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 5, 2020 WA HB 2311 Requires State Greenhouse Gas Emissions be Reduced to Zero by 2050 Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
March 5, 2020 NJ S 864 Prohibits Single-Use Plastic Bags and Styrofoam Containers Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
March 5, 2020 AL SB 219 Establishes a Felony for Doctors that Perform Gender Reassignment Treatment to Individuals Under the Age of 19 Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 3)
March 3, 2020 HI SB 2793 Classifies the Promotion of a Dangerous Drug as a Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 9)
March 3, 2020 MD SB 300 Prohibits Use of Chlorpyrifos Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
March 3, 2020 HI SB 75 Appropriates Funds to the Departments of Health, Transportation, and Defense to Help Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 0)
March 2, 2020 NY S 7919 Appropriates Funds for COVID-19 Coronavirus Response Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 4)
Feb. 28, 2020 CO SB 20-163 Amends the Definition for Nonmedical Exemptions for School Immunization Policies Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
Feb. 27, 2020 MA H 4502 Appropriates Funds for the Executive Office of Education to Contain, Treat, and Prevent COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
Feb. 26, 2020 OK SB 1606 Amends Responsibility for Transport for Individuals in Custody Experiencing Mental Distress Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 0)
Feb. 26, 2020 SD SB 96 Repeals the Lifetime Ban on Drug Felons Receiving TANF Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
Feb. 25, 2020 WV SB 284 Establishes a West Virginia Patient Protection Program Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
Feb. 24, 2020 VA HB 980 Establishes the "Reproductive Health Protection Act" Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
Feb. 18, 2020 NM HB 100 Amends Health Insurance Exchange Role to Expand Access to Healthcare Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 14)
Feb. 18, 2020 WA SB 6087 Establishes Cost-Sharing Requirements for Coverage of Insulin Products Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
Feb. 18, 2020 NM SB 2 Establishes an Electric Vehicle Tax Credit Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 18)
Feb. 15, 2020 NM SB 131 Increases Legal Age to Buy Tobacco Products to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
Feb. 12, 2020 AZ SB 1160 Increases Cancer Coverage for Firefighters Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 4)
Feb. 12, 2020 KY SB 30 Limits the Number of Companies that Oversee State's Medicaid Program Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
Feb. 7, 2020 MD SB 147 Prohibits the Purchase, Distribution, or Sale of Kratom Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
Feb. 3, 2020 IN SB 438 Establishes Regulations for Pesticides Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
Jan. 29, 2020 FL SB 172 Prohibits Local Governments from Prohibiting Certain Drugs and Cosmetics Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
Jan. 29, 2020 KS SCR 1613 Establishes a State Constitutional Amendment Specifying that Abortion Shall Not Be Constitutionally Protected Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
Jan. 22, 2020 VA SB 318 Reduces Number of Balloons that Can be Released per Hour Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
Jan. 16, 2020 MA H 4218 Requires School Districts Offer Breakfast After Instruction Begins Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
Jan. 8, 2020 MI SB 340 Establishes Remote Pharmacy Locations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
Nov. 20, 2019 PA HB 321 Prohibits Abortions Based on a Diagnosis of Down Syndrome Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
Nov. 7, 2019 MI SB 174 Extends Deadline for 100 Percent Cage-Free Eggs Requirement Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
Nov. 6, 2019 OH SB 155 Requires Potential Abortion Reversal Drugs be made Available Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
Nov. 6, 2019 OH SB 208 Establishes Requirements for Abortions Resulting in Premature Birth Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
Oct. 29, 2019 IL SB 667 Limits the Cost of Insulin to $100 per 30-day Supply Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 7)
Oct. 29, 2019 IL SB 667 Limits the Cost of Insulin to $100 per 30-day Supply Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 7)
Oct. 29, 2019 IL SB 1864 Prohibits Use of Vaping Devices in Public Areas Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 11)
Oct. 24, 2019 MI SB 174 Extends Deadline for 100 Percent Cage-Free Eggs Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
Oct. 17, 2019 National S J Res 53 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 "Repeal of the Clean Power Plan; Emission Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Existing Electric Utility Generating Units; Revisions to Emission Guidelines Implementing Regulations" Bill Failed - Senate (41 - 53)
