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
April 15, 2024 IA HF 2586 Authorizes School Employees to be Issued Permits to Carry Weapons Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 36)
March 7, 2024 IA HF 2575 Increases Penalties for Intentionally or Unintentionally Ending a Pregnancy Without Consent Bill Passed - House (58 - 36)
March 6, 2024 IA HF 2240 Prohibits the Distribution or Publishing of Nude Images Bill Passed - House (94 - 0)
March 5, 2024 IA HF 2610 Amends Voter Laws in Iowa Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
Feb. 29, 2024 IA SF 2095 Authorizes Religious Freedom for All Government, Business, Corporate, and Foundation Employees Bill Passed - House (61 - 33)
Feb. 29, 2024 IA HF 2558 Establishes Provisions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policies in Higher Education Bill Passed - House (56 - 39)
Feb. 28, 2024 IA HF 2586 Authorizes School Employees to be Issued Permits to Carry Weapons Bill Passed - House (61 - 34)
April 12, 2023 IA HF 654 Authorizes Firearms in Locked Vehicles on School Property Bill Passed - House (62 - 37)
April 11, 2023 IA HF 651 Prohibits the Banning of Certain Breeds of Dogs Bill Passed - House (82 - 16)
April 11, 2023 IA HF 651 Prohibits the Banning of Certain Breeds of Dogs Bill Passed - House (82 - 16)
March 21, 2023 IA HF 595 Increases Penalties for the Manufacture, Distribution and Possession of Drugs Containing Fentanyl Bill Passed - House (91 - 3)
March 21, 2023 IA HF 595 Increases Penalties for the Manufacture, Distribution and Possession of Drugs Containing Fentanyl Bill Passed - House (91 - 3)
March 16, 2023 IA SF 482 Requires Students Use the Same Restroom that Aligns with Their Sex at Birth Bill Passed - House (57 - 39)
March 15, 2023 IA SF 507 Prohibits Investment of Public Funds from Management by Firms that Account for "Environmental, Social and Governance Factors" Bill Passed - House (63 - 34)
March 8, 2023 IA SF 538 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
March 8, 2023 IA HF 348 Prohibits Instruction on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation in Grades K-6 Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
Feb. 9, 2023 IA HF 159 Prohibits Use of Trans or Gay Panic Defense in Assault Cases Bill Passed - House (94 - 1)
Feb. 9, 2023 IA HF 159 Prohibits Use of Trans or Gay Panic Defense in Assault Cases Bill Passed - House (94 - 1)
Feb. 9, 2023 IA HF 175 Amends List of Fur Bearing Animals to Include Black Bears and Authorizes Hunting Bill Passed - House (90 - 5)
May 23, 2022 IA SF 529 Prohibits Fraud in Assisted Reproduction Concurrence Vote Passed - House (83 - 1)
May 23, 2022 IA SF 529 Prohibits Fraud in Assisted Reproduction Concurrence Vote Passed - House (83 - 1)
March 24, 2022 IA SF 2363 Amends Requirements of Sex Offender Registry Bill Passed - House (90 - 3)
March 24, 2022 IA SF 2363 Amends Requirements of Sex Offender Registry Bill Passed - House (90 - 3)
Feb. 21, 2022 IA HF 2416 Requires Student Athletes to Join Teams Based on Sex Assigned at Birth Bill Passed - House (55 - 39)
April 28, 2021 IA HF 889 Prohibits the Implementation of COVID-19 Vaccine Passports Bill Passed - House (58 - 35)
April 14, 2021 IA SF 342 Increases Qualified Immunity Protections for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - House (63 - 30)
March 17, 2021 IA HF 756 Specifies Guidelines for Acquisition and Possession of Firearms Bill Passed - House (60 - 37)
March 17, 2021 IA HF 621 Establishes Which Legal Actions can be Brought Against Firearm Manufacturers and Distributors Bill Passed - House (60 - 37)
March 16, 2021 IA HF 802 Limits the Types of Diversity Training Schools and Governments May Offer Bill Passed - House (59 - 38)
Feb. 2, 2021 IA HF 228 Prohibits Open Enrollment Rejections Via Diversity Plans Bill Passed - House (56 - 32)
Jan. 28, 2021 IA SJR 7 Authorizes Referendum as to Keeping and Bearing of Arms (58 - 41)
June 11, 2020 IA HF 2647 Amends Law Enforcement Policies and Training Requirements Bill Passed - House (98 - 0)
June 5, 2020 IA SF 2413 Increases Penalties for Trespassing on Animal Food Operations Bill Passed - House (59 - 37)
June 3, 2020 IA SF 2348 Requires Restitution Payment from Felons for Restoration of Voting Rights Bill Passed - House (51 - 45)
June 3, 2020 IA SF 2348 Requires Restitution Payment from Felons for Restoration of Voting Rights Bill Passed - House (51 - 45)
March 10, 2020 IA SF 2275 Increases Penalties for Eluding Law Enforcement Bill Passed - House (78 - 22)
March 3, 2020 IA HF 684 Establishes Medical Amnesty for Under-Aged Individuals in Alcohol-Related Emergencies Bill Passed - House (95 - 3)
Feb. 27, 2020 IA HF 2502 Amends Gun Policies Bill Passed - House (52 - 44)
April 27, 2019 IA HF 766 Establishes a Health and Human Services Budget for FY 2019-2020 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 47)
April 27, 2019 IA HF 766 Establishes a Health and Human Services Budget for FY 2019-2020 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 47)
April 22, 2019 IA SF 617 Authorizes Sports Betting Bill Passed - House (67 - 31)
March 14, 2019 IA SF 274 Amends Free Speech Regulations on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (52 - 44)
March 12, 2019 IA SF 519 Establishes Trespass Charges for Undercover Investigators at Certain Agricultural Facilities Bill Passed - House (65 - 32)
Feb. 20, 2019 IA HF 262 Prohibits Pyramid Promotional Schemes Bill Passed - House (88 - 10)
April 3, 2018 IA SF 481 Requires Law Enforcement for Comply with ICE Detainer Requests Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)
April 19, 2017 IA HF 653 Reduces Government Fund Allocations to Planned Parenthood Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
March 9, 2017 IA HF 516 Requires Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (59 - 40)
March 7, 2017 IA HF 517 Authorizes Use of Deadly Force when Deemed Necessary Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
April 20, 2016 IA HF 2460 Appropriates Funding for Health and Human Services Bill Passed - House (56 - 42)
Feb. 23, 2016 IA HF 2281 Authorizes Individuals Under the age of 14 to Posses a Handgun Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
April 30, 2014 IA SF 2360 Authorizes Medical Marijuana Oil Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
Feb. 11, 2014 IA HF 2175 Prohibits Webcam Abortions Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
April 10, 2013 IA SF 384 Prohibits the Removal of an Officer's Communication Device Bill Passed - House (77 - 17)
March 25, 2013 IA HF 527 Requires DNA Samples from Individuals Convicted Of Aggravated Misdemeanors Bill Passed - House (79 - 18)
March 25, 2013 IA HF 527 Requires DNA Samples from Individuals Convicted Of Aggravated Misdemeanors Bill Passed - House (79 - 18)
April 3, 2012 IA HF 2450 Prohibits the Use of Traffic Cameras Bill Passed - House (58 - 42)
Feb. 29, 2012 IA HF 2215 Authorizes the Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
Feb. 29, 2012 IA HJR 2009 Prohibiting Mandatory Licensing and Registration of Guns Amendment Adopted - House (61 - 37)
Feb. 28, 2012 IA HF 589 Prohibits Obtaining Employment at Agriculture Facilities Under False Pretenses Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 28)
March 23, 2011 IA SF 464 Establishment of an Open Season for Hunting Mourning Doves Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
March 8, 2011 IA HF 535 Repeals Statewide Preschool Program Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)
Feb. 1, 2011 IA HJR 6 Banning Same Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (62 - 37)
March 29, 2010 IA SF 2379 Requiring County Sheriffs to Issue Concealed Weapons Permits to Qualified Applicants Bill Passed - House (81 - 16)
March 23, 2010 IA HF 2456 Texting While Driving Ban Conference Report Adopted - House (66 - 33)
March 10, 2010 IA SF 2357 Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators Bill Passed - House (73 - 25)
March 10, 2010 IA SF 2357 Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators Bill Passed - House (73 - 25)
March 10, 2010 IA SF 2357 Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators Bill Passed - House (73 - 25)
March 10, 2010 IA Amdt 8381 Free Self Defense Courses for Domestic Violence Victims Amendment Rejected - House (44 - 53)
March 10, 2010 IA Amdt 8381 Free Self Defense Courses for Domestic Violence Victims Amendment Rejected - House (44 - 53)
