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.


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Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
May 30, 2018 CA SB 905 Authorizes Alcohol Sales Until 4 AM Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
May 2, 2018 RI S 2350 Prohibits Advertising Unhealthy Food in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
Feb. 5, 2018 MS SB 2588 Authorizes Localities to Designate Open Container Districts Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 9)
Oct. 12, 2017 MI HB 4999 Prohibits Localities from Taxing Foods and Beverages Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
Sept. 5, 2017 CA AB 841 Restricts Marketing of Unhealthy Foods in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
April 11, 2017 WA HB 1493 Regulates Commercial Use of Biometric Data Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
Aug. 30, 2016 CA SB 1333 Prohibits Smoking on State Beaches and Parks Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
July 7, 2016 National S 764 Establishes Labeling Standards for Genetically Modified Foods Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (63 - 30)
May 31, 2016 CA SB 1333 Prohibits Smoking on State Beaches and Parks Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
May 26, 2016 NJ S 359 Increases Smoking Age to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
May 18, 2016 IL SB 3011 Increases Smoking Age to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
April 28, 2016 MA S 2269 Increases Smoking Age to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
April 18, 2016 LA SB 29 Authorizes the Sale of Raw Milk Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
March 30, 2016 AK SB 1 Prohibits Smoking in Public Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
March 10, 2016 CA SB 7 Increases Smoking Age to 21 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
March 10, 2016 CA SB 5 Amends Regulations for E-Cigarettes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
March 3, 2016 MO SB 919 Authorizes Breweries to Lease Coolers to Stores Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
March 1, 2016 IN HB 1386 Authorizes Liquor Licenses for State Parks Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
March 1, 2016 OK SJR 68 Authorizes the Public to Vote on Beer and Wine Sales Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (28 - 16)
Jan. 14, 2016 KY SB 200 Amends Alcohol Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
Aug. 27, 2015 CA SB 7 Increases Smoking Age to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
Aug. 27, 2015 CA SB 5 Amends Regulations for E-Cigarettes Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
June 2, 2015 CA SB 151 Increases Smoking Age Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
June 2, 2015 CA SB 140 Prohibits Smoking Electronic Cigarettes in Certain Indoor Areas Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
May 11, 2015 OR HB 2546 Prohibits Sale of Electronic Cigarettes to Minors Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
April 28, 2015 HI SB 550 Prohibits Powdered Alcohol Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 2)
April 24, 2015 HI SB 1030 Prohibits Sale of Tobacco Products to Individuals Under 21 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 4)
April 7, 2015 IN HB 1432 Establishes E-Liquid Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
March 20, 2015 ND HB 1434 Authorizes Alcohol Sales on Sunday Mornings Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
March 19, 2015 ND HB 1434 Authorizes Alcohol Sales on Sunday Mornings Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 22)
March 19, 2015 NM SB 433 Prohibits Sale of E-Cigarettes to Minors Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
March 12, 2015 UT HB 48 Prohibits Powdered Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
March 10, 2015 HI SB 1030 Prohibits Sale of Tobacco Products to Individuals Under 21 Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 5)
March 5, 2015 GA SB 103 Authorizes the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages 1 Sunday Each Year Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 19)
March 4, 2015 KY HB 168 Prohibits Out-of-State Breweries from Holding Alcohol Distributors Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
March 2, 2015 NM SB 503 Authorizes Beer and Wine Delivery Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 10)
Feb. 20, 2015 WV SB 30 Authorizes the Consumption of Raw Milk Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
Jan. 28, 2015 WY SF 106 Prohibits Powdered Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
Dec. 4, 2014 MI SB 247 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol until 4 a.m. Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
Oct. 15, 2014 PA HB 1750 Prohibits Pigeon Shoots Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
May 29, 2014 CA SB 1000 Requires Health Warning Labels on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
April 29, 2014 FL SB 1714 Amends Brewery Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
