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
Feb. 18, 2025 CO SB 25-005 Repeals the Requirement for a Second Election in the Collective Bargaining Process Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
Feb. 18, 2025 CO SB 25-003 Prohibits the Manufacture, Distribution, Transfer, Sale, or Purchase of Specified Semiautomatic Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
Feb. 14, 2025 VA SB 1181 Limits the Sale of Assault-Style Firearm Weapons to Individuals 21 or Older Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
Feb. 13, 2025 National PN 11-9 Nomination of Howard Lutnick to be Secretary of Commerce Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 45)
Feb. 13, 2025 National PN 11-18 Nomination of Kelly Loeffler to be Administrator of the Small Business Administration Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 43)
Feb. 13, 2025 MI SB 8 Amends Timelines for State Minimum Wage Increases Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
Feb. 12, 2025 AR SB 3 Repeals Affirmative Action Policies Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
Feb. 12, 2025 AR SB 3 Repeals Affirmative Action Policies Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
Feb. 12, 2025 VA HB 2531 Requires the Virginia Employment Commission to Create an Insurance Program for Paid Family and Medical Leave Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Feb. 12, 2025 OH SB 1 Prohibits Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives at State Public Universities and Community Colleges Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
Feb. 12, 2025 AR SB 98 Authorizes Third Party Delivery Services for Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
Feb. 10, 2025 AK SB 15 Reduces the Minimum Age to Serve Alcohol from 21 to 18 Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 0)
Feb. 6, 2025 UT HB 267 Prohibits Public Employees from Collective Bargaining Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
Feb. 6, 2025 National PN 11-18 Nomination of Kelly Loeffler to be Administrator of the Small Business Administration Motion Agreed - Senate (53 - 45)
Feb. 6, 2025 National PN 11-9 Nomination of Howard Lutnick to be Secretary of Commerce Motion Agreed - Senate (52 - 46)
Feb. 6, 2025 IN SB 289 Prohibits Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Programs in Schools and State Government Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
Feb. 4, 2025 VA SB 982 Authorizes Casinos to be Owned and Operated in New Localities Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Feb. 4, 2025 VA SB 917 Authorizes State and Local Public Employees the Right to Collective Bargaining Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 19)
Feb. 3, 2025 SD HB 1022 Prohibits the Misbranding of Any Cell-Cultured Protein Product Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
Jan. 29, 2025 AR SB 97 Authorizes Businesses to Obtain Additional Retail Liquor Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
Jan. 29, 2025 AR SB 3 Repeals Affirmative Action Policies Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
Jan. 29, 2025 AR SB 3 Repeals Affirmative Action Policies Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
Jan. 28, 2025 NY A 428 Amends and Updates Rules for Online Dating Apps Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 0)
Jan. 28, 2025 NY A 432 Repeals References to an "I Love NY Historic Small Business" Brand While Maintaining Other Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 0)
Jan. 28, 2025 NY A 843 Establishes a $1,000 Daily Civil Penalty for Third-Party Restaurant Reservation Services that Make Unauthorized Reservations Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 0)
Jan. 27, 2025 VA SB 1181 Limits the Sale of Assault-Style Firearm Weapons to Individuals 21 or Older Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Jan. 22, 2025 WY SF 53 Authorizes the Secretary of State to Administratively Cancel Trademarks Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Dec. 18, 2024 OH SB 95 Amends State Business Climate by Reducing Legal Actions and Increasing Access to Healthcare Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
Dec. 18, 2024 OH HB 106 Requires Employers to Provide Pay Stubs to Employees Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
Nov. 7, 2024 MI SB 963 Establishes Sentencing Guidelines for Crimes Related to the Employment of Minors Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Nov. 7, 2024 MI SB 965 Increases Penalties for Employers Found Illegally Employing Minors Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Nov. 7, 2024 MI SB 964 Establishes a Registration System for Employers Hiring Minors Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
Oct. 28, 2024 NJ S 3608 Extends Outdoor Dining at Bars and Restaurants Permanently Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Oct. 22, 2024 PA SB 1232 Amends the Workers Compensation Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
Oct. 9, 2024 PA HB 2561 Expands the Federal Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Oct. 9, 2024 PA HB 1820 Repeals Licensing Requirements for Natural Hair Braiders Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 1)
Oct. 8, 2024 PA HB 155 Repeals Requirements that Face-to-Face Interviews be Conducted In Person Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
Sept. 17, 2024 PA SB 173 Establishes a Safe Exchange Zone Program Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
Aug. 29, 2024 CA SB 1100 Limits Driver License Requirements in Employment Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Aug. 29, 2024 CA SB 1100 Limits Driver License Requirements in Employment Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Aug. 28, 2024 CA SB 1137 Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of a Combination of Characteristics (Intersectionality) Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
Aug. 28, 2024 CA SB 988 Establishes Minimum Requirements for Freelance Worker Contracts Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
Aug. 28, 2024 CA AB 2515 Prohibits PFAs in Menstrual Product Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
Aug. 27, 2024 CA AB 1775 Authorizes for the Retail Preparation, Sale, and Consumption of Non-Cannabis Food at "Cannabis Cafes" Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
Aug. 20, 2024 CA AB 1827 Establishes the Low-Water User Protection Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
Aug. 17, 2024 CA AB 2801 Increases Renter Protection Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
July 24, 2024 MA H 4890 Requires Employers to Disclose Salary Ranges Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
July 24, 2024 MA H 4890 Requires Employers to Disclose Salary Ranges Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