March 10, 2010 IA Amdt 8381 Free Self Defense Courses for Domestic Violence Victims Amendment Rejected - House (44 - 53)
Feb. 23, 2010 IA HF 2456 Texting While Driving Ban Bill Passed - House (65 - 31)
Feb. 17, 2010 IA Amdt 8145 Animal Facility Regulations Amendment Rejected - House (42 - 53)
Feb. 17, 2010 IA Amdt 8140 Animal Abuse and Neglect Penalties Amendment Rejected - House (44 - 52)
Feb. 9, 2010 IA HJR 6 Constitutionally Defining Marriage as Between One Man and One Woman Motion Rejected - House (45 - 54)
Feb. 9, 2010 IA HJR 6 Constitutionally Defining Marriage as Between One Man and One Woman Motion Rejected - House (45 - 54)
Jan. 26, 2010 IA HF 2110 Military Spouse Relocation Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (56 - 44)
March 18, 2009 IA HF 243 Gender Requirements for Certain Local Government Positions Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
April 25, 2008 IA SF 2432 Prison and Infrastructure Funding Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
April 25, 2008 IA H 8672 DUI Appeals Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 50)
April 25, 2008 IA H 8672 DUI Appeals Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 50)
April 16, 2008 IA HF 2686 Employee Identification Verification Bill Passed - House (84 - 16)
April 8, 2008 IA HF 2212 Smoking Ban Conference Report Adopted - House (54 - 45)
March 20, 2008 IA HF 2145 Mandatory HPV Vaccination Coverage Bill Passed - House (81 - 16)
March 12, 2008 IA HF 2212 Smoking Ban Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 40)
March 5, 2008 IA HF 2359 Veterans Trust Fund Bill Passed - House (75 - 21)
Feb. 19, 2008 IA HF 2212 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (56 - 44)
April 25, 2007 IA SF 427 Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Discrimination Bill Passed - House (59 - 37)
April 25, 2007 IA SF 427 Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Discrimination Bill Passed - House (59 - 37)
April 18, 2007 IA SF 263 Land-Based Casinos Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
March 29, 2007 IA HF 611 Research-Based Sex Education Bill Passed - House (55 - 40)
March 28, 2007 IA HF 877 Statewide Preschool Program Bill Passed - House (56 - 43)
Feb. 22, 2007 IA SF 61 Harassment In Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 42)
Feb. 7, 2007 IA SF 61 Harassment In Schools Bill Passed - House (62 - 37)
Feb. 1, 2007 IA HF 5 Maximum Title Loan Finance Charge Bill Passed - House (84 - 12)
March 16, 2006 IA HF 2671 Undocumented Immigrants Restrictions Bill Passed - House (69 - 25)
March 7, 2006 IA HF 2558 2006-2007 Department of Justice, Corrections, Public Defense, and Public Safety Budget Bill Passed - House (54 - 45)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/15 HF 2586 Authorizes School Employees to be Issued Permits to Carry Weapons Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 36)
3/07 HF 2575 Increases Penalties for Intentionally or Unintentionally Ending a Pregnancy Without Consent Bill Passed - House (58 - 36)
3/06 HF 2240 Prohibits the Distribution or Publishing of Nude Images Bill Passed - House (94 - 0)
3/05 HF 2610 Amends Voter Laws in Iowa Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
2/29 SF 2095 Authorizes Religious Freedom for All Government, Business, Corporate, and Foundation Employees Bill Passed - House (61 - 33)
2/29 HF 2558 Establishes Provisions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policies in Higher Education Bill Passed - House (56 - 39)
2/28 HF 2586 Authorizes School Employees to be Issued Permits to Carry Weapons Bill Passed - House (61 - 34)
4/12 HF 654 Authorizes Firearms in Locked Vehicles on School Property Bill Passed - House (62 - 37)
4/11 HF 651 Prohibits the Banning of Certain Breeds of Dogs Bill Passed - House (82 - 16)
4/11 HF 651 Prohibits the Banning of Certain Breeds of Dogs Bill Passed - House (82 - 16)
3/21 HF 595 Increases Penalties for the Manufacture, Distribution and Possession of Drugs Containing Fentanyl Bill Passed - House (91 - 3)
3/21 HF 595 Increases Penalties for the Manufacture, Distribution and Possession of Drugs Containing Fentanyl Bill Passed - House (91 - 3)
3/16 SF 482 Requires Students Use the Same Restroom that Aligns with Their Sex at Birth Bill Passed - House (57 - 39)