March 27, 2014 NH SB 329 Repeals the Prohibition on Alcoholic Beverage Billboard Advertisements "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (13 - 11)
March 4, 2014 SD HB 1123 Extends the Alcoholic Beverage Service Hours of Certain Hotels Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 20)
March 3, 2014 TN SB 837 Authorizes the Sale of Wine in Grocery Stores Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 4)
Feb. 18, 2014 NM SB 347 Appropriates Funds to the Lottery Tuition Fund Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 11)
Feb. 17, 2014 GA SB 318 Authorizes Bars to Sell Alcohol on Certain Holiday Weekends Bill Failed - Senate (28 - 20)
Feb. 16, 2014 NM SB 263 Increases the Liquor Excise Tax Rate Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 14)
Feb. 5, 2014 MD SB 75 Prohibits the Sale of Alcoholic Products with Alcohol Content Above 95 Percent Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 10)
Jan. 30, 2014 TN SB 837 Authorizes the Sale of Wine in Grocery Stores Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2014 IN SB 339 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol at the Indiana State Fair Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
Jan. 28, 2014 ME LD 1254 Requires State Institutions to Purchase Foods Produced in Maine Veto Override Failed - Senate (20 - 13)
June 10, 2013 National S 954 Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 Bill Passed - Senate (66 - 27)
May 23, 2013 ME LD 1546 Expands Medicaid and Authorizes Liquor Operation Bonds Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
May 20, 2013 MN HF 677 Amends State Taxes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 30)
May 7, 2013 AL HB 9 Authorizes Home Brewing Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
April 30, 2013 MI SB 197 Requires the State Prison Food Service To Seek Competitive Bids From Private Entities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
April 12, 2013 WA HB 1001 Establishes a Liquor License for Small Theaters Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
April 10, 2013 AR HB 1536 Authorizes Sale of Unpasteurized Whole Milk Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
March 26, 2013 IN HB 1293 Establishes Micro-Distiller Permits Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
June 21, 2012 National S Amdt 2310 Requires Labels on Foods with Genetically Modified Ingredients Amendment Rejected - Senate (26 - 73)
June 19, 2012 National S Amdt 2156 Increases Funding for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Amendment Rejected - Senate (33 - 66)
June 19, 2012 National S Amdt 2172 Rescinds Bonuses to States for Administering Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Amendment Rejected - Senate (41 - 58)
June 13, 2012 National S Amdt 2392 Reduces Funding for Food Stamps Amendment Tabled - Senate (65 - 33)
May 24, 2012 National S Amdt 2108 Prohibits FDA Approval of Genetically Engineered Fish Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 50)
May 1, 2012 CT HB 5021 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol on Sundays and Certain Holidays Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
April 10, 2012 CO SB 68 Prohibits Food with Trans Fat in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
Feb. 27, 2012 SD HB 1206 Repeals the South Dakota Sales Tax on Food Refund Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
Dec. 7, 2011 PA HB 242 Permitting the On-Site Sale of Alcohol at Distilleries Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
Dec. 1, 2011 National S 1931 Reduces Payroll Tax Rate Motion Rejected - Senate (20 - 78)
Nov. 17, 2011 National HR 2112 Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration Conference Report Adopted - Senate (70 - 30)
July 14, 2011 CA SB 39 Bans Caffeinated Alcohol Drinks Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
May 25, 2011 WA SB 5942 State Liquor Sales Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 19)
March 30, 2011 MD SB 994 Increases Sales Tax on Alcoholic Beverages Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 19)
March 23, 2011 IA HF 617 Alcoholic Beverage Permits Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
March 16, 2011 GA SB 10 Alcoholic Beverage Sales on Sundays Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
Feb. 28, 2011 UT SB 270 Modifications to Sales and Use Tax Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
Nov. 30, 2010 National S 510 FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Bill Passed - Senate (73 - 25)
Oct. 8, 2009 National HR 2997 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (76 - 22)
June 18, 2008 National HR 6124 Second Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Veto Override Passed - Senate (80 - 14)
May 22, 2008 National HR 2419 Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Veto Override Passed - Senate (82 - 13)
May 15, 2008 National HR 2419 Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Conference Report Adopted - Senate (81 - 15)
Dec. 14, 2007 National HR 2419 Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Bill Passed - Senate (79 - 14)
Dec. 7, 2006 National PN 1396 Andrew von Eschenbach, Commissioner of Food and Drugs Nomination Confirmed - Senate (80 - 11)
