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
March 31, 2026 LA SB 82 Prohibits School Districts from Establishing Four-Day School Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
March 31, 2026 LA SB 82 Prohibits School Districts from Establishing Four-Day School Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
March 31, 2026 AL HB 580 Expands the Power of Governing Boards Over Faculty at Four Year Institutions Bill Passed - House (101 - 0)
March 31, 2026 AL HB 580 Expands the Power of Governing Boards Over Faculty at Four Year Institutions Bill Passed - House (101 - 0)
March 30, 2026 LA SB 289 Expands Exemptions From Public Records Laws for Universities Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
March 25, 2026 LA HB 137 Increases the Penalties for Threats of Violence Against a School Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
March 25, 2026 LA HB 137 Increases the Penalties for Threats of Violence Against a School Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
March 23, 2026 GA HB 1009 Prohibits Students in Grades 9-12 From Accessing Their Cellphones During School Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
March 19, 2026 TN HB 47 Authorizes the Ten Commandments and Certain Historical Documents to be Displayed in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
March 17, 2026 KY HB 1 Establishes the State's Election to Participate in the Federal Education Scholarship Tax Credit Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
March 16, 2026 KY HB 1 Establishes the State's Election to Participate in the Federal Education Scholarship Tax Credit Veto Override Passed - House (77 - 14)
March 14, 2026 VA HB 1377 Establishes a Task Force to Examine Higher Education at the Virginia Military Institute Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 18)
March 14, 2026 VA HB 1377 Establishes a Task Force to Examine Higher Education at the Virginia Military Institute Conference Report Adopted - House (66 - 29)
March 13, 2026 ID S 1227 Establishes Provisions on Generative Artificial Intelligence in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
March 13, 2026 ID S 1227 Establishes Provisions on Generative Artificial Intelligence in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
March 13, 2026 KS SB 515 Expands No-Sports Days for Kansas Schools Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
March 12, 2026 ID S 1227 Establishes Provisions on Generative Artificial Intelligence in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (62 - 6)
March 12, 2026 ID S 1227 Establishes Provisions on Generative Artificial Intelligence in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (62 - 6)
March 6, 2026 UT HB 84 Authorizes Concealed Carry of a Firearm at Institutions of Higher Education Concurrence Vote Passed - House (58 - 8)
March 6, 2026 UT HB 84 Authorizes Concealed Carry of a Firearm at Institutions of Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
March 4, 2026 National HR 6472 Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act Bill Passed - House (351 - 72)
March 3, 2026 IA HF 2513 Prohibits Public Universities From Hiring Certain Visa Holders Bill Passed - House (68 - 27)
Feb. 24, 2026 AL SB 149 Authorizes the Board of Education to Distribute Temporary Teaching Certificates to Veterans Bill Passed - House (102 - 1)
Feb. 24, 2026 AL SB 201 Requires Public Schools to Offer JROTC Programs to Private and Home School Students Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
Feb. 24, 2026 GA HB 1023 Requires Weapon Detectors at Main Entrances of Schools Bill Passed - House (151 - 11)
Feb. 24, 2026 IA HF 2242 Prohibits State Universities From Raising Tuition for In-State Undergraduates Through 2031 Bill Passed - House (86 - 5)
Feb. 24, 2026 GA HB 1193 Authorizes Literacy Coaches for K-3rd Grade Bill Passed - House (170 - 2)
Feb. 24, 2026 GA HB 1193 Authorizes Literacy Coaches for K-3rd Grade Bill Passed - House (170 - 2)
Feb. 24, 2026 GA HB 1009 Prohibits Students in Grades 9-12 From Accessing Their Cellphones During School Bill Passed - House (145 - 20)
Feb. 19, 2026 NH HB 1792 Prohibits the Instruction of Critical Race Theory and LGBTQ+ Issues in Schools "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (184 - 164)
Feb. 19, 2026 FL SB 178 Authorizes K-12 Athletic Coaches to Use Some Personal Funds for Student Welfare Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
Feb. 18, 2026 SD HB 1201 Authorizes the Use of Bingo Games, Lotteries, and Pull-Tab Devices by Booster Clubs Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
Feb. 17, 2026 FL HB 1073 Authorizes School Board Members Access to All School District Documents Bill Passed - House (96 - 10)
Feb. 17, 2026 FL HB 1073 Authorizes School Board Members Access to All School District Documents Bill Passed - House (96 - 10)
Feb. 17, 2026 VA HB 1385 Amends Regulations on the Appointment of Members of the Virginia Commission on Higher Education Board Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
Feb. 16, 2026 VA SB 272 Prohibits the Possession of a Firearm in Certain Public Buildings Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
Feb. 12, 2026 TN HB 47 Authorizes the Ten Commandments and Certain Historical Documents to be Displayed in Schools Bill Passed - House (75 - 17)
Feb. 11, 2026 WI AB 100 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on K-12 Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Feb. 11, 2026 NY S 9155 Restricts the Location of Retail Adult-Use Dispensaries Based on Proximity to Schools and Churches Bill Passed - House (91 - 50)
Feb. 11, 2026 WI AB 102 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams at Any Institution of Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Feb. 11, 2026 NY S 9155 Restricts the Location of Retail Adult-Use Dispensaries Based on Proximity to Schools and Churches Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 24)
Feb. 11, 2026 KS SB 387 Requires School Districts to Verify Household Income of Students Qualifying for Free Meals Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Feb. 10, 2026 SD HB 1201 Authorizes the Use of Bingo Games, Lotteries, and Pull-Tab Devices by Booster Clubs Bill Passed - House (39 - 27)
Feb. 9, 2026 VA SB 272 Prohibits the Possession of a Firearm in Certain Public Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 5, 2026 VA HB 626 Limits Exemptions from Firearm Bans on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
Feb. 2, 2026 ID S 1227 Establishes Provisions on Generative Artificial Intelligence in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Feb. 2, 2026 ID S 1227 Establishes Provisions on Generative Artificial Intelligence in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Jan. 29, 2026 IN SB 88 Requires Public Schools to Incorporate Certain Personal Values into Instruction Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
Jan. 29, 2026 IN SB 88 Requires Public Schools to Incorporate Certain Personal Values into Instruction Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
Jan. 28, 2026 MI SB 495 Requires Schools to Establish Protocols for Authorized Cellphone Use During Emergencies Bill Passed - House (100 - 3)
Jan. 27, 2026 National S 3627 Pregnant Students' Rights Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (47 - 45)
Jan. 27, 2026 WV HB 4002 Establishes the West Virginia Collaboratory to Study State Policy Needs Bill Passed - House (76 - 12)
Jan. 26, 2026 SD SB 85 Requires Electorate Approval for a School District to Exceed Property Tax Limits Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
Jan. 22, 2026 National HR 6359 Pregnant Students' Rights Act Bill Passed - House (217 - 211)
Jan. 22, 2026 MI SB 495 Requires Schools to Establish Protocols for Authorized Cellphone Use During Emergencies Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
Jan. 22, 2026 AL SB 149 Authorizes the Board of Education to Distribute Temporary Teaching Certificates to Veterans Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
Jan. 15, 2026 MS HB 2 Authorizes Money From the State Education Fund to be Used for Private School Expenses Bill Passed - House (61 - 59)
Jan. 15, 2026 MS HB 2 Authorizes Money From the State Education Fund to be Used for Private School Expenses Bill Passed - House (61 - 59)
Jan. 7, 2026 NH SB 33 Restricts Learning Materials Authorized for Use by Students in Public School Districts "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - House (181 - 157)
Jan. 7, 2026 NH SB 33 Restricts Learning Materials Authorized for Use by Students in Public School Districts "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - House (181 - 157)
Jan. 7, 2026 MS SB 2003 Amends Regulations Regarding Retired Teachers' Benefits and Return-to-Work Authorizations Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 2)
Jan. 7, 2026 MS SB 2001 Increases Teacher Salaries by $2,000 Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
