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:
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.
| Date | State | Bill No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 26, 2020 | OR | HB 4201 | Establishes Joint Committee on Transparent Policing and Use of Force Reform | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 1) |
| June 26, 2020 | OR | HB 4203 | Prohibits Peace Officers from Using Force by Applying Pressure on Throat or Neck | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 1) |
| June 26, 2020 | OR | HB 4208 | Prohibits the Use of Tear Gas for Crowd Control | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 2) |
| June 26, 2020 | OR | HB 4205 | Requires Police Officers to Intervene When a Fellow Officer is Engaging in Misconduct | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 0) |
| June 26, 2020 | OR | HB 4210 | Repeals Driving Privilege Suspensions for Failure to Pay Fines | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 7) |
| June 26, 2020 | CA | SB 1175 | Prohibits Importation and Possession of Wild Animals | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8) |
| June 26, 2020 | CA | SB 1111 | Requires Certain Juvenile Offenders to Remain in Juvenile Hall Until Age 21 | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8) |
| June 26, 2020 | CA | SB 1175 | Prohibits Importation and Possession of Wild Animals | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8) |
| June 26, 2020 | NC | SB 681 | Requires Credit in the Arts in Order to Graduate | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9) |
| June 26, 2020 | OR | SB 1604 | Amends Law Enforcement Arbitration Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 0) |
| June 25, 2020 | CA | ACA 11 | Establishes the "Home Protection for Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families, and Victims of Wildfire or Natural Disasters Act" | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5) |
| June 25, 2020 | DE | HB 350 | Prohibits Police Officers from Using "Aggravated Strangulation" | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5) |
| June 25, 2020 | DE | SB 260 | Appropriates Funding for Nonprofit Grants-In-Aid | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0) |
| June 25, 2020 | DE | SB 260 | Appropriates Funding for Nonprofit Grants-In-Aid | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0) |
| June 24, 2020 | GA | SB 288 | Authorizes Record Restriction for Certain Misdemeanor and Conditional Discharges | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (46 - 0) |
| June 24, 2020 | CA | ACA 5 | Establishes Constitutional Amendment Repealing Prohibition on Affirmative Action Policies | Amendment Adopted - Senate (30 - 10) |
| June 24, 2020 | VT | S 124 | Requires New Policies for Law Enforcement Agencies | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0) |
| June 24, 2020 | PA | SB 1205 | Prohibits the Use of Police Chokeholds | Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0) |
| June 24, 2020 | PA | SB 1205 | Prohibits the Use of Police Chokeholds | Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0) |
| June 24, 2020 | PA | SB 459 | Requires Municipal Law Enforcement Department Adoption of Use of Force Policies | Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0) |
| June 23, 2020 | GA | HB 426 | Increase Penalties for Bias-Motivated Crime | Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 6) |
| June 23, 2020 | GA | HB 426 | Increase Penalties for Bias-Motivated Crime | Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 6) |
| June 23, 2020 | GA | HB 838 | Increases Penalties for Crimes Against Police, Firefighters, and Paramedics | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 20) |
| June 20, 2020 | NM | HB 5 | Establishes the New Mexico Civil Rights Commission | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 9) |
| June 20, 2020 | NM | HB 5 | Establishes the New Mexico Civil Rights Commission | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 9) |
| June 19, 2020 | NM | SB 8 | Requires Law Enforcement to Use Body-Worn Cameras | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 11) |
| June 19, 2020 | NM | SB 7 | Requires State Agencies to Implement Policies to Reduce Institutional Racism | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 11) |
| June 19, 2020 | NM | SB 8 | Requires Law Enforcement to Use Body-Worn Cameras | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 11) |
| June 18, 2020 | CA | AB 1460 | Requires Ethnic Studies Course Completion in State Universities | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5) |
| June 17, 2020 | RI | S 2004 | Prohibits Non-Metallic Firearms and "Ghost Guns" | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 4) |
| June 17, 2020 | RI | S 2004 | Prohibits Non-Metallic Firearms and "Ghost Guns" | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 4) |
| June 17, 2020 | MS | HB 1087 | Rescinds the Prohibition on Alcohol Possession | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11) |
