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
June 14, 2024 National HR 8070 Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 Bill Passed - House (217 - 199)
June 13, 2024 NH HB 1292 Amends State Sanctuary City Policies Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
June 13, 2024 MA H 4744 Classifies Coercive Control as a Form of Domestic Violence Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 0)
June 13, 2024 CA AB 1955 Prohibits School Districts From Mandating Parental Notification of Student Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
June 13, 2024 RI H 7127 Establishes an Automated Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for Uncovered Workers Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
June 13, 2024 RI H 7532 Extends Minimum Wage Protections to Domestic Workers Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
June 13, 2024 RI H 7271 Authorizes the Appointment of Magistrates for Family Court Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
June 13, 2024 National S 4445 A bill to protect and expand nationwide access to fertility treatment, including in vitro fertilization. Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (48 - 47)
June 13, 2024 RI H 7532 Extends Minimum Wage Protections to Domestic Workers Bill Passed - House (60 - 6)
June 12, 2024 RI H 7304 Increases Advance Notice Requirements for Rent Increases from 30 to 120 Days for Individuals Aged 62 and Older Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
June 12, 2024 RI H 7382 Prohibits Zoning Regulations that Allow Less Than One Unrelated Individual per Bedroom to Live in a House Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
June 12, 2024 RI S 2045 Requires Private Sector Employers with 5 or more Employees Offer Retirement Plans Bill Passed - House (64 - 8)
June 12, 2024 MA H 4672 Amends the Legal Definition of Parentage Bill Passed - House (156 - 0)
June 12, 2024 National H Res 1292 Recommending that the House of Representatives find United States Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in Contempt of Congress for Refusal to Comply with a Subpoena Duly Issued by the Committee on the Judiciary Resolution Passed - House (216 - 207)
June 12, 2024 National H Res 1292 Recommending that the House of Representatives find United States Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in Contempt of Congress for Refusal to Comply with a Subpoena Duly Issued by the Committee on the Judiciary Resolution Passed - House (216 - 207)
June 11, 2024 RI H 8155 Amends and Simplifies Name Change Process Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
June 11, 2024 RI S 2121 Increases Eligible Benefits and Pay to Employees on Leave Bill Passed - House (62 - 8)
June 11, 2024 RI S 2045 Requires Private Sector Employers with 5 or more Employees Offer Retirement Plans Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
June 11, 2024 MI HB 5393 Increases the Maximum Time for a Juvenile to Complete the Terms of a Consent Calendar Case Plan Bill Passed - House (56 - 53)
June 11, 2024 RI H 7212 Authorizes Human Composting as an Alternative Form of Burial Bill Passed - House (52 - 20)
June 11, 2024 RI H 7127 Establishes an Automated Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for Uncovered Workers Bill Passed - House (65 - 8)
June 11, 2024 DE SB 254 Establishes the Delaware Grocery Initiative to Expand Healthy Food Access Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
June 7, 2024 NY S 8596 Expands Eligibility Under the Veterans Tuition Awards Program to All New York Residents Bill Passed - House (140 - 0)
June 6, 2024 RI H 7304 Increases Advance Notice Requirements for Rent Increases from 30 to 120 Days for Individuals Aged 62 and Older Bill Passed - House (56 - 13)
June 6, 2024 NY S 8596 Expands Eligibility Under the Veterans Tuition Awards Program to All New York Residents Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 0)
June 5, 2024 NC HB 834 Requires 16 and 17 Year-Olds be Sent to Adult Court for a Greater Range of Felonies Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 34)
June 5, 2024 National S 4381 Right to Contraception Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (51 - 39)
June 5, 2024 PA HB 2137 Establishes a Maternal and Newborn Support Program for New Parents Bill Passed - House (123 - 79)
June 5, 2024 PA HB 2137 Establishes a Maternal and Newborn Support Program for New Parents Bill Passed - House (123 - 79)
June 5, 2024 MA H 4707 Appropriates $6.5 Billion for State Affordable Housing Bonds Bill Passed - House (145 - 13)
June 4, 2024 RI S 2059 Authorizes Police and Firefighters with Documented PTSD to Retire, at Any Age, with Tax Free 2/3 Pay Pensions for Life Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
June 4, 2024 PA HB 851 Appropriates Funding for Public Schools to Distribute Menstrual Hygiene Products Free to Students Bill Passed - House (117 - 85)
June 3, 2024 LA SB 181 Expands Governor Authority Over State Employees Bill Not Tabled - House (68 - 30)
June 3, 2024 LA SB 181 Expands Governor Authority Over State Employees Bill Tabled - Senate (27 - 9)
June 3, 2024 NY A 1696 Expands Health Insurance Coverage for Breast Imaging Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 0)
May 30, 2024 LA HB 121 Requires Teachers get Parental Consent to Use a Student's Preferred Pronoun Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 31)
May 30, 2024 OK HB 2914 Establishes the Oklahoma Sheriff's Office Funding Assistance Grant Program Act of 2024 Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 1)
May 30, 2024 NY S 3257 Requires Entities that Submit Records to State Agencies Reapply for FOIL Exemption Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 18)
May 30, 2024 RI S 2225 Repeals Provisions that Estimate the Costs for Women Offenders that are Apart of a Community Corrections Program Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
May 29, 2024 OK SB 473 Establishes Judicial Offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City for Business Courts Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 8)
May 29, 2024 OK SB 473 Establishes Judicial Offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City for Business Courts Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 6)
May 29, 2024 LA HB 121 Requires Teachers get Parental Consent to Use a Student's Preferred Pronoun Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
May 29, 2024 OK HB 2923 Amends Salaries for Members of the State Board of Judges Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 2)
May 29, 2024 RI H 7382 Prohibits Zoning Regulations that Allow Less Than One Unrelated Individual per Bedroom to Live in a House Bill Passed - House (63 - 6)
May 28, 2024 IL HB 4926 Prohibits Landlords from Charging a Fee to Access a Tenant Screening Report Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 38)
May 28, 2024 LA SB 84 Specifies that if Final Amount Obtained by Plaintiff or Defendant is 25% in Favor of the Offering Party the Offering Party Must Pay Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
May 28, 2024 OK HB 2914 Establishes the Oklahoma Sheriff's Office Funding Assistance Grant Program Act of 2024 Bill Passed - House (89 - 6)
May 28, 2024 OK HB 2923 Amends Salaries for Members of the State Board of Judges Bill Passed - House (68 - 16)
May 25, 2024 IL HB 277 Requires Drivers Appearing in Court Have More Notice Before License Suspension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 36)
May 25, 2024 IL HB 2161 Prohibits Workplace Discrimination Based on Family Responsibilities Concurrence Vote Passed - House (74 - 29)
May 25, 2024 IL HB 5142 Establishes the Birth Equity Initiative to Assist Mothers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 35)
May 25, 2024 IL HB 4206 Authorizes Tenants to Pay Landlords Through Cash or Paper Check to Avoid Transaction Fees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 36)
May 24, 2024 IL SB 3081 Requires Public Universities Provide Information About Transfer Fee Waivers to Community College Students Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (58 - 0)
May 24, 2024 IL SB 3650 Amends Previous New Day-and-Temporary-Labor Requirements for Staffing Agencies and Third-Party Employers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 16)
May 24, 2024 IL SB 2643 Increases Regulations on the Chain of Custody for Human Remains Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
May 24, 2024 IL SB 3137 Requires Prompt notification of Deaths in Drug Rehabilitation Facilities Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
May 24, 2024 IL SB 3592 Establishes the Strengthening Community Media Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 16)
May 23, 2024 LA SB 84 Specifies that if Final Amount Obtained by Plaintiff or Defendant is 25% in Favor of the Offering Party the Offering Party Must Pay Bill Passed - House (68 - 20)
May 23, 2024 IL HB 5142 Establishes the Birth Equity Initiative to Assist Mothers Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19)
May 23, 2024 IL HB 4926 Prohibits Landlords from Charging a Fee to Access a Tenant Screening Report Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 17)
May 23, 2024 IL HB 277 Requires Drivers Appearing in Court Have More Notice Before License Suspension Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 15)
May 23, 2024 IL HB 2161 Prohibits Workplace Discrimination Based on Family Responsibilities Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
May 23, 2024 LA HB 122 Prohibits K-12 Teachers from Discussing Gender or Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
May 23, 2024 IL HB 5239 Expands Abortion Shield Laws so State and Local Authorities are Prohibited from Providing Information for Out-of-State Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 19)
May 23, 2024 IL SB 3310 Extends the Timeline for Employees to File Human Rights Charges Against Employers Bill Passed - House (72 - 39)
May 23, 2024 National S 4361 Border Act of 2024 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (43 - 50)
May 23, 2024 National HR 192 To prohibit individuals who are not citizens of the United States from voting in elections in the District of Columbia Bill Passed - House (262 - 143)
May 22, 2024 OH HB 50 Establishes a Mechanism to Allow Relief-Collateral Sanctions for Housing Concurrence Vote Passed - House (85 - 8)
May 22, 2024 NY S 5801 Amends Previous FOIL Laws to Award Attorney Fees to a Successful Petitioner in a FOIL Case Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 3)
May 22, 2024 IL SB 508 Prohibits Employers From Putting Stricter Work Authorization Verification Requirements than Required by Federal Law Bill Passed - House (73 - 38)
May 22, 2024 IL SB 2690 Requires Public Universities to Pay or Reimburse Refugee Transcript Evaluation Fees Bill Passed - House (87 - 22)
May 22, 2024 OH SB 63 Requires Individuals that Have Been Exposed to Asbestos to File Specific Types of Disclosures Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
May 22, 2024 CA SB 1299 Amends Section of Labor Code Regarding Workers' Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
May 22, 2024 CA AB 2421 Specifies that the Communications Between an Employee and Their Employee Representative Would not be Confidential in Certain Situations Bill Passed - House (61 - 0)
May 22, 2024 CA AB 2481 Requires Social Media Platforms Create a Process to Verify an Expansive List of Individuals as Verified Reporters Bill Passed - House (46 - 0)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/14 HR 8070 Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 Bill Passed - House (217 - 199)
6/13 HB 1292 Amends State Sanctuary City Policies Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
6/13 H 4744 Classifies Coercive Control as a Form of Domestic Violence Conference Report Adopted - Senate (38 - 0)
6/13 AB 1955 Prohibits School Districts From Mandating Parental Notification of Student Pronouns Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
6/13 H 7127 Establishes an Automated Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for Uncovered Workers Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
6/13 H 7532 Extends Minimum Wage Protections to Domestic Workers Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
6/13 H 7271 Authorizes the Appointment of Magistrates for Family Court Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
6/13 S 4445 A bill to protect and expand nationwide access to fertility treatment, including in vitro fertilization. Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (48 - 47)
6/13 H 7532 Extends Minimum Wage Protections to Domestic Workers Bill Passed - House (60 - 6)
6/12 H 7304 Increases Advance Notice Requirements for Rent Increases from 30 to 120 Days for Individuals Aged 62 and Older Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
6/12 H 7382 Prohibits Zoning Regulations that Allow Less Than One Unrelated Individual per Bedroom to Live in a House Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
6/12 S 2045 Requires Private Sector Employers with 5 or more Employees Offer Retirement Plans Bill Passed - House (64 - 8)
6/12 H 4672 Amends the Legal Definition of Parentage Bill Passed - House (156 - 0)
6/12 H Res 1292 Recommending that the House of Representatives find United States Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in Contempt of Congress for Refusal to Comply with a Subpoena Duly Issued by the Committee on the Judiciary Resolution Passed - House (216 - 207)
6/12 H Res 1292 Recommending that the House of Representatives find United States Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in Contempt of Congress for Refusal to Comply with a Subpoena Duly Issued by the Committee on the Judiciary Resolution Passed - House (216 - 207)
6/11 H 8155 Amends and Simplifies Name Change Process Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
6/11 S 2121 Increases Eligible Benefits and Pay to Employees on Leave Bill Passed - House (62 - 8)
6/11 S 2045 Requires Private Sector Employers with 5 or more Employees Offer Retirement Plans Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
6/11 HB 5393 Increases the Maximum Time for a Juvenile to Complete the Terms of a Consent Calendar Case Plan Bill Passed - House (56 - 53)
6/11 H 7212 Authorizes Human Composting as an Alternative Form of Burial Bill Passed - House (52 - 20)
6/11 H 7127 Establishes an Automated Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for Uncovered Workers Bill Passed - House (65 - 8)
6/11 SB 254 Establishes the Delaware Grocery Initiative to Expand Healthy Food Access Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
6/07 S 8596 Expands Eligibility Under the Veterans Tuition Awards Program to All New York Residents Bill Passed - House (140 - 0)
6/06 H 7304 Increases Advance Notice Requirements for Rent Increases from 30 to 120 Days for Individuals Aged 62 and Older Bill Passed - House (56 - 13)
6/06 S 8596 Expands Eligibility Under the Veterans Tuition Awards Program to All New York Residents Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 0)
6/05 HB 834 Requires 16 and 17 Year-Olds be Sent to Adult Court for a Greater Range of Felonies Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 34)
6/05 S 4381 Right to Contraception Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (51 - 39)
6/05 HB 2137 Establishes a Maternal and Newborn Support Program for New Parents Bill Passed - House (123 - 79)
6/05 HB 2137 Establishes a Maternal and Newborn Support Program for New Parents Bill Passed - House (123 - 79)
6/05 H 4707 Appropriates $6.5 Billion for State Affordable Housing Bonds Bill Passed - House (145 - 13)
6/04 S 2059 Authorizes Police and Firefighters with Documented PTSD to Retire, at Any Age, with Tax Free 2/3 Pay Pensions for Life Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
6/04 HB 851 Appropriates Funding for Public Schools to Distribute Menstrual Hygiene Products Free to Students Bill Passed - House (117 - 85)
6/03 SB 181 Expands Governor Authority Over State Employees Bill Not Tabled - House (68 - 30)
6/03 SB 181 Expands Governor Authority Over State Employees Bill Tabled - Senate (27 - 9)
6/03 A 1696 Expands Health Insurance Coverage for Breast Imaging Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 0)
5/30 HB 121 Requires Teachers get Parental Consent to Use a Student's Preferred Pronoun Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 31)
5/30 HB 2914 Establishes the Oklahoma Sheriff's Office Funding Assistance Grant Program Act of 2024 Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 1)
5/30 S 3257 Requires Entities that Submit Records to State Agencies Reapply for FOIL Exemption Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 18)
5/30 S 2225 Repeals Provisions that Estimate the Costs for Women Offenders that are Apart of a Community Corrections Program Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
5/29 SB 473 Establishes Judicial Offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City for Business Courts Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 8)
5/29 SB 473 Establishes Judicial Offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City for Business Courts Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 6)
5/29 HB 121 Requires Teachers get Parental Consent to Use a Student's Preferred Pronoun Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
5/29 HB 2923 Amends Salaries for Members of the State Board of Judges Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 2)
5/29 H 7382 Prohibits Zoning Regulations that Allow Less Than One Unrelated Individual per Bedroom to Live in a House Bill Passed - House (63 - 6)
