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:
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.
| Date | State | Bill No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 6, 2017 | RI | S 608 | Requires Notification of Sex Offenders Living Near School Bus Stops | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0) |
| June 6, 2017 | RI | S 608 | Requires Notification of Sex Offenders Living Near School Bus Stops | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0) |
| June 2, 2017 | NV | AB 374 | Expands Eligibility for Medicaid | Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9) |
| June 1, 2017 | CA | SB 35 | Amends Affordable Housing Policies | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12) |
| May 31, 2017 | CA | SB 100 | Increases the State Renewable Energy Target | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13) |
| May 30, 2017 | CA | SB 328 | Amends School Start Time | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13) |
| May 30, 2017 | CA | SB 328 | Amends School Start Time | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13) |
| May 26, 2017 | NJ | S 359 | Raises Minimum Age for Purchasing Tobacco Products | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14) |
| May 24, 2017 | ME | LD 347 | Authorizes the Prescription of Lethal Doses of Drugs to Terminally Ill Patients | |
| May 24, 2017 | PA | HB 271 | Establishes Internet Gambling Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12) |
| May 18, 2017 | DE | SB 24 | Authorizes Medical Marijuana to Treat Anxiety | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0) |
| May 17, 2017 | IL | SB 7 | Establishes Gambling Industry Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 24) |
| May 17, 2017 | IL | SB 1 | Specifies School Funding Reallocation | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18) |
| May 16, 2017 | LA | SB 111 | Requires Identification from Parents for Minors to Obtain an Abortion | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6) |
| May 16, 2017 | NE | LB 289 | Authorizes Life Prison Terms for Sex Traffickers and Solicitors | Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0) |
| May 16, 2017 | DE | SB 24 | Authorizes Medical Marijuana to Treat Anxiety | Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 1) |
| May 15, 2017 | MN | SF 1937 | Authorizes the Construction and Repair of Statewide Oil Pipelines | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 30) |
| May 11, 2017 | RI | S 112A | Expands Renewable Energy Growth Program | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3) |
| May 10, 2017 | IL | HB 40 | Amends Restrictions on Publicly Funded Abortions | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 22) |
| May 10, 2017 | IL | SB 1351 | Establishes Laws Governing Student Loan Servicers | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15) |
| May 9, 2017 | AZ | SB 1384 | Prohibits Censorship of Student Media | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 0) |
| May 9, 2017 | CO | SB 301 | Amends Funds and Regulations for Renewable Energy Programs | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| May 8, 2017 | FL | HB 7069 | Establishes New Eligibility Criteria for Teacher Scholarships | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 18) |
| May 5, 2017 | FL | HB 989 | Authorizes Residents to Challenge School Textbooks | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17) |
| May 2, 2017 | National | PN 47 | Nomination of Jay Clayton to be a Member of the Securities and Exchange Commission | Nomination Confirmed - Senate (61 - 37) |
| May 1, 2017 | National | PN 47 | Nomination of Jay Clayton to be a Member of the Securities and Exchange Commission | Cloture Invoked - Senate (60 - 36) |
| May 1, 2017 | TX | SB 463 | Amends High-School Diploma Eligibility | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3) |
| April 27, 2017 | TX | SB 457 | Appropriates Funds for Charter Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10) |
| April 27, 2017 | MI | SB 163 | Authorizes "Choose Life" License Plates | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11) |
| April 25, 2017 | NC | HB 13 | Establishes Maximum Class Size for Kindergarten Through Third Grade | (48 - 1) |
| April 25, 2017 | AZ | SB 1042 | Establishes New Requirements for Teacher Certification | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12) |
| April 25, 2017 | NV | SB 122 | Provides Funding and Regulations Related to Family Planning Services | Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9) |
| April 22, 2017 | IA | HF 524 | Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 7) |
| April 21, 2017 | NV | SB 226 | Increases Insurance Requirements of Ridesharing Companies | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4) |
| April 20, 2017 | WA | SB 5289 | Prohibits Cell-Phone Use on Highways | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 10) |
| April 20, 2017 | IA | HF 653 | Reduces Government Fund Allocations to Planned Parenthood | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21) |
| April 19, 2017 | MT | HB 193 | Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to Approve Cost-Tracking Adjustments | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21) |
| April 18, 2017 | ME | LD 12 | Establishes Protections for Living Organ Donors | Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 2) |
| April 13, 2017 | MT | SB 299 | Requires Public Disclosure of Fracking Chemicals | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 16) |
| April 13, 2017 | MT | HB 473 | Increases Taxes on Gasoline and Diesel Fuels | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22) |
| April 13, 2017 | MO | HB 90 | Establishes Prescription Drug Monitoring Program | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9) |
| April 13, 2017 | IA | HF 524 | Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0) |
| April 12, 2017 | WA | HB 1234 | Requires Coverage for 12-Month Refills of Contraceptive Drugs | Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 1) |
| April 12, 2017 | MO | SB 22 | Authorizes State to Buy Out Contaminated Homes | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 3) |
| April 12, 2017 | CO | SB 192 | Authorizes Transfers of Retail Marijuana to Medical Marijuana Licensees | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7) |
| April 11, 2017 | MO | HB 130 | Establishes Regulations for Transportation Network Companies | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 1) |
| April 10, 2017 | IN | SB 309 | Amends Payback Rate for Excess Solar Energy | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 11) |
| April 9, 2017 | NY | A 3009 | Establishes State Fiscal Plan | (53 - 4) |
| April 7, 2017 | KS | SB 70 | Amends Ride Inspection Laws for Amusement Parks | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 2) |
| April 7, 2017 | MD | HB 631 | Prohibits Unwarranted Price Hikes on Generic Drugs | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 7) |
| April 6, 2017 | ME | LD 306 | Authorizes Issuance of REAL ID Compliant Licenses | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4) |
| April 6, 2017 | IN | HB 1438 | Authorizes Counties or Municipalities to Approve Syringe Exchange Programs | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16) |
| April 6, 2017 | CA | SB 1 | Increases Gas and Vehicle Taxes to Pay for Road and Bridge Repairs | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11) |
| April 6, 2017 | WA | SB 5893 | Expands Vehicle Valuation Methods | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 24) |
| April 4, 2017 | MN | HF 890 | Authorizes Education Funding | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 28) |
| April 4, 2017 | IN | HB 1384 | Expands Indiana's Voucher Program | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12) |
| April 4, 2017 | AL | SB 129 | Establishes Education Budget | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2) |
| April 3, 2017 | NE | LB 46 | Requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to Create a "Choose Life" Specialty License Plate | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 5) |
| April 3, 2017 | MN | SF 800 | Establishes Health and Human Services Budget | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 30) |
| March 31, 2017 | ND | HB 1329 | Authorizes Free Speech at Public Universities | Bill Failed - Senate (7 - 37) |
| March 30, 2017 | MN | HF 5 | Establishes a Health Insurance Cost-Sharing Program | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 32) |
| March 30, 2017 | NC | HB 142 | Establishes Provisions Related to Gender-Based Bathroom Use | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16) |
| March 30, 2017 | TX | SB 2 | Appropriates Funds for Private School Scholarships | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13) |
| March 30, 2017 | TX | SB 3 | Appropriates State Funds for Education in Non-Rural Areas | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13) |
| March 30, 2017 | MT | SB 354 | Raises Cigarette Taxes | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22) |
| March 29, 2017 | MS | HB 1090 | Authorizes Private Contractor to Audit Medicaid | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 17) |
| March 29, 2017 | AZ | SB 1367 | Requires Physicians to Attempt to Revive Viable Fetus After Abortion | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11) |
| March 29, 2017 | KY | HB 128 | Establishes Regulations for Elective Courses on Religious Literature | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4) |
| March 29, 2017 | KY | HB 128 | Establishes Regulations for Elective Courses on Religious Literature | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4) |
| March 28, 2017 | ND | HB 1310 | Amends Concealed Carry Laws | Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 27) |
| March 28, 2017 | MN | SF 803 | Appropriates Funds to Various Agencies | Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 15) |
| March 27, 2017 | MD | HB 1325 | Prohibits Fracking | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 10) |
| March 27, 2017 | MD | HB 1325 | Prohibits Fracking | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 10) |
| March 27, 2017 | TN | SJR 141 | Authorizes Relocation of President James K. Polk's Body | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6) |
| March 25, 2017 | MT | SB 329 | Prohibits Abortion 20 Weeks After Fertilization | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18) |
| March 24, 2017 | MD | SB 1081 | Establishes Funds to Support Family Planning Services | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15) |
| March 23, 2017 | VT | S 96 | Establishes Protections For Journalists | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0) |
| March 23, 2017 | FL | SB 436 | Prohibits Discrimination Against Religious Expression in Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13) |
| March 23, 2017 | TN | SB 0902 | Imposes a $200 Fine for Obstructing Roads | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 2) |
| March 23, 2017 | FL | SB 436 | Prohibits Discrimination Against Religious Expression in Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13) |
| March 15, 2017 | MN | HF 5 | Establishes a Health Insurance Cost-Sharing Program | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 29) |
| March 15, 2017 | KY | HB 520 | Authorizes Charter Schools to Operate in Kentucky | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
| March 15, 2017 | NM | SB 252 | Enacts End of Life Options Act | Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 22) |
| March 14, 2017 | IA | SF 447 | Limits Nuisance Damages Against Livestock Farmers | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 18) |
| March 9, 2017 | NM | SB 374 | Prohibits Public Shaming of Students Who Can't Pay for Lunch | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7) |
| March 7, 2017 | MS | HB 1090 | Authorizes Private Contractor to Audit Medicaid | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17) |
| March 6, 2017 | KY | SB 17 | Authorizes Expression of Religious or Political Viewpoints in Public Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3) |
| March 6, 2017 | WA | SB 5289 | Prohibits Cell-Phone Use on Highways | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13) |
| March 1, 2017 | AZ | SB 1441 | Establishes Arbitration Process for Unexpected Medical Billing | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5) |
| Feb. 28, 2017 | WA | SB 5008 | Modifies Legislation Related to REAL ID Compliance | Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 4) |
| Feb. 22, 2017 | AZ | SB 1367 | Requires Physicians to Attempt to Revive Viable Fetus After Abortion | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12) |
| Feb. 10, 2017 | National | PN 33 | Nomination of Thomas Price to be Secretary of Health and Human Services | Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 47) |
| Feb. 8, 2017 | National | PN 33 | Nomination of Thomas Price to be Secretary of Health and Human Services | Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 48) |
| Feb. 7, 2017 | National | PN 37 | Nomination of Elisabeth Prince DeVos to be Secretary of Education | Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 50) |
| Feb. 3, 2017 | National | PN 37 | Nomination of Elisabeth Prince DeVos to be Secretary of Education | Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 48) |
| Feb. 2, 2017 | MD | HB 1106 | Increases Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards | Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 13) |
| Feb. 2, 2017 | IA | SF 166 | Authorizes School Funding Increase of 1.11 Percent | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21) |
| Oct. 7, 2016 | NJ | A 12 | Restructures Certain State Taxes | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14) |
| Sept. 28, 2016 | National | HR 5325 | Continuing Appropriations and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017, and Zika Response and Preparedness Act | Bill Passed - Senate (72 - 26) |
| Sept. 14, 2016 | MO | HB 1414 | Establishes Regulations for the Release of Certain Agricultural Data | Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 7) |