Sept. 13, 2019 CA AB 792 Increases Recycled Plastics Percentages Used in Plastic Beverage Bottles Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
Sept. 11, 2019 CA SB 8 Prohibits Smoking at Public Parks and Beaches Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
Sept. 11, 2019 CA SB 8 Prohibits Smoking at Public Parks and Beaches Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
Sept. 11, 2019 CA AB 824 Prohibits Pharmaceutical Companies from Using "Pay for Delay" Practices Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
Sept. 11, 2019 CA AB 936 Amends Environmental Protections Relating to Heavy Crude Oils Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
Sept. 10, 2019 NC SB 553 Establishes the Regulatory Reform Act of 2019 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 14)
Sept. 9, 2019 CA AB 521 Authorizes Healthcare Professions be Trained to Reduce Firearm-Related Injuries Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
Sept. 9, 2019 CA AB 414 Establishes a Statewide Individual Mandate Program for Health Insurance Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 1)
Sept. 9, 2019 CA AB 414 Establishes a Statewide Individual Mandate Program for Health Insurance Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 1)
Sept. 5, 2019 CA AB 1162 Prohibits Single-Use Plastics for Personal Care Products at Lodging Establishments Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
Sept. 4, 2019 CA AB 500 Requires Paid Maternity Leave for California Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
Sept. 3, 2019 CA AB 624 Requires Listing a Sexual Assault Hotline and Reproductive Health Care Telephone Numbers on Student Identification Cards Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
Aug. 30, 2019 CA SB 223 Authorizes Medical Cannabis on K-12 Campuses Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
Aug. 13, 2019 NC SB 86 Establishes Standards for Association Health Plans and Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 9)
July 17, 2019 OH HB 6 Amends Clean Energy Standards Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
July 8, 2019 CA AB 1054 Establishes Wildfire Victim Compensation Fund Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
June 30, 2019 OR HB 2007 Reduces Number of Diesel Trucks Allowed in Specified Counties Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
June 27, 2019 NH HB 582 Establishes a Greenhouse Gas Rebate Program Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
June 27, 2019 NH HB 326 Expands Protections for Wetlands Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 8)
June 27, 2019 NJ A 3726 Requires Food Waste Recycling Programs Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
June 27, 2019 NJ A 3726 Requires Food Waste Recycling Programs Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
June 27, 2019 DE HB 79 Requires Beverages Included in Kids' Meals to be Milk or Water Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
June 27, 2019 DE SB 24 Expands Who Can Qualify for Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
June 26, 2019 PA HB 33 Repeals a General Assistance Program for Adults with Disabilities Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
June 19, 2019 RI H 5125 Establishes Abortion Procedures as Protected State Law Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
June 19, 2019 NY S 2000 Establishes Regulations for PFAS Chemicals in Food Containers Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
June 19, 2019 NY S 2000 Establishes Regulations for PFAS Chemicals in Food Containers Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
June 19, 2019 NY S 2000 Establishes Regulations for PFAS Chemicals in Food Containers Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
June 18, 2019 NY S 6599 Increases Renewable Energy Goals Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 21)
June 17, 2019 OR HB 3076 Establishes Standards for Non-Profit Hospitals Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
June 17, 2019 NY S 2387 Requires Menstrual Product Packaging List Ingredients Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 11)
June 17, 2019 NY S 2655 Prohibits Smoking in Public Parks Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 12)
June 13, 2019 NY A 2371 Prohibits Exemption from Vaccinations Based on Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 26)
June 13, 2019 OR SB 526 Establishes a Statewide Nursing Home Visit Program for Parents of Newborns Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
June 11, 2019 OR HB 2509 Prohibits Single-Use Plastic Checkout Bags Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
June 10, 2019 ME LD 1282 Establishes a "Green New Deal" Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
June 7, 2019 ME LD 37 Authorizes the Sale of Nonprescription Drugs Through Vending Machines "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 13)
