Key Votes
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About the Selection and Descriptions of Key Votes
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:
- The vote should be helpful in portraying how a member stands on a particular issue
- The vote should be clear for any person to understand
- The vote has received media attention
- The vote was passed or defeated by a very close margin
- 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. 28, 2024 | SD | SB 43 | Establishes Procedures for the Imposition of Fines and Probation Against Medical Cannabis Establishments | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 6) |
| Feb. 28, 2024 | SD | HB 1061 | Appropriates $4.28 Million to the Emergency and Disaster Fund for National Guard Troop Deployment to the Texas Border | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4) |
| 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) |
| Feb. 21, 2024 | SD | SB 203 | Authorizes Concealed Carry Permit Holders to Carry a Concealed Weapon on School Grounds with Permission | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3) |
| Jan. 23, 2024 | SD | SB 57 | Prohibits Professional Agencies from Denying Convicted Felons from Obtaining Trade Licenses | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15) |
| 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) |
| March 27, 2023 | SD | SB 129 | Amends Rules Prohibiting Assault Against Teachers | Veto Override Failed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| March 7, 2023 | SD | SB 1 | Expands Definition of Who Can Access Medical Marijuana Program | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 15) |
| March 6, 2023 | SD | SB 4 | Amends Court Authority to Commit a Juvenile Habitual Offender to the Department of Corrections | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 6) |
| Feb. 27, 2023 | SD | HB 1135 | Establishes Transparency in the Pricing of Prescription Drugs | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0) |
| Feb. 13, 2023 | SD | SB 207 | Establishes Penalties for Appropriating Public Funds to Influence an Election Result | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10) |
| Feb. 9, 2023 | SD | HB 1080 | Prohibits Gender-Affirming Medical Care for Minors | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4) |
| March 28, 2022 | SD | SB 151 | Requires Automatic Expungement of Marijuana Convictions | Veto Override Failed - Senate (17 - 17) |
| March 10, 2022 | SD | SB 53 | Authorizes Community Work Center for Inmates | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 2) |
| March 9, 2022 | SD | SB 24 | Limits Cultivation of Cannabis Plants | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 11) |
| March 8, 2022 | SD | SB 144 | Establishes The Incarceration Construction Fund | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 3) |
| March 2, 2022 | SD | HB 1223 | Authorizes Prenatal Care to Minors Without Parental Consent | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5) |
| Feb. 23, 2022 | SD | SB 32 | Authorizes Community Work Center for Inmates | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6) |
| Feb. 8, 2022 | SD | SB 20 | Authorizes Medical Marijuana as a Defense Against Prosecution for Possession and Use | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10) |
| Jan. 26, 2022 | SD | SB 72 | Prohibits School, Organizational, or Sports Hazing | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| Jan. 19, 2022 | SD | SB 46 | Requires Transgender Student Athletes Play Against Those of Their Biological Sex | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
| March 8, 2021 | SD | HB 1217 | Prohibits Athletes from Participating on Sports Teams that do not Match Their Birth Sex | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| March 8, 2021 | SD | HB 1217 | Prohibits Athletes from Participating on Sports Teams that do not Match Their Birth Sex | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| March 4, 2021 | SD | HCR 6013 | Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach | Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 20) |
| March 4, 2021 | SD | HCR 6013 | Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach | Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 20) |
| March 10, 2020 | SD | SB 151 | Defines "Critical Infrastructure" and Restructures Associated Crimes | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 4) |
| March 5, 2020 | SD | HB 1117 | Repeals and Revises Certain Provisions Regarding Riots | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8) |
| Feb. 26, 2020 | SD | SB 96 | Repeals the Lifetime Ban on Drug Felons Receiving TANF Benefits | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6) |
| Feb. 25, 2020 | SD | SB 6 | Amends Conditions for Presumptive Probation | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| Feb. 11, 2020 | SD | SJR 501 | Amends Constitution by Authorizing Wagering on Sporting Events | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10) |
| March 7, 2019 | SD | SB 189 | Establishes "Riot Boosting" as a Civil Offense | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4) |
| March 7, 2019 | SD | SB 189 | Establishes "Riot Boosting" as a Civil Offense | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4) |
| Feb. 20, 2019 | SD | SB 115 | Authorizes Constitutional Carry Within the Capital | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13) |