July 11, 2024 PA SB 688 Authorizes Alcohol Sellers to Get a Permit to Sell Ready-to-Drink Alcohol Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
July 11, 2024 MA H 4804 Authorizes Grant Programs to Strengthen Economic Leadership Within Various Sectors of Work Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/18 SB 25-005 Repeals the Requirement for a Second Election in the Collective Bargaining Process Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
2/18 SB 25-003 Prohibits the Manufacture, Distribution, Transfer, Sale, or Purchase of Specified Semiautomatic Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
2/14 SB 1181 Limits the Sale of Assault-Style Firearm Weapons to Individuals 21 or Older Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
2/13 PN 11-9 Nomination of Howard Lutnick to be Secretary of Commerce Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 45)
2/13 PN 11-18 Nomination of Kelly Loeffler to be Administrator of the Small Business Administration Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 43)
2/13 SB 8 Amends Timelines for State Minimum Wage Increases Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12)
2/12 SB 3 Repeals Affirmative Action Policies Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
2/12 SB 3 Repeals Affirmative Action Policies Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
2/12 HB 2531 Requires the Virginia Employment Commission to Create an Insurance Program for Paid Family and Medical Leave Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
2/12 SB 1 Prohibits Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives at State Public Universities and Community Colleges Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
2/12 SB 98 Authorizes Third Party Delivery Services for Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
2/10 SB 15 Reduces the Minimum Age to Serve Alcohol from 21 to 18 Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 0)
2/06 HB 267 Prohibits Public Employees from Collective Bargaining Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13)
2/06 PN 11-18 Nomination of Kelly Loeffler to be Administrator of the Small Business Administration Motion Agreed - Senate (53 - 45)
2/06 PN 11-9 Nomination of Howard Lutnick to be Secretary of Commerce Motion Agreed - Senate (52 - 46)
2/06 SB 289 Prohibits Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Programs in Schools and State Government Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
2/04 SB 982 Authorizes Casinos to be Owned and Operated in New Localities Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
2/04 SB 917 Authorizes State and Local Public Employees the Right to Collective Bargaining Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 19)
2/03 HB 1022 Prohibits the Misbranding of Any Cell-Cultured Protein Product Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
1/29 SB 97 Authorizes Businesses to Obtain Additional Retail Liquor Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
1/29 SB 3 Repeals Affirmative Action Policies Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
1/29 SB 3 Repeals Affirmative Action Policies Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
1/28 A 428 Amends and Updates Rules for Online Dating Apps Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 0)
1/28 A 432 Repeals References to an "I Love NY Historic Small Business" Brand While Maintaining Other Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 0)
1/28 A 843 Establishes a $1,000 Daily Civil Penalty for Third-Party Restaurant Reservation Services that Make Unauthorized Reservations Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 0)
1/27 SB 1181 Limits the Sale of Assault-Style Firearm Weapons to Individuals 21 or Older Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
1/22 SF 53 Authorizes the Secretary of State to Administratively Cancel Trademarks Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
12/18 SB 95 Amends State Business Climate by Reducing Legal Actions and Increasing Access to Healthcare Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
12/18 HB 106 Requires Employers to Provide Pay Stubs to Employees Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
11/07 SB 963 Establishes Sentencing Guidelines for Crimes Related to the Employment of Minors Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
11/07 SB 965 Increases Penalties for Employers Found Illegally Employing Minors Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
11/07 SB 964 Establishes a Registration System for Employers Hiring Minors Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 18)
10/28 S 3608 Extends Outdoor Dining at Bars and Restaurants Permanently Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
10/22 SB 1232 Amends the Workers Compensation Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
10/09 HB 2561 Expands the Federal Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
10/09 HB 1820 Repeals Licensing Requirements for Natural Hair Braiders Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 1)
10/08 HB 155 Repeals Requirements that Face-to-Face Interviews be Conducted In Person Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
9/17 SB 173 Establishes a Safe Exchange Zone Program Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1)
8/29 SB 1100 Limits Driver License Requirements in Employment Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
8/29 SB 1100 Limits Driver License Requirements in Employment Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
8/28 SB 1137 Prohibits Discrimination on the Basis of a Combination of Characteristics (Intersectionality) Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
8/28 SB 988 Establishes Minimum Requirements for Freelance Worker Contracts Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
8/28 AB 2515 Prohibits PFAs in Menstrual Product Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
8/27 AB 1775 Authorizes for the Retail Preparation, Sale, and Consumption of Non-Cannabis Food at "Cannabis Cafes" Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
8/20 AB 1827 Establishes the Low-Water User Protection Act Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
8/17 AB 2801 Increases Renter Protection Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
7/24 H 4890 Requires Employers to Disclose Salary Ranges Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
7/24 H 4890 Requires Employers to Disclose Salary Ranges Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
7/11 SB 688 Authorizes Alcohol Sellers to Get a Permit to Sell Ready-to-Drink Alcohol Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
7/11 H 4804 Authorizes Grant Programs to Strengthen Economic Leadership Within Various Sectors of Work Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)

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