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 18, 2021 IL HB 158 Reduces Racial Disparities in Medical Care Bill Passed - House (72 - 41)
March 18, 2021 OR SJR 12 Amends the State Constitution to Establish Healthcare as a Right for All Citizens Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
March 17, 2021 NC HB 172 Establishes Term Limits For Congressional Positions Bill Passed - House (61 - 52)
March 17, 2021 National H J Res 17 Removing the deadline for the ratification of the equal rights amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (222 - 204)
March 17, 2021 IA SF 568 Amends Election Law Related to Amendments to the State Constitution Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
March 16, 2021 IA HF 802 Limits the Types of Diversity Training Schools and Governments May Offer Bill Passed - House (59 - 38)
March 16, 2021 WI SJR 20 Establishes February 2021 as Black History Month and Honors Black Legislators Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (11 - 20)
March 15, 2021 AR SB 289 Authorizes Denial of Healthcare on the Basis of Religious Principles Bill Passed - House (72 - 20)
March 11, 2021 ME LD 2 Requires the State Legislature to Assess the Racial Impact of Pending Legislation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
March 4, 2021 SD HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 20)
March 4, 2021 SD HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 20)
March 4, 2021 WV SB 11 Prohibits Work Stoppages or Strikes by Public Employees Bill Passed - House (55 - 44)
March 4, 2021 OK HB 1602 Establishes Computer Data Privacy Protections Bill Passed - House (85 - 11)
March 3, 2021 National HR 1280 George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (220 - 212)
March 3, 2021 National HR 1 For the People Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (220 - 210)
March 2, 2021 SD HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Passed - House (62 - 7)
March 2, 2021 SD HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Passed - House (62 - 7)
March 1, 2021 MT SB 215 Limits State and Local Governmental Authority Over a Religious Activity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA SJ 272 Amends the Qualifications to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
Feb. 27, 2021 VA SJ 272 Amends the Qualifications to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (56 - 40)
Feb. 25, 2021 National HR 5 Equality Act Bill Passed - House (224 - 206)
Feb. 24, 2021 NY S 830 Extends Voting Rights to Convicted Felons on Parole Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
Feb. 24, 2021 CT HB 6515 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Hairstyle Bill Passed - House (138 - 9)
Feb. 24, 2021 AZ HB 2551 Authorizes Individuals with Concealed Carry Permits to Enter Most Buildings with Firearms Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
Feb. 23, 2021 AZ HB 2152 Amends Arizona Revised Statues in Regards to Disclosure of Law Enforcement Body Camera Footage Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
Feb. 23, 2021 ID H 140 Prohibits Imposing Vaccine Mandates for State Contractors Bill Passed - House (49 - 21)
Feb. 22, 2021 WV SB 11 Prohibits Work Stoppages or Strikes by Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
Feb. 19, 2021 MT HB 218 Prohibits "Free Speech Zones" on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (96 - 3)
Feb. 16, 2021 NM HB 4 Repeals Qualified Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - House (39 - 29)
Feb. 16, 2021 IN SB 198 Increases Penalties for Attendees of "Riots" or "Unlawful Assemblies" Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
Feb. 10, 2021 AR SB 289 Authorizes Denial of Healthcare on the Basis of Religious Principles Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
Feb. 2, 2021 IA HF 228 Prohibits Open Enrollment Rejections Via Diversity Plans Bill Passed - House (56 - 32)
Jan. 28, 2021 KS HCR 5003 Amends the State Constitution to Allow Legislative Regulation and Specify that there is No Constitutional Right to Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
Jan. 28, 2021 DE SB 32 Prohibits Hair Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
Jan. 27, 2021 WA SB 5044 Requires Anti-Racism and Equity Training in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
Jan. 27, 2021 IA HJR 5 Amends the State Constitution to Repeal the Right to an Abortion Joint Resolution Passed - House (55 - 44)
Jan. 22, 2021 KS HCR 5003 Amends the State Constitution to Allow Legislative Regulation and Specify that there is No Constitutional Right to Abortion Bill Passed - House (86 - 38)
Jan. 21, 2021 ID HJR 1 Amends the State Constitution to Authorize the Legislature to Reconvene Their Session Bill Passed - House (51 - 18)
