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
May 27, 2015 MI HB 4467 Authorizes Private High-Security Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
May 18, 2015 NC HB 405 Prohibits the Recording of Certain Employer Property Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
May 18, 2015 NC HB 405 Prohibits the Recording of Certain Employer Property Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
May 12, 2015 LA SB 219 Amends Equal Pay Protections Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
May 12, 2015 DE SB 75 Prohibits Stock Corporations from Establishing Fee-Shifting Bylaws Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
May 5, 2015 KS SB 117 Requires Insurance Coverage for Transportation Network Companies Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
May 1, 2015 HI HB 1075 Authorizes Public-private Partnership of Hospital Facilities Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 1)
April 24, 2015 HI SB 1030 Prohibits Sale of Tobacco Products to Individuals Under 21 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 4)
April 23, 2015 FL SB 1298 Expands Insurance Requirements for Short-Term Rental Companies Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
April 16, 2015 TN SB 606 Amends Eligibility for Longevity Pay Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 3)
April 15, 2015 OK HB 1614 Establishes Regulations for Transportation Network Company Services Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
April 15, 2015 IN HB 1019 Repeals Common Construction Wage Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
April 15, 2015 NV SB 439 Establishes Regulations for Transportation Network Companies Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 10)
April 14, 2015 PA SB 333 Prohibits Local Paid Leave Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
April 7, 2015 IN HB 1432 Establishes E-Liquid Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
April 3, 2015 NV SB 193 Increases Minimum Wage and Amends Overtime Definition Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 9)
April 3, 2015 NV SB 193 Increases Minimum Wage and Amends Overtime Definition Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 9)
April 2, 2015 IN SB 50 Specifies that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Does Not Authorize Discrimination Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 16)
March 31, 2015 NY S 2006B Establishes Annual Teacher Evaluation Program Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 26)
March 30, 2015 ND HB 1437 Extends Triggered Oil Extraction Tax Rate Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
March 26, 2015 OK HB 1749 Prohibits Payroll Deductions for Public Employee Organizations Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 16)
March 26, 2015 National S Amdt 798 Deficit-Neutral Reserve Fund for Legislation to Allow Americans to Earn Paid Sick Time Amendment Adopted - Senate (61 - 39)
March 26, 2015 National S Amdt 798 Deficit-Neutral Reserve Fund for Legislation to Allow Americans to Earn Paid Sick Time Amendment Adopted - Senate (61 - 39)
March 25, 2015 KS HB 2326 Amends Teacher Contracts Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 27)
March 24, 2015 IA SF 232 Prohibits Minors from Using Tanning Beds Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
March 18, 2015 IA SF 437 Authorizes Employees to Take Unpaid Leave to Participate in a Presidential Precinct Caucus Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
March 16, 2015 NJ S 1593 Establishes Interest-Free Housing Loans for Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
March 12, 2015 AR HB 1489 Reduces Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
March 12, 2015 NH SB 261 Increases Minimum Wage "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
March 12, 2015 NH SB 261 Increases Minimum Wage "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
March 12, 2015 AR SB 366 Authorizes Additional Compensations to Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
March 12, 2015 OK SB 298 Requires Insurers to Check Policies after an Insured Individual's Death Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 12)
March 10, 2015 HI SB 1030 Prohibits Sale of Tobacco Products to Individuals Under 21 Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 5)
March 10, 2015 WA SB 5899 Establishes Small Loans and Small Consumer Installment Loans Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
March 10, 2015 WA SB 5513 Reduces Minimum Age to Settle a Worker's Compensation Claim Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
March 10, 2015 WA SB 5513 Reduces Minimum Age to Settle a Worker's Compensation Claim Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
March 6, 2015 UT SB 296 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
March 4, 2015 MS HB 1127 Prohibits Contracting with Companies with Investments in Iran Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
March 3, 2015 WV SB 361 Amends Prevailing Wage Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
March 2, 2015 UT SB 169 Prohibits Contact Lens Manufacturers from Fixing Prices Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
Feb. 26, 2015 MN SF 174 Requires Legislative Approval for Certain Salary Increases Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 29)
Feb. 24, 2015 IA SF 269 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
Feb. 24, 2015 IA SF 270 Prohibits Wage Diversion Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
Feb. 24, 2015 IA SF 269 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
Feb. 23, 2015 AZ SB 1092 Requires Waivers for Certain Health Insurance Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
