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:
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.
Date | State | Bill No. | Title | Outcome |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oct. 20, 2016 | NJ | S 51 | Authorizes Restrictions on Solitary Confinement | Bill Passed - House (45 - 26) |
Sept. 14, 2016 | MO | SB 656 | Authorizes Concealed Carry Without a Permit | Veto Override Passed - House (112 - 41) |
Aug. 18, 2016 | CA | SB 1322 | Exempts Minors from Prostitution Charges | Bill Passed - House (42 - 29) |
Aug. 4, 2016 | CA | SB 759 | Authorizes Early Release for Certain Prisoners in Solitary Confinement | Bill Passed - House (41 - 31) |
June 30, 2016 | CA | AB 1135 | Prohibits Firearms with Bullet Button | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 30) |
June 30, 2016 | CA | AB 1674 | Limits the Purchase of Firearms | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (44 - 34) |
June 30, 2016 | CA | AB 1695 | Prohibits Falsely Reporting the Loss or Theft of a Firearm | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 25) |
June 30, 2016 | CA | AB 1695 | Prohibits Falsely Reporting the Loss or Theft of a Firearm | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 25) |
June 30, 2016 | CA | SB 1235 | Requires Background Checks to Buy Ammunition | Bill Passed - House (46 - 30) |
June 30, 2016 | CA | SB 1446 | Prohibits the Possession of High-Capacity Gun Magazines | Bill Passed - House (44 - 31) |
June 16, 2016 | CA | SB 839 | Prohibits Orca Captivity and Breeding | Bill Passed - House (48 - 28) |
June 16, 2016 | NJ | A 3689 | Requires Justifiable Need for Firearm Permits | Bill Passed - House (46 - 28) |
June 16, 2016 | NC | HB 1047 | Requires Lottery Commission to Report Winner Information to Social Services | Bill Passed - House (74 - 39) |
June 1, 2016 | MA | S 735 | Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity | Bill Passed - House (116 - 36) |
June 1, 2016 | CA | AB 2607 | Authorizes Certain Individuals to Request a Gun Violence Restraining Order | Bill Passed - House (41 - 37) |
May 31, 2016 | CA | SB 10 | Authorizes Undocumented Immigrants to be Eligible for Health Coverage | Bill Passed - House (55 - 20) |
May 31, 2016 | CA | AB 2466 | Expands Voting Rights for Certain Convicted Felons | Bill Passed - House (41 - 37) |
May 25, 2016 | National | H Amdt 1128 | Prohibits Use of Funds for Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity | Amendment Adopted - House (223 - 195) |
May 21, 2016 | MN | SF 498 | Amends Police Body Camera Regulations | Conference Report Adopted - House (96 - 34) |
May 19, 2016 | National | H Amdt 1079 | Prohibits Use of Funds for Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity | Amendment Rejected - House (212 - 213) |
May 13, 2016 | MO | SB 656 | Authorizes Concealed Carry Without a Permit | Conference Report Adopted - House (114 - 36) |
May 11, 2016 | AK | SB 91 | Amends Criminal Justice System | Bill Passed - House (28 - 10) |
May 11, 2016 | NH | SB 336 | Amends Requirements to Obtain Concealed Carry License | Bill Passed - House (217 - 132) |
May 9, 2016 | CA | AB 1732 | Requires Single User Restrooms to be Gender Neutral | Bill Passed - House (55 - 19) |
May 5, 2016 | AZ | SB 1377 | Establishes Criminal Sentencing Requirements for Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Failed - House (29 - 31) |
May 5, 2016 | AZ | SB 1377 | Establishes Criminal Sentencing Requirements for Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Failed - House (29 - 31) |
May 4, 2016 | AZ | SB 1377 | Establishes Criminal Sentencing Requirements for Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Failed - House (28 - 32) |
May 4, 2016 | AZ | SB 1377 | Establishes Criminal Sentencing Requirements for Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Failed - House (28 - 32) |
May 4, 2016 | LA | HB 1148 | Prohibits Sanctuary Cities from Receiving Certain State Funds | Bill Passed - House (67 - 27) |
May 4, 2016 | LA | HB 453 | Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Passed - House (65 - 20) |
May 4, 2016 | LA | HB 453 | Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrants | Bill Passed - House (65 - 20) |
April 28, 2016 | CA | ACR 137 | Establishes May 26th as John Wayne Day | Resolution Failed - House (36 - 19) |
April 27, 2016 | LA | HB 598 | Amends Voter Registration Policies for Convicted Felons | Bill Failed - House (37 - 60) |
April 26, 2016 | AZ | SB 1257 | Authorizes Concelead Carry of Firearms in Public Places | Bill Passed - House (35 - 23) |
April 26, 2016 | MO | HB 1679 | Authorizes Pharmacists to Prescribe Oral Contraceptives | Bill Passed - House (97 - 50) |
April 25, 2016 | LA | HB 863 | Prohibits Schools from Holding Membership in Certain Associations or Organizations | Bill Failed - House (33 - 51) |
April 21, 2016 | IL | HB 5576 | Requires Health Insurance Plans to Cover Birth Control | Bill Passed - House (61 - 52) |
April 21, 2016 | DE | HB 325 | Amends Requirements for Purchasing a Firearm | Bill Passed - House (22 - 17) |
April 20, 2016 | TN | HB 615 | Establishes the Bible as the Official State Book | Veto Override Failed - House (43 - 50) |
April 20, 2016 | TN | SB 2376 | Authorizes University of Tennessee Employees to Carry a Handgun on Campus | Bill Passed - House (69 - 24) |
April 20, 2016 | IA | HF 2460 | Appropriates Funding for Health and Human Services | Bill Passed - House (56 - 42) |
April 18, 2016 | TN | SJR 467 | Urges Attorney General to File Lawsuit in Relation to Refugee Resettlement Program | Bill Passed - House (69 - 25) |
April 14, 2016 | MO | HB 2069 | Prohibits Donation of Fetal Tissue | Bill Passed - House (120 - 34) |
April 13, 2016 | OH | HB 425 | Authorizes Religious Expression in Schools | Bill Passed - House (73 - 22) |
April 9, 2016 | MD | HB 1003 | Prohibits Wage Discrimination on Basis of Gender Identity | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 33) |
April 7, 2016 | HI | SB 2954 | Requires Gun Owners to Register in Database | Bill Passed - House (26 - 21) |
April 7, 2016 | ME | LD 1600 | Requires Legislative Approval for National Monument Designations | Bill Passed - House (77 - 73) |
April 6, 2016 | AZ | SB 1248 | Prohibits Pet Stores from Selling Commercially Bred Animals | Bill Passed - House (36 - 23) |
April 6, 2016 | TN | SB 1556 | Authorizes Therapists to Decline to Provide Services | Bill Passed - House (68 - 22) |
March 28, 2016 | CO | HB 1296 | Increases Penalties for Unlicensed Car Dealers | Bill Passed - House (34 - 31) |
March 24, 2016 | MI | HB 4787 | Prohibits Coercing a Pregnant Woman to Have an Abortion | Bill Passed - House (65 - 43) |
March 23, 2016 | NC | HB 2 | Requires Individuals to Use Bathrooms According to Biological Sex | Bill Passed - House (82 - 26) |
March 23, 2016 | NH | HB 1661 | Prohibits Conversion Therapy on Minors | Bill Passed - House (299 - 99) |
March 23, 2016 | NC | HB 2 | Requires Individuals to Use Bathrooms According to Biological Sex | Bill Passed - House (82 - 26) |
March 21, 2016 | ID | S 1342 | Authorizes Bibles in Schools as Educational References | Bill Passed - House (54 - 15) |
March 21, 2016 | MD | HB 1016 | Amends Certain Law Enforcement Procedures | Bill Passed - House (92 - 44) |
March 17, 2016 | CO | HB 1210 | Prohibits Conversion Therapy for Minors | Bill Passed - House (35 - 29) |
March 17, 2016 | National | H Res 639 | Authorizing the Speaker to Appear as Amicus Curiae on Behalf of the House of Representatives in the Matter of United States, et al. v. Texas, et al., No. 15-674 | Resolution Passed - House (234 - 186) |
March 16, 2016 | GA | HB 757 | Authorizes Religious Officials to Decline to Perform Certain Ceremonies | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (104 - 65) |
March 16, 2016 | GA | HB 757 | Authorizes Religious Officials to Decline to Perform Certain Ceremonies | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (104 - 65) |
March 16, 2016 | KS | SB 175 | Prohibits Discrimination Against Religious Student Associations | Bill Passed - House (81 - 41) |
March 12, 2016 | MD | HB 1002 | Prohibits Firearms on College Campuses | Bill Passed - House (81 - 54) |
March 10, 2016 | OK | HB 3098 | Amends License and Training Requirements for Gun Possession | Bill Passed - House (73 - 15) |
March 10, 2016 | OK | HB 2504 | Expands Punishments for Theft of Domestic Animals | Bill Passed - House (71 - 21) |
March 9, 2016 | FL | HB 1411 | Amends Requirements for Disposal of Fetal Tissue | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 40) |
March 9, 2016 | FL | HB 4027 | Prohibits Traffic Infraction Detectors | Bill Passed - House (83 - 33) |
