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)
Sept. 27, 2023 OH SB 158 Specifies Municipalities Must Gain Approval from Legislative Authorities to Draw Money from the Treasury Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
Sept. 13, 2023 CA AB 1248 Requires Local Jurisdictions by 2030 Form Independent Redistricting Commissions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 16)
Sept. 13, 2023 CA AB 1633 Requires Local Government Review of State Environmental Policies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
Sept. 12, 2023 CA SB 447 Authorizes State and Public University Employees to Resume Travel to Previously Restricted States Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
Sept. 12, 2023 CA AB 1248 Requires Local Jurisdictions by 2030 Form Independent Redistricting Commissions Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
Sept. 11, 2023 CA SB 447 Authorizes State and Public University Employees to Resume Travel to Previously Restricted States Bill Passed - House (64 - 12)
July 25, 2023 ME LD 86 Amends the State Flag Designation to Reestablish the Former Flag Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
June 22, 2023 PA SB 753 Amends the Boroughs and Incorporated Towns Code of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
June 13, 2023 ME LD 86 Amends the State Flag Designation to Reestablish the Former Flag Concurrence Vote Passed - House (72 - 70)
June 10, 2023 NY S 7537 Establishes the Village Incorporation Commission Bill Passed - House (83 - 52)
June 10, 2023 NY S 7538 Authorizes the Immediate Incorporation of Villages into State Code Bill Passed - House (86 - 49)
June 8, 2023 NY S 7538 Authorizes the Immediate Incorporation of Villages into State Code Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 23)
June 8, 2023 NY S 7537 Establishes the Village Incorporation Commission Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 18)
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 7, 2023 WI AB 142 Prohibits Local Restrictions on Motor Vehicles Based on Energy Sources Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
June 7, 2023 WI AB 141 Prohibits Local Restrictions on Clean Energy Devices Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
June 6, 2023 LA HB 260 Requires Legislature Approval for all Election Rule-making and Funding Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 29)
June 4, 2023 LA HB 260 Requires Legislature Approval for all Election Rule-making and Funding Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
May 24, 2023 CA SB 447 Authorizes State and Public University Employees to Resume Travel to Previously Restricted States Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
May 19, 2023 TX HB 2127 Prohibits Cities From Passing any Heat-Related Ordinances Concurrence Vote Passed - House (84 - 58)
May 18, 2023 National H Con Res 40 Expressing support for local law enforcement officers and condemning efforts to defund or dismantle local law enforcement agencies Joint Resolution Passed - House (301 - 119)
May 17, 2023 TX SB 1860 Requires Legislative Approval for Cities to Amend Their Charters to Address Climate Change Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
May 16, 2023 TX HB 2127 Prohibits Cities From Passing any Heat-Related Ordinances Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
May 16, 2023 National H J Res 42 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022. Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (56 - 43)
May 12, 2023 TX SB 1860 Requires Legislative Approval for Cities to Amend Their Charters to Address Climate Change Bill Passed - House (101 - 41)
May 8, 2023 CO HB 23-1190 Authorizes Local Governments the Right of First Refusal on Multifamily Properties Concurrence Vote Passed - House (42 - 19)
May 7, 2023 CO HB 23-1255 Prohibits Local Growth Caps Concurrence Vote Passed - House (43 - 21)
May 7, 2023 CO HB 23-1190 Authorizes Local Governments the Right of First Refusal on Multifamily Properties Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
May 6, 2023 CO SB 23-277 Expands Public Safety Programs and Extends Existing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (48 - 17)
May 4, 2023 CO HB 23-1255 Prohibits Local Growth Caps Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
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 IA HF 716 Requires Iowa Political Parties Meet in Person to Select Their Delegates in a Presidential Election Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
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 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 1, 2023 IA HF 716 Requires Iowa Political Parties Meet in Person to Select Their Delegates in a Presidential Election Bill Passed - House (61 - 33)
April 27, 2023 TX SB 2209 Prohibits Civilian Oversight of Police Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
April 25, 2023 NV SB 391 Prohibits Local Government Use of "Sundown Sirens" Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
April 20, 2023 IA SF 478 Increases Restrictions on Information the State Auditor's Office can Obtain During Investigations Bill Passed - House (55 - 41)
April 19, 2023 National H J Res 42 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022. Joint Resolution Passed - House (229 - 189)
April 18, 2023 MT HB 748 Repeals Local Governments Ability to Pass Zoning Restrictions for the Purpose of Promoting "Morals" Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
April 18, 2023 WI AB 142 Prohibits Local Restrictions on Motor Vehicles Based on Energy Sources Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
April 18, 2023 WI AB 141 Prohibits Local Restrictions on Clean Energy Devices Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
April 10, 2023 MD SB 880 Establishes the Baltimore Regional Water Governance Task Force Bill Passed - House (135 - 5)
April 5, 2023 ND HB 1340 Prohibits Local Governments from Enforcing Stricter Gun Laws then Passed by the State Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
March 30, 2023 VT S 17 Establishes Reforms for Sheriffs and Deputies Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
March 29, 2023 National H J Res 27 Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States' " Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (53 - 43)
March 29, 2023 GA HB 514 Limits Local Government Ability to Stop New Residential Building Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 12)
March 21, 2023 IL HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - House (72 - 37)
March 15, 2023 KY HB 153 Prohibits Any Federal Ban or Regulation on Firearms Enacted in 2021 or After Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
March 11, 2023 WV HB 3354 Authorizes Municipalities to Combine Operations with Other Municipalities Concurrence Vote Passed - House (81 - 54)
March 9, 2023 TN HB 48 Reduces the Number of Nashville Metro City Council Members by Half Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
March 9, 2023 National H J Res 27 Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States' " Joint Resolution Passed - House (227 - 198)
March 8, 2023 National H J Res 26 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Revised Criminal Code Act Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (81 - 14)
March 8, 2023 OK HB 1415 Establishes a Committee to Oversee Election Operations Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
March 7, 2023 NM HB 7 Establishes State Protections for Gender Affirming Care Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
March 7, 2023 IA SF 478 Increases Restrictions on Information the State Auditor's Office can Obtain During Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
March 6, 2023 TN HB 48 Reduces the Number of Nashville Metro City Council Members by Half Bill Passed - House (72 - 25)
March 6, 2023 ID S 1056 Repeals State Law that Prohibits Local Groups from Carrying Firearms in Public Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
March 6, 2023 GA HB 514 Limits Local Government Ability to Stop New Residential Building Bill Passed - House (127 - 43)
March 2, 2023 WV HB 3307 Establishing the West Virginia-Ireland Trade Commission Concurrence Vote Passed - House (87 - 10)
March 2, 2023 MT SB 208 Prohibits Local Governments from Banning or Limiting Energy Choices Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
March 1, 2023 UT HB 131 Prohibits Public Entities from Restricting Employment Due to an Individuals Vaccination Status Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 5)
March 1, 2023 WY SF 127 Authorizes a State Digital Currency Bill Passed - House (36 - 25)
Feb. 28, 2023 SC H 3591 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Repeal the State "Blaine Amendment" Resolution Passed - House (83 - 27)
Feb. 27, 2023 GA SB 145 Prohibits Local Ordinances Against Gas Powered Leaf Blowers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 16)
Feb. 23, 2023 MT SB 178 Establishes State Legal Protections for Cryptocurrency Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
Feb. 22, 2023 KY HB 153 Prohibits Any Federal Ban or Regulation on Firearms Enacted in 2021 or After Bill Passed - House (78 - 19)
Feb. 21, 2023 NM HB 7 Establishes State Protections for Gender Affirming Care Bill Passed - House (38 - 31)
Feb. 20, 2023 ND HB 1340 Prohibits Local Governments from Enforcing Stricter Gun Laws then Passed by the State Bill Passed - House (83 - 10)
Feb. 16, 2023 MO HB 184 Prohibits Local Governments from Requiring More Than 5 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations per Parking Lot Bill Passed - House (105 - 36)
Feb. 15, 2023 ID HJM 1 Authorizes Amending the State Border with Oregon Bill Passed - House (41 - 28)
Feb. 14, 2023 WV HB 2006 Restructures the Department of Health and Human Resources Bill Passed - House (95 - 3)
Feb. 9, 2023 National H J Res 26 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Revised Criminal Code Act Joint Resolution Passed - House (250 - 173)
Feb. 9, 2023 National H J Res 24 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 Joint Resolution Passed - House (260 - 162)
Feb. 7, 2023 GA SB 1 Extends Prohibition on Certain COVID Vaccine Requirements (31 - 21)
Feb. 2, 2023 WY SF 127 Authorizes a State Digital Currency Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