June 7, 2019 NJ S 2144 Amends State Insurance Laws on Fair Conduct Policies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
June 7, 2019 NJ S 2144 Amends State Insurance Laws on Fair Conduct Policies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
June 6, 2019 OR HB 2935 Requires Pharmacies to Provide Readers for the Visually Impaired Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 9)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/05 HB 2311 Requires State Greenhouse Gas Emissions be Reduced to Zero by 2050 Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
3/05 S 864 Prohibits Single-Use Plastic Bags and Styrofoam Containers Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
3/05 SB 219 Establishes a Felony for Doctors that Perform Gender Reassignment Treatment to Individuals Under the Age of 19 Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 3)
3/03 SB 2793 Classifies the Promotion of a Dangerous Drug as a Misdemeanor Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 9)
3/03 SB 300 Prohibits Use of Chlorpyrifos Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
3/03 SB 75 Appropriates Funds to the Departments of Health, Transportation, and Defense to Help Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 0)
3/02 S 7919 Appropriates Funds for COVID-19 Coronavirus Response Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 4)
2/28 SB 20-163 Amends the Definition for Nonmedical Exemptions for School Immunization Policies Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
2/27 H 4502 Appropriates Funds for the Executive Office of Education to Contain, Treat, and Prevent COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
2/26 SB 1606 Amends Responsibility for Transport for Individuals in Custody Experiencing Mental Distress Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 0)
2/26 SB 96 Repeals the Lifetime Ban on Drug Felons Receiving TANF Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
2/25 SB 284 Establishes a West Virginia Patient Protection Program Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
2/24 HB 980 Establishes the "Reproductive Health Protection Act" Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
2/18 HB 100 Amends Health Insurance Exchange Role to Expand Access to Healthcare Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 14)
2/18 SB 6087 Establishes Cost-Sharing Requirements for Coverage of Insulin Products Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
2/18 SB 2 Establishes an Electric Vehicle Tax Credit Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 18)
2/15 SB 131 Increases Legal Age to Buy Tobacco Products to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
2/12 SB 1160 Increases Cancer Coverage for Firefighters Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 4)
2/12 SB 30 Limits the Number of Companies that Oversee State's Medicaid Program Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
2/07 SB 147 Prohibits the Purchase, Distribution, or Sale of Kratom Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
2/03 SB 438 Establishes Regulations for Pesticides Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
1/29 SB 172 Prohibits Local Governments from Prohibiting Certain Drugs and Cosmetics Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 14)
1/29 SCR 1613 Establishes a State Constitutional Amendment Specifying that Abortion Shall Not Be Constitutionally Protected Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
1/22 SB 318 Reduces Number of Balloons that Can be Released per Hour Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
1/16 H 4218 Requires School Districts Offer Breakfast After Instruction Begins Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
1/08 SB 340 Establishes Remote Pharmacy Locations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
11/20 HB 321 Prohibits Abortions Based on a Diagnosis of Down Syndrome Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
11/07 SB 174 Extends Deadline for 100 Percent Cage-Free Eggs Requirement Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
11/06 SB 155 Requires Potential Abortion Reversal Drugs be made Available Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
11/06 SB 208 Establishes Requirements for Abortions Resulting in Premature Birth Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
10/29 SB 667 Limits the Cost of Insulin to $100 per 30-day Supply Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 7)
10/29 SB 667 Limits the Cost of Insulin to $100 per 30-day Supply Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 7)
10/29 SB 1864 Prohibits Use of Vaping Devices in Public Areas Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 11)
10/24 SB 174 Extends Deadline for 100 Percent Cage-Free Eggs Requirement Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
10/17 S J Res 53 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 "Repeal of the Clean Power Plan; Emission Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Existing Electric Utility Generating Units; Revisions to Emission Guidelines Implementing Regulations" Bill Failed - Senate (41 - 53)