Jan. 21, 2021 DE SB 31 Amends the Equal Rights Amendment in the State Constitution to Prohibit Racial Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
Jan. 12, 2021 IL SB 1608 Establishes New Commissions to Impose Racial Diversity Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
Jan. 12, 2021 NY S 528 Amends the State Constitution to Ensure the Right to a Healthy Environment Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 14)
Jan. 11, 2021 NJ A 4454 Requires School Districts to Include Instruction on Diversity and Inclusion as Part of New Education Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 29)
Jan. 11, 2021 IL SB 1608 Establishes New Commissions to Impose Racial Diversity Requirements Bill Passed - House (70 - 39)
Jan. 11, 2021 NJ AR 213 Establishes Disapproval of Events of January 6 Bill Passed - House (47 - 8)
Dec. 17, 2020 NJ A 4454 Requires School Districts to Include Instruction on Diversity and Inclusion as Part of New Education Standards Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
Dec. 9, 2020 MI SB 1252 Appropriates $600 Million to the Flint Water Settlement Trust Fund Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
Dec. 2, 2020 OH SB 40 Prohibits State Universities from Enacting Limitations on Campus Free Speech Bill Passed - House (66 - 27)
Dec. 2, 2020 MI HB 5679 Amends the Sex Offender Registry Act Bill Passed - House (80 - 24)
Dec. 2, 2020 OH SB 334 Establishes Juneteenth as a Paid State Holiday Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
Oct. 29, 2020 NJ A 4545 Requires Instruction on Racial Discrimination, Social Justice, Diversity, and Inclusion Bill Passed - House (56 - 7)
Oct. 16, 2020 VA SB 5007 Authorizes Defendants to Be Sentenced by a Judge Rather Than a Jury Conference Report Adopted - House (55 - 43)
Oct. 14, 2020 VA SB 5030 Establishes and Amends Various Provisions Relating to Law Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - House (52 - 34)
Oct. 14, 2020 VA HB 5099 Prohibits No-Knock Search Warrants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 16)
Oct. 14, 2020 VA SB 5030 Establishes and Amends Various Provisions Relating to Law Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
Oct. 14, 2020 VA HB 5099 Prohibits No-Knock Search Warrants Conference Report Adopted - House (56 - 41)
Oct. 2, 2020 VA HB 5093 Expands the Violation of a Pandemic-Related Executive Order to Include a Fine Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 37)
Oct. 2, 2020 VA SB 5024 Authorizes the Attorney General to File a Civil Suit or Inquire into Law Enforcement Engaging in Unlawful Practices Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
Oct. 2, 2020 National H Res 1153 Condemning unwanted, unnecessary medical procedures on individuals without their full, informed consent Bill Passed - House (232 - 157)
Sept. 30, 2020 National HR 6270 Uyghur Forced Labor Disclosure Act of 2020 Bill Passed - House (253 - 163)
Sept. 29, 2020 National H Res 1155 Reaffirming the House of Representatives' commitment to the orderly and peaceful transfer of power called for in the Constitution of the United States, and for other purposes Bill Passed - House (397 - 5)
Sept. 25, 2020 VA HB 5093 Expands the Violation of a Pandemic-Related Executive Order to Include a Fine Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
Sept. 22, 2020 VT S 119 Amends Standards for Police Use of Force Policies Bill Passed - House (106 - 37)
Sept. 17, 2020 National HR 2694 Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Bill Passed - House (329 - 73)
Sept. 16, 2020 National HR 2574 Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (232 - 188)
Sept. 15, 2020 National HR 2639 Strength in Diversity Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (248 - 167)
Sept. 15, 2020 PA HB 2530 Prohibits Governor from Disallowing Gatherings at Places of Worship Bill Passed - House (149 - 53)
Sept. 10, 2020 VA SB 5007 Authorizes Defendants to Be Sentenced by a Judge Rather Than a Jury Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Sept. 10, 2020 VA SB 5030 Establishes and Amends Various Provisions Relating to Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Sept. 10, 2020 VA SB 5024 Authorizes the Attorney General to File a Civil Suit or Inquire into Law Enforcement Engaging in Unlawful Practices Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Sept. 8, 2020 VA HB 5013 Repeals Qualified Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - House (49 - 45)
Sept. 4, 2020 VA HB 5099 Prohibits No-Knock Search Warrants Bill Passed - House (56 - 41)
