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
July 5, 2023 CA SB 147 Amends the Fish and Game Code to Protect Certain Species Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
July 5, 2023 CA SB 147 Amends the Fish and Game Code to Protect Certain Species Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
June 23, 2023 OR HB 2929 Authorizes the Water Resources Department to Seek Injunctive Relief Against Violators or Attempted Violators of State Water Laws Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
June 22, 2023 ME LD 1986 Establishes the Net Energy Billing and Distributed Solar and Energy Storage Systems "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 13)
June 22, 2023 ME LD 1986 Establishes the Net Energy Billing and Distributed Solar and Energy Storage Systems "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 13)
June 21, 2023 National S J Res 11 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Control of Air Pollution From New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards". Veto Override Failed - Senate (50 - 50)
June 21, 2023 OR HB 2915 Prohibits Retail Pet Stores From Selling Dogs and Cats Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
June 21, 2023 PA SB 656 Amends and Restructures Taxes for Electric Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 9)
June 13, 2023 AZ SB 1432 Establishes Updated Water Regulations for Arizona Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
June 9, 2023 NY S 6218 Authorizes the Connection of Offshore Wind Farms to the State Power Grid on Long Island Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 21)
June 9, 2023 NY S 6218 Authorizes the Connection of Offshore Wind Farms to the State Power Grid on Long Island Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 21)
June 7, 2023 WI AB 141 Prohibits Local Restrictions on Clean Energy Devices Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
June 7, 2023 WI AB 142 Prohibits Local Restrictions on Motor Vehicles Based on Energy Sources Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
June 7, 2023 WI SB 49 Prohibits Local Governments from Blocking Utility Services based on the Type of Energy Source Provided Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
June 5, 2023 LA HB 537 Prohibits the Chinese Government and its Citizens from Purchasing Agricultural Land in the State Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
June 5, 2023 NY S 3431 Establishes Punishments for Promotion of Animal Fighting Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 1)
June 3, 2023 NV AB 184 Establishes an Incentive Program for the Purchase of Certain Zero-emission Medium-duty and Heavy-duty Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 2)
June 2, 2023 CT SB 1147 Authorizes the Department of Energy and Environmental Protections to Amend Environmental Justice Permit Processes Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
May 25, 2023 IL HB 3445 Amends Power Line Construction Regulation in Southern Illinois Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 9)
May 25, 2023 CA SB 252 Requires the State's Teachers and Employee Retirement Fund Divest from Fossil Fuels Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
May 25, 2023 CA SB 308 Requires the State Board to Prepare and Approve a Scoping Plan for Achieving the Maximum Technologically Feasible Result for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
May 22, 2023 CA SB 674 Requires Community Air Monitoring Systems be Installed Near Petroleum Refineries Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
May 22, 2023 CA SB 674 Requires Community Air Monitoring Systems be Installed Near Petroleum Refineries Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
May 19, 2023 IL SB 76 Repeals the Moratorium on New Nuclear Power Plant Construction Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
May 18, 2023 DE SB 103 Requires All New Home Construction Have Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
May 17, 2023 TX SB 1860 Requires Legislative Approval for Cities to Amend Their Charters to Address Climate Change Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
May 17, 2023 IL HB 3892 Authorizes the Development of Urban Gardening at Affordable Housing Projects Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 11)
May 17, 2023 IL HB 3892 Authorizes the Development of Urban Gardening at Affordable Housing Projects Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 11)
May 16, 2023 TX HB 2127 Prohibits Cities From Passing any Heat-Related Ordinances Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
May 11, 2023 National S J Res 24 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 "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
May 11, 2023 IL SB 1769 Requires State Government Vehicles be Zero Emission by 2030 Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
May 11, 2023 National S J Res 23 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Marine Fisheries Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
May 11, 2023 National S J Res 23 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Marine Fisheries Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
May 11, 2023 National S J Res 24 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 "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
May 10, 2023 MO SB 138 Increases Eligibility of the Loan Forgiveness Program for Large Animal Veterinary Students Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
May 10, 2023 TX HB 591 Authorizes Tax Exemptions for Companies that Use Otherwise Wasted Gas Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
May 10, 2023 VT H 158 Expands the 5-Cent Refund to Water and Sports Drink Bottles and Authorizes a 15-Cent Deposit on Wine Bottles Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
May 9, 2023 VT S 5 Establishes State Clean Energy Heat Standards Veto Override Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
May 9, 2023 VT S 5 Establishes State Clean Energy Heat Standards Veto Override Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
May 9, 2023 VT H 126 Establishes New Protections Concerning Biodiversity Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
May 8, 2023 CO SB 23-291 Limits Utility Companies from Charging Ratepayers for Certain Lobbying and Marketing Costs Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
May 8, 2023 CO HB 23-1294 Establishes New Anti-Pollution Protocols and Creates a New Research Task Force Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
May 8, 2023 CA SB 610 Amends Regulations Regarding State Fire Prevention Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
May 4, 2023 CO HB 23-1242 Amending Water Conservation Rules For the State Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
May 3, 2023 National H J Res 39 Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Commerce relating to "Procedures Covering Suspension of Liquidation, Duties and Estimated Duties in Accord with Presidential Proclamation 10414" Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (56 - 41)
May 3, 2023 IA HF 605 Establishes Energy Benchmark Requirements for Private Properties Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
May 3, 2023 National H J Res 39 Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Commerce relating to "Procedures Covering Suspension of Liquidation, Duties and Estimated Duties in Accord with Presidential Proclamation 10414" Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (56 - 41)
May 3, 2023 National H J Res 39 Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Commerce relating to "Procedures Covering Suspension of Liquidation, Duties and Estimated Duties in Accord with Presidential Proclamation 10414" Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (56 - 41)
May 3, 2023 National S J Res 9 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 "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status with Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (50 - 48)
May 2, 2023 CO HB 23-1233 Limits the State Electrical Board From Prohibiting the Installation of Electric Charging Stations Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
Date No. Title Outcome
7/05 SB 147 Amends the Fish and Game Code to Protect Certain Species Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
7/05 SB 147 Amends the Fish and Game Code to Protect Certain Species Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
6/23 HB 2929 Authorizes the Water Resources Department to Seek Injunctive Relief Against Violators or Attempted Violators of State Water Laws Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
6/22 LD 1986 Establishes the Net Energy Billing and Distributed Solar and Energy Storage Systems "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 13)
6/22 LD 1986 Establishes the Net Energy Billing and Distributed Solar and Energy Storage Systems "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 13)
6/21 S J Res 11 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Control of Air Pollution From New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards". Veto Override Failed - Senate (50 - 50)
6/21 HB 2915 Prohibits Retail Pet Stores From Selling Dogs and Cats Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 3)
6/21 SB 656 Amends and Restructures Taxes for Electric Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 9)
6/13 SB 1432 Establishes Updated Water Regulations for Arizona Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
6/09 S 6218 Authorizes the Connection of Offshore Wind Farms to the State Power Grid on Long Island Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 21)
6/09 S 6218 Authorizes the Connection of Offshore Wind Farms to the State Power Grid on Long Island Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 21)
6/07 AB 141 Prohibits Local Restrictions on Clean Energy Devices Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
6/07 AB 142 Prohibits Local Restrictions on Motor Vehicles Based on Energy Sources Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
6/07 SB 49 Prohibits Local Governments from Blocking Utility Services based on the Type of Energy Source Provided Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11)
6/05 HB 537 Prohibits the Chinese Government and its Citizens from Purchasing Agricultural Land in the State Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
6/05 S 3431 Establishes Punishments for Promotion of Animal Fighting Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 1)
6/03 AB 184 Establishes an Incentive Program for the Purchase of Certain Zero-emission Medium-duty and Heavy-duty Vehicles Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 2)
6/02 SB 1147 Authorizes the Department of Energy and Environmental Protections to Amend Environmental Justice Permit Processes Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
5/25 HB 3445 Amends Power Line Construction Regulation in Southern Illinois Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 9)
5/25 SB 252 Requires the State's Teachers and Employee Retirement Fund Divest from Fossil Fuels Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
5/25 SB 308 Requires the State Board to Prepare and Approve a Scoping Plan for Achieving the Maximum Technologically Feasible Result for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
5/22 SB 674 Requires Community Air Monitoring Systems be Installed Near Petroleum Refineries Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
5/22 SB 674 Requires Community Air Monitoring Systems be Installed Near Petroleum Refineries Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
5/19 SB 76 Repeals the Moratorium on New Nuclear Power Plant Construction Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
5/18 SB 103 Requires All New Home Construction Have Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
5/17 SB 1860 Requires Legislative Approval for Cities to Amend Their Charters to Address Climate Change Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
5/17 HB 3892 Authorizes the Development of Urban Gardening at Affordable Housing Projects Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 11)
5/17 HB 3892 Authorizes the Development of Urban Gardening at Affordable Housing Projects Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 11)
5/16 HB 2127 Prohibits Cities From Passing any Heat-Related Ordinances Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
5/11 S J Res 24 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 "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
5/11 SB 1769 Requires State Government Vehicles be Zero Emission by 2030 Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
5/11 S J Res 23 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Marine Fisheries Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
5/11 S J Res 23 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Marine Fisheries Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
5/11 S J Res 24 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 "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
5/10 SB 138 Increases Eligibility of the Loan Forgiveness Program for Large Animal Veterinary Students Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
5/10 HB 591 Authorizes Tax Exemptions for Companies that Use Otherwise Wasted Gas Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
5/10 H 158 Expands the 5-Cent Refund to Water and Sports Drink Bottles and Authorizes a 15-Cent Deposit on Wine Bottles Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
5/09 S 5 Establishes State Clean Energy Heat Standards Veto Override Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
5/09 S 5 Establishes State Clean Energy Heat Standards Veto Override Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
5/09 H 126 Establishes New Protections Concerning Biodiversity Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7)
5/08 SB 23-291 Limits Utility Companies from Charging Ratepayers for Certain Lobbying and Marketing Costs Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
5/08 HB 23-1294 Establishes New Anti-Pollution Protocols and Creates a New Research Task Force Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
5/08 SB 610 Amends Regulations Regarding State Fire Prevention Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
5/04 HB 23-1242 Amending Water Conservation Rules For the State Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
5/03 H J Res 39 Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Commerce relating to "Procedures Covering Suspension of Liquidation, Duties and Estimated Duties in Accord with Presidential Proclamation 10414" Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (56 - 41)
5/03 HF 605 Establishes Energy Benchmark Requirements for Private Properties Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
5/03 H J Res 39 Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Commerce relating to "Procedures Covering Suspension of Liquidation, Duties and Estimated Duties in Accord with Presidential Proclamation 10414" Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (56 - 41)
5/03 H J Res 39 Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Commerce relating to "Procedures Covering Suspension of Liquidation, Duties and Estimated Duties in Accord with Presidential Proclamation 10414" Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (56 - 41)
5/03 S J Res 9 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 "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status with Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment". Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (50 - 48)
5/02 HB 23-1233 Limits the State Electrical Board From Prohibiting the Installation of Electric Charging Stations Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)

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