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
Oct. 29, 2025 National S J Res 69 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Record of Decision for the Barred Owl Management Strategy; Washington, Oregon, and California" Motion Rejected - Senate (25 - 72)
Oct. 21, 2025 MI SB 276 Increases Fees for Fishing and Hunting Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
Oct. 21, 2025 MI SB 277 Appropriates Annually a Portion of the Revenue from the State Sales Tax to the Game and Fish Protection Account Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
Sept. 11, 2025 CA AB 1 Requires Wildfire Regulations to be Updated Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Sept. 10, 2025 CA SB 312 Requires Dog Importers to Submit Health Certifications to the CDFA Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
Sept. 9, 2025 CA AB 14 Establishes a New Program that Protects Blue Whales and Blue Skies Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Sept. 8, 2025 CA AB 764 Authorizes Hunters and Landowners to Kill Invasive Species Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Sept. 8, 2025 CA AB 506 Expands Requirements for Disclosures Included in Pet Sales Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
Sept. 3, 2025 CA AB 1042 Authorizes the Department of Food and Agriculture to Establish and Oversee the Managed Honeybee Health Program Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Sept. 2, 2025 CA AB 516 Authorizes Registered Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Assistants to Perform Certain Animal Health Care Services Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Aug. 1, 2025 National PN 25-35 Nomination of Brian Nesvik to be Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Nomination Confirmed - Senate (54 - 43)
June 26, 2025 PA HB 1431 Repeals the Prohibition on Sunday Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
June 19, 2025 NC HB 442 Establishes Longer Flounder/Red Snapper Seasons and Shrimp Trawl Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 2)
June 18, 2025 OH HB 64 Reduces the Age of Eligibility for Discounted Hunting and Fishing Licenses From 66 to 65 Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
June 11, 2025 NY A 6556 Authorizes Cruelty to Animals to be Considered as a Factor for a Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 1)
June 11, 2025 NY S 6573 Requires Municipal Employees to Attempt to Identify and Notify the Owners of a Deceased Dog or Cat Recovered on Public Roads Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
June 8, 2025 LA HB 581 Prohibits the Outdoor Release of Lighter-Than-Air Balloons Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
June 4, 2025 CT HB 7231 Authorizes Sunday Hunting on Private Land Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
June 3, 2025 RI S 938 Establishes Green Crab Harvesting Rules and Commercial License Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
June 2, 2025 NV AB 381 Expands Protections and Penalties Related to Animal Cruelty and Rescue Situations Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
May 28, 2025 OH SB 152 Authorizes Wild Animal Rehabilitation Facilities to Administer Euthanasia Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
May 14, 2025 CT SB 1446 Establishes Increased Fines for Roaming Dogs Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
May 6, 2025 SC H 3813 Amends Regulations on Bear Hunting in Game Zone 1 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (45 - 0)
April 30, 2025 OR HB 2978 Establishes an Advisory Group under the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to Guide the Development of Critical Wildlife Crossings Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 3)
April 24, 2025 CO HB 25-1207 Prohibits Insurers from Refusing, Canceling or Increasing the Cost of Coverage for Residential Property Owners Based on the Breed of Their Dog Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
April 16, 2025 AR SB 290 Establishes a Permit Moratorium for Hog Farms in the Buffalo River Watershed Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
April 14, 2025 CO HB 25-1180 Prohibits Selling a Pet or Offering One for Adoption on the Side of the Road, in a Parking Lot, or at a Public Market Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
April 12, 2025 MT HB 763 Increases the Base Hunting License Fee for All Nonresidents from $15 to $100 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 2)
April 8, 2025 NY S 252 Establishes an Exotic Animal Sale and Ownership Ban Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
April 8, 2025 NY S 5014 Prohibits the Importation, Transportation, and Possession of Certain African Wildlife Species and Products Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 8)
April 8, 2025 NY S 3026 Prohibits Surgical Devocalization Procedures on Dogs and Cats Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 0)
April 8, 2025 NY S 3158 Establishes Animal Fighting as a Criminal Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
April 8, 2025 NY S 197 Establishes Tucker's Law and Authorizes Certain Sentencing for Aggravated Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
April 8, 2025 NY S 364 Prohibits Insurance Policy Restrictions Based on Owning Specific Dog Breeds Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
April 8, 2025 NY S 3629 Prohibits the Use of Certain Animals in Traveling Animal Acts Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 10)
April 2, 2025 ND HB 1470 Increases the Price for Hunting and Fishing Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 3)
March 27, 2025 KY SB 245 Authorizes Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission Appointments Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
March 25, 2025 OR SB 777 Increases Compensation to Ranchers for Wolf Kills Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 1)
March 22, 2025 NM HB 113 Establishes the Animal Welfare Program and Trust Fund in New Mexico Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 1)
March 11, 2025 SC S 345 Prohibits the Hunting, Taking, or Attempt of Hunting or Taking of Turkey on Baited Area Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 0)
March 10, 2025 MS SB 2280 Requires Both In-State and Out-of-State Hunters Purchase Turkey Hunting Stamps Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
Feb. 26, 2025 SD HB 1236 Extends the Safety Zone from 660 Feet to One-Quarter Mile Bill Failed - Senate (5 - 29)
Feb. 26, 2025 WY HB 211 Authorizes the Hunting of Wildlife from a Vehicle if the Wildlife does not Require a License or Permit to Take Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
Feb. 20, 2025 MO SB 105 Amends and Modifies Provisions Relating to Invasive Plants Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
Feb. 19, 2025 KS SB 89 Authorizes the Kansas Department of Agriculture to Assess a Participant Fee for Poultry Producers Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
Feb. 18, 2025 WY HB 45 Repeals and Removes Otters from the List of Protected Animals for Hunting Purposes Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
Feb. 12, 2025 NV AB 171 Repeals a 2021 Law that Required All Eggs Sold in the State Come from Cageless Hens Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
Feb. 6, 2025 WY HB 275 Amends the Crime of and Penalty for Cruelty to Animals Concerning Wildlife Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
Feb. 5, 2025 PA HB 324 Authorizes Licensing of Poultry Technicians to be Done by the Secretary of Agriculture Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 4)
Jan. 29, 2025 ND SB 2137 Authorizes Hunters to Bait Deer on Private Property Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
Date No. Title Outcome
10/29 S J Res 69 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Record of Decision for the Barred Owl Management Strategy; Washington, Oregon, and California" Motion Rejected - Senate (25 - 72)
10/21 SB 276 Increases Fees for Fishing and Hunting Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
10/21 SB 277 Appropriates Annually a Portion of the Revenue from the State Sales Tax to the Game and Fish Protection Account Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
9/11 AB 1 Requires Wildfire Regulations to be Updated Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
9/10 SB 312 Requires Dog Importers to Submit Health Certifications to the CDFA Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
9/09 AB 14 Establishes a New Program that Protects Blue Whales and Blue Skies Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
9/08 AB 764 Authorizes Hunters and Landowners to Kill Invasive Species Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
9/08 AB 506 Expands Requirements for Disclosures Included in Pet Sales Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
9/03 AB 1042 Authorizes the Department of Food and Agriculture to Establish and Oversee the Managed Honeybee Health Program Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
9/02 AB 516 Authorizes Registered Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Assistants to Perform Certain Animal Health Care Services Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
8/01 PN 25-35 Nomination of Brian Nesvik to be Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Nomination Confirmed - Senate (54 - 43)
6/26 HB 1431 Repeals the Prohibition on Sunday Hunting Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
6/19 HB 442 Establishes Longer Flounder/Red Snapper Seasons and Shrimp Trawl Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 2)
6/18 HB 64 Reduces the Age of Eligibility for Discounted Hunting and Fishing Licenses From 66 to 65 Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
6/11 A 6556 Authorizes Cruelty to Animals to be Considered as a Factor for a Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 1)
6/11 S 6573 Requires Municipal Employees to Attempt to Identify and Notify the Owners of a Deceased Dog or Cat Recovered on Public Roads Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
6/08 HB 581 Prohibits the Outdoor Release of Lighter-Than-Air Balloons Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
6/04 HB 7231 Authorizes Sunday Hunting on Private Land Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
6/03 S 938 Establishes Green Crab Harvesting Rules and Commercial License Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
6/02 AB 381 Expands Protections and Penalties Related to Animal Cruelty and Rescue Situations Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
5/28 SB 152 Authorizes Wild Animal Rehabilitation Facilities to Administer Euthanasia Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
5/14 SB 1446 Establishes Increased Fines for Roaming Dogs Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
5/06 H 3813 Amends Regulations on Bear Hunting in Game Zone 1 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (45 - 0)
4/30 HB 2978 Establishes an Advisory Group under the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to Guide the Development of Critical Wildlife Crossings Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 3)
4/24 HB 25-1207 Prohibits Insurers from Refusing, Canceling or Increasing the Cost of Coverage for Residential Property Owners Based on the Breed of Their Dog Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
4/16 SB 290 Establishes a Permit Moratorium for Hog Farms in the Buffalo River Watershed Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
4/14 HB 25-1180 Prohibits Selling a Pet or Offering One for Adoption on the Side of the Road, in a Parking Lot, or at a Public Market Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
4/12 HB 763 Increases the Base Hunting License Fee for All Nonresidents from $15 to $100 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 2)
4/08 S 252 Establishes an Exotic Animal Sale and Ownership Ban Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
4/08 S 5014 Prohibits the Importation, Transportation, and Possession of Certain African Wildlife Species and Products Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 8)
4/08 S 3026 Prohibits Surgical Devocalization Procedures on Dogs and Cats Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 0)
4/08 S 3158 Establishes Animal Fighting as a Criminal Act Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
4/08 S 197 Establishes Tucker's Law and Authorizes Certain Sentencing for Aggravated Animal Cruelty Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
4/08 S 364 Prohibits Insurance Policy Restrictions Based on Owning Specific Dog Breeds Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
4/08 S 3629 Prohibits the Use of Certain Animals in Traveling Animal Acts Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 10)
4/02 HB 1470 Increases the Price for Hunting and Fishing Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 3)
3/27 SB 245 Authorizes Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission Appointments Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
3/25 SB 777 Increases Compensation to Ranchers for Wolf Kills Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 1)
3/22 HB 113 Establishes the Animal Welfare Program and Trust Fund in New Mexico Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 1)
3/11 S 345 Prohibits the Hunting, Taking, or Attempt of Hunting or Taking of Turkey on Baited Area Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 0)
3/10 SB 2280 Requires Both In-State and Out-of-State Hunters Purchase Turkey Hunting Stamps Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
2/26 HB 1236 Extends the Safety Zone from 660 Feet to One-Quarter Mile Bill Failed - Senate (5 - 29)
2/26 HB 211 Authorizes the Hunting of Wildlife from a Vehicle if the Wildlife does not Require a License or Permit to Take Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
2/20 SB 105 Amends and Modifies Provisions Relating to Invasive Plants Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
2/19 SB 89 Authorizes the Kansas Department of Agriculture to Assess a Participant Fee for Poultry Producers Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
2/18 HB 45 Repeals and Removes Otters from the List of Protected Animals for Hunting Purposes Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
2/12 AB 171 Repeals a 2021 Law that Required All Eggs Sold in the State Come from Cageless Hens Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
2/06 HB 275 Amends the Crime of and Penalty for Cruelty to Animals Concerning Wildlife Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
2/05 HB 324 Authorizes Licensing of Poultry Technicians to be Done by the Secretary of Agriculture Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 4)
1/29 SB 2137 Authorizes Hunters to Bait Deer on Private Property Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)

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