Jan. 30, 2023 UT HB 131 Prohibits Public Entities from Restricting Employment Due to an Individuals Vaccination Status Bill Passed - House (60 - 13)
Jan. 19, 2023 MT HB 33 Authorizes County Commissioners to Begin Civil Proceedings if Local Board Members Fail to Comply Bill Passed - House (90 - 9)
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)
9/27 SB 158 Specifies Municipalities Must Gain Approval from Legislative Authorities to Draw Money from the Treasury Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
9/13 AB 1248 Requires Local Jurisdictions by 2030 Form Independent Redistricting Commissions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 16)
9/13 AB 1633 Requires Local Government Review of State Environmental Policies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
9/12 SB 447 Authorizes State and Public University Employees to Resume Travel to Previously Restricted States Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
9/12 AB 1248 Requires Local Jurisdictions by 2030 Form Independent Redistricting Commissions Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
9/11 SB 447 Authorizes State and Public University Employees to Resume Travel to Previously Restricted States Bill Passed - House (64 - 12)
7/25 LD 86 Amends the State Flag Designation to Reestablish the Former Flag Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
6/22 SB 753 Amends the Boroughs and Incorporated Towns Code of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
6/13 LD 86 Amends the State Flag Designation to Reestablish the Former Flag Concurrence Vote Passed - House (72 - 70)
6/10 S 7537 Establishes the Village Incorporation Commission Bill Passed - House (83 - 52)
6/10 S 7538 Authorizes the Immediate Incorporation of Villages into State Code Bill Passed - House (86 - 49)
6/08 S 7538 Authorizes the Immediate Incorporation of Villages into State Code Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 23)
6/08 S 7537 Establishes the Village Incorporation Commission Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 18)
6/07 S 96 Prohibits a Person from Operating Certain Watercraft Without Possessing a Boating Safety Certificate Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 7)
6/07 AB 142 Prohibits Local Restrictions on Motor Vehicles Based on Energy Sources Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
6/07 AB 141 Prohibits Local Restrictions on Clean Energy Devices Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
6/06 HB 260 Requires Legislature Approval for all Election Rule-making and Funding Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 29)
6/04 HB 260 Requires Legislature Approval for all Election Rule-making and Funding Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
5/24 SB 447 Authorizes State and Public University Employees to Resume Travel to Previously Restricted States Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
5/19 HB 2127 Prohibits Cities From Passing any Heat-Related Ordinances Concurrence Vote Passed - House (84 - 58)
5/18 H Con Res 40 Expressing support for local law enforcement officers and condemning efforts to defund or dismantle local law enforcement agencies Joint Resolution Passed - House (301 - 119)
5/17 SB 1860 Requires Legislative Approval for Cities to Amend Their Charters to Address Climate Change Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
5/16 HB 2127 Prohibits Cities From Passing any Heat-Related Ordinances Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
5/16 H J Res 42 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022. Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (56 - 43)
5/12 SB 1860 Requires Legislative Approval for Cities to Amend Their Charters to Address Climate Change Bill Passed - House (101 - 41)
5/08 HB 23-1190 Authorizes Local Governments the Right of First Refusal on Multifamily Properties Concurrence Vote Passed - House (42 - 19)
5/07 HB 23-1255 Prohibits Local Growth Caps Concurrence Vote Passed - House (43 - 21)
5/07 HB 23-1190 Authorizes Local Governments the Right of First Refusal on Multifamily Properties Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16)
5/06 SB 23-277 Expands Public Safety Programs and Extends Existing Appropriations Bill Passed - House (48 - 17)
5/04 HB 23-1255 Prohibits Local Growth Caps Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
5/04 HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 19)
5/04 HF 716 Requires Iowa Political Parties Meet in Person to Select Their Delegates in a Presidential Election Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
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)
5/02 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)
5/01 HF 716 Requires Iowa Political Parties Meet in Person to Select Their Delegates in a Presidential Election Bill Passed - House (61 - 33)
4/27 SB 2209 Prohibits Civilian Oversight of Police Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
4/25 SB 391 Prohibits Local Government Use of "Sundown Sirens" Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