Sept. 4, 2020 VA HB 5013 Repeals Qualified Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Failed - House (47 - 48)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA AB 2542 Prohibits Racial Discrimination in Criminal Courts Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 16)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA SB 629 Establishes Legal Protection for Journalists Attending Protest Demonstrations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 2)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA SB 1102 Requires Employers to Provide H-2A Employees with a Written Notice of their Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/18 HB 158 Reduces Racial Disparities in Medical Care Bill Passed - House (72 - 41)
3/18 SJR 12 Amends the State Constitution to Establish Healthcare as a Right for All Citizens Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
3/17 HB 172 Establishes Term Limits For Congressional Positions Bill Passed - House (61 - 52)
3/17 H J Res 17 Removing the deadline for the ratification of the equal rights amendment Joint Resolution Passed - House (222 - 204)
3/17 SF 568 Amends Election Law Related to Amendments to the State Constitution Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
3/16 HF 802 Limits the Types of Diversity Training Schools and Governments May Offer Bill Passed - House (59 - 38)
3/16 SJR 20 Establishes February 2021 as Black History Month and Honors Black Legislators Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (11 - 20)
3/15 SB 289 Authorizes Denial of Healthcare on the Basis of Religious Principles Bill Passed - House (72 - 20)
3/11 LD 2 Requires the State Legislature to Assess the Racial Impact of Pending Legislation Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
3/04 HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 20)
3/04 HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 20)
3/04 SB 11 Prohibits Work Stoppages or Strikes by Public Employees Bill Passed - House (55 - 44)
3/04 HB 1602 Establishes Computer Data Privacy Protections Bill Passed - House (85 - 11)
3/03 HR 1280 George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (220 - 212)
3/03 HR 1 For the People Act of 2021 Bill Passed - House (220 - 210)
3/02 HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Passed - House (62 - 7)
3/02 HCR 6013 Specifies that the 2nd Amendment is Protected from Federal Overreach Bill Passed - House (62 - 7)
3/01 SB 215 Limits State and Local Governmental Authority Over a Religious Activity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 24)
2/27 SJ 272 Amends the Qualifications to Vote Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
2/27 SJ 272 Amends the Qualifications to Vote Conference Report Adopted - House (56 - 40)
2/25 HR 5 Equality Act Bill Passed - House (224 - 206)
2/24 S 830 Extends Voting Rights to Convicted Felons on Parole Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
2/24 HB 6515 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Hairstyle Bill Passed - House (138 - 9)
2/24 HB 2551 Authorizes Individuals with Concealed Carry Permits to Enter Most Buildings with Firearms Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
2/23 HB 2152 Amends Arizona Revised Statues in Regards to Disclosure of Law Enforcement Body Camera Footage Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
2/23 H 140 Prohibits Imposing Vaccine Mandates for State Contractors Bill Passed - House (49 - 21)
2/22 SB 11 Prohibits Work Stoppages or Strikes by Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
2/19 HB 218 Prohibits "Free Speech Zones" on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (96 - 3)
2/16 HB 4 Repeals Qualified Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - House (39 - 29)
2/16 SB 198 Increases Penalties for Attendees of "Riots" or "Unlawful Assemblies" Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 8)
2/10 SB 289 Authorizes Denial of Healthcare on the Basis of Religious Principles Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
2/02 HF 228 Prohibits Open Enrollment Rejections Via Diversity Plans Bill Passed - House (56 - 32)
1/28 HCR 5003 Amends the State Constitution to Allow Legislative Regulation and Specify that there is No Constitutional Right to Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
1/28 SB 32 Prohibits Hair Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
1/27 SB 5044 Requires Anti-Racism and Equity Training in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
1/27 HJR 5 Amends the State Constitution to Repeal the Right to an Abortion Joint Resolution Passed - House (55 - 44)
1/22 HCR 5003 Amends the State Constitution to Allow Legislative Regulation and Specify that there is No Constitutional Right to Abortion Bill Passed - House (86 - 38)
1/21 HJR 1 Amends the State Constitution to Authorize the Legislature to Reconvene Their Session Bill Passed - House (51 - 18)
