, 2022 UT HB 476 Prohibits Local Ordinances Against Animal Enterprises Bill Passed - House (43 - 28)
Feb. 17, 2022 AR SB 21 Appropriates Funds for the Catfish Promotion Board Bill Passed - House (86 - 4)
Feb. 15, 2022 IN HB 1248 Prohibits Big Cat and Bear Cub Owners from Allowing Public Interaction Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 4)
Jan. 28, 2022 UT HB 112 Prohibits All Forms of Animal Fighting Bill Passed - House (55 - 18)
Jan. 27, 2022 IN HB 1248 Prohibits Big Cat and Bear Cub Owners from Allowing Public Interaction Bill Passed - House (68 - 27)
Sept. 10, 2021 CA SB 715 Extends Restrictions on Gun Control Loopholes by Requiring Verification on Hunting Licenses Conference Report Adopted - House (54 - 22)
Sept. 10, 2021 CA SB 715 Extends Restrictions on Gun Control Loopholes by Requiring Verification on Hunting Licenses Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 9)
June 10, 2021 MI SB 486 Authorizes People From the Upper Peninsula to Sit on a Body to Decide Whether Hunters Can Kill Wolves Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
May 5, 2021 NY S 1130 Prohibits Pet Shops from Selling Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits Bill Passed - Senate (57 - 6)
April 29, 2021 MT SB 98 Reduces Restrictions on Killing/Taking of Grizzly Bears Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 32)
April 29, 2021 MO HB 508 Increases Penalties for Knowingly Releasing Feral Hogs Into the Wild Bill Passed - House (108 - 38)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/11 HR 2560 Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2023 Bill Passed - House (332 - 82)
3/22 S 258 Amends State Management of Fish and Wildlife Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
3/01 HB 297 Limits the Ability of Local Governments to Regulate Beekeeping Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 0)
1/29 SB 54 Increases Criteria to Qualify for Resident Hunting and Fishing Licenses Bill Passed - House (37 - 29)
11/09 SB 441 Amends Reporting Requirements for the Commercial Fishing Industry Bill Passed - House (87 - 20)
10/17 SB 139 Establishes a Statewide Wolf Population Goal Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
10/05 SB 441 Amends Reporting Requirements for the Commercial Fishing Industry Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
9/28 S J Res 9 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status with Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment". Veto Override Failed - Senate (47 - 46)
9/28 S J Res 24 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat". Veto Override Failed - Senate (47 - 45)
9/06 SB 732 Establishes the Pallid Bat as the State Official Bat Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
7/27 S J Res 9 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status with Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment". Joint Resolution Passed - House (221 - 206)
7/27 S J Res 24 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat". Joint Resolution Passed - House (220 - 209)
7/05 SB 147 Amends the Fish and Game Code to Protect Certain Species Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
6/23 HB 2915 Prohibits Retail Pet Stores From Selling Dogs and Cats Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 12)
6/21 HB 2915 Prohibits Retail Pet Stores From Selling Dogs and Cats Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
6/05 S 3431 Establishes Punishments for Promotion of Animal Fighting Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 1)
5/25 SB 269 Amends Prohibitions on the Legal Ways Dogs May be Restrained Bill Passed - House (27 - 15)
5/11 S J Res 23 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Marine Fisheries Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
5/11 S J Res 24 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
5/10 SB 138 Increases Eligibility of the Loan Forgiveness Program for Large Animal Veterinary Students Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
5/10 SB 138 Increases Eligibility of the Loan Forgiveness Program for Large Animal Veterinary Students Bill Passed - House (107 - 40)
5/09 SB 1883 Prohibits Human Contact With Bears or Other Nonhuman Primates Bill Passed - House (73 - 35)
5/08 HB 120 Authorizes Hunting, Trapping, Or Fishing Licenses for Non-Resident Post-Secondary Students Bill Passed - House (36 - 4)
5/03 S J Res 9 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status with Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (50 - 48)
4/25 SB 269 Amends Prohibitions on the Legal Ways Dogs May be Restrained Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
4/24 HB 1371 Amends State Anti-Corporate Farming Laws to Increase Animal Agriculture Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 5)
4/24 HB 1371 Amends State Anti-Corporate Farming Laws to Increase Animal Agriculture Conference Report Adopted - House (72 - 20)
4/24 SB 23-163 Classifies Wildlife Officers as State Troopers Bill Passed - House (61 - 3)