| June 17, 2020 | MS | HB 1295 | Prohibits Abortions for Reasons of Race, Sex, or Genetic Abnormality | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 11) |
| June 16, 2020 | NH | HB 705 | Repeals Statute of Limitation Requirements for Sexual Assault Lawsuits | "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 5) |
| June 16, 2020 | NH | HB 1582 | Establishes the Veterans Bill of Rights | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 0) |
| June 16, 2020 | NC | HB 511 | Authorizes Shorter Sentences for Nonviolent Drug Offenders | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (48 - 0) |
| June 16, 2020 | NC | HB 511 | Authorizes Shorter Sentences for Nonviolent Drug Offenders | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (48 - 0) |
| June 16, 2020 | NC | SB 562 | Repeals Dismissed Charges and Nonviolent Misdemeanors & Convictions | Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0) |
| June 16, 2020 | MN | SF 3 | Amends Law Enforcement Use of Force Reporting Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 31) |
| June 13, 2020 | CO | SB 20-007 | Requires Insurance Carriers Provide Coverage for Treatment of Substance Use Disorders | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| June 13, 2020 | CO | SB 20-224 | Prohibits Landlords from Asking Immigration Status Questions on Rental Applications | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| June 11, 2020 | CO | HB 20-1065 | Authorizes Pharmacists to Sell Nonprescription Syringes | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| June 11, 2020 | IA | HF 2647 | Amends Law Enforcement Policies and Training Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0) |
| June 11, 2020 | CO | HB 20-1017 | Expands Substance Use Disorder Treatment in the Criminal Justice System | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11) |
| June 11, 2020 | CO | HB 20-1017 | Expands Substance Use Disorder Treatment in the Criminal Justice System | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11) |
| June 10, 2020 | OH | HB 164 | Authorizes Religious Expression in Public Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0) |
| June 10, 2020 | IA | HF 684 | Establishes Medical Amnesty for Under-Aged Individuals in Alcohol-Related Emergencies | Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 2) |
| June 10, 2020 | CO | HB 20-1143 | Increases Maximum Fines for Air and Water Quality Violations | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14) |
| June 10, 2020 | CO | HB 20-1343 | Requires Colorado Eggs to be Cage-Free by 2025 | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| June 10, 2020 | NY | S 8539 | Establishes the Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office | Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 20) |
| June 10, 2020 | NY | S 8539 | Establishes the Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office | Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 20) |
| June 10, 2020 | NY | S 2574 | Establishes an Office of Special Investigation Under the Attorney General | Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 17) |
| June 9, 2020 | NY | S 8496 | Authorizes Disclosure of Law Enforcement Disciplinary Records | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 22) |
| June 8, 2020 | NY | A 1531 | Prohibits Reporting a Non-Emergency Incident Involving a Member of a Protected Class | Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6) |
| June 8, 2020 | NY | A 1531 | Prohibits Reporting a Non-Emergency Incident Involving a Member of a Protected Class | Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6) |
| June 8, 2020 | NY | A 6144 | Establishes the Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act | Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 0) |
| June 5, 2020 | IA | SF 2413 | Increases Penalties for Trespassing on Animal Food Operations | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 11) |
| June 5, 2020 | CO | SB 20-181 | Amends Incompetent-to-Proceed Process for Mentally Ill Defendants | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7) |
| June 4, 2020 | MI | SB 945 | Requires Implicit Bias and De-Escalation Training for Law Enforcement | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0) |
| June 4, 2020 | MI | SB 945 | Requires Implicit Bias and De-Escalation Training for Law Enforcement | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0) |
| June 3, 2020 | IA | HF 2502 | Amends Gun Policies | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17) |
| May 29, 2020 | LA | HB 140 | Prohibits Localities from Establishing Restrictions to Prohibit Firearm Possession | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3) |
| May 29, 2020 | LA | HB 241 | Amends Certain Requirements of the Records Expungement Process | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3) |
| May 27, 2020 | NY | S 8415 | Repeals Anti-Mask Law | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 27) |
| May 23, 2020 | IL | SB 516 | Amends Tax Structure for Chicago Casino | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (42 - 14) |
