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, 2016 CA SB 3 Increases Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
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 23, 2016 NC HB 2 Requires Individuals to Use Bathroom of Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
March 23, 2016 KS SB 469 Amends Labor Union Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
March 22, 2016 KS SB 439 Specifies Qualifications for Impeachment Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
March 17, 2016 NE LB 83 Prohibits Wage Discrimination in Small Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
March 16, 2016 GA HB 757 Authorizes Religious Officials to Decline to Perform Certain Ceremonies Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 18)
March 14, 2016 National PN 1152 Nomination of John B. King to be Secretary of Education Nomination Confirmed - Senate (49 - 40)
March 14, 2016 National PN 1152 Nomination of John B. King to be Secretary of Education Nomination Confirmed - Senate (49 - 40)
March 10, 2016 MO SJR 39 Prohibits Penalties for Declining Participation in Same-Sex Marriage Ceremonies Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
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 HI SB 2615 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 2)
March 7, 2016 UT SB 179 Authorizes State to Enforce Payment of Child Support Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 9)
March 3, 2016 FL HB 43 Authorizes Churches to Decline to Provide Certain Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
March 3, 2016 IL HB 580 Requires Mediation of Expired State Collective Bargaining Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 17)
March 3, 2016 MS SB 2306 Prohibits Establishment of Sanctuary Cities Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
March 2, 2016 UT SB 107 Amends Definition of a Hate Crime Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 17)
March 2, 2016 IA SF 2252 Requires Accommodations for Employees During Pregnancy Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
March 1, 2016 MO HB 1891 Prohibits the Collection of Union Dues without Written Authorization Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
Feb. 29, 2016 GA SB 6 Establishes Driving Safety Cards for Certain Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
Feb. 29, 2016 IA SF 2222 Authorizes Pharmacists to Dispense Over-the-Counter Birth Control Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 22)
Feb. 25, 2016 AL HB 174 Prohibits Local Governments from Establishing Wage or Employee Benefits Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
Feb. 24, 2016 UT SJR 2 Urges Congress to Repeal the 17th Amendment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
Feb. 23, 2016 FL SB 250 Requires Legal Presumption of Equal Time-Sharing for Parental Custody Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Feb. 22, 2016 TN SJR 467 Urges Attorney General to File Lawsuit in Relation to Refugee Resettlement Program Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 5)
Feb. 22, 2016 AZ SB 1377 Establishes Criminal Sentencing Requirements for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
Feb. 22, 2016 AZ SB 1378 Prohibits the State Treasurer from Allocating Funds to "Sanctuary Cities" Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 16)
Feb. 22, 2016 CO SB 70 Prohibits Employers from Requiring Union Membership Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
Feb. 19, 2016 GA HB 757 Authorizes Religious Officials to Decline to Perform Certain Ceremonies Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 14)
Feb. 18, 2016 KY SB 5 Establishes Separate Marriage License for Same-Sex Couples Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
Feb. 16, 2016 SD HB 1008 Prohibits Students from Using School Restrooms Designated for the Opposite Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
Feb. 16, 2016 WI SB 533 Prohibits Local Governments from Issuing Identification Cards Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
Feb. 12, 2016 WV SB 1 Prohibits Employers from Requiring Union Membership Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
Feb. 12, 2016 VA SB 41 Prohibits State from Requiring Religious Organizations to Solemnize Certain Marriages Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 19)
Feb. 11, 2016 OR SB 1532 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
Feb. 10, 2016 WA SB 6443 Repeals Rule Authorizing Use of Bathrooms Consistent with Gender Identity Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 25)
Feb. 9, 2016 VA SB 270 Requires Cities to Enforce Federal Immigration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 9, 2016 VA SB 705 Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrant Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 5, 2016 WV SB 1 Prohibits Employers from Requiring Union Membership Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
Feb. 4, 2016 WV HB 4005 Repeals Hourly Wage Requirements for Workers on Public Improvement Projects Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
Feb. 2, 2016 UT SB 59 Requires Employers Provide Certain Accommodations Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 9)
Feb. 2, 2016 IN SB 220 Classifies an Offense Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity as Aggravating Circumstance Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
Jan. 29, 2016 VA SB 12 Prohibits Discrimination in Public Employment Based on Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Jan. 29, 2016 VA SB 67 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation in Housing Practices Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Jan. 26, 2016 VA SJ 1 Authorizes Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Jan. 25, 2016 TN SB 151 Prohibits Automatic Deduction from Teachers' Paychecks for Union Dues Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
Jan. 21, 2016 WV SB 1 Prohibits Employers from Requiring Union Membership Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
Jan. 19, 2016 National PN 367 Nomination of Wilhelmina Wright to Be U.S. District Judge Nomination Confirmed - Senate (58 - 36)
Oct. 20, 2015 National S 2146 Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
Oct. 7, 2015 National HR 1735 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (70 - 27)
Sept. 28, 2015 NC HB 318 Prohibits Local Governments from Recognizing Identity Documents issued by Foreign Governments Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 17)
Sept. 16, 2015 MO HB 150 Limits Duration of Unemployment Benefits Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
Sept. 10, 2015 CA AB 329 Requires Age Appropriate Comprehensive Sex Education Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
Aug. 19, 2015 IL SB 1229 Establishes Arbitration Procedure For Labor Disputes Veto Override Passed - Senate (38 - 15)
July 3, 2015 OR SB 932 Authorizes Financial Aid for Undocumented Students Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
June 25, 2015 RI H 5364 Increases Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
June 25, 2015 OR SB 932 Authorizes Financial Aid for Undocumented Students Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
June 16, 2015 DE HB 115 Authorizes Individuals to Change Name Based on Gender-Related Identity Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 5)
June 11, 2015 RI H 5074 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
June 3, 2015 AL SB 71 Increases Cumulative Cap on Tax Credits Available for Scholarship Donations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 14)
June 3, 2015 CA SB 548 Authorizes Child Care Workers to Form Unions Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
June 3, 2015 CA SB 548 Authorizes Child Care Workers to Form Unions Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
June 2, 2015 CA SB 4 Expands Health Care Coverage to Certain Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
June 1, 2015 NC SB 2 Authorizes Officials to Not Perform Certain Marriage Duties Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
June 1, 2015 CA SB 3 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
May 30, 2015 IL SB 1229 Establishes Arbitration Procedure For Labor Disputes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 17)
May 29, 2015 IL HB 217 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 19)
May 29, 2015 CT HB 6844 Amends Eligibility Requirements for In-State Tuition Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
May 20, 2015 CT SB 1090 Expands Tribal Gaming Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
May 16, 2015 NV AB 193 Authorizes a Court of Law to Admit Hearsay as Evidence Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 8)
May 12, 2015 MO HB 116 Prohibits Mandatory Enrollment In Labor Unions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
May 12, 2015 TX SB 2065 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
May 7, 2015 OR HB 2307 Prohibits Conversion Therapy on Minors Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
May 7, 2015 TX SB 1968 Prohibits Wage Deductions for State Employee Union Dues Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/31 SB 3 Increases Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
3/30 HB 1523 Establishes Protections for Religious Beliefs or Moral Convictions Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
3/24 HB 2451 Amends Requirements for Release of Undocumented Inmates Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
3/23 HB 2 Requires Individuals to Use Bathroom of Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
3/23 SB 469 Amends Labor Union Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
3/22 SB 439 Specifies Qualifications for Impeachment Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
3/17 LB 83 Prohibits Wage Discrimination in Small Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
3/16 HB 757 Authorizes Religious Officials to Decline to Perform Certain Ceremonies Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 18)
3/14 PN 1152 Nomination of John B. King to be Secretary of Education Nomination Confirmed - Senate (49 - 40)
3/14 PN 1152 Nomination of John B. King to be Secretary of Education Nomination Confirmed - Senate (49 - 40)
3/10 SJR 39 Prohibits Penalties for Declining Participation in Same-Sex Marriage Ceremonies Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
3/08 SF 2284 Amends Definition of Hate Crime to Include Gender Identity or Expression Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
3/08 SB 2615 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 2)
3/07 SB 179 Authorizes State to Enforce Payment of Child Support Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 9)
3/03 HB 43 Authorizes Churches to Decline to Provide Certain Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
3/03 HB 580 Requires Mediation of Expired State Collective Bargaining Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 17)
3/03 SB 2306 Prohibits Establishment of Sanctuary Cities Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
3/02 SB 107 Amends Definition of a Hate Crime Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 17)
3/02 SF 2252 Requires Accommodations for Employees During Pregnancy Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
3/01 HB 1891 Prohibits the Collection of Union Dues without Written Authorization Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
2/29 SB 6 Establishes Driving Safety Cards for Certain Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
2/29 SF 2222 Authorizes Pharmacists to Dispense Over-the-Counter Birth Control Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 22)
2/25 HB 174 Prohibits Local Governments from Establishing Wage or Employee Benefits Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
2/24 SJR 2 Urges Congress to Repeal the 17th Amendment Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
2/23 SB 250 Requires Legal Presumption of Equal Time-Sharing for Parental Custody Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
2/22 SJR 467 Urges Attorney General to File Lawsuit in Relation to Refugee Resettlement Program Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (27 - 5)
2/22 SB 1377 Establishes Criminal Sentencing Requirements for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
2/22 SB 1378 Prohibits the State Treasurer from Allocating Funds to "Sanctuary Cities" Bill Failed - Senate (14 - 16)
2/22 SB 70 Prohibits Employers from Requiring Union Membership Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
2/19 HB 757 Authorizes Religious Officials to Decline to Perform Certain Ceremonies Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 14)
2/18 SB 5 Establishes Separate Marriage License for Same-Sex Couples Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
2/16 HB 1008 Prohibits Students from Using School Restrooms Designated for the Opposite Biological Sex Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
2/16 SB 533 Prohibits Local Governments from Issuing Identification Cards Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
2/12 SB 1 Prohibits Employers from Requiring Union Membership Veto Override Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
2/12 SB 41 Prohibits State from Requiring Religious Organizations to Solemnize Certain Marriages Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 19)
2/11 SB 1532 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
2/10 SB 6443 Repeals Rule Authorizing Use of Bathrooms Consistent with Gender Identity Bill Failed - Senate (24 - 25)
2/09 SB 270 Requires Cities to Enforce Federal Immigration Laws Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/09 SB 705 Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrant Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/05 SB 1 Prohibits Employers from Requiring Union Membership Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
2/04 HB 4005 Repeals Hourly Wage Requirements for Workers on Public Improvement Projects Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
2/02 SB 59 Requires Employers Provide Certain Accommodations Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 9)
2/02 SB 220 Classifies an Offense Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity as Aggravating Circumstance Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
1/29 SB 12 Prohibits Discrimination in Public Employment Based on Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
1/29 SB 67 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation in Housing Practices Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
1/26 SJ 1 Authorizes Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
1/25 SB 151 Prohibits Automatic Deduction from Teachers' Paychecks for Union Dues Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
1/21 SB 1 Prohibits Employers from Requiring Union Membership Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
1/19 PN 367 Nomination of Wilhelmina Wright to Be U.S. District Judge Nomination Confirmed - Senate (58 - 36)
10/20 S 2146 Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
10/07 HR 1735 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (70 - 27)
9/28 HB 318 Prohibits Local Governments from Recognizing Identity Documents issued by Foreign Governments Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 17)
9/16 HB 150 Limits Duration of Unemployment Benefits Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
9/10 AB 329 Requires Age Appropriate Comprehensive Sex Education Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
8/19 SB 1229 Establishes Arbitration Procedure For Labor Disputes Veto Override Passed - Senate (38 - 15)
7/03 SB 932 Authorizes Financial Aid for Undocumented Students Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
6/25 H 5364 Increases Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
6/25 SB 932 Authorizes Financial Aid for Undocumented Students Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
6/16 HB 115 Authorizes Individuals to Change Name Based on Gender-Related Identity Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 5)
6/11 H 5074 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
6/03 SB 71 Increases Cumulative Cap on Tax Credits Available for Scholarship Donations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 14)
6/03 SB 548 Authorizes Child Care Workers to Form Unions Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
6/03 SB 548 Authorizes Child Care Workers to Form Unions Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
6/02 SB 4 Expands Health Care Coverage to Certain Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
6/01 SB 2 Authorizes Officials to Not Perform Certain Marriage Duties Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
6/01 SB 3 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
5/30 SB 1229 Establishes Arbitration Procedure For Labor Disputes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 17)
5/29 HB 217 Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy for Minors Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 19)
5/29 HB 6844 Amends Eligibility Requirements for In-State Tuition Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
5/20 SB 1090 Expands Tribal Gaming Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
5/16 AB 193 Authorizes a Court of Law to Admit Hearsay as Evidence Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 8)
5/12 HB 116 Prohibits Mandatory Enrollment In Labor Unions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
5/12 SB 2065 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Decline to Perform Marriage Services Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
5/07 HB 2307 Prohibits Conversion Therapy on Minors Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
5/07 SB 1968 Prohibits Wage Deductions for State Employee Union Dues Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)

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