| Jan. 22, 2019 | SD | SB 47 | Authorizes Concealed Carry to Individuals Without a Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11) |
| Feb. 22, 2017 | SD | SB 149 | Authorizes Child-Placement Agencies to Deny Services Based on Religion | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12) |
| Feb. 16, 2016 | SD | HB 1008 | Prohibits Students from Using School Restrooms Designated for the Opposite Biological Sex | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| Feb. 5, 2015 | SD | SB 57 | Authorizes Additional Types of Games in Deadwood City Casinos | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7) |
| March 5, 2014 | SD | HJR 1001 | Authorizes Additional Types of Games in Deadwood City Casinos | Amendment Adopted - Senate (25 - 10) |
| March 5, 2014 | SD | HB 1229 | Requires Certain Individuals to be Reported to the National Background Check System | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9) |
| Feb. 19, 2014 | SD | SB 180 | Increases Maximum Number of Video Lottery Machines Authorized in a Licensed Establishment | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12) |
| Feb. 4, 2014 | SD | SB 75 | Prohibits a Local Government From Establishing a Dog Breed-Specific Regulation | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| Jan. 29, 2014 | SD | SB 76 | Amends Self Defense Against a Mountain Lion | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13) |
| Feb. 27, 2013 | SD | HB 1087 | Authorizes School Sentinel Programs | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14) |
| Feb. 6, 2013 | SD | SB 107 | Limits Drivers With Restricted Permits To 1 Passenger | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
| Feb. 28, 2012 | SD | HB 1248 | Authorizes the Concealed Carry of a Handgun Without a Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11) |
| Feb. 28, 2012 | SD | HB 1253 | Prohibits State Enforcement of Religious Codes | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4) |
| Jan. 30, 2012 | SD | HCR 1004 | Urging Academic Study of the Bible in Public Schools | Resolution Passed - Senate (25 - 10) |
| Jan. 30, 2012 | SD | HCR 1004 | Urging Academic Study of the Bible in Public Schools | Resolution Passed - Senate (25 - 10) |
| Feb. 23, 2011 | SD | SB 156 | Prohibits Employment of Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| March 4, 2010 | SD | Cooper Nomination | John L. Cooper, Game, Fish and Parks Commission | Nomination Confirmed - Senate (22 - 12) |
| March 4, 2009 | SD | HB 1240 | Smoking Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14) |
| Feb. 23, 2009 | SD | SB 195 | Stem Cell Research Amendments | Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 20) |
| Feb. 12, 2009 | SD | SB 156 | Expansion of Hate Crime Law | Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 21) |
| Feb. 12, 2009 | SD | SB 156 | Expansion of Hate Crime Law | Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 21) |
| Feb. 12, 2009 | SD | SB 156 | Expansion of Hate Crime Law | Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 21) |
| Feb. 9, 2009 | SD | SJR 1 | Authorization of Legal Gaming due to Gaming in Bordering States | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| Feb. 3, 2009 | SD | SB 79 | Primary Seat Belt Enforcement | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13) |
| Feb. 3, 2009 | SD | SB 83 | Statewide Indoor Smoking Ban | Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 18) |
| Feb. 21, 2008 | SD | HB 1151 | Adult-Oriented Business Restrictions | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10) |
| Feb. 13, 2008 | SD | SB 174 | Railroad Eminent Domain | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13) |
| Feb. 6, 2008 | SD | SB 164 | Right to Obtain Contraception | Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 22) |
| Feb. 6, 2008 | SD | SB 164 | Right to Obtain Contraception | Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 22) |
| Jan. 29, 2008 | SD | SB 88 | Offering Sonograms to Women Considering Abortion | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12) |
| Jan. 22, 2008 | SD | SB 26 | State Regulation of Preschools | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11) |
| Feb. 20, 2007 | SD | SB 208 | Tanning Restrictions | Bill Failed - Senate (10 - 24) |
| Feb. 14, 2007 | SD | HB 1175 | Lethal Injection Reform | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7) |
| Feb. 14, 2007 | SD | HB 1160 | Physician Presence at Executions | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3) |
| Feb. 22, 2006 | SD | S Amdt 1215cb | Exception to Abortion Ban in Cases Where the Health of the Woman is Seriously Threatened | Amendment Rejected - Senate (13 - 22) |
| Feb. 22, 2006 | SD | S Amdt 1215ca | Exceptions to Abortion Ban in Cases of Rape or Incest Amendment | Amendment Rejected - Senate (14 - 21) |
| Feb. 22, 2006 | SD | HB 1215 | Abortion Ban | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| Jan. 31, 2006 | SD | SB 175 | Emergency Contraceptives for Rape Victims | Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 26) |
| Jan. 23, 2006 | SD | SB 1 | Mandatory Bodily Substance Samples in Drunk Driving Arrests | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13) |
| Jan. 23, 2006 | SD | SB 1 | Mandatory Bodily Substance Samples in Drunk Driving Arrests | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13) |