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. 16, 2023 VA HB 2444 Authorizes Offshore Wind Farm Energy Capacity Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
Feb. 16, 2023 AZ SB 1005 Authorizes Litigation Against Schools that Provide LGBTQ+ Affirming Spaces Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
Feb. 15, 2023 OK SB 613 Prohibits "Gender Transition Procedures" for Children Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 8)
Feb. 14, 2023 ND SB 2247 Prohibits Discipline Against Students and Staff that Refuse to Learn or Teach "Specified Concepts" Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 6)
Feb. 14, 2023 ND SB 2140 Establishes an Insulin Price Cap of $25 per 30-Day Supply for Residents Covered by the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 6)
Feb. 13, 2023 VA HB 1702 Requires Landlords Provide 60-Day Written Notice to Increase Rent Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Feb. 13, 2023 TN SB 1 Prohibits Gender Altering Medical Procedures in Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
Feb. 9, 2023 CT HB 6671 Appropriates Funding for School Lunches, Sustainable Aviation, Special Education, and More Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
Feb. 9, 2023 CT HB 6671 Appropriates Funding for School Lunches, Sustainable Aviation, Special Education, and More Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
Feb. 9, 2023 TN SB 3 Prohibits Minors from Viewing "Prurient" Drag Performances Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
Feb. 9, 2023 AZ SB 1184 Repeals Rental Tax Across the State Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Feb. 9, 2023 CO SB 23-128 Appropriates Funding for the State Department of Public Health and Environment Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
Feb. 8, 2023 IA HF 161 Establishes a $1 Million Cap on Noneconomic Damages in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
Feb. 8, 2023 FL SB 6-B Establishes Unauthorized Alien Transport Program Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
Feb. 7, 2023 GA SB 1 Extends Prohibition on Certain COVID Vaccine Requirements (31 - 21)
Feb. 7, 2023 NC SB 49 Establishes a Parents Bill of Right's for Students in Grades K-4 Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
Feb. 6, 2023 ND SB 2362 Requires All Occupants of a Vehicle Wear a Seat Belt Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
Feb. 6, 2023 VA SB 951 Prohibits Registering an Uninsured Vehicle Beginning July 1, 2024 Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
Feb. 2, 2023 MD SB 127 Establishes Reporting Requirements for Student FAFSA Data Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
Feb. 2, 2023 WY SF 127 Authorizes a State Digital Currency Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
Feb. 2, 2023 VA SB 1141 Expands Affordable Housing Programs Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
Feb. 1, 2023 NY S 1353 Exempts Certain Income and Resources in Determining Eligibility for Public Assistance Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
Feb. 1, 2023 NY S 832 Exempts Runaway Youths From Being Able to Consent to Certain Medical Services Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 9)
Jan. 31, 2023 SC S 39 Increases Access to Education Savings Accounts Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 15)
Jan. 26, 2023 MN HF 37 Prohibits Hair Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 19)
Jan. 26, 2023 NH SB 77 Authorizes Assignment of Students to Private Schools Due to Educational Hardship "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
Jan. 26, 2023 UT HB 215 Increases Teacher Salaries and Implements a School Voucher Program. Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
Jan. 23, 2023 IA HF 68 Appropriates $345 Million Annually of Public Taxpayer Funds for Private "School Choice" Voucher Programs Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
Jan. 23, 2023 NY S 831 Requires LGBT Training for Home Health Aides Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
Jan. 20, 2023 UT SB 100 Prohibits School Districts from Changing a Student's Gender Identity Without Parental Consent Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
Jan. 18, 2023 MI SB 8 Appropriates Funding for Education Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
Jan. 18, 2023 PA SB 84 Authorizes Teacher Religious Garb in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Jan. 16, 2023 MT SB 87 Rescinds Authority of Board of Public Assistance Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
Jan. 13, 2023 WY SF 49 Amends State Anti-Bullying Laws Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
Jan. 13, 2023 SD SB 41 Establishes Housing Infrastructure Fund; Appropriates Monies Therefor Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
Jan. 11, 2023 WV SB 130 Prohibits Teaching the Topic Known as "Critical Race Theory" in Public School Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 2)
Jan. 6, 2023 IL HB 5107 Establishes Collective Bargaining Rights for Chicago School Principals but Prohibits Strikes Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 7)
Dec. 15, 2022 National HR 7776 James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (83 - 11)
Dec. 14, 2022 National S J Res 60 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Final Priorities, Requirements, Definitions, and Selection Criteria-Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program (CSP)-Grants to State Entities (State Entity Grants); Grants to Charter Management Organizations for the Replication and Expansion of High-Quality Charter Schools (CMO Grants); and Grants to Charter School Developers for the Opening of New Charter Schools and for the Replication and Expansion of High-Quality Charter Schools (Developer Grants)". Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (49 - 49)
Dec. 13, 2022 FL SB 4-A Expands Disaster Relief Programs Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
Dec. 7, 2022 OH HB 507 Amends the Definition of Green Energy to Include Natural Gas Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
Dec. 7, 2022 OH SB 178 Repeals Various Responsibilities of the Ohio State Department of Education Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
Dec. 1, 2022 IL SB 1698 Amends Unemployment Insurance Law Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (45 - 8)
Dec. 1, 2022 IL HB 4218 Requires Free Underwear and Menstrual Hygiene Products for Prisoners Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
Nov. 30, 2022 IL HB 5189 Amends Tax Credit for Electric Vehicle Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 5)
Nov. 30, 2022 IL HB 5189 Amends Tax Credit for Electric Vehicle Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 5)
Nov. 15, 2022 National S J Res 63 A joint resolution relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020. Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (62 - 36)
Oct. 18, 2022 PA SB 1243 Requires High School Students Pass a Financial Literacy Class Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
Oct. 18, 2022 PA SB 1243 Requires High School Students Pass a Financial Literacy Class Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
Sept. 29, 2022 National HR 6833 Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 Bill Passed - Senate (72 - 25)
Sept. 28, 2022 MI HB 5703 Requires School Districts to Post an Excerpt Affirming the Importance of Religion and Morality (28 - 5)
Sept. 20, 2022 MI HB 5981 Exempts State Licensed Residential Facilities from Conditional Use Permits Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
Sept. 20, 2022 MI SB 185 Expands Regulation of Drinking Water (35 - 1)
Sept. 20, 2022 PA SB 431 Amends Hunting and Furtaking Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 5)
Sept. 1, 2022 ID H 1 Reduces Tax Rates; Appropriates Monies for Education Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
Aug. 31, 2022 CA SB 1137 Prohibits New Oil Wells Near Schools and Hospitals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
Aug. 31, 2022 CA SB 1137 Prohibits New Oil Wells Near Schools and Hospitals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
Aug. 30, 2022 CA SB 1360 Amends the California Election Code to Require Transparency of Contributors and Advertisements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
Aug. 30, 2022 CA SB 222 Establishes a State Water Rate Assistance Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
Aug. 30, 2022 CA SB 1076 Amends Health and Safety Codes Regarding Lead-Based Paint Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
Aug. 29, 2022 CA AB 2183 Authorizes Farm Workers to Unionize by Mail Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
Aug. 25, 2022 CA SB 914 Establishes the HELP (Homeless Equality for Left Behind Populations) Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Aug. 25, 2022 CA AB 2147 Limits Police Enforcement of Prohibition on Pedestrian Jaywalking Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
Aug. 25, 2022 CA AB 1502 Expands Nursing Home Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
Aug. 23, 2022 CA AB 1341 Prohibits the Sale of Weight Loss and Over-the-Counter Dietary Pills to Minors Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
Aug. 11, 2022 AR SB 2 Appropriates $50 Million For School Safety Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
Aug. 5, 2022 IN SB 2 Appropriates Funds for Pregnancy and Child Care Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 9)
Aug. 1, 2022 MA H 5164 Authorizes Sports Wagering in the Commonwealth (36 - 4)
Aug. 1, 2022 MA S 3097 Reduces Barriers to Mental Health Care Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 0)
July 28, 2022 MA H 5106 Establishes New Rules for the Governance and Improvement of Veterans' Homes in the Commonwealth (40 - 0)
July 28, 2022 MA H 5106 Establishes New Rules for the Governance and Improvement of Veterans' Homes in the Commonwealth (40 - 0)
July 28, 2022 National HR 7776 James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 Bill Passed - Senate (93 - 1)
July 26, 2022 MA H 5090 Expands Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Care (39 - 1)
July 7, 2022 MA S 2973 Expands Access to Childcare Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
July 6, 2022 PA SB 1183 Limits Use of Off-Road Vehicles; Authorizes Forfeiture Thereof Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 2)
Date No. Title Outcome
2/16 HB 2444 Authorizes Offshore Wind Farm Energy Capacity Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
2/16 SB 1005 Authorizes Litigation Against Schools that Provide LGBTQ+ Affirming Spaces Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
2/15 SB 613 Prohibits "Gender Transition Procedures" for Children Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 8)
2/14 SB 2247 Prohibits Discipline Against Students and Staff that Refuse to Learn or Teach "Specified Concepts" Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 6)
2/14 SB 2140 Establishes an Insulin Price Cap of $25 per 30-Day Supply for Residents Covered by the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 6)
2/13 HB 1702 Requires Landlords Provide 60-Day Written Notice to Increase Rent Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
2/13 SB 1 Prohibits Gender Altering Medical Procedures in Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
2/09 HB 6671 Appropriates Funding for School Lunches, Sustainable Aviation, Special Education, and More Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
2/09 HB 6671 Appropriates Funding for School Lunches, Sustainable Aviation, Special Education, and More Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
2/09 SB 3 Prohibits Minors from Viewing "Prurient" Drag Performances Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
2/09 SB 1184 Repeals Rental Tax Across the State Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
2/09 SB 23-128 Appropriates Funding for the State Department of Public Health and Environment Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
2/08 HF 161 Establishes a $1 Million Cap on Noneconomic Damages in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 20)
2/08 SB 6-B Establishes Unauthorized Alien Transport Program Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
2/07 SB 1 Extends Prohibition on Certain COVID Vaccine Requirements (31 - 21)
2/07 SB 49 Establishes a Parents Bill of Right's for Students in Grades K-4 Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
2/06 SB 2362 Requires All Occupants of a Vehicle Wear a Seat Belt Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
2/06 SB 951 Prohibits Registering an Uninsured Vehicle Beginning July 1, 2024 Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 3)
2/02 SB 127 Establishes Reporting Requirements for Student FAFSA Data Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
2/02 SF 127 Authorizes a State Digital Currency Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 11)
2/02 SB 1141 Expands Affordable Housing Programs Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
2/01 S 1353 Exempts Certain Income and Resources in Determining Eligibility for Public Assistance Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 20)
2/01 S 832 Exempts Runaway Youths From Being Able to Consent to Certain Medical Services Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 9)
1/31 S 39 Increases Access to Education Savings Accounts Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 15)
1/26 HF 37 Prohibits Hair Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 19)
1/26 SB 77 Authorizes Assignment of Students to Private Schools Due to Educational Hardship "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
1/26 HB 215 Increases Teacher Salaries and Implements a School Voucher Program. Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
1/23 HF 68 Appropriates $345 Million Annually of Public Taxpayer Funds for Private "School Choice" Voucher Programs Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
1/23 S 831 Requires LGBT Training for Home Health Aides Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 1)
1/20 SB 100 Prohibits School Districts from Changing a Student's Gender Identity Without Parental Consent Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6)
1/18 SB 8 Appropriates Funding for Education Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 17)
1/18 SB 84 Authorizes Teacher Religious Garb in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
1/16 SB 87 Rescinds Authority of Board of Public Assistance Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
1/13 SF 49 Amends State Anti-Bullying Laws Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
1/13 SB 41 Establishes Housing Infrastructure Fund; Appropriates Monies Therefor Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
1/11 SB 130 Prohibits Teaching the Topic Known as "Critical Race Theory" in Public School Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 2)
