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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sept. 14, 2016 | MO | SB 656 | Authorizes Concealed Carry Without a Permit | Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 6) |
Aug. 26, 2016 | CA | SB 839 | Prohibits Orca Captivity and Breeding | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 13) |
Aug. 19, 2016 | AL | SB 3 | Establishes State Lottery | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12) |
Aug. 16, 2016 | CA | AB 2466 | Expands Voting Rights for Certain Convicted Felons | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13) |
Aug. 15, 2016 | CA | AB 1687 | Requires Entertainment Database Websites to Remove Actor's Age Upon Request | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12) |
July 6, 2016 | National | S 2193 | Stop Illegal Reentry Act | Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (55 - 42) |
July 6, 2016 | National | S 2193 | Stop Illegal Reentry Act | Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (55 - 42) |
June 30, 2016 | CA | SB 1235 | Requires Background Checks to Buy Ammunition | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 14) |
June 30, 2016 | CA | AB 1695 | Prohibits Falsely Reporting the Loss or Theft of a Firearm | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14) |
June 30, 2016 | CA | AB 1674 | Limits the Purchase of Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14) |
June 30, 2016 | CA | AB 1695 | Prohibits Falsely Reporting the Loss or Theft of a Firearm | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14) |
June 30, 2016 | CA | AB 2607 | Authorizes Certain Individuals to Request a Gun Violence Restraining Order | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14) |
June 28, 2016 | NC | HB 100 | Rescinds Certain Funds from Sanctuary Cities | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18) |
June 27, 2016 | NJ | A 3689 | Requires Justifiable Need for Firearm Permits | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17) |
June 27, 2016 | NJ | S 51 | Authorizes Restrictions on Solitary Confinement | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16) |
June 20, 2016 | National | S Amdt 4751 | Protecting Communities and Preserving the Second Amendment Act of 2016 | Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 47) |
June 20, 2016 | National | S Amdt 4749 | Authorizes the Attorney General to Delay Transfer of Firearms to Suspected Terrorists | Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 47) |
June 20, 2016 | National | S Amdt 4750 | Fix Gun Checks Act of 2016 | Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (44 - 56) |
June 20, 2016 | National | S Amdt 4720 | Prohibits the Transfer of Firearms to Suspected Terrorists | Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (47 - 53) |
June 2, 2016 | CA | SB 10 | Authorizes Undocumented Immigrants to be Eligible for Health Coverage | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 10) |
May 26, 2016 | CA | SB 1146 | Amends Religious Exemption Requirements for Universities | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13) |
May 25, 2016 | MI | HB 4787 | Prohibits Coercing a Pregnant Woman to Have an Abortion | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11) |
May 25, 2016 | OH | SB 331 | Establishes Regulations for Dog Sales | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11) |
May 24, 2016 | OH | HB 110 | Authorizes Immunity for Individuals Reporting Drug Overdose | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
May 24, 2016 | OH | HB 110 | Authorizes Immunity for Individuals Reporting Drug Overdose | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
May 24, 2016 | LA | SB 436 | Prohibits Discrimination on Basis of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity | Bill Failed - Senate (8 - 25) |
May 21, 2016 | MN | SF 498 | Amends Police Body Camera Regulations | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 17) |
May 19, 2016 | IL | HB 3655 | Establishes Regulations for Fantasy Sports Contests | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22) |
May 19, 2016 | CA | AB 1135 | Prohibits Firearms with Bullet Button | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14) |
May 19, 2016 | CA | SB 1446 | Prohibits the Possession of High-Capacity Gun Magazines | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15) |
May 19, 2016 | CA | SB 1235 | Requires Background Checks to Buy Ammunition | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15) |
May 13, 2016 | MO | SB 656 | Authorizes Concealed Carry Without a Permit | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 8) |
May 13, 2016 | AK | SB 91 | Amends Criminal Justice System | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 5) |
May 12, 2016 | MA | S 735 | Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4) |