4/20 SF 478 Increases Restrictions on Information the State Auditor's Office can Obtain During Investigations Bill Passed - House (55 - 41)
4/19 H J Res 42 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022. Joint Resolution Passed - House (229 - 189)
4/18 HB 748 Repeals Local Governments Ability to Pass Zoning Restrictions for the Purpose of Promoting "Morals" Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
4/18 AB 142 Prohibits Local Restrictions on Motor Vehicles Based on Energy Sources Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
4/18 AB 141 Prohibits Local Restrictions on Clean Energy Devices Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
4/10 SB 880 Establishes the Baltimore Regional Water Governance Task Force Bill Passed - House (135 - 5)
4/05 HB 1340 Prohibits Local Governments from Enforcing Stricter Gun Laws then Passed by the State Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
3/30 S 17 Establishes Reforms for Sheriffs and Deputies Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
3/29 H J Res 27 Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States' " Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (53 - 43)
3/29 HB 514 Limits Local Government Ability to Stop New Residential Building Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 12)
3/21 HB 1596 Amends the Children Family Services Act by Removing Gender Specific Pronouns Bill Passed - House (72 - 37)
3/15 HB 153 Prohibits Any Federal Ban or Regulation on Firearms Enacted in 2021 or After Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
3/11 HB 3354 Authorizes Municipalities to Combine Operations with Other Municipalities Concurrence Vote Passed - House (81 - 54)
3/09 HB 48 Reduces the Number of Nashville Metro City Council Members by Half Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
3/09 H J Res 27 Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States' " Joint Resolution Passed - House (227 - 198)
3/08 H J Res 26 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Revised Criminal Code Act Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (81 - 14)
3/08 HB 1415 Establishes a Committee to Oversee Election Operations Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
3/07 HB 7 Establishes State Protections for Gender Affirming Care Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
3/07 SF 478 Increases Restrictions on Information the State Auditor's Office can Obtain During Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
3/06 HB 48 Reduces the Number of Nashville Metro City Council Members by Half Bill Passed - House (72 - 25)
3/06 S 1056 Repeals State Law that Prohibits Local Groups from Carrying Firearms in Public Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
3/06 HB 514 Limits Local Government Ability to Stop New Residential Building Bill Passed - House (127 - 43)
3/02 HB 3307 Establishing the West Virginia-Ireland Trade Commission Concurrence Vote Passed - House (87 - 10)
3/02 SB 208 Prohibits Local Governments from Banning or Limiting Energy Choices Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
3/01 HB 131 Prohibits Public Entities from Restricting Employment Due to an Individuals Vaccination Status Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 5)
3/01 SF 127 Authorizes a State Digital Currency Bill Passed - House (36 - 25)
2/28 H 3591 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Repeal the State "Blaine Amendment" Resolution Passed - House (83 - 27)
2/27 SB 145 Prohibits Local Ordinances Against Gas Powered Leaf Blowers Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 16)
2/23 SB 178 Establishes State Legal Protections for Cryptocurrency Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
2/22 HB 153 Prohibits Any Federal Ban or Regulation on Firearms Enacted in 2021 or After Bill Passed - House (78 - 19)
2/21 HB 7 Establishes State Protections for Gender Affirming Care Bill Passed - House (38 - 31)
2/20 HB 1340 Prohibits Local Governments from Enforcing Stricter Gun Laws then Passed by the State Bill Passed - House (83 - 10)
2/16 HB 184 Prohibits Local Governments from Requiring More Than 5 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations per Parking Lot Bill Passed - House (105 - 36)
2/15 HJM 1 Authorizes Amending the State Border with Oregon Bill Passed - House (41 - 28)
2/14 HB 2006 Restructures the Department of Health and Human Resources Bill Passed - House (95 - 3)
2/09 H J Res 26 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Revised Criminal Code Act Joint Resolution Passed - House (250 - 173)
2/09 H J Res 24 Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 Joint Resolution Passed - House (260 - 162)
2/07 SB 1 Extends Prohibition on Certain COVID Vaccine Requirements (31 - 21)
2/02 SF 127 Authorizes a State Digital Currency Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
1/30 HB 131 Prohibits Public Entities from Restricting Employment Due to an Individuals Vaccination Status Bill Passed - House (60 - 13)
1/19 HB 33 Authorizes County Commissioners to Begin Civil Proceedings if Local Board Members Fail to Comply Bill Passed - House (90 - 9)

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