Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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
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 24, 2017 OH HB 132 Establishes Regulations for Fantasy Sports Bill Passed - House (82 - 15)
May 24, 2017 National HR 953 Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2017 Bill Passed - House (256 - 165)
May 24, 2017 OH HB 132 Establishes Regulations for Fantasy Sports Bill Passed - House (82 - 15)
May 23, 2017 ME LD 347 Authorizes the Prescription of Lethal Doses of Drugs to Terminally Ill Patients "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Not Adopted - House (61 - 85)
May 22, 2017 NJ A 3532 Establishes Fantasy Sports Regulations Bill Passed - House (56 - 16)
May 18, 2017 DE SB 24 Authorizes Medical Marijuana to Treat Anxiety Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
May 17, 2017 RI H 5457A Requires Parents to Take Course in Driver's Education Bill Passed - House (59 - 11)
May 17, 2017 RI H 5457A Requires Parents to Take Course in Driver's Education Bill Passed - House (59 - 11)
May 17, 2017 IL SB 1 Specifies School Funding Reallocation Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
May 17, 2017 NY A 516 Expands Cigarette Legislation to Apply to Electronic Cigarette Bill Passed - House (92 - 36)
May 17, 2017 IL SB 7 Establishes Gambling Industry Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 24)
May 16, 2017 DE SB 24 Authorizes Medical Marijuana to Treat Anxiety Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 1)
May 16, 2017 NE LB 289 Authorizes Life Prison Terms for Sex Traffickers and Solicitors Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
May 16, 2017 LA SB 111 Requires Identification from Parents for Minors to Obtain an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
May 15, 2017 MN SF 1937 Authorizes the Construction and Repair of Statewide Oil Pipelines Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 30)
May 15, 2017 AK HB 132 Authorizes Operation of Ridesharing Services Bill Passed - House (35 - 5)
May 15, 2017 LA HB 71 Prohibits Removal of Public Military Memorials Bill Passed - House (65 - 31)
May 11, 2017 RI S 112A Expands Renewable Energy Growth Program Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
May 11, 2017 TX HB 39 Prohibits Vaccination of New Foster Children Bill Passed - House (132 - 11)
May 10, 2017 SC H 3864 Amends Restrictions on Children's Car Seats Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 24)
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 9, 2017 CO HB 1375 Requires School Districts to Develop a Plan to Equitably Distribute Funds Bill Passed - House (65 - 0)
May 8, 2017 FL HB 7069 Establishes New Eligibility Criteria for Teacher Scholarships Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 18)
May 8, 2017 AZ SB 1384 Prohibits Censorship of Student Media Bill Passed - House (41 - 19)
May 6, 2017 TX HB 2466 Expands Healthcare to Cover Postpartum Depression Bill Passed - House (135 - 7)
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 2, 2017 VT S 16 Authorizes Medical Marijuana to Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Bill Passed - House (130 - 16)
May 2, 2017 MI HB 4215 Amends Regulations of Unattended Running Vehicles Bill Passed - House (77 - 30)
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 OR HB 2597 Increases Penalties for Distracted Driving Bill Passed - House (46 - 13)
May 1, 2017 TX SB 463 Amends High-School Diploma Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
April 28, 2017 FL HB 425 Prohibits City and County Governments from Regulating Short-Term Rental Homes Bill Passed - House (63 - 56)
April 27, 2017 IN SB 309 Amends Payback Rate for Excess Solar Energy Bill Passed - House (56 - 43)
April 27, 2017 AL SB 60 Prohibits Alteration or Removal of Historic Markers Bill Passed - House (72 - 29)
April 27, 2017 NC HB 330 Limits Liability for Motorists Involved in Accidents with Protesters Bill Passed - House (67 - 48)
April 27, 2017 MI SB 163 Authorizes "Choose Life" License Plates Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
April 27, 2017 TX SB 457 Appropriates Funds for Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
April 27, 2017 MO HB 608 Prohibits Local Governments from Prohibiting Residential Dwelling Rentals Bill Passed - House (90 - 49)
April 26, 2017 IL HB 2977 Requires Public Schools to Provide Cursive Writing Courses Bill Passed - House (67 - 48)
April 25, 2017 HI HB 1418 Amends Building Code Exemptions to Comply with Federal Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (48 - 0)
April 25, 2017 NC HB 13 Establishes Maximum Class Size for Kindergarten Through Third Grade (48 - 1)