Jan. 7, 2026 MS SB 2002 Repeals the Requirement for Public School Students' Home Districts to Approve a Transfer to a New District Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 19)
Jan. 7, 2026 MS SB 2002 Repeals the Requirement for Public School Students' Home Districts to Approve a Transfer to a New District Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 19)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/31 SB 82 Prohibits School Districts from Establishing Four-Day School Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
3/31 SB 82 Prohibits School Districts from Establishing Four-Day School Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
3/31 HB 580 Expands the Power of Governing Boards Over Faculty at Four Year Institutions Bill Passed - House (101 - 0)
3/31 HB 580 Expands the Power of Governing Boards Over Faculty at Four Year Institutions Bill Passed - House (101 - 0)
3/30 SB 289 Expands Exemptions From Public Records Laws for Universities Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
3/25 HB 137 Increases the Penalties for Threats of Violence Against a School Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
3/25 HB 137 Increases the Penalties for Threats of Violence Against a School Bill Passed - House (71 - 26)
3/23 HB 1009 Prohibits Students in Grades 9-12 From Accessing Their Cellphones During School Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
3/19 HB 47 Authorizes the Ten Commandments and Certain Historical Documents to be Displayed in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
3/17 HB 1 Establishes the State's Election to Participate in the Federal Education Scholarship Tax Credit Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
3/16 HB 1 Establishes the State's Election to Participate in the Federal Education Scholarship Tax Credit Veto Override Passed - House (77 - 14)
3/14 HB 1377 Establishes a Task Force to Examine Higher Education at the Virginia Military Institute Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 18)
3/14 HB 1377 Establishes a Task Force to Examine Higher Education at the Virginia Military Institute Conference Report Adopted - House (66 - 29)
3/13 S 1227 Establishes Provisions on Generative Artificial Intelligence in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
3/13 S 1227 Establishes Provisions on Generative Artificial Intelligence in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
3/13 SB 515 Expands No-Sports Days for Kansas Schools Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
3/12 S 1227 Establishes Provisions on Generative Artificial Intelligence in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (62 - 6)
3/12 S 1227 Establishes Provisions on Generative Artificial Intelligence in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (62 - 6)
3/06 HB 84 Authorizes Concealed Carry of a Firearm at Institutions of Higher Education Concurrence Vote Passed - House (58 - 8)
3/06 HB 84 Authorizes Concealed Carry of a Firearm at Institutions of Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 5)
3/04 HR 6472 Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act Bill Passed - House (351 - 72)
3/03 HF 2513 Prohibits Public Universities From Hiring Certain Visa Holders Bill Passed - House (68 - 27)
2/24 SB 149 Authorizes the Board of Education to Distribute Temporary Teaching Certificates to Veterans Bill Passed - House (102 - 1)
2/24 SB 201 Requires Public Schools to Offer JROTC Programs to Private and Home School Students Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
2/24 HB 1023 Requires Weapon Detectors at Main Entrances of Schools Bill Passed - House (151 - 11)
2/24 HF 2242 Prohibits State Universities From Raising Tuition for In-State Undergraduates Through 2031 Bill Passed - House (86 - 5)
2/24 HB 1193 Authorizes Literacy Coaches for K-3rd Grade Bill Passed - House (170 - 2)
2/24 HB 1193 Authorizes Literacy Coaches for K-3rd Grade Bill Passed - House (170 - 2)
2/24 HB 1009 Prohibits Students in Grades 9-12 From Accessing Their Cellphones During School Bill Passed - House (145 - 20)
2/19 HB 1792 Prohibits the Instruction of Critical Race Theory and LGBTQ+ Issues in Schools "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (184 - 164)
2/19 SB 178 Authorizes K-12 Athletic Coaches to Use Some Personal Funds for Student Welfare Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
2/18 HB 1201 Authorizes the Use of Bingo Games, Lotteries, and Pull-Tab Devices by Booster Clubs Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
2/17 HB 1073 Authorizes School Board Members Access to All School District Documents Bill Passed - House (96 - 10)
2/17 HB 1073 Authorizes School Board Members Access to All School District Documents Bill Passed - House (96 - 10)
2/17 HB 1385 Amends Regulations on the Appointment of Members of the Virginia Commission on Higher Education Board Bill Passed - House (62 - 35)
2/16 SB 272 Prohibits the Possession of a Firearm in Certain Public Buildings Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
2/12 HB 47 Authorizes the Ten Commandments and Certain Historical Documents to be Displayed in Schools Bill Passed - House (75 - 17)
2/11 AB 100 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on K-12 Female Sports Teams Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
2/11 S 9155 Restricts the Location of Retail Adult-Use Dispensaries Based on Proximity to Schools and Churches Bill Passed - House (91 - 50)
2/11 AB 102 Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams at Any Institution of Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
2/11 S 9155 Restricts the Location of Retail Adult-Use Dispensaries Based on Proximity to Schools and Churches Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 24)
2/11 SB 387 Requires School Districts to Verify Household Income of Students Qualifying for Free Meals Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
2/10 HB 1201 Authorizes the Use of Bingo Games, Lotteries, and Pull-Tab Devices by Booster Clubs Bill Passed - House (39 - 27)
2/09 SB 272 Prohibits the Possession of a Firearm in Certain Public Buildings Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/05 HB 626 Limits Exemptions from Firearm Bans on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (63 - 35)
2/02 S 1227 Establishes Provisions on Generative Artificial Intelligence in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
2/02 S 1227 Establishes Provisions on Generative Artificial Intelligence in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
1/29 SB 88 Requires Public Schools to Incorporate Certain Personal Values into Instruction Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
1/29 SB 88 Requires Public Schools to Incorporate Certain Personal Values into Instruction Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
1/28 SB 495 Requires Schools to Establish Protocols for Authorized Cellphone Use During Emergencies Bill Passed - House (100 - 3)
1/27 S 3627 Pregnant Students' Rights Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (47 - 45)
1/27 HB 4002 Establishes the West Virginia Collaboratory to Study State Policy Needs Bill Passed - House (76 - 12)
1/26 SB 85 Requires Electorate Approval for a School District to Exceed Property Tax Limits Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
1/22 HR 6359 Pregnant Students' Rights Act Bill Passed - House (217 - 211)
1/22 SB 495 Requires Schools to Establish Protocols for Authorized Cellphone Use During Emergencies Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
1/22 SB 149 Authorizes the Board of Education to Distribute Temporary Teaching Certificates to Veterans Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
1/15 HB 2 Authorizes Money From the State Education Fund to be Used for Private School Expenses Bill Passed - House (61 - 59)
1/15 HB 2 Authorizes Money From the State Education Fund to be Used for Private School Expenses Bill Passed - House (61 - 59)
1/07 SB 33 Restricts Learning Materials Authorized for Use by Students in Public School Districts "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - House (181 - 157)
1/07 SB 33 Restricts Learning Materials Authorized for Use by Students in Public School Districts "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - House (181 - 157)
1/07 SB 2003 Amends Regulations Regarding Retired Teachers' Benefits and Return-to-Work Authorizations Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 2)
1/07 SB 2001 Increases Teacher Salaries by $2,000 Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
1/07 SB 2002 Repeals the Requirement for Public School Students' Home Districts to Approve a Transfer to a New District Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 19)
1/07 SB 2002 Repeals the Requirement for Public School Students' Home Districts to Approve a Transfer to a New District Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 19)

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