9/13 AB 792 Increases Recycled Plastics Percentages Used in Plastic Beverage Bottles Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
9/11 SB 8 Prohibits Smoking at Public Parks and Beaches Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
9/11 SB 8 Prohibits Smoking at Public Parks and Beaches Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
9/11 AB 824 Prohibits Pharmaceutical Companies from Using "Pay for Delay" Practices Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
9/11 AB 936 Amends Environmental Protections Relating to Heavy Crude Oils Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
9/10 SB 553 Establishes the Regulatory Reform Act of 2019 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 14)
9/09 AB 521 Authorizes Healthcare Professions be Trained to Reduce Firearm-Related Injuries Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
9/09 AB 414 Establishes a Statewide Individual Mandate Program for Health Insurance Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 1)
9/09 AB 414 Establishes a Statewide Individual Mandate Program for Health Insurance Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 1)
9/05 AB 1162 Prohibits Single-Use Plastics for Personal Care Products at Lodging Establishments Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
9/04 AB 500 Requires Paid Maternity Leave for California Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
9/03 AB 624 Requires Listing a Sexual Assault Hotline and Reproductive Health Care Telephone Numbers on Student Identification Cards Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11)
8/30 SB 223 Authorizes Medical Cannabis on K-12 Campuses Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
8/13 SB 86 Establishes Standards for Association Health Plans and Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 9)
7/17 HB 6 Amends Clean Energy Standards Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
7/08 AB 1054 Establishes Wildfire Victim Compensation Fund Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
6/30 HB 2007 Reduces Number of Diesel Trucks Allowed in Specified Counties Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11)
6/27 HB 582 Establishes a Greenhouse Gas Rebate Program Conference Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
6/27 HB 326 Expands Protections for Wetlands Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 8)
6/27 A 3726 Requires Food Waste Recycling Programs Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
6/27 A 3726 Requires Food Waste Recycling Programs Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
6/27 HB 79 Requires Beverages Included in Kids' Meals to be Milk or Water Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
6/27 SB 24 Expands Who Can Qualify for Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
6/26 HB 33 Repeals a General Assistance Program for Adults with Disabilities Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
6/19 H 5125 Establishes Abortion Procedures as Protected State Law Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
6/19 S 2000 Establishes Regulations for PFAS Chemicals in Food Containers Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
6/19 S 2000 Establishes Regulations for PFAS Chemicals in Food Containers Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
6/19 S 2000 Establishes Regulations for PFAS Chemicals in Food Containers Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
6/18 S 6599 Increases Renewable Energy Goals Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 21)
6/17 HB 3076 Establishes Standards for Non-Profit Hospitals Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
6/17 S 2387 Requires Menstrual Product Packaging List Ingredients Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 11)
6/17 S 2655 Prohibits Smoking in Public Parks Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 12)
6/13 A 2371 Prohibits Exemption from Vaccinations Based on Religious Beliefs Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 26)
6/13 SB 526 Establishes a Statewide Nursing Home Visit Program for Parents of Newborns Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
6/11 HB 2509 Prohibits Single-Use Plastic Checkout Bags Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
6/10 LD 1282 Establishes a "Green New Deal" Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
6/07 LD 37 Authorizes the Sale of Nonprescription Drugs Through Vending Machines "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 13)
6/07 S 2144 Amends State Insurance Laws on Fair Conduct Policies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
6/07 S 2144 Amends State Insurance Laws on Fair Conduct Policies Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
6/06 HB 2935 Requires Pharmacies to Provide Readers for the Visually Impaired Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 9)

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