1/06 HB 5107 Establishes Collective Bargaining Rights for Chicago School Principals but Prohibits Strikes Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 7)
12/15 HR 7776 James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (83 - 11)
12/14 S J Res 60 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Final Priorities, Requirements, Definitions, and Selection Criteria-Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program (CSP)-Grants to State Entities (State Entity Grants); Grants to Charter Management Organizations for the Replication and Expansion of High-Quality Charter Schools (CMO Grants); and Grants to Charter School Developers for the Opening of New Charter Schools and for the Replication and Expansion of High-Quality Charter Schools (Developer Grants)". Joint Resolution Failed - Senate (49 - 49)
12/13 SB 4-A Expands Disaster Relief Programs Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
12/07 HB 507 Amends the Definition of Green Energy to Include Natural Gas Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
12/07 SB 178 Repeals Various Responsibilities of the Ohio State Department of Education Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
12/01 SB 1698 Amends Unemployment Insurance Law Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (45 - 8)
12/01 HB 4218 Requires Free Underwear and Menstrual Hygiene Products for Prisoners Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
11/30 HB 5189 Amends Tax Credit for Electric Vehicle Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 5)
11/30 HB 5189 Amends Tax Credit for Electric Vehicle Manufacturers Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 5)
11/15 S J Res 63 A joint resolution relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020. Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (62 - 36)
10/18 SB 1243 Requires High School Students Pass a Financial Literacy Class Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
10/18 SB 1243 Requires High School Students Pass a Financial Literacy Class Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
9/29 HR 6833 Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 Bill Passed - Senate (72 - 25)
9/28 HB 5703 Requires School Districts to Post an Excerpt Affirming the Importance of Religion and Morality (28 - 5)
9/20 HB 5981 Exempts State Licensed Residential Facilities from Conditional Use Permits Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
9/20 SB 185 Expands Regulation of Drinking Water (35 - 1)
9/20 SB 431 Amends Hunting and Furtaking Licenses Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 5)
9/01 H 1 Reduces Tax Rates; Appropriates Monies for Education Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
8/31 SB 1137 Prohibits New Oil Wells Near Schools and Hospitals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
8/31 SB 1137 Prohibits New Oil Wells Near Schools and Hospitals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
8/30 SB 1360 Amends the California Election Code to Require Transparency of Contributors and Advertisements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
8/30 SB 222 Establishes a State Water Rate Assistance Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
8/30 SB 1076 Amends Health and Safety Codes Regarding Lead-Based Paint Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
8/29 AB 2183 Authorizes Farm Workers to Unionize by Mail Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
8/25 SB 914 Establishes the HELP (Homeless Equality for Left Behind Populations) Act Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
8/25 AB 2147 Limits Police Enforcement of Prohibition on Pedestrian Jaywalking Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
8/25 AB 1502 Expands Nursing Home Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
8/23 AB 1341 Prohibits the Sale of Weight Loss and Over-the-Counter Dietary Pills to Minors Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
8/11 SB 2 Appropriates $50 Million For School Safety Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
8/05 SB 2 Appropriates Funds for Pregnancy and Child Care Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 9)
8/01 H 5164 Authorizes Sports Wagering in the Commonwealth (36 - 4)
8/01 S 3097 Reduces Barriers to Mental Health Care Conference Report Adopted - Senate (39 - 0)
7/28 H 5106 Establishes New Rules for the Governance and Improvement of Veterans' Homes in the Commonwealth (40 - 0)
7/28 H 5106 Establishes New Rules for the Governance and Improvement of Veterans' Homes in the Commonwealth (40 - 0)
7/28 HR 7776 James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 Bill Passed - Senate (93 - 1)
7/26 H 5090 Expands Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Care (39 - 1)
7/07 S 2973 Expands Access to Childcare Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
7/06 SB 1183 Limits Use of Off-Road Vehicles; Authorizes Forfeiture Thereof Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 2)

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