3/15 SF 507 Prohibits Investment of Public Funds from Management by Firms that Account for "Environmental, Social and Governance Factors" Bill Passed - House (63 - 34)
3/08 SF 538 Prohibits Gender Affirming Care for Minors Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
3/08 HF 348 Prohibits Instruction on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation in Grades K-6 Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
2/09 HF 159 Prohibits Use of Trans or Gay Panic Defense in Assault Cases Bill Passed - House (94 - 1)
2/09 HF 159 Prohibits Use of Trans or Gay Panic Defense in Assault Cases Bill Passed - House (94 - 1)
2/09 HF 175 Amends List of Fur Bearing Animals to Include Black Bears and Authorizes Hunting Bill Passed - House (90 - 5)
5/23 SF 529 Prohibits Fraud in Assisted Reproduction Concurrence Vote Passed - House (83 - 1)
5/23 SF 529 Prohibits Fraud in Assisted Reproduction Concurrence Vote Passed - House (83 - 1)
3/24 SF 2363 Amends Requirements of Sex Offender Registry Bill Passed - House (90 - 3)
3/24 SF 2363 Amends Requirements of Sex Offender Registry Bill Passed - House (90 - 3)
2/21 HF 2416 Requires Student Athletes to Join Teams Based on Sex Assigned at Birth Bill Passed - House (55 - 39)
4/28 HF 889 Prohibits the Implementation of COVID-19 Vaccine Passports Bill Passed - House (58 - 35)
4/14 SF 342 Increases Qualified Immunity Protections for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - House (63 - 30)
3/17 HF 756 Specifies Guidelines for Acquisition and Possession of Firearms Bill Passed - House (60 - 37)
3/17 HF 621 Establishes Which Legal Actions can be Brought Against Firearm Manufacturers and Distributors Bill Passed - House (60 - 37)
3/16 HF 802 Limits the Types of Diversity Training Schools and Governments May Offer Bill Passed - House (59 - 38)
2/02 HF 228 Prohibits Open Enrollment Rejections Via Diversity Plans Bill Passed - House (56 - 32)
1/28 SJR 7 Authorizes Referendum as to Keeping and Bearing of Arms (58 - 41)
6/11 HF 2647 Amends Law Enforcement Policies and Training Requirements Bill Passed - House (98 - 0)
6/05 SF 2413 Increases Penalties for Trespassing on Animal Food Operations Bill Passed - House (59 - 37)
6/03 SF 2348 Requires Restitution Payment from Felons for Restoration of Voting Rights Bill Passed - House (51 - 45)
6/03 SF 2348 Requires Restitution Payment from Felons for Restoration of Voting Rights Bill Passed - House (51 - 45)
3/10 SF 2275 Increases Penalties for Eluding Law Enforcement Bill Passed - House (78 - 22)
3/03 HF 684 Establishes Medical Amnesty for Under-Aged Individuals in Alcohol-Related Emergencies Bill Passed - House (95 - 3)
2/27 HF 2502 Amends Gun Policies Bill Passed - House (52 - 44)
4/27 HF 766 Establishes a Health and Human Services Budget for FY 2019-2020 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 47)
4/27 HF 766 Establishes a Health and Human Services Budget for FY 2019-2020 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 47)
4/22 SF 617 Authorizes Sports Betting Bill Passed - House (67 - 31)
3/14 SF 274 Amends Free Speech Regulations on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (52 - 44)
3/12 SF 519 Establishes Trespass Charges for Undercover Investigators at Certain Agricultural Facilities Bill Passed - House (65 - 32)
2/20 HF 262 Prohibits Pyramid Promotional Schemes Bill Passed - House (88 - 10)
4/03 SF 481 Requires Law Enforcement for Comply with ICE Detainer Requests Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)
4/19 HF 653 Reduces Government Fund Allocations to Planned Parenthood Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
3/09 HF 516 Requires Identification to Vote Bill Passed - House (59 - 40)
3/07 HF 517 Authorizes Use of Deadly Force when Deemed Necessary Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
4/20 HF 2460 Appropriates Funding for Health and Human Services Bill Passed - House (56 - 42)
2/23 HF 2281 Authorizes Individuals Under the age of 14 to Posses a Handgun Bill Passed - House (62 - 36)
4/30 SF 2360 Authorizes Medical Marijuana Oil Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
2/11 HF 2175 Prohibits Webcam Abortions Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