Aug. 3, 2006 National HR 5970 Death/Estate Tax and Minimum Wage Bill Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (56 - 42)
Nov. 3, 2005 National HR 2744 Agriculture, Rural Development and FDA Appropriations Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (81 - 18)
Sept. 22, 2005 National HR 2744 Agriculture, Rural Development and FDA Appropriations Act Bill Passed - Senate (97 - 2)
May 8, 2002 National HR 2646 Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (64 - 35)
Feb. 13, 2002 National HR 2646 Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 40)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/30 SB 905 Authorizes Alcohol Sales Until 4 AM Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
5/02 S 2350 Prohibits Advertising Unhealthy Food in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
2/05 SB 2588 Authorizes Localities to Designate Open Container Districts Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 9)
10/12 HB 4999 Prohibits Localities from Taxing Foods and Beverages Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
9/05 AB 841 Restricts Marketing of Unhealthy Foods in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
4/11 HB 1493 Regulates Commercial Use of Biometric Data Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
8/30 SB 1333 Prohibits Smoking on State Beaches and Parks Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
7/07 S 764 Establishes Labeling Standards for Genetically Modified Foods Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (63 - 30)
5/31 SB 1333 Prohibits Smoking on State Beaches and Parks Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
5/26 S 359 Increases Smoking Age to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
5/18 SB 3011 Increases Smoking Age to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
4/28 S 2269 Increases Smoking Age to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
4/18 SB 29 Authorizes the Sale of Raw Milk Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
3/30 SB 1 Prohibits Smoking in Public Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
3/10 SB 7 Increases Smoking Age to 21 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
3/10 SB 5 Amends Regulations for E-Cigarettes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
3/03 SB 919 Authorizes Breweries to Lease Coolers to Stores Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
3/01 HB 1386 Authorizes Liquor Licenses for State Parks Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
3/01 SJR 68 Authorizes the Public to Vote on Beer and Wine Sales Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (28 - 16)
1/14 SB 200 Amends Alcohol Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
8/27 SB 7 Increases Smoking Age to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
8/27 SB 5 Amends Regulations for E-Cigarettes Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
6/02 SB 151 Increases Smoking Age Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
6/02 SB 140 Prohibits Smoking Electronic Cigarettes in Certain Indoor Areas Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
5/11 HB 2546 Prohibits Sale of Electronic Cigarettes to Minors Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
4/28 SB 550 Prohibits Powdered Alcohol Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 2)
4/24 SB 1030 Prohibits Sale of Tobacco Products to Individuals Under 21 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 4)
4/07 HB 1432 Establishes E-Liquid Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
3/20 HB 1434 Authorizes Alcohol Sales on Sunday Mornings Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 18)
3/19 HB 1434 Authorizes Alcohol Sales on Sunday Mornings Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 22)
3/19 SB 433 Prohibits Sale of E-Cigarettes to Minors Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
3/12 HB 48 Prohibits Powdered Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
3/10 SB 1030 Prohibits Sale of Tobacco Products to Individuals Under 21 Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 5)
3/05 SB 103 Authorizes the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages 1 Sunday Each Year Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 19)
3/04 HB 168 Prohibits Out-of-State Breweries from Holding Alcohol Distributors Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
3/02 SB 503 Authorizes Beer and Wine Delivery Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 10)
2/20 SB 30 Authorizes the Consumption of Raw Milk Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 16)
1/28 SF 106 Prohibits Powdered Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
12/04 SB 247 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol until 4 a.m. Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
10/15 HB 1750 Prohibits Pigeon Shoots Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
5/29 SB 1000 Requires Health Warning Labels on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
4/29 SB 1714 Amends Brewery Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
3/27 SB 329 Repeals the Prohibition on Alcoholic Beverage Billboard Advertisements "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (13 - 11)
3/04 HB 1123 Extends the Alcoholic Beverage Service Hours of Certain Hotels Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 20)
3/03 SB 837 Authorizes the Sale of Wine in Grocery Stores Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 4)
2/18 SB 347 Appropriates Funds to the Lottery Tuition Fund Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 11)
2/17 SB 318 Authorizes Bars to Sell Alcohol on Certain Holiday Weekends Bill Failed - Senate (28 - 20)
2/16 SB 263 Increases the Liquor Excise Tax Rate Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 14)
2/05 SB 75 Prohibits the Sale of Alcoholic Products with Alcohol Content Above 95 Percent Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 10)
1/30 SB 837 Authorizes the Sale of Wine in Grocery Stores Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
1/30 SB 339 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol at the Indiana State Fair Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
1/28 LD 1254 Requires State Institutions to Purchase Foods Produced in Maine Veto Override Failed - Senate (20 - 13)
6/10 S 954 Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 Bill Passed - Senate (66 - 27)
5/23 LD 1546 Expands Medicaid and Authorizes Liquor Operation Bonds Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
5/20 HF 677 Amends State Taxes Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 30)
5/07 HB 9 Authorizes Home Brewing Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
4/30 SB 197 Requires the State Prison Food Service To Seek Competitive Bids From Private Entities Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
4/12 HB 1001 Establishes a Liquor License for Small Theaters Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 21)
4/10 HB 1536 Authorizes Sale of Unpasteurized Whole Milk Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
3/26 HB 1293 Establishes Micro-Distiller Permits Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9)
6/21 S Amdt 2310 Requires Labels on Foods with Genetically Modified Ingredients Amendment Rejected - Senate (26 - 73)
6/19 S Amdt 2156 Increases Funding for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Amendment Rejected - Senate (33 - 66)
6/19 S Amdt 2172 Rescinds Bonuses to States for Administering Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Amendment Rejected - Senate (41 - 58)
6/13 S Amdt 2392 Reduces Funding for Food Stamps Amendment Tabled - Senate (65 - 33)
5/24 S Amdt 2108 Prohibits FDA Approval of Genetically Engineered Fish Amendment Rejected - Senate (46 - 50)
5/01 HB 5021 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol on Sundays and Certain Holidays Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
4/10 SB 68 Prohibits Food with Trans Fat in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
2/27 HB 1206 Repeals the South Dakota Sales Tax on Food Refund Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
12/07 HB 242 Permitting the On-Site Sale of Alcohol at Distilleries Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
12/01 S 1931 Reduces Payroll Tax Rate Motion Rejected - Senate (20 - 78)
11/17 HR 2112 Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration Conference Report Adopted - Senate (70 - 30)
7/14 SB 39 Bans Caffeinated Alcohol Drinks Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
5/25 SB 5942 State Liquor Sales Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 19)
3/30 SB 994 Increases Sales Tax on Alcoholic Beverages Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 19)
3/23 HF 617 Alcoholic Beverage Permits Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
3/16 SB 10 Alcoholic Beverage Sales on Sundays Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 22)
2/28 SB 270 Modifications to Sales and Use Tax Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
11/30 S 510 FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Bill Passed - Senate (73 - 25)
10/08 HR 2997 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (76 - 22)
6/18 HR 6124 Second Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Veto Override Passed - Senate (80 - 14)
5/22 HR 2419 Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Veto Override Passed - Senate (82 - 13)
5/15 HR 2419 Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Conference Report Adopted - Senate (81 - 15)
12/14 HR 2419 Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm Bill) Bill Passed - Senate (79 - 14)
12/07 PN 1396 Andrew von Eschenbach, Commissioner of Food and Drugs Nomination Confirmed - Senate (80 - 11)
8/03 HR 5970 Death/Estate Tax and Minimum Wage Bill Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (56 - 42)
11/03 HR 2744 Agriculture, Rural Development and FDA Appropriations Act Conference Report Adopted - Senate (81 - 18)
9/22 HR 2744 Agriculture, Rural Development and FDA Appropriations Act Bill Passed - Senate (97 - 2)
5/08 HR 2646 Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (64 - 35)
2/13 HR 2646 Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 40)

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