May 5, 2016 | NH | HR 582 | Repeals Permit Requirements for Concealed Carry of Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10) |
May 4, 2016 | LA | SB 127 | Authorizes Parole Hearings for Juveniles Serving Life Terms | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 8) |
May 2, 2016 | CA | SB 1129 | Repeals Minimum Sentences for Repeat Prostitution Offenses | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14) |
April 25, 2016 | CA | SB 966 | Prohibits Extending Sentences for Repeat Drug Offenders | Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 16) |
April 25, 2016 | CA | SB 966 | Prohibits Extending Sentences for Repeat Drug Offenders | Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 16) |
April 22, 2016 | IA | HF 2460 | Appropriates Funding for Health and Human Services | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23) |
April 20, 2016 | NE | LB 947 | Authorizes Certain Immigrants to Qualify for Professional Licenses | Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 13) |
April 20, 2016 | CT | SB 147 | Authorizes Students Qualifying for In-State Tuition to Receive Financial Assistance | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13) |
April 19, 2016 | TN | SJR 467 | Urges Attorney General to File Lawsuit in Relation to Refugee Resettlement Program | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 4) |
April 19, 2016 | TN | SB 2376 | Authorizes University of Tennessee Employees to Carry a Handgun on Campus | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5) |
April 13, 2016 | NE | LB 947 | Authorizes Certain Immigrants to Qualify for Professional Licenses | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 11) |
April 11, 2016 | ME | LD 1600 | Requires Legislative Approval for National Monument Designations | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
April 7, 2016 | MD | HB 1003 | Prohibits Wage Discrimination on Basis of Gender Identity | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13) |
April 7, 2016 | AK | SB 174 | Prohibits the University of Alaska from Regulating Firearms | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 5) |
April 7, 2016 | AL | SB 237 | Establishes Innocence Inquiry Commission | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6) |
April 5, 2016 | AL | SB 14 | Authorizes Concealed Handguns in Vehicles without a Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6) |
April 5, 2016 | IL | SB 2465 | Prohibits Certain Lawsuits against Inmates | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 19) |
April 4, 2016 | TN | HB 615 | Establishes the Bible as the Official State Book | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 8) |
April 4, 2016 | TN | HB 1416 | Prohibits Driving in Left Lane without Passing Other Vehicles | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 7) |
March 30, 2016 | MS | HB 1523 | Establishes Protections for Religious Beliefs or Moral Convictions | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17) |
March 30, 2016 | MS | HB 1523 | Establishes Protections for Religious Beliefs or Moral Convictions | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17) |
March 24, 2016 | AZ | HB 2451 | Amends Requirements for Release of Undocumented Inmates | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12) |
March 24, 2016 | AZ | HB 2451 | Amends Requirements for Release of Undocumented Inmates | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12) |
March 24, 2016 | NH | SB 551 | Authorizes a Casino in Salem | Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 13) |
March 23, 2016 | NC | HB 2 | Requires Individuals to Use Bathrooms According to Biological Sex | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0) |
March 23, 2016 | NC | HB 2 | Requires Individuals to Use Bathrooms According to Biological Sex | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0) |
March 17, 2016 | MD | SB 49 | Amends the State Song | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 8) |
March 16, 2016 | GA | HB 757 | Authorizes Religious Officials to Decline to Perform Certain Ceremonies | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 18) |
March 16, 2016 | GA | HB 757 | Authorizes Religious Officials to Decline to Perform Certain Ceremonies | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 18) |
March 16, 2016 | ID | S 1389 | Authorizes Concealed Carry Without Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8) |
March 15, 2016 | KY | HB 160 | Establishes 1-for-1 Syringe Exchange Program | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10) |
March 15, 2016 | KY | SB 180 | Authorizes Businesses to Decline to Perform Artistic or Spiritual Services | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 16) |
March 11, 2016 | GA | HB 859 | Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms at Institutions of Higher Education | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17) |
March 10, 2016 | MO | SJR 39 | Prohibits Penalties for Declining Participation in Same-Sex Marriage Ceremonies | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 7) |
March 10, 2016 | MO | SJR 39 | Prohibits Penalties for Declining Participation in Same-Sex Marriage Ceremonies | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 7) |
March 9, 2016 | FL | HB 1411 | Amends Requirements for Disposal of Fetal Tissue | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15) |
March 8, 2016 | HI | SB 2615 | Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 2) |
March 8, 2016 | IA | SF 2284 | Amends Definition of Hate Crime to Include Gender Identity or Expression | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21) |
March 8, 2016 | IA | SF 2284 | Amends Definition of Hate Crime to Include Gender Identity or Expression | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21) |
March 7, 2016 | VA | HB 1090 | Rescinds Funds from Certain Abortion Clinics | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19) |
March 7, 2016 | UT | SB 179 | Authorizes State to Enforce Payment of Child Support | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 9) |
March 4, 2016 | IN | SB 339 | Establishes Regulations for Fantasy Sports Games | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 10) |
March 3, 2016 | FL | HB 43 | Authorizes Churches to Decline to Provide Certain Marriage Services | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
March 3, 2016 | RI | H 7228 | Authorizes a Gambling Facility in Tiverton | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2) |
March 3, 2016 | FL | HB 43 | Authorizes Churches to Decline to Provide Certain Marriage Services | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
March 3, 2016 | AL | SB 13 | Prohibits Removal of Momuments on Public Property | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9) |
March 3, 2016 | MS | SB 2306 | Prohibits Establishment of Sanctuary Cities | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14) |
March 3, 2016 | MS | SB 2306 | Prohibits Establishment of Sanctuary Cities | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14) |
March 3, 2016 | AZ | SB 1257 | Authorizes Concealed Carry of Firearms in Public Buildings | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12) |
March 3, 2016 | RI | S 2081 | Authorizes a Gambling Facility in Tiverton | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2) |
March 2, 2016 | OR | HB 4040 | Authorizes Removal of Gray Wolf from Endangered Species List | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11) |
March 2, 2016 | UT | SB 107 | Amends Definition of a Hate Crime | Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 17) |
March 2, 2016 | MS | SB 2238 | Prohibits the Appropriation of Funds to Planned Parenthood | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 17) |
March 2, 2016 | UT | SB 107 | Amends Definition of a Hate Crime | Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 17) |
Feb. 29, 2016 | VA | HB 560 | Amends Brandishing Conviction to Include Intent to Induce Fear | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17) |
Feb. 29, 2016 | VA | HB 587 | Prohibits Removal of War Monuments | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17) |
Feb. 29, 2016 | VA | HB 560 | Amends Brandishing Conviction to Include Intent to Induce Fear | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17) |
Feb. 29, 2016 | KY | SB 200 | Reduces Number of Horse Park Commission Members | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10) |
Feb. 29, 2016 | GA | SB 6 | Establishes Driving Safety Cards for Certain Immigrants | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17) |
Feb. 26, 2016 | ID | S 1276 | Expands List of Crimes that Prohibit an Individual from Possessing Firearm | Bill Failed - Senate (6 - 29) |
Feb. 26, 2016 | ID | S 1276 | Expands List of Crimes that Prohibit an Individual from Possessing Firearm | Bill Failed - Senate (6 - 29) |
Feb. 25, 2016 | IA | SF 2289 | Expands Criminal Offenses for Animal Mistreatment | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16) |
Feb. 25, 2016 | IA | SF 2289 | Expands Criminal Offenses for Animal Mistreatment | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16) |
Feb. 23, 2016 | CO | SB 17 | Authorizes the Concealed Carry of a Firearm Without a Permit | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17) |
Feb. 23, 2016 | WY | SF 96 | Classifies 3 Ounces of Marijuana Edibles as a Felony | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7) |
Feb. 23, 2016 | FL | SB 250 | Requires Legal Presumption of Equal Time-Sharing for Parental Custody | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |