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 6, 2024 FL HB 1291 Prohibits Higher Education Courses on Identity Politics Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
March 6, 2024 GA SB 237 Authorizes Student Loan Repayment for Peace Officers Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 1)
March 5, 2024 FL HB 1285 Amends K-12 Education Statutes Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
March 5, 2024 OR HB 4147 Authorizes Usage of Stop Arm Cameras on School Buses Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 4)
March 5, 2024 OR HB 4082 Appropriates $30 Million for State Summer Programs Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
March 5, 2024 OR HB 4164 Amends Sexual Misconduct Rules on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 3)
March 5, 2024 IN HB 1002 Defines Antisemitism as Discrimination on the Basis of the Jewish Religion Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 6)
March 5, 2024 IN HB 1179 Requires State Educational Institutions Disclose Certain Foreign Gifts and Contracts Received Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
March 5, 2024 DE SCR 119 Establishes Student Behavior and School Climate Task Forces Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (14 - 3)
March 5, 2024 AZ SB 1306 Establishes New Administrative Powers for the Arizona Board of Regents Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
March 5, 2024 AZ SB 1305 Requires Reporting of Course Requirements for Public Universities Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
March 5, 2024 AZ SB 1305 Requires Reporting of Course Requirements for Public Universities Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
March 4, 2024 WA SB 5462 Amends State Learning Standards to Include Education on the LGBTQ+ Community Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
March 4, 2024 WA SB 5824 Increases Legal Protections for State Public Libraries Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
March 4, 2024 OR SB 1532 Establishes a Plan for the Education of Students who are Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
March 4, 2024 IA SF 2196 Requires Schools Include Information on Vaccine Exemptions on Any Communications to Parents Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
March 1, 2024 WA HB 1368 Appropriates $80 Million from the Climate Commitment Act for Electric School Bus Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
March 1, 2024 FL SB 1264 Requires Public Schools Teach a History of Communism Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
March 1, 2024 FL SB 1264 Requires Public Schools Teach a History of Communism Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
Feb. 29, 2024 IN SB 202 Amends State University Tenure, Promotion and Diversity Policies Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 12)
Feb. 29, 2024 IN SB 1 Requires Third Graders Who Fail Certain Reading Standards be Held Back Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 16)
Feb. 29, 2024 AZ SB 1304 Amends Arizona State Board of Regents Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
Feb. 29, 2024 GA SB 390 Prohibits Use of Public Funds for Dues or Programs Associated with the American Library Association Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
Feb. 28, 2024 UT HB 119 Authorizes Incentives for Teachers to Conceal Carry in School Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 6)
Feb. 27, 2024 OR SB 1583 Prohibits School Boards Or Employees from Prohibiting Certain Materials Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
Feb. 26, 2024 AK SB 140 Increases Funding for Rural School Internet Access Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 1)
Feb. 26, 2024 AK SB 140 Increases Funding for Rural School Internet Access Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 1)
Feb. 26, 2024 VA HB 571 Amends Educational Curriculum Parental Consent Standards Regarding Sexually Explicit Material Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 26, 2024 WV SB 468 Amends Required Education Course to Include Human Growth and Development Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
Feb. 22, 2024 AL SB 129 Prohibits State Funding for Public University Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Offices, Programs, and Initiatives Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Feb. 22, 2024 AZ SB 1477 Authorizes Students to Allege Political Bias Against Professors Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
Feb. 22, 2024 ID S 1289 Establishes Standards for State Library Materials Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 18)
Feb. 21, 2024 OR SB 1502 Requires Most Public Schools and College Boards to Video Record Their Meetings Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1)
Feb. 21, 2024 KS SB 387 Amends Various State Educational Reforms and Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
Feb. 21, 2024 KS SB 387 Amends Various State Educational Reforms and Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
Feb. 21, 2024 ID S 1239 Amends Existing Laws to Revise Quorum Requirements for Meetings of School District Boards Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
Feb. 21, 2024 WV SB 727 Amends the Process for County Boards of Education to Hire Aides, Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teachers, and Secretaries Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
Feb. 21, 2024 SD SB 203 Authorizes Concealed Carry Permit Holders to Carry a Concealed Weapon on School Grounds with Permission Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
Feb. 20, 2024 WI SB 335 Reduces License Requirements for State School Administrators Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
Feb. 20, 2024 WI SB 608 Establishes a Pathway for Paraprofessionals to Obtain a Lifetime Teaching License Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
Feb. 20, 2024 WI SB 608 Establishes a Pathway for Paraprofessionals to Obtain a Lifetime Teaching License Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
Feb. 19, 2024 WY SF 9 Specifies Procedures for Requirements for School Districts to Report Certain Information to Parents Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 2)
Feb. 19, 2024 WV SB 292 Establishes the Hunger Free Campus Act Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
Feb. 13, 2024 WI AB 510 Establishes Parental Bill of Rights in Their Child's Religion, Medical care, Records and Education Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
Feb. 13, 2024 NM HB 151 Requires Public Colleges and Universities Include Material on Affirmative Consent in Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
Feb. 13, 2024 NM HB 151 Requires Public Colleges and Universities Include Material on Affirmative Consent in Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
Feb. 13, 2024 KY SB 6 Limits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training at Public Colleges and Universities Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Feb. 13, 2024 WI SB 367 Requires Automatic Enrollment to State Universities for All Top High School Students in the State Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
Feb. 13, 2024 WI SB 367 Requires Automatic Enrollment to State Universities for All Top High School Students in the State Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
Feb. 13, 2024 KY SB 6 Limits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training at Public Colleges and Universities Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Feb. 9, 2024 NM SB 176 Amends and Addresses Various Athletic Competition Changes Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
Feb. 8, 2024 WA SB 5849 Establishes Computer Science Competency as a High School Graduation Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 3)
Feb. 6, 2024 NE LB 285 Authorizes the School Community Eligibility Provision Maximization Act Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 10)
Feb. 6, 2024 IN SB 128 Prohibits Schools from Using Learning Materials for Instruction on Human Sexuality Without Board Approval Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
Feb. 6, 2024 NE LB 285 Authorizes the School Community Eligibility Provision Maximization Act Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 10)
Feb. 5, 2024 IN SB 147 Amends Property Tax Exemption for Property Used by a for-Profit of Early Child Education Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
Feb. 1, 2024 IN SB 1 Requires Third Graders Who Fail Certain Reading Standards be Held Back Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
Feb. 1, 2024 WA SB 5804 Requires Schools keep Opoid Overdose Reversal Medication Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Feb. 1, 2024 NM SB 153 Increases the Amount that is Annually Transferred to the Early Childhood Education and Care Program Fund Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
Feb. 1, 2024 NM SB 137 Increases School Board Training Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
Jan. 31, 2024 AK SB 88 Authorizes Choice On Pension Plans Available to Alaska Teachers for Retirement Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 5)
Jan. 26, 2024 KY SB 80 Prohibits College ID's as Valid Voter Identification Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
Jan. 25, 2024 UT HB 261 Repeals Diversity Training Programs Across All Public Education and Government Agencies in the State Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
Jan. 23, 2024 WV SB 280 Authorizes Intelligent Design to be Taught in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 2)
Jan. 23, 2024 WV SB 152 Requires the Phrase "In God We Trust" be Displayed in Public Schools and College Classrooms Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 1)
Jan. 9, 2024 DE SB 187 Requires that Education Professionals Receive Credit for Post-Secondary Degrees Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
Jan. 9, 2024 DE SB 188 Authorizes Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
Dec. 13, 2023 PA HB 301 Appropriates Millions for Various State Education Funding Costs Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
Dec. 13, 2023 PA SB 843 Amends Various Education Regulations and Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (45 - 5)
Dec. 11, 2023 NJ S 3044 Appropriates $15 Million to the DEP for Implementation of Electric School Bus Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
Nov. 15, 2023 National S J Res 43 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Improving Income Driven Repayment for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program". Bill Failed - Senate (49 - 50)
Nov. 7, 2023 MI SB 477 Repeals Pregnant and Parenting Student Service Office Prohibitions for Abortion Referrals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
Nov. 7, 2023 MI HB 4954 Amends the State School Aid Act of 1979 to Reflect Repealed Abortion Laws Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
Nov. 2, 2023 MI SB 174 Appropriates Supplemental Resources for School Aid Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 18)
Nov. 2, 2023 MI SB 174 Appropriates Supplemental Resources for School Aid Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 18)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/06 HB 1291 Prohibits Higher Education Courses on Identity Politics Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
3/06 SB 237 Authorizes Student Loan Repayment for Peace Officers Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 1)
3/05 HB 1285 Amends K-12 Education Statutes Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
3/05 HB 4147 Authorizes Usage of Stop Arm Cameras on School Buses Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 4)
3/05 HB 4082 Appropriates $30 Million for State Summer Programs Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
3/05 HB 4164 Amends Sexual Misconduct Rules on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 3)
3/05 HB 1002 Defines Antisemitism as Discrimination on the Basis of the Jewish Religion Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 6)
3/05 HB 1179 Requires State Educational Institutions Disclose Certain Foreign Gifts and Contracts Received Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
3/05 SCR 119 Establishes Student Behavior and School Climate Task Forces Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (14 - 3)
3/05 SB 1306 Establishes New Administrative Powers for the Arizona Board of Regents Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
3/05 SB 1305 Requires Reporting of Course Requirements for Public Universities Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
3/05 SB 1305 Requires Reporting of Course Requirements for Public Universities Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
3/04 SB 5462 Amends State Learning Standards to Include Education on the LGBTQ+ Community Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 20)
3/04 SB 5824 Increases Legal Protections for State Public Libraries Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
3/04 SB 1532 Establishes a Plan for the Education of Students who are Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
3/04 SF 2196 Requires Schools Include Information on Vaccine Exemptions on Any Communications to Parents Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
3/01 HB 1368 Appropriates $80 Million from the Climate Commitment Act for Electric School Bus Purchases Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
3/01 SB 1264 Requires Public Schools Teach a History of Communism Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
3/01 SB 1264 Requires Public Schools Teach a History of Communism Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
2/29 SB 202 Amends State University Tenure, Promotion and Diversity Policies Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 12)
2/29 SB 1 Requires Third Graders Who Fail Certain Reading Standards be Held Back Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 16)
2/29 SB 1304 Amends Arizona State Board of Regents Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
2/29 SB 390 Prohibits Use of Public Funds for Dues or Programs Associated with the American Library Association Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20)
2/28 HB 119 Authorizes Incentives for Teachers to Conceal Carry in School Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 6)
2/27 SB 1583 Prohibits School Boards Or Employees from Prohibiting Certain Materials Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
2/26 SB 140 Increases Funding for Rural School Internet Access Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 1)
2/26 SB 140 Increases Funding for Rural School Internet Access Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 1)
2/26 HB 571 Amends Educational Curriculum Parental Consent Standards Regarding Sexually Explicit Material Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/26 SB 468 Amends Required Education Course to Include Human Growth and Development Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
2/22 SB 129 Prohibits State Funding for Public University Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Offices, Programs, and Initiatives Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
2/22 SB 1477 Authorizes Students to Allege Political Bias Against Professors Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
2/22 S 1289 Establishes Standards for State Library Materials Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 18)
2/21 SB 1502 Requires Most Public Schools and College Boards to Video Record Their Meetings Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 1)
2/21 SB 387 Amends Various State Educational Reforms and Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
2/21 SB 387 Amends Various State Educational Reforms and Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 3)
2/21 S 1239 Amends Existing Laws to Revise Quorum Requirements for Meetings of School District Boards Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
2/21 SB 727 Amends the Process for County Boards of Education to Hire Aides, Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teachers, and Secretaries Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
2/21 SB 203 Authorizes Concealed Carry Permit Holders to Carry a Concealed Weapon on School Grounds with Permission Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
2/20 SB 335 Reduces License Requirements for State School Administrators Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
2/20 SB 608 Establishes a Pathway for Paraprofessionals to Obtain a Lifetime Teaching License Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
2/20 SB 608 Establishes a Pathway for Paraprofessionals to Obtain a Lifetime Teaching License Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
2/19 SF 9 Specifies Procedures for Requirements for School Districts to Report Certain Information to Parents Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 2)
2/19 SB 292 Establishes the Hunger Free Campus Act Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
2/13 AB 510 Establishes Parental Bill of Rights in Their Child's Religion, Medical care, Records and Education Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
2/13 HB 151 Requires Public Colleges and Universities Include Material on Affirmative Consent in Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
2/13 HB 151 Requires Public Colleges and Universities Include Material on Affirmative Consent in Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
2/13 SB 6 Limits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training at Public Colleges and Universities Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
2/13 SB 367 Requires Automatic Enrollment to State Universities for All Top High School Students in the State Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
2/13 SB 367 Requires Automatic Enrollment to State Universities for All Top High School Students in the State Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
2/13 SB 6 Limits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training at Public Colleges and Universities Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
2/09 SB 176 Amends and Addresses Various Athletic Competition Changes Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
2/08 SB 5849 Establishes Computer Science Competency as a High School Graduation Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 3)
2/06 LB 285 Authorizes the School Community Eligibility Provision Maximization Act Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 10)
2/06 SB 128 Prohibits Schools from Using Learning Materials for Instruction on Human Sexuality Without Board Approval Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
2/06 LB 285 Authorizes the School Community Eligibility Provision Maximization Act Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 10)
2/05 SB 147 Amends Property Tax Exemption for Property Used by a for-Profit of Early Child Education Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 9)
2/01 SB 1 Requires Third Graders Who Fail Certain Reading Standards be Held Back Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13)
2/01 SB 5804 Requires Schools keep Opoid Overdose Reversal Medication Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
2/01 SB 153 Increases the Amount that is Annually Transferred to the Early Childhood Education and Care Program Fund Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
2/01 SB 137 Increases School Board Training Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
1/31 SB 88 Authorizes Choice On Pension Plans Available to Alaska Teachers for Retirement Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 5)
1/26 SB 80 Prohibits College ID's as Valid Voter Identification Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
1/25 HB 261 Repeals Diversity Training Programs Across All Public Education and Government Agencies in the State Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
1/23 SB 280 Authorizes Intelligent Design to be Taught in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 2)
1/23 SB 152 Requires the Phrase "In God We Trust" be Displayed in Public Schools and College Classrooms Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 1)
1/09 SB 187 Requires that Education Professionals Receive Credit for Post-Secondary Degrees Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
1/09 SB 188 Authorizes Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
12/13 HB 301 Appropriates Millions for Various State Education Funding Costs Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 7)
12/13 SB 843 Amends Various Education Regulations and Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (45 - 5)
12/11 S 3044 Appropriates $15 Million to the DEP for Implementation of Electric School Bus Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
11/15 S J Res 43 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Improving Income Driven Repayment for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program". Bill Failed - Senate (49 - 50)
11/07 SB 477 Repeals Pregnant and Parenting Student Service Office Prohibitions for Abortion Referrals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
11/07 HB 4954 Amends the State School Aid Act of 1979 to Reflect Repealed Abortion Laws Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
11/02 SB 174 Appropriates Supplemental Resources for School Aid Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 18)
11/02 SB 174 Appropriates Supplemental Resources for School Aid Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 18)

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