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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |