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
July 29, 2025 NC SB 558 Prohibits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Public Higher Education Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
June 30, 2025 NJ A 5309 Authorizes up to Three Credits of Continuing Medical Education on Menopause to be Used by Advanced Practice Nurses and Physicians for License Renewal Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
June 28, 2025 TX SJR 59 Establishes the Permanent Technical Institution Infrastructure Fund and the Available Workforce Education Fund as Special Funds to Fund Capital Projects and Equipment Purchases Related to Educational Programs Offered by the Texas State Technical College System Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
June 27, 2025 CA AB 123 Appropriates Funding for the 2025 State Higher Education budget Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 1)
June 27, 2025 CA AB 313 Authorizes the Student Aid Commission to Grant a Postponement of an Application Deadline Without Submission of a Formal Request if they Find that there was a Delay in the Opening of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
June 27, 2025 TX SJR 59 Establishes the Permanent Technical Institution Infrastructure Fund and the Available Workforce Education Fund as Special Funds to Fund Capital Projects and Equipment Purchases Related to Educational Programs Offered by the Texas State Technical College System Bill Passed - House (110 - 16)
June 26, 2025 NC HB 694 Requires the Environmental Finance Center at UNC Chapel Hill to Study Water and Wastewater Regionalization Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 42)
June 26, 2025 PA HB 865 Specifies Guidelines for Military Family Educational Program Grant Eligibility for Pennsylvania National Guard Members Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
June 25, 2025 ME LD 747 Appropriates Funding to Reduce Student Homelessness (89 - 51)
June 25, 2025 NC SB 558 Prohibits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Public Higher Education Bill Passed - House (64 - 47)
June 18, 2025 WI SB 182 Requires the Technical College System Board to Provide Grants to Technical Colleges That Provide Emergency Medical Services Courses for Initial Licensure Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
June 12, 2025 MI HB 4580 Reduces Operational Funding Budgets for Higher Education Institutions Bill Passed - House (56 - 41)
June 12, 2025 MI HB 4579 Appropriates Funding for the State Community College Budget Bill Passed - House (56 - 41)
June 5, 2025 NH SB 295 Repeals Income Limits for Education Freedom Accounts Immediately but Includes a 12,250-Student Cap on the Program "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (190 - 178)
June 5, 2025 NY S 7616 Authorizes Stony Brook University to Build Additional Housing on its Campus Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 0)
June 4, 2025 ME LD 1012 Establishes the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Laboratory Operations Fund and directs the State Liquor and Lottery Commission to Develop and Initiate a $4 Instant Lottery Game to Raise Funds "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 14)
June 3, 2025 CA AB 1400 Authorizes Select Community Colleges to Offer Baccalaureate Degree Programs in Nursing Bill Passed - House (74 - 0)
June 2, 2025 CA SB 98 Requires School Districts and Certain Universities to Notify Students, Faculty, and Other Campus Members When Federal Immigration Enforcement is Present Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
June 2, 2025 CA SB 790 Authorizes the Governor to Enter Into Interstate Reciprocity Agreements for Online College Standards Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
June 2, 2025 CA SB 323 Requires an Amendment to the California Dream Act Application That Clarifies That it May Be Used by Any Student Eligible for State Financial Aid Programs Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 1)
June 1, 2025 TX SB 2972 Requires the Governing Boards of Institutions of Higher Education to Designate Areas on Campus for Public Forum and Prohibits Certain Activities During Student Demonstrations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 9)
June 1, 2025 TX SB 2972 Requires the Governing Boards of Institutions of Higher Education to Designate Areas on Campus for Public Forum and Prohibits Certain Activities During Student Demonstrations Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 39)
May 31, 2025 TX SB 37 Authorizes Political Appointees to Review and Approve or Reject Courses and the Hiring of a Provost or Chief Academic Officer Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 47)
May 31, 2025 TX SB 37 Authorizes Political Appointees to Review and Approve or Reject Courses and the Hiring of a Provost or Chief Academic Officer Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 11)
May 30, 2025 IL HB 3522 Requires Each Public University in the Direct Admission Program to Identify its Grade Point Average Standards for First Time Admission and Transfer Students Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 10)
May 28, 2025 OK HB 1727 Extends Eligibility for the Oklahoma's Promise Scholarship Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 10)
May 28, 2025 OK HB 1727 Extends Eligibility for the Oklahoma's Promise Scholarship Conference Report Adopted - House (60 - 27)
May 28, 2025 NE LB 89 Defines "Male" and "Female" in State Law Targeted for K-12 or Collegiate Bathrooms, Sports Teams and Locker Rooms Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
May 28, 2025 CA SB 640 Establishes a Direct Admission Program for In-State High School Students to be Admitted to a Designated California State University Campus Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
May 27, 2025 TX SB 1032 Specifies Eligibility Requirements for Postsecondary Educational Institutions to Participate in the Governor's University Research Initiative Bill Passed - House (104 - 37)
May 21, 2025 NY A 5448 Requires Institutions of Higher Education to Designate a Title VI Coordinator Bill Passed - House (143 - 1)
May 14, 2025 NE LB 89 Defines "Male" and "Female" in State Law Targeted for K-12 or Collegiate Bathrooms, Sports Teams and Locker Rooms Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
May 13, 2025 OK SB 105 Repeals Prior Public School Enrollment Requirements for the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 9)
May 12, 2025 MO HB 419 Repeals the University of Missouri System's Exclusive Authority to Grant Research Doctorates and certain Professional Degrees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (149 - 7)
May 7, 2025 National HR 881 DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act Bill Passed - House (266 - 153)
May 6, 2025 AL SB 196 Establishes the Move on When Ready Program for High School Juniors and Seniors to Earn College Credit Before Graduation Bill Passed - House (100 - 2)
May 1, 2025 MO HB 419 Repeals the University of Missouri System's Exclusive Authority to Grant Research Doctorates and certain Professional Degrees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
April 29, 2025 OK SB 105 Repeals Prior Public School Enrollment Requirements for the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program Bill Passed - House (70 - 23)
April 28, 2025 AZ SB 1694 Exempts Community Colleges and Public Universities in Arizona from Receiving State Funding if they Offered Courses on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Bill Passed - House (32 - 23)
April 23, 2025 CO SB 25-045 Requires the School of Public Health at the University of Colorado to Analyze Implementation of a Single-Payer Health Care System Bill Passed - House (39 - 25)
April 22, 2025 IA HF 516 Requires 80% of Students Admitted to the University of Iowa's Medical and Dentistry Colleges to be Iowa Residents Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 30)
April 22, 2025 TN SB 1084 Prohibits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Offices or Initiatives in State and Local Governments or Public Colleges Bill Passed - House (72 - 25)
April 22, 2025 TN HB 622 Prohibits Local Governments and Public Colleges From Hiring Based on Diversity, Equity, or Inclusion Initiatives Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
April 22, 2025 AL HB 273 Establishes the Hunger-Free Campus Act Bill Passed - House (96 - 2)
April 22, 2025 NE LB 89 Defines "Male" and "Female" in State Law Targeted for K-12 or Collegiate Bathrooms, Sports Teams and Locker Rooms Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
April 22, 2025 TN SB 1084 Prohibits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Offices or Initiatives in State and Local Governments or Public Colleges Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
April 21, 2025 ND HB 1600 Establishes an Immigration-Focused Law Clinic at the University of North Dakota Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 29)
April 17, 2025 IA HF 295 Prohibits Accrediting Agencies from Penalizing an Institution for Refusing to Violate State Law Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
April 17, 2025 TN HB 622 Prohibits Local Governments and Public Colleges From Hiring Based on Diversity, Equity, or Inclusion Initiatives Bill Passed - House (68 - 24)
April 17, 2025 MO HB 20 Appropriates Funding for the State Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - House (147 - 5)
Date No. Title Outcome
7/29 SB 558 Prohibits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Public Higher Education Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
6/30 A 5309 Authorizes up to Three Credits of Continuing Medical Education on Menopause to be Used by Advanced Practice Nurses and Physicians for License Renewal Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
6/28 SJR 59 Establishes the Permanent Technical Institution Infrastructure Fund and the Available Workforce Education Fund as Special Funds to Fund Capital Projects and Equipment Purchases Related to Educational Programs Offered by the Texas State Technical College System Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
6/27 AB 123 Appropriates Funding for the 2025 State Higher Education budget Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 1)
6/27 AB 313 Authorizes the Student Aid Commission to Grant a Postponement of an Application Deadline Without Submission of a Formal Request if they Find that there was a Delay in the Opening of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
6/27 SJR 59 Establishes the Permanent Technical Institution Infrastructure Fund and the Available Workforce Education Fund as Special Funds to Fund Capital Projects and Equipment Purchases Related to Educational Programs Offered by the Texas State Technical College System Bill Passed - House (110 - 16)
6/26 HB 694 Requires the Environmental Finance Center at UNC Chapel Hill to Study Water and Wastewater Regionalization Concurrence Vote Passed - House (66 - 42)
6/26 HB 865 Specifies Guidelines for Military Family Educational Program Grant Eligibility for Pennsylvania National Guard Members Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
6/25 LD 747 Appropriates Funding to Reduce Student Homelessness (89 - 51)
6/25 SB 558 Prohibits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Public Higher Education Bill Passed - House (64 - 47)
6/18 SB 182 Requires the Technical College System Board to Provide Grants to Technical Colleges That Provide Emergency Medical Services Courses for Initial Licensure Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
6/12 HB 4580 Reduces Operational Funding Budgets for Higher Education Institutions Bill Passed - House (56 - 41)
6/12 HB 4579 Appropriates Funding for the State Community College Budget Bill Passed - House (56 - 41)
6/05 SB 295 Repeals Income Limits for Education Freedom Accounts Immediately but Includes a 12,250-Student Cap on the Program "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (190 - 178)
6/05 S 7616 Authorizes Stony Brook University to Build Additional Housing on its Campus Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 0)
6/04 LD 1012 Establishes the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Laboratory Operations Fund and directs the State Liquor and Lottery Commission to Develop and Initiate a $4 Instant Lottery Game to Raise Funds "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 14)
6/03 AB 1400 Authorizes Select Community Colleges to Offer Baccalaureate Degree Programs in Nursing Bill Passed - House (74 - 0)
6/02 SB 98 Requires School Districts and Certain Universities to Notify Students, Faculty, and Other Campus Members When Federal Immigration Enforcement is Present Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
6/02 SB 790 Authorizes the Governor to Enter Into Interstate Reciprocity Agreements for Online College Standards Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
6/02 SB 323 Requires an Amendment to the California Dream Act Application That Clarifies That it May Be Used by Any Student Eligible for State Financial Aid Programs Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 1)
6/01 SB 2972 Requires the Governing Boards of Institutions of Higher Education to Designate Areas on Campus for Public Forum and Prohibits Certain Activities During Student Demonstrations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 9)
6/01 SB 2972 Requires the Governing Boards of Institutions of Higher Education to Designate Areas on Campus for Public Forum and Prohibits Certain Activities During Student Demonstrations Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 39)
5/31 SB 37 Authorizes Political Appointees to Review and Approve or Reject Courses and the Hiring of a Provost or Chief Academic Officer Conference Report Adopted - House (83 - 47)
5/31 SB 37 Authorizes Political Appointees to Review and Approve or Reject Courses and the Hiring of a Provost or Chief Academic Officer Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 11)
5/30 HB 3522 Requires Each Public University in the Direct Admission Program to Identify its Grade Point Average Standards for First Time Admission and Transfer Students Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 10)
5/28 HB 1727 Extends Eligibility for the Oklahoma's Promise Scholarship Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 10)
5/28 HB 1727 Extends Eligibility for the Oklahoma's Promise Scholarship Conference Report Adopted - House (60 - 27)
5/28 LB 89 Defines "Male" and "Female" in State Law Targeted for K-12 or Collegiate Bathrooms, Sports Teams and Locker Rooms Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
5/28 SB 640 Establishes a Direct Admission Program for In-State High School Students to be Admitted to a Designated California State University Campus Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
5/27 SB 1032 Specifies Eligibility Requirements for Postsecondary Educational Institutions to Participate in the Governor's University Research Initiative Bill Passed - House (104 - 37)
5/21 A 5448 Requires Institutions of Higher Education to Designate a Title VI Coordinator Bill Passed - House (143 - 1)
5/14 LB 89 Defines "Male" and "Female" in State Law Targeted for K-12 or Collegiate Bathrooms, Sports Teams and Locker Rooms Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 15)
5/13 SB 105 Repeals Prior Public School Enrollment Requirements for the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 9)
5/12 HB 419 Repeals the University of Missouri System's Exclusive Authority to Grant Research Doctorates and certain Professional Degrees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (149 - 7)
5/07 HR 881 DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act Bill Passed - House (266 - 153)
5/06 SB 196 Establishes the Move on When Ready Program for High School Juniors and Seniors to Earn College Credit Before Graduation Bill Passed - House (100 - 2)
5/01 HB 419 Repeals the University of Missouri System's Exclusive Authority to Grant Research Doctorates and certain Professional Degrees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
4/29 SB 105 Repeals Prior Public School Enrollment Requirements for the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program Bill Passed - House (70 - 23)
4/28 SB 1694 Exempts Community Colleges and Public Universities in Arizona from Receiving State Funding if they Offered Courses on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Bill Passed - House (32 - 23)
4/23 SB 25-045 Requires the School of Public Health at the University of Colorado to Analyze Implementation of a Single-Payer Health Care System Bill Passed - House (39 - 25)
4/22 HF 516 Requires 80% of Students Admitted to the University of Iowa's Medical and Dentistry Colleges to be Iowa Residents Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 30)
4/22 SB 1084 Prohibits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Offices or Initiatives in State and Local Governments or Public Colleges Bill Passed - House (72 - 25)
4/22 HB 622 Prohibits Local Governments and Public Colleges From Hiring Based on Diversity, Equity, or Inclusion Initiatives Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
4/22 HB 273 Establishes the Hunger-Free Campus Act Bill Passed - House (96 - 2)
4/22 LB 89 Defines "Male" and "Female" in State Law Targeted for K-12 or Collegiate Bathrooms, Sports Teams and Locker Rooms Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
4/22 SB 1084 Prohibits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Offices or Initiatives in State and Local Governments or Public Colleges Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
4/21 HB 1600 Establishes an Immigration-Focused Law Clinic at the University of North Dakota Concurrence Vote Passed - House (64 - 29)
4/17 HF 295 Prohibits Accrediting Agencies from Penalizing an Institution for Refusing to Violate State Law Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
4/17 HB 622 Prohibits Local Governments and Public Colleges From Hiring Based on Diversity, Equity, or Inclusion Initiatives Bill Passed - House (68 - 24)
4/17 HB 20 Appropriates Funding for the State Higher Education Budget Bill Passed - House (147 - 5)

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