5/28 HB 4926 Prohibits Landlords from Charging a Fee to Access a Tenant Screening Report Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 38)
5/28 SB 84 Specifies that if Final Amount Obtained by Plaintiff or Defendant is 25% in Favor of the Offering Party the Offering Party Must Pay Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
5/28 HB 2914 Establishes the Oklahoma Sheriff's Office Funding Assistance Grant Program Act of 2024 Bill Passed - House (89 - 6)
5/28 HB 2923 Amends Salaries for Members of the State Board of Judges Bill Passed - House (68 - 16)
5/25 HB 277 Requires Drivers Appearing in Court Have More Notice Before License Suspension Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 36)
5/25 HB 2161 Prohibits Workplace Discrimination Based on Family Responsibilities Concurrence Vote Passed - House (74 - 29)
5/25 HB 5142 Establishes the Birth Equity Initiative to Assist Mothers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 35)
5/25 HB 4206 Authorizes Tenants to Pay Landlords Through Cash or Paper Check to Avoid Transaction Fees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 36)
5/24 SB 3081 Requires Public Universities Provide Information About Transfer Fee Waivers to Community College Students Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (58 - 0)
5/24 SB 3650 Amends Previous New Day-and-Temporary-Labor Requirements for Staffing Agencies and Third-Party Employers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 16)
5/24 SB 2643 Increases Regulations on the Chain of Custody for Human Remains Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
5/24 SB 3137 Requires Prompt notification of Deaths in Drug Rehabilitation Facilities Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
5/24 SB 3592 Establishes the Strengthening Community Media Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 16)
5/23 SB 84 Specifies that if Final Amount Obtained by Plaintiff or Defendant is 25% in Favor of the Offering Party the Offering Party Must Pay Bill Passed - House (68 - 20)
5/23 HB 5142 Establishes the Birth Equity Initiative to Assist Mothers Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 19)
5/23 HB 4926 Prohibits Landlords from Charging a Fee to Access a Tenant Screening Report Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 17)
5/23 HB 277 Requires Drivers Appearing in Court Have More Notice Before License Suspension Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 15)
5/23 HB 2161 Prohibits Workplace Discrimination Based on Family Responsibilities Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
5/23 HB 122 Prohibits K-12 Teachers from Discussing Gender or Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
5/23 HB 5239 Expands Abortion Shield Laws so State and Local Authorities are Prohibited from Providing Information for Out-of-State Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 19)
5/23 SB 3310 Extends the Timeline for Employees to File Human Rights Charges Against Employers Bill Passed - House (72 - 39)
5/23 S 4361 Border Act of 2024 Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (43 - 50)
5/23 HR 192 To prohibit individuals who are not citizens of the United States from voting in elections in the District of Columbia Bill Passed - House (262 - 143)
5/22 HB 50 Establishes a Mechanism to Allow Relief-Collateral Sanctions for Housing Concurrence Vote Passed - House (85 - 8)
5/22 S 5801 Amends Previous FOIL Laws to Award Attorney Fees to a Successful Petitioner in a FOIL Case Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 3)
5/22 SB 508 Prohibits Employers From Putting Stricter Work Authorization Verification Requirements than Required by Federal Law Bill Passed - House (73 - 38)
5/22 SB 2690 Requires Public Universities to Pay or Reimburse Refugee Transcript Evaluation Fees Bill Passed - House (87 - 22)
5/22 SB 63 Requires Individuals that Have Been Exposed to Asbestos to File Specific Types of Disclosures Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
5/22 SB 1299 Amends Section of Labor Code Regarding Workers' Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
5/22 AB 2421 Specifies that the Communications Between an Employee and Their Employee Representative Would not be Confidential in Certain Situations Bill Passed - House (61 - 0)
5/22 AB 2481 Requires Social Media Platforms Create a Process to Verify an Expansive List of Individuals as Verified Reporters Bill Passed - House (46 - 0)

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