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
Feb. 4, 2021 KY HB 258 Requires Teachers to Pay More Toward Their Retirement and Work Longer Before They Can Earn Full Benefits Bill Passed - House (68 - 28)
Feb. 3, 2021 SC H 3589 Authorizes School Districts to Incorporate Multiple Schools in One District Bill Passed - House (81 - 32)
Feb. 3, 2021 ND SB 2308 Authorizes Public Schools to Display the 10 Commandments in Classrooms Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
Feb. 2, 2021 KY HB 1 Authorizes Businesses, Organizations, and Schools to Remain Open if they are Following CDC Guidelines Regardless of Governor Mandate Veto Override Passed - House (72 - 22)
Feb. 2, 2021 NY A 2574 Establishes the State University of New York as an Automatic Voter Registration Location Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
Feb. 2, 2021 IA HF 228 Prohibits Open Enrollment Rejections Via Diversity Plans Bill Passed - House (56 - 32)
Feb. 2, 2021 IN SB 2 Amends the Definition of What Constitutes "Virtual Instruction" Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
Feb. 1, 2021 VA SB 1387 Expands Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 28, 2021 IA SF 160 Requires Schools Provide a 100 Percent In-Person Learning Option Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
Jan. 28, 2021 IA SF 160 Requires Schools Provide a 100 Percent In-Person Learning Option Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
Jan. 28, 2021 IA SF 159 Authorizes Publicly Funded School Voucher Credits for Students to Attend Private Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
Jan. 28, 2021 IA SF 160 Requires Schools Provide a 100 Percent In-Person Learning Option Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
Jan. 28, 2021 IA SF 160 Requires Schools Provide a 100 Percent In-Person Learning Option Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
Jan. 28, 2021 IA SF 159 Authorizes Publicly Funded School Voucher Credits for Students to Attend Private Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
Jan. 28, 2021 VA HB 1930 Prohibits Public Institutions of Higher Education from Asking About an Individual's Criminal Record During the Application Process and From Denying Admission Based on Criminal History. Bill Passed - House (58 - 42)
Jan. 28, 2021 VA HB 1930 Prohibits Public Institutions of Higher Education from Asking About an Individual's Criminal Record During the Application Process and From Denying Admission Based on Criminal History. Bill Passed - House (58 - 42)
Jan. 27, 2021 VA HB 1909 Establishes Gun-Free Zones on School Board Property Bill Passed - House (55 - 44)
Jan. 27, 2021 WA SB 5044 Requires Anti-Racism and Equity Training in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
Jan. 27, 2021 MT HB 112 Requires Student Athletes to Participate Under Sex Assigned at Birth Bill Passed - House (61 - 38)
Jan. 26, 2021 NY A 2574 Establishes the State University of New York as an Automatic Voter Registration Location Bill Passed - House (99 - 51)
Jan. 21, 2021 TN SB 7001 Rescinds Teacher Accountability Measures Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
Jan. 21, 2021 TN HB 7004 Requires Addressing Learning Losses and Negative Effects on Student Proficiency Due to COVID-19 Bill Passed - House (66 - 24)
Jan. 21, 2021 CA SB 86 Appropriates $6.5 Billion for In Person Learning Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 1)
Jan. 15, 2021 CA AB 86 Appropriates Funding to Reopen Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - House (48 - 13)
Jan. 11, 2021 IL HB 2170 Amends Public School Curriculum to Emphasize Black and Minority Group Contributions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 41)
Jan. 11, 2021 NJ A 4454 Requires School Districts to Include Instruction on Diversity and Inclusion as Part of New Education Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 29)
Jan. 11, 2021 IL HB 2170 Amends Public School Curriculum to Emphasize Black and Minority Group Contributions Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 18)
Jan. 11, 2021 IL HB 2275 Repeals Section 4.5 of Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 16)
Jan. 9, 2021 KY HB 1 Authorizes Businesses, Organizations, and Schools to Remain Open if they are Following CDC Guidelines Regardless of Governor Mandate Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
Dec. 21, 2020 OR HB 4402 Establishes Liability Immunity from COVID-19 Related Lawsuits for Schools Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 4)
Dec. 18, 2020 MI HB 4223 Requires Dental Screenings for Children Attending Public School Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
Dec. 17, 2020 NJ A 4454 Requires School Districts to Include Instruction on Diversity and Inclusion as Part of New Education Standards Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
Dec. 3, 2020 OH HB 231 Requires Public Schools Establish a Food Allergy Training Program Bill Passed - House (95 - 1)
Dec. 3, 2020 OH HB 305 Authorizes Alternative Funding Methods for Public Schools Bill Passed - House (87 - 9)
Dec. 2, 2020 CO HB 20B-1001 Appropriates Funds for Grants to Improve Broadband Internet Access for Preschool Education Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 10)
Dec. 2, 2020 OH SB 40 Prohibits State Universities from Enacting Limitations on Campus Free Speech Bill Passed - House (66 - 27)
Nov. 20, 2020 National HR 8294 National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 Bill Passed - House (246 - 140)
Nov. 19, 2020 OH SB 89 Authorizes EdChoice Expansion in School Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - House (53 - 36)
Nov. 19, 2020 OH HB 310 Increases Penalties for Bullying and Hazing Bill Passed - House (74 - 14)
Nov. 18, 2020 PA SB 1216 Authorizes the Issuance of Temporary Teaching Certificates Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Nov. 18, 2020 OH SB 89 Authorizes EdChoice Expansion in School Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 8)
Nov. 18, 2020 OH SB 317 Authorizes Teachers to Carry Firearms on School Grounds if Approved by the School Board Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
Nov. 16, 2020 NJ A 4410 Establishes the Community College Opportunity Grant Program Bill Passed - House (52 - 18)
Oct. 29, 2020 NJ A 4545 Requires Instruction on Racial Discrimination, Social Justice, Diversity, and Inclusion Bill Passed - House (56 - 7)
Oct. 12, 2020 LA SB 31 Prohibits the Use of Statewide Assessments to Evaluate Teacher Performance or Student Placement in the 2020-2021 School Year Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
Oct. 12, 2020 LA SB 31 Prohibits the Use of Statewide Assessments to Evaluate Teacher Performance or Student Placement in the 2020-2021 School Year Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
Sept. 23, 2020 MI SB 927 Authorizes an Increase in Funding for Education Conference Report Adopted - House (103 - 2)
Sept. 23, 2020 MI SB 927 Authorizes an Increase in Funding for Education Conference Report Adopted - House (103 - 2)
Sept. 23, 2020 MI SB 927 Authorizes an Increase in Funding for Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 1)
Sept. 23, 2020 MI SB 927 Authorizes an Increase in Funding for Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 1)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/04 HB 258 Requires Teachers to Pay More Toward Their Retirement and Work Longer Before They Can Earn Full Benefits Bill Passed - House (68 - 28)
2/03 H 3589 Authorizes School Districts to Incorporate Multiple Schools in One District Bill Passed - House (81 - 32)
2/03 SB 2308 Authorizes Public Schools to Display the 10 Commandments in Classrooms Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
2/02 HB 1 Authorizes Businesses, Organizations, and Schools to Remain Open if they are Following CDC Guidelines Regardless of Governor Mandate Veto Override Passed - House (72 - 22)
2/02 A 2574 Establishes the State University of New York as an Automatic Voter Registration Location Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
2/02 HF 228 Prohibits Open Enrollment Rejections Via Diversity Plans Bill Passed - House (56 - 32)
2/02 SB 2 Amends the Definition of What Constitutes "Virtual Instruction" Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 6)
2/01 SB 1387 Expands Financial Aid for Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/28 SF 160 Requires Schools Provide a 100 Percent In-Person Learning Option Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
1/28 SF 160 Requires Schools Provide a 100 Percent In-Person Learning Option Bill Passed - House (59 - 39)
1/28 SF 159 Authorizes Publicly Funded School Voucher Credits for Students to Attend Private Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
1/28 SF 160 Requires Schools Provide a 100 Percent In-Person Learning Option Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
1/28 SF 160 Requires Schools Provide a 100 Percent In-Person Learning Option Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
1/28 SF 159 Authorizes Publicly Funded School Voucher Credits for Students to Attend Private Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
1/28 HB 1930 Prohibits Public Institutions of Higher Education from Asking About an Individual's Criminal Record During the Application Process and From Denying Admission Based on Criminal History. Bill Passed - House (58 - 42)
1/28 HB 1930 Prohibits Public Institutions of Higher Education from Asking About an Individual's Criminal Record During the Application Process and From Denying Admission Based on Criminal History. Bill Passed - House (58 - 42)
1/27 HB 1909 Establishes Gun-Free Zones on School Board Property Bill Passed - House (55 - 44)
1/27 SB 5044 Requires Anti-Racism and Equity Training in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
1/27 HB 112 Requires Student Athletes to Participate Under Sex Assigned at Birth Bill Passed - House (61 - 38)
1/26 A 2574 Establishes the State University of New York as an Automatic Voter Registration Location Bill Passed - House (99 - 51)
1/21 SB 7001 Rescinds Teacher Accountability Measures Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
1/21 HB 7004 Requires Addressing Learning Losses and Negative Effects on Student Proficiency Due to COVID-19 Bill Passed - House (66 - 24)
1/21 SB 86 Appropriates $6.5 Billion for In Person Learning Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 1)
1/15 AB 86 Appropriates Funding to Reopen Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - House (48 - 13)
1/11 HB 2170 Amends Public School Curriculum to Emphasize Black and Minority Group Contributions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (69 - 41)
1/11 A 4454 Requires School Districts to Include Instruction on Diversity and Inclusion as Part of New Education Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 29)
1/11 HB 2170 Amends Public School Curriculum to Emphasize Black and Minority Group Contributions Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 18)
1/11 HB 2275 Repeals Section 4.5 of Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 16)
1/09 HB 1 Authorizes Businesses, Organizations, and Schools to Remain Open if they are Following CDC Guidelines Regardless of Governor Mandate Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
12/21 HB 4402 Establishes Liability Immunity from COVID-19 Related Lawsuits for Schools Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 4)
12/18 HB 4223 Requires Dental Screenings for Children Attending Public School Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
12/17 A 4454 Requires School Districts to Include Instruction on Diversity and Inclusion as Part of New Education Standards Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
12/03 HB 231 Requires Public Schools Establish a Food Allergy Training Program Bill Passed - House (95 - 1)
12/03 HB 305 Authorizes Alternative Funding Methods for Public Schools Bill Passed - House (87 - 9)
12/02 HB 20B-1001 Appropriates Funds for Grants to Improve Broadband Internet Access for Preschool Education Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 10)
12/02 SB 40 Prohibits State Universities from Enacting Limitations on Campus Free Speech Bill Passed - House (66 - 27)
11/20 HR 8294 National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 Bill Passed - House (246 - 140)
11/19 SB 89 Authorizes EdChoice Expansion in School Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - House (53 - 36)
11/19 HB 310 Increases Penalties for Bullying and Hazing Bill Passed - House (74 - 14)
11/18 SB 1216 Authorizes the Issuance of Temporary Teaching Certificates Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
11/18 SB 89 Authorizes EdChoice Expansion in School Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 8)
11/18 SB 317 Authorizes Teachers to Carry Firearms on School Grounds if Approved by the School Board Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
11/16 A 4410 Establishes the Community College Opportunity Grant Program Bill Passed - House (52 - 18)
10/29 A 4545 Requires Instruction on Racial Discrimination, Social Justice, Diversity, and Inclusion Bill Passed - House (56 - 7)
10/12 SB 31 Prohibits the Use of Statewide Assessments to Evaluate Teacher Performance or Student Placement in the 2020-2021 School Year Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
10/12 SB 31 Prohibits the Use of Statewide Assessments to Evaluate Teacher Performance or Student Placement in the 2020-2021 School Year Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
9/23 SB 927 Authorizes an Increase in Funding for Education Conference Report Adopted - House (103 - 2)
9/23 SB 927 Authorizes an Increase in Funding for Education Conference Report Adopted - House (103 - 2)
9/23 SB 927 Authorizes an Increase in Funding for Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 1)
9/23 SB 927 Authorizes an Increase in Funding for Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 1)

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