4/17 SB 5371 Authorizes Protections for Orca Whales Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
4/11 HF 651 Prohibits the Banning of Certain Breeds of Dogs Bill Passed - House (82 - 16)
4/10 SB 720 Establishes State Horse Thoroughbred Racing Commission Bill Passed - House (137 - 3)
4/03 SB 23-163 Classifies Wildlife Officers as State Troopers Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
3/24 SB 1883 Prohibits Human Contact With Bears or Other Nonhuman Primates Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 9)
3/12 SB 9 Appropriates Millions in State Funds for Environment and Cultural Conservation Bill Passed - House (54 - 11)
3/03 HB 137 Establishes Brine Shrimp as the State Crustacean Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 3)
2/28 SB 2228 Authorizes the Sale of Pet Insurance Bill Passed - House (103 - 9)
2/17 HB 137 Establishes Brine Shrimp as the State Crustacean Bill Passed - House (45 - 24)
2/14 SB 9 Appropriates Millions in State Funds for Environment and Cultural Conservation Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
2/09 SB 432 Defines Hawaii Coral Reefs as Critical Natural Infrastructure Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 0)
2/09 HF 175 Amends List of Fur Bearing Animals to Include Black Bears and Authorizes Hunting Bill Passed - House (90 - 5)
1/27 SB 85 Amends Law Regarding Grizzly Bear Population Management Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
1/24 HB 1306 Increases Penalty for Killing Law Enforcement Animal Bill Passed - House (89 - 8)
11/14 HR 5441 PAST Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (304 - 111)
9/28 HB 6354 Amends Law in Regard to Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
9/21 HB 6354 Amends Law in Regard to Hunting (73 - 33)
7/29 HR 263 Big Cat Public Safety Act Bill Passed - House (278 - 134)
6/30 HB 386 Prohibits Cat Declawing as Condition of Rental Agreement Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
6/16 HB 386 Prohibits Cat Declawing as Condition of Rental Agreement Bill Passed - House (24 - 13)
6/14 HR 2773 Recovering America's Wildlife Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (231 - 190)
6/03 S 1130 Prohibits the Sale of Cats, Dogs, and Rabbits in Stores Bill Passed - House (134 - 15)
5/11 S 1130 Prohibits the Sale of Cats, Dogs, and Rabbits in Stores Bill Passed - Senate (57 - 5)
5/03 SB 2065 Prohibits Aerial Drones and Vehicles for Fishing Purposes Conference Report Adopted - House (47 - 4)
5/03 SB 2065 Prohibits Aerial Drones and Vehicles for Fishing Purposes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 2)
5/02 SB 33 Establishes Fisheries Product Development Tax Credit Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 1)
4/29 SB 33 Establishes Fisheries Product Development Tax Credit (36 - 2)
4/28 SB 1696 Extends Hunting License Expiration Dates Bill Passed - House (79 - 1)
4/27 SB 2013 Increases Penalties for Killing Police Dogs Bill Passed - House (77 - 6)
4/12 LB 829 Amends State Animal Abuse Laws Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 5)
4/08 HB 16 Specifies When Dogs May Not Be Left Unattended Outdoors (118 - 15)
4/07 HB 22 Prohibits Declawing of Cats Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 12)
3/23 H 720 Prohibits Non-Human Entities From Being Granted Personhood Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
3/10 HB 22 Prohibits Declawing of Cats Bill Passed - House (112 - 25)
3/10 HB 52 Prohibits Sale of Certain Animal Parts, Products Bill Passed - House (125 - 14)
3/03 H 720 Prohibits Non-Human Entities From Being Granted Personhood Bill Passed - House (50 - 17)
3/01 HB 476 Prohibits Local Ordinances Against Animal Enterprises Bill Passed - House (43 - 28)
2/17 SB 21 Appropriates Funds for the Catfish Promotion Board Bill Passed - House (86 - 4)
2/15 HB 1248 Prohibits Big Cat and Bear Cub Owners from Allowing Public Interaction Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 4)
1/28 HB 112 Prohibits All Forms of Animal Fighting Bill Passed - House (55 - 18)
1/27 HB 1248 Prohibits Big Cat and Bear Cub Owners from Allowing Public Interaction Bill Passed - House (68 - 27)
9/10 SB 715 Extends Restrictions on Gun Control Loopholes by Requiring Verification on Hunting Licenses Conference Report Adopted - House (54 - 22)
9/10 SB 715 Extends Restrictions on Gun Control Loopholes by Requiring Verification on Hunting Licenses Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 9)
6/10 SB 486 Authorizes People From the Upper Peninsula to Sit on a Body to Decide Whether Hunters Can Kill Wolves Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
5/05 S 1130 Prohibits Pet Shops from Selling Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits Bill Passed - Senate (57 - 6)
4/29 SB 98 Reduces Restrictions on Killing/Taking of Grizzly Bears Conference Report Adopted - House (67 - 32)
4/29 HB 508 Increases Penalties for Knowingly Releasing Feral Hogs Into the Wild Bill Passed - House (108 - 38)

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