March 8, 2016 | WA | HB 2362 | Amends Police Body Camera Regulations | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 39) |
March 8, 2016 | FL | SB 668 | Amends Divorce and Child Custody Procedures | Bill Passed - House (74 - 38) |
March 4, 2016 | WV | HB 4145 | Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit | Veto Override Passed - House (64 - 33) |
March 3, 2016 | SD | HB 1008 | Prohibits Students from Using School Restrooms Designated for the Opposite Biological Sex | Veto Override Failed - House (36 - 29) |
March 3, 2016 | RI | S 2081 | Authorizes a Gambling Facility in Tiverton | Bill Passed - House (66 - 3) |
March 3, 2016 | SC | H 4701 | Prohibits Enforcement of Federal Restrictions on Firearms | Bill Passed - House (64 - 30) |
March 3, 2016 | FL | HB 1411 | Amends Requirements for Disposal of Fetal Tissue | Bill Passed - House (74 - 44) |
March 3, 2016 | MD | HB 274 | Repeals Witness Requirement for Uncontested Divorces | Bill Passed - House (94 - 45) |
March 2, 2016 | FL | HB 43 | Authorizes Churches to Decline to Provide Certain Marriage Services | Bill Passed - House (82 - 37) |
March 2, 2016 | FL | HB 43 | Authorizes Churches to Decline to Provide Certain Marriage Services | Bill Passed - House (82 - 37) |
March 2, 2016 | RI | H 7228 | Authorizes a Gambling Facility in Tiverton | Bill Passed - House (69 - 4) |
March 1, 2016 | CO | HB 1231 | Limits Use of Automated Vehicle Identification Systems | Bill Passed - House (33 - 31) |
March 1, 2016 | AZ | HB 2524 | Authorizes Compacts with Other States to Develop Firearm Transfer Laws | Bill Passed - House (35 - 24) |
March 1, 2016 | WV | HB 4625 | Requires Greyhound Racing Funds to be Redirected to State Road Fund | Bill Passed - House (61 - 36) |
Feb. 29, 2016 | TN | SB 1821 | Authorizes the Possession of a Live Skunk | Bill Failed - House (44 - 36) |
Feb. 29, 2016 | MS | HB 782 | Prohibits Enforcement of Certain Law Relating to Firearms | Bill Passed - House (75 - 46) |
Feb. 29, 2016 | AZ | HB 2338 | Authorizes Concealed Carry near Schools | Bill Passed - House (35 - 24) |
Feb. 26, 2016 | GA | HB 951 | Establishes Tax Exemptions for Certain Purchases | Bill Passed - House (127 - 22) |
Feb. 26, 2016 | National | HR 2406 | Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act of 2015 | Bill Passed - House (242 - 161) |
Feb. 26, 2016 | National | HR 2406 | Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act of 2015 | Bill Passed - House (242 - 161) |
Feb. 26, 2016 | GA | HB 781 | Prohibits Undocumented Immigrants from Serving on Local Governing Bodies | Bill Passed - House (93 - 50) |
Feb. 24, 2016 | WV | HB 4145 | Authorizes Concealed Carry without Permit | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (67 - 31) |
Feb. 23, 2016 | KS | HB 2578 | Expands List of Medical Professionals Who Can Clear High School Athletes for Play After a Concussion | Bill Passed - House (70 - 53) |
Feb. 23, 2016 | SD | HB 1206 | Authorizes the Use of Handguns to Hunt Game Birds | Bill Failed - House (23 - 44) |
Feb. 23, 2016 | SD | HB 1206 | Authorizes the Use of Handguns to Hunt Game Birds | Bill Failed - House (23 - 44) |
Feb. 23, 2016 | IA | HF 2281 | Authorizes Individuals Under the age of 14 to Posses a Handgun | Bill Passed - House (62 - 36) |
Feb. 22, 2016 | IN | SB 91 | Authorizes Adopted Individuals to Access Birth Certificates | Bill Passed - House (72 - 24) |
Feb. 22, 2016 | GA | HB 859 | Authorizes Concealed Carry at Postsecondary Education Institutions | Bill Passed - House (113 - 59) |
Feb. 22, 2016 | OK | HB 2275 | Requires Collection of DNA upon Arrest for a Felony Charge | Bill Failed - House (38 - 56) |
Feb. 22, 2016 | OR | HB 4147 | Extends the Background Check Waiting Period for Gun Sales | Bill Passed - House (31 - 28) |
Feb. 22, 2016 | WA | HB 2362 | Amends Police Body Camera Regulations | Bill Passed - House (61 - 36) |
Feb. 19, 2016 | VA | SB 610 | Authorizes Concealed Carry Reciprocity for Out-of-State License Holders | Bill Passed - House (69 - 29) |
Feb. 19, 2016 | MS | HB 1523 | Establishes Protections for Religious Beliefs or Moral Convictions | Bill Passed - House (80 - 39) |
Feb. 19, 2016 | MS | HB 1523 | Establishes Protections for Religious Beliefs or Moral Convictions | Bill Passed - House (80 - 39) |