Feb. 18, 2015 SD SB 177 Establishes a Youth Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Feb. 18, 2015 SD SB 177 Establishes a Youth Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Feb. 17, 2015 ND SB 2279 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
Feb. 12, 2015 WV SB 361 Amends Prevailing Wage Laws Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
Feb. 10, 2015 WY SF 115 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Idenity Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
Feb. 9, 2015 CO SB 65 Prohibits Withdrawing Public Assistance Funds at Certain Places Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
Feb. 5, 2015 KY SB 9 Exempts Certain Construction Projects from Prevailing Wage Laws Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
Feb. 5, 2015 IL SB 11 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
Feb. 5, 2015 IL SB 11 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
Feb. 3, 2015 IN SB 127 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Hire Based on Religion Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
Dec. 11, 2014 OH HB 663 Requires Confidentiality of Death Penalty Information Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
Dec. 11, 2014 MI SB 1156 Prohibits Actions that Coerce a Woman to Get an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
Dec. 9, 2014 OH SB 386 Authorizes the Use of Certain Fireworks Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
Dec. 4, 2014 MI SB 247 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol until 4 a.m. Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
Oct. 23, 2014 NJ A 939 Amends Tax Expenditure Report Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
Aug. 29, 2014 CA SB 270 Prohibits Retailers from Using Single-Use Carryout Bags Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
Aug. 29, 2014 CA AB 1522 Requires Paid Sick Leave for Employees Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
Aug. 29, 2014 CA AB 1522 Requires Paid Sick Leave for Employees Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
Aug. 28, 2014 CA SB 199 Requires Certain Replica Guns to be Sold in Fluorescent Colors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
Aug. 21, 2014 CA SB 610 Amends Franchise Agreement Terms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
Aug. 21, 2014 CA AB 1699 Prohibits the Sale of Products Containing Microplastics Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 14)
July 30, 2014 National S 2569 Bring Jobs Home Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 42)
July 30, 2014 National S 2569 Bring Jobs Home Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 42)
July 2, 2014 AR HB 1003 Limits Eligibility for School Employee Health Insurance Program Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
July 1, 2014 MA Amdt 17 Limits Use of Non-Competition Agreements Amendment Adopted - Senate (32 - 7)
June 30, 2014 NJ S 602 Increases the Legal Age to Purchase of Tobacco Products Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
June 20, 2014 NY A 6357E Authorizes Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 10)
June 19, 2014 RI H 7194A Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
June 19, 2014 RI H 7194A Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
June 12, 2014 MA S 2123 Increases the Minimum Wage Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/27 HB 4467 Authorizes Private High-Security Prisons Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
5/18 HB 405 Prohibits the Recording of Certain Employer Property Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
5/18 HB 405 Prohibits the Recording of Certain Employer Property Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
5/12 SB 219 Amends Equal Pay Protections Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
5/12 SB 75 Prohibits Stock Corporations from Establishing Fee-Shifting Bylaws Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
5/05 SB 117 Requires Insurance Coverage for Transportation Network Companies Veto Override Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
5/01 HB 1075 Authorizes Public-private Partnership of Hospital Facilities Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 1)
4/24 SB 1030 Prohibits Sale of Tobacco Products to Individuals Under 21 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 4)
4/23 SB 1298 Expands Insurance Requirements for Short-Term Rental Companies Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
4/16 SB 606 Amends Eligibility for Longevity Pay Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 3)
4/15 HB 1614 Establishes Regulations for Transportation Network Company Services Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
4/15 HB 1019 Repeals Common Construction Wage Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
4/15 SB 439 Establishes Regulations for Transportation Network Companies Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 10)
4/14 SB 333 Prohibits Local Paid Leave Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
4/07 HB 1432 Establishes E-Liquid Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
4/03 SB 193 Increases Minimum Wage and Amends Overtime Definition Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 9)
4/03 SB 193 Increases Minimum Wage and Amends Overtime Definition Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 9)
4/02 SB 50 Specifies that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Does Not Authorize Discrimination Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 16)
3/31 S 2006B Establishes Annual Teacher Evaluation Program Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 26)
3/30 HB 1437 Extends Triggered Oil Extraction Tax Rate Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