1/21 SB 31 Amends the Equal Rights Amendment in the State Constitution to Prohibit Racial Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
1/12 SB 1608 Establishes New Commissions to Impose Racial Diversity Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
1/12 S 528 Amends the State Constitution to Ensure the Right to a Healthy Environment Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 14)
1/11 A 4454 Requires School Districts to Include Instruction on Diversity and Inclusion as Part of New Education Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 29)
1/11 SB 1608 Establishes New Commissions to Impose Racial Diversity Requirements Bill Passed - House (70 - 39)
1/11 AR 213 Establishes Disapproval of Events of January 6 Bill Passed - House (47 - 8)
12/17 A 4454 Requires School Districts to Include Instruction on Diversity and Inclusion as Part of New Education Standards Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
12/09 SB 1252 Appropriates $600 Million to the Flint Water Settlement Trust Fund Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
12/02 SB 40 Prohibits State Universities from Enacting Limitations on Campus Free Speech Bill Passed - House (66 - 27)
12/02 HB 5679 Amends the Sex Offender Registry Act Bill Passed - House (80 - 24)
12/02 SB 334 Establishes Juneteenth as a Paid State Holiday Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
10/29 A 4545 Requires Instruction on Racial Discrimination, Social Justice, Diversity, and Inclusion Bill Passed - House (56 - 7)
10/16 SB 5007 Authorizes Defendants to Be Sentenced by a Judge Rather Than a Jury Conference Report Adopted - House (55 - 43)
10/14 SB 5030 Establishes and Amends Various Provisions Relating to Law Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - House (52 - 34)
10/14 HB 5099 Prohibits No-Knock Search Warrants Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 16)
10/14 SB 5030 Establishes and Amends Various Provisions Relating to Law Enforcement Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 17)
10/14 HB 5099 Prohibits No-Knock Search Warrants Conference Report Adopted - House (56 - 41)
10/02 HB 5093 Expands the Violation of a Pandemic-Related Executive Order to Include a Fine Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 37)
10/02 SB 5024 Authorizes the Attorney General to File a Civil Suit or Inquire into Law Enforcement Engaging in Unlawful Practices Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
10/02 H Res 1153 Condemning unwanted, unnecessary medical procedures on individuals without their full, informed consent Bill Passed - House (232 - 157)
9/30 HR 6270 Uyghur Forced Labor Disclosure Act of 2020 Bill Passed - House (253 - 163)
9/29 H Res 1155 Reaffirming the House of Representatives' commitment to the orderly and peaceful transfer of power called for in the Constitution of the United States, and for other purposes Bill Passed - House (397 - 5)
9/25 HB 5093 Expands the Violation of a Pandemic-Related Executive Order to Include a Fine Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
9/22 S 119 Amends Standards for Police Use of Force Policies Bill Passed - House (106 - 37)
9/17 HR 2694 Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Bill Passed - House (329 - 73)
9/16 HR 2574 Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (232 - 188)
9/15 HR 2639 Strength in Diversity Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (248 - 167)
9/15 HB 2530 Prohibits Governor from Disallowing Gatherings at Places of Worship Bill Passed - House (149 - 53)
9/10 SB 5007 Authorizes Defendants to Be Sentenced by a Judge Rather Than a Jury Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
9/10 SB 5030 Establishes and Amends Various Provisions Relating to Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
9/10 SB 5024 Authorizes the Attorney General to File a Civil Suit or Inquire into Law Enforcement Engaging in Unlawful Practices Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
9/08 HB 5013 Repeals Qualified Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - House (49 - 45)
9/04 HB 5099 Prohibits No-Knock Search Warrants Bill Passed - House (56 - 41)
9/04 HB 5013 Repeals Qualified Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Failed - House (47 - 48)
8/31 AB 2542 Prohibits Racial Discrimination in Criminal Courts Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 16)
8/31 SB 629 Establishes Legal Protection for Journalists Attending Protest Demonstrations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 2)
8/31 SB 1102 Requires Employers to Provide H-2A Employees with a Written Notice of their Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 10)

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