April 25, 2017 MT SB 366 Establishes Real-ID Compliance Bill Passed - House (83 - 17)
April 25, 2017 PA HB 97 Prohibits Failing Students from Continuing Online Charter School Bill Passed - House (108 - 84)
April 25, 2017 NV SB 122 Provides Funding and Regulations Related to Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
April 25, 2017 AZ SB 1042 Establishes New Requirements for Teacher Certification Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
April 25, 2017 NV AB 249 Requires Insurance Coverage for 12-Month Refills of Contraceptive Drugs Bill Passed - House (40 - 2)
April 25, 2017 IL HB 40 Amends Restrictions on Publicly Funded Abortions Bill Passed - House (62 - 55)
April 22, 2017 IA HF 524 Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
April 22, 2017 MT HB 473 Increases Taxes on Gasoline and Diesel Fuels Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 43)
April 22, 2017 IA HF 524 Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - House (83 - 11)
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 20, 2017 FL HB 743 Prohibits Anabolic Steroids in Greyhounds Bill Passed - House (84 - 32)
April 20, 2017 FL HB 989 Authorizes Parents to Object to Instructional Material Bill Passed - House (94 - 25)
April 19, 2017 IN HB 1133 Prohibits Local Governments from Regulating Short-Term Rentals Concurrence Vote Failed - House (50 - 46)
April 19, 2017 MT HB 193 Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to Approve Cost-Tracking Adjustments Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
April 19, 2017 IA HF 653 Reduces Government Fund Allocations to Planned Parenthood Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
April 19, 2017 WA HB 2200 Strengthens Privacy of Internet Users Bill Passed - House (87 - 10)
April 18, 2017 ME LD 12 Establishes Protections for Living Organ Donors Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
April 13, 2017 ME LD 12 Establishes Protections for Living Organ Donors Veto Override Passed - House (146 - 0)
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 IA HF 524 Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
April 13, 2017 MO HB 90 Establishes Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
Date No. Title Outcome
5/31 SB 100 Increases the State Renewable Energy Target Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
5/30 SB 328 Amends School Start Time Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
5/30 SB 328 Amends School Start Time Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
5/26 S 359 Raises Minimum Age for Purchasing Tobacco Products Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
5/24 LD 347 Authorizes the Prescription of Lethal Doses of Drugs to Terminally Ill Patients
5/24 HB 271 Establishes Internet Gambling Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 12)
5/24 HB 132 Establishes Regulations for Fantasy Sports Bill Passed - House (82 - 15)
5/24 HR 953 Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2017 Bill Passed - House (256 - 165)
5/24 HB 132 Establishes Regulations for Fantasy Sports Bill Passed - House (82 - 15)
5/23 LD 347 Authorizes the Prescription of Lethal Doses of Drugs to Terminally Ill Patients "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Not Adopted - House (61 - 85)
5/22 A 3532 Establishes Fantasy Sports Regulations Bill Passed - House (56 - 16)
5/18 SB 24 Authorizes Medical Marijuana to Treat Anxiety Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
5/17 H 5457A Requires Parents to Take Course in Driver's Education Bill Passed - House (59 - 11)
5/17 H 5457A Requires Parents to Take Course in Driver's Education Bill Passed - House (59 - 11)
5/17 SB 1 Specifies School Funding Reallocation Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
5/17 A 516 Expands Cigarette Legislation to Apply to Electronic Cigarette Bill Passed - House (92 - 36)
5/17 SB 7 Establishes Gambling Industry Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 24)
5/16 SB 24 Authorizes Medical Marijuana to Treat Anxiety Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 1)
5/16 LB 289 Authorizes Life Prison Terms for Sex Traffickers and Solicitors Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 0)
5/16 SB 111 Requires Identification from Parents for Minors to Obtain an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
5/15 SF 1937 Authorizes the Construction and Repair of Statewide Oil Pipelines Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 30)
5/15 HB 132 Authorizes Operation of Ridesharing Services Bill Passed - House (35 - 5)
5/15 HB 71 Prohibits Removal of Public Military Memorials Bill Passed - House (65 - 31)
5/11 S 112A