| May 21, 2020 | LA | HB 420 | Establishes Minimum Training Requirements for Peace Officers | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0) |
| May 15, 2020 | OK | HB 2587 | Prohibits Denying Healthcare or Adjusting Coverage or Cost Based on Age or Quality of Life | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 6) |
| May 13, 2020 | OK | HB 2742 | Reduces Contributions to Retirement Systems for Police and Firefighters | Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 11) |
| May 13, 2020 | OK | HB 2877 | Increases the Role of Victim Impact Panels to Prevent Future OWI Offenses | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 13) |
| May 13, 2020 | LA | SB 130 | Authorizes a Ballot Referendum Vote on Legalizing Sports Betting | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8) |
| April 22, 2020 | VA | HB 33 | Authorizes Inmates to Apply for Parole | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 18) |
| April 22, 2020 | VA | SB 384 | Amends Sports Betting Regulations | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 13) |
| April 22, 2020 | VA | SB 384 | Amends Sports Betting Regulations | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 13) |
| April 22, 2020 | VA | SB 971 | Establishes the COVID-19 Relief Fund and Amends Gambling Regulations | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 8) |
| April 22, 2020 | VA | SB 34 | Authorizes Driver's Licenses for Non-United States Citizens | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 18) |
| April 22, 2020 | VA | HB 1442 | Authorizes the Use of Photo Speed Monitoring Devices | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 18) |
| April 22, 2020 | VA | SB 479 | Prohibits Individuals Subject to a Protective Order From Possessing Firearms | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 18) |
| April 10, 2020 | VT | S 114 | Establishes Emergency Judicial Response Standards during COVID-19 Pandemic | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0) |
| March 31, 2020 | NY | S 7505 | Amends Criminal Justice Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 24) |
| March 31, 2020 | NY | S 7505 | Amends Criminal Justice Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 24) |
| March 18, 2020 | MD | SB 4 | Establishes Referendum to Authorize Sports and Event Wagering | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (45 - 0) |
| March 18, 2020 | National | HR 6201 | Families First Coronavirus Response Act | Bill Passed - Senate (90 - 8) |
| March 18, 2020 | ID | H 516 | Amends Constitutional Carry Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 5) |
| March 17, 2020 | ID | H 509 | Prohibits Gender Change on Birth Certificates | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6) |
| March 16, 2020 | ID | H 500 | Prohibits Transgender Female Students from Sports designated for Females | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11) |
| March 16, 2020 | MD | HB 280 | Prohibits Suspension of Driver's License for Unpaid Fines | Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0) |
| March 16, 2020 | MD | HB 1444 | Prohibits Race-Based Hairstyle Discrimination | Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0) |
| March 15, 2020 | MD | SB 684 | Establishes a Prerelease Unit for Women | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14) |
| March 13, 2020 | FL | HB 1259 | Prohibits Putting Pregnant Prisoners in Restrictive Housing | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 0) |
| March 12, 2020 | FL | SB 664 | Requires Government Agencies Use E-Verify Immigration Check for Employment | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 17) |
| March 12, 2020 | WY | SF 134 | Authorizes Liquor Licenses for Events Conducted at Rodeo Arenas | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 8) |
| March 12, 2020 | NH | HB 1660 | Establishes a Protective Order for Vulnerable Adults | "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10) |
| March 12, 2020 | NH | HB 1660 | Establishes a Protective Order for Vulnerable Adults | "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10) |
| March 12, 2020 | AL | SB 45 | Amends Criminal Trespassing Penalties Relating to Critical Infrastructure | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3) |
| March 12, 2020 | OK | SB 1081 | Prohibits Localities from Enacting "Red Flag" Firearm Ordinances | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9) |
| March 11, 2020 | FL | HB 1213 | Requires Adding Ocoee Riots to School Curriculum | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0) |
| March 11, 2020 | FL | HB 389 | Expands List of Medical Conditions That Pharmacists May Treat | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12) |
| March 11, 2020 | FL | HB 1213 | Requires Adding Ocoee Riots to School Curriculum | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0) |
| March 11, 2020 | WY | HB 44 | Requires the Observation of Mountain Daylight Time | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 11) |
| March 11, 2020 | WY | HB 118 | Establishes the Second Amendment Preservation Act | Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 14) |