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
April 3, 2017 CA SB 54 Establishes a Statewide Sanctuary Policy Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
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 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 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 28, 2017 MS HB 638 Authorizes Alternative Methods of Execution Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 10)
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 TN HB 173 Prohibits Local Government from Enacting Drug-Related Sanctions Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
March 27, 2017 IA HF 518 Requires Certain Restrictions Regarding Worker's Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
March 27, 2017 IA HF 295 Prohibits Localities from Increasing Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
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 National PN 53 Nomination of David Friedman to be Ambassador of the United States of America to Israel Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 46)
March 23, 2017 National PN 53 Nomination of David Friedman to be Ambassador of the United States of America to Israel Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 46)
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 22, 2017 ID H 274 Establishes the Office of Administrator of Invasive Species Policy Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
March 21, 2017 MS SB 2710 Prohibits Local Sanctuary Policies Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
March 15, 2017 KY HB 520 Authorizes Charter Schools to Operate in Kentucky Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
March 15, 2017 MN HF 5 Establishes a Health Insurance Cost-Sharing Program Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 29)
March 15, 2017 FL SB 128 Authorizes Immunity for Self-Defense Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
March 15, 2017 NM SB 252 Enacts End of Life Options Act Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 22)
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 7, 2017 KY HB 14 Classifies First-Responders as a Protected Class Under Hate Crimes Law Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
March 6, 2017 KY SB 17 Authorizes Expression of Religious or Political Viewpoints in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
March 2, 2017 MS HB 638 Authorizes Alternative Methods of Execution Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 13)
March 2, 2017 MO SB 43 Requires Certain Changes to Discrimination Lawsuit Proceedings Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
March 2, 2017 WA SB 5223 Prohibits Localities from Permitting Heroin Injection Sites Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
March 1, 2017 AZ SB 1441 Establishes Arbitration Process for Unexpected Medical Billing Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
Feb. 28, 2017 IN SB 423 Prohibits Sanctuary Policies on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
Feb. 27, 2017 WV SB 330 Repeals Provisions from the Workplace Freedom Act (23 - 11)
Feb. 24, 2017 VA HB 1852 Authorizes Individual Issued Protective Order to Carry A Concealed Handgun. Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 14)
Feb. 24, 2017 VT S 79 Prohibits the Disclosure of Personally Identifying Information Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
Feb. 22, 2017 VA HB 2000 Prohibits Establishment of Sanctuary Cities Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 22, 2017 AZ SB 1367 Requires Physicians to Attempt to Revive Viable Fetus After Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
Feb. 22, 2017 AZ SB 1350 Revises Arizona Statutes Related to Terrorism Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 2)
Feb. 22, 2017 AZ SB 1142 Classifies Rioting as a Type of Racketeering Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
Feb. 17, 2017 UT HB 11 Removes Political Party Affiliation Requirements for Certain State Commissions Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
Feb. 16, 2017 NH SB 66 Authorizes Murder Charges for an Individual Who Causes the Death of a Fetus Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
Feb. 13, 2017 National PN 26 Nomination of Steven T. Mnuchin to be Secretary of the Treasury Nomination Confirmed - Senate (53 - 47)
Feb. 13, 2017 NJ S 3006 Prohibits Blocking Entry of Individuals from Certain Countries Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
Feb. 10, 2017 National PN 33 Nomination of Thomas Price to be Secretary of Health and Human Services Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 47)
Feb. 10, 2017 National PN 26 Nomination of Steven T. Mnuchin to be Secretary of the Treasury Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 46)
Feb. 8, 2017 National PN 33 Nomination of Thomas Price to be Secretary of Health and Human Services Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 48)
Feb. 8, 2017 WI SB 3 Prohibits Localities from Requiring Project Labor Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
Feb. 7, 2017 National PN 37 Nomination of Elisabeth Prince DeVos to be Secretary of Education Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 50)
Feb. 6, 2017 VA SB 1262 Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Civil Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 3, 2017 National PN 37 Nomination of Elisabeth Prince DeVos to be Secretary of Education Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 48)
Feb. 2, 2017 IA SF 166 Authorizes School Funding Increase of 1.11 Percent Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
Feb. 2, 2017 WY SF 153 Prohibits Discriminatory Practices in the Workplace Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 17)
Feb. 1, 2017 National PN 25 Nomination of Rex W. Tillerson to be Secretary of State Nomination Confirmed - Senate (56 - 43)
Jan. 30, 2017 National PN 25 Nomination of Rex W. Tillerson to be Secretary of State Cloture Invoked - Senate (56 - 43)
Jan. 26, 2017 MS SB 2469 Classifies the Targeting of Law Enforcement as a Hate Crime Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
Jan. 19, 2017 MT SB 29 Defines Consent and Aggravated Sexual Assault Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
Jan. 19, 2017 MT SB 26 Reduces Penalty for Non-Violent Sexual Assault Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 12)
Jan. 19, 2017 NH SB 11 Prohibits Collective Bargaining Agreements That Require Employees to Join A Labor Union Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 11)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/03 SB 54 Establishes a Statewide Sanctuary Policy Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
4/03 SF 800 Establishes Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 30)
3/31 HB 1329 Authorizes Free Speech at Public Universities Bill Failed - Senate (7 - 37)
3/30 HF 5 Establishes a Health Insurance Cost-Sharing Program Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 32)
3/30 HB 142 Establishes Provisions Related to Gender-Based Bathroom Use Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
3/30 HB 142 Establishes Provisions Related to Gender-Based Bathroom Use Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16)
3/30 SB 2 Appropriates Funds for Private School Scholarships Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
3/30 SB 3 Appropriates State Funds for Education in Non-Rural Areas Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
3/29 HB 1090 Authorizes Private Contractor to Audit Medicaid Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 17)
3/29 SB 1367 Requires Physicians to Attempt to Revive Viable Fetus After Abortion Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
3/29 HB 128 Establishes Regulations for Elective Courses on Religious Literature Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
3/28 HB 638 Authorizes Alternative Methods of Execution Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 10)
3/28 HB 1310 Amends Concealed Carry Laws Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 27)
3/28 SF 803 Appropriates Funds to Various Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 15)
3/27 HB 173 Prohibits Local Government from Enacting Drug-Related Sanctions Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
3/27 HF 518 Requires Certain Restrictions Regarding Worker's Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
3/27 HF 295 Prohibits Localities from Increasing Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
3/25 SB 329 Prohibits Abortion 20 Weeks After Fertilization Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
3/24 SB 1081 Establishes Funds to Support Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
3/23 PN 53 Nomination of David Friedman to be Ambassador of the United States of America to Israel Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 46)
3/23 PN 53 Nomination of David Friedman to be Ambassador of the United States of America to Israel Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 46)
3/23 S 96 Establishes Protections For Journalists Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
3/23 SB 436 Prohibits Discrimination Against Religious Expression in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
3/22 H 274 Establishes the Office of Administrator of Invasive Species Policy Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
3/21 SB 2710 Prohibits Local Sanctuary Policies Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
3/15 HB 520 Authorizes Charter Schools to Operate in Kentucky Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
3/15 HF 5 Establishes a Health Insurance Cost-Sharing Program Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 29)
3/15 SB 128 Authorizes Immunity for Self-Defense Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
3/15 SB 252 Enacts End of Life Options Act Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 22)
3/09 SB 374 Prohibits Public Shaming of Students Who Can't Pay for Lunch Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
3/07 HB 1090 Authorizes Private Contractor to Audit Medicaid Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
3/07 HB 14 Classifies First-Responders as a Protected Class Under Hate Crimes Law Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
3/06 SB 17 Authorizes Expression of Religious or Political Viewpoints in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
3/02 HB 638 Authorizes Alternative Methods of Execution Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 13)
3/02 SB 43 Requires Certain Changes to Discrimination Lawsuit Proceedings Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
3/02 SB 5223 Prohibits Localities from Permitting Heroin Injection Sites Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
3/01 SB 1441 Establishes Arbitration Process for Unexpected Medical Billing Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
2/28 SB 423 Prohibits Sanctuary Policies on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15)
2/27 SB 330 Repeals Provisions from the Workplace Freedom Act (23 - 11)
2/24 HB 1852 Authorizes Individual Issued Protective Order to Carry A Concealed Handgun. Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 14)
2/24 S 79 Prohibits the Disclosure of Personally Identifying Information Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
2/22 HB 2000 Prohibits Establishment of Sanctuary Cities Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/22 SB 1367 Requires Physicians to Attempt to Revive Viable Fetus After Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 12)
2/22 SB 1350 Revises Arizona Statutes Related to Terrorism Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 2)
2/22 SB 1142 Classifies Rioting as a Type of Racketeering Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
2/17 HB 11 Removes Political Party Affiliation Requirements for Certain State Commissions Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
2/16 SB 66 Authorizes Murder Charges for an Individual Who Causes the Death of a Fetus Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
2/13 PN 26 Nomination of Steven T. Mnuchin to be Secretary of the Treasury Nomination Confirmed - Senate (53 - 47)
2/13 S 3006 Prohibits Blocking Entry of Individuals from Certain Countries Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
2/10 PN 33 Nomination of Thomas Price to be Secretary of Health and Human Services Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 47)
2/10 PN 26 Nomination of Steven T. Mnuchin to be Secretary of the Treasury Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 46)
2/08 PN 33 Nomination of Thomas Price to be Secretary of Health and Human Services Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 48)
2/08 SB 3 Prohibits Localities from Requiring Project Labor Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
2/07 PN 37 Nomination of Elisabeth Prince DeVos to be Secretary of Education Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 50)
2/06 SB 1262 Requires Sanctuary Cities to be Liable for Civil Damages Caused by Undocumented Immigrants Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/03 PN 37 Nomination of Elisabeth Prince DeVos to be Secretary of Education Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 48)
2/02 SF 166 Authorizes School Funding Increase of 1.11 Percent Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
2/02 SF 153 Prohibits Discriminatory Practices in the Workplace Bill Failed - Senate (13 - 17)
2/01 PN 25 Nomination of Rex W. Tillerson to be Secretary of State Nomination Confirmed - Senate (56 - 43)
1/30 PN 25 Nomination of Rex W. Tillerson to be Secretary of State Cloture Invoked - Senate (56 - 43)
1/26 SB 2469 Classifies the Targeting of Law Enforcement as a Hate Crime Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
1/19 SB 29 Defines Consent and Aggravated Sexual Assault Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
1/19 SB 26 Reduces Penalty for Non-Violent Sexual Assault Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 12)
1/19 SB 11 Prohibits Collective Bargaining Agreements That Require Employees to Join A Labor Union Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 11)

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