3/26 HB 1749 Prohibits Payroll Deductions for Public Employee Organizations Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 16)
3/26 S Amdt 798 Deficit-Neutral Reserve Fund for Legislation to Allow Americans to Earn Paid Sick Time Amendment Adopted - Senate (61 - 39)
3/26 S Amdt 798 Deficit-Neutral Reserve Fund for Legislation to Allow Americans to Earn Paid Sick Time Amendment Adopted - Senate (61 - 39)
3/25 HB 2326 Amends Teacher Contracts Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 27)
3/24 SF 232 Prohibits Minors from Using Tanning Beds Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
3/18 SF 437 Authorizes Employees to Take Unpaid Leave to Participate in a Presidential Precinct Caucus Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
3/16 S 1593 Establishes Interest-Free Housing Loans for Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
3/12 HB 1489 Reduces Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
3/12 SB 261 Increases Minimum Wage "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
3/12 SB 261 Increases Minimum Wage "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
3/12 SB 366 Authorizes Additional Compensations to Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
3/12 SB 298 Requires Insurers to Check Policies after an Insured Individual's Death Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 12)
3/10 SB 1030 Prohibits Sale of Tobacco Products to Individuals Under 21 Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 5)
3/10 SB 5899 Establishes Small Loans and Small Consumer Installment Loans Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
3/10 SB 5513 Reduces Minimum Age to Settle a Worker's Compensation Claim Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
3/10 SB 5513 Reduces Minimum Age to Settle a Worker's Compensation Claim Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
3/06 SB 296 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
3/04 HB 1127 Prohibits Contracting with Companies with Investments in Iran Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
3/03 SB 361 Amends Prevailing Wage Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
3/02 SB 169 Prohibits Contact Lens Manufacturers from Fixing Prices Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
2/26 SF 174 Requires Legislative Approval for Certain Salary Increases Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 29)
2/24 SF 269 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
2/24 SF 270 Prohibits Wage Diversion Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
2/24 SF 269 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
2/23 SB 1092 Requires Waivers for Certain Health Insurance Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
2/18 SB 177 Establishes a Youth Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
2/18 SB 177 Establishes a Youth Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
2/17 SB 2279 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
2/12 SB 361 Amends Prevailing Wage Laws Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
2/10 SF 115 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Idenity Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
2/09 SB 65 Prohibits Withdrawing Public Assistance Funds at Certain Places Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
2/05 SB 9 Exempts Certain Construction Projects from Prevailing Wage Laws Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
2/05 SB 11 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
2/05 SB 11 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
2/03 SB 127 Authorizes Religious Organizations to Hire Based on Religion Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
12/11 HB 663 Requires Confidentiality of Death Penalty Information Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
12/11 SB 1156 Prohibits Actions that Coerce a Woman to Get an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
12/09 SB 386 Authorizes the Use of Certain Fireworks Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
12/04 SB 247 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol until 4 a.m. Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
10/23 A 939 Amends Tax Expenditure Report Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
8/29 SB 270 Prohibits Retailers from Using Single-Use Carryout Bags Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
8/29 AB 1522 Requires Paid Sick Leave for Employees Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
8/29 AB 1522 Requires Paid Sick Leave for Employees Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
8/28 SB 199 Requires Certain Replica Guns to be Sold in Fluorescent Colors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
8/21 SB 610 Amends Franchise Agreement Terms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
8/21 AB 1699 Prohibits the Sale of Products Containing Microplastics Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 14)
7/30 S 2569 Bring Jobs Home Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 42)
7/30 S 2569 Bring Jobs Home Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 42)
7/02 HB 1003 Limits Eligibility for School Employee Health Insurance Program Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
7/01 Amdt 17 Limits Use of Non-Competition Agreements Amendment Adopted - Senate (32 - 7)
6/30 S 602 Increases the Legal Age to Purchase of Tobacco Products Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
6/20 A 6357E Authorizes Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 10)
6/19 H 7194A Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
6/19 H 7194A Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
6/12 S 2123 Increases the Minimum Wage Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)

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