4/10 SF 384 Prohibits the Removal of an Officer's Communication Device Bill Passed - House (77 - 17)
3/25 HF 527 Requires DNA Samples from Individuals Convicted Of Aggravated Misdemeanors Bill Passed - House (79 - 18)
3/25 HF 527 Requires DNA Samples from Individuals Convicted Of Aggravated Misdemeanors Bill Passed - House (79 - 18)
4/03 HF 2450 Prohibits the Use of Traffic Cameras Bill Passed - House (58 - 42)
2/29 HF 2215 Authorizes the Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense Bill Passed - House (60 - 38)
2/29 HJR 2009 Prohibiting Mandatory Licensing and Registration of Guns Amendment Adopted - House (61 - 37)
2/28 HF 589 Prohibits Obtaining Employment at Agriculture Facilities Under False Pretenses Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 28)
3/23 SF 464 Establishment of an Open Season for Hunting Mourning Doves Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
3/08 HF 535 Repeals Statewide Preschool Program Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)
2/01 HJR 6 Banning Same Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (62 - 37)
3/29 SF 2379 Requiring County Sheriffs to Issue Concealed Weapons Permits to Qualified Applicants Bill Passed - House (81 - 16)
3/23 HF 2456 Texting While Driving Ban Conference Report Adopted - House (66 - 33)
3/10 SF 2357 Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators Bill Passed - House (73 - 25)
3/10 SF 2357 Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators Bill Passed - House (73 - 25)
3/10 SF 2357 Prohibiting Firearm Possession by Domestic Violence Perpetrators Bill Passed - House (73 - 25)
3/10 Amdt 8381 Free Self Defense Courses for Domestic Violence Victims Amendment Rejected - House (44 - 53)
3/10 Amdt 8381 Free Self Defense Courses for Domestic Violence Victims Amendment Rejected - House (44 - 53)
3/10 Amdt 8381 Free Self Defense Courses for Domestic Violence Victims Amendment Rejected - House (44 - 53)
2/23 HF 2456 Texting While Driving Ban Bill Passed - House (65 - 31)
2/17 Amdt 8145 Animal Facility Regulations Amendment Rejected - House (42 - 53)
2/17 Amdt 8140 Animal Abuse and Neglect Penalties Amendment Rejected - House (44 - 52)
2/09 HJR 6 Constitutionally Defining Marriage as Between One Man and One Woman Motion Rejected - House (45 - 54)
2/09 HJR 6 Constitutionally Defining Marriage as Between One Man and One Woman Motion Rejected - House (45 - 54)
1/26 HF 2110 Military Spouse Relocation Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - House (56 - 44)
3/18 HF 243 Gender Requirements for Certain Local Government Positions Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
4/25 SF 2432 Prison and Infrastructure Funding Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
4/25 H 8672 DUI Appeals Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 50)
4/25 H 8672 DUI Appeals Amendment Rejected - House (45 - 50)
4/16 HF 2686 Employee Identification Verification Bill Passed - House (84 - 16)
4/08 HF 2212 Smoking Ban Conference Report Adopted - House (54 - 45)
3/20 HF 2145 Mandatory HPV Vaccination Coverage Bill Passed - House (81 - 16)
3/12 HF 2212 Smoking Ban Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 40)
3/05 HF 2359 Veterans Trust Fund Bill Passed - House (75 - 21)
2/19 HF 2212 Smoking Ban Bill Passed - House (56 - 44)
4/25 SF 427 Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Discrimination Bill Passed - House (59 - 37)
4/25 SF 427 Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Discrimination Bill Passed - House (59 - 37)
4/18 SF 263 Land-Based Casinos Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
3/29 HF 611 Research-Based Sex Education Bill Passed - House (55 - 40)
3/28 HF 877 Statewide Preschool Program Bill Passed - House (56 - 43)
2/22 SF 61 Harassment In Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 42)
2/07 SF 61 Harassment In Schools Bill Passed - House (62 - 37)
2/01 HF 5 Maximum Title Loan Finance Charge Bill Passed - House (84 - 12)
3/16 HF 2671 Undocumented Immigrants Restrictions Bill Passed - House (69 - 25)
3/07 HF 2558 2006-2007 Department of Justice, Corrections, Public Defense, and Public Safety Budget Bill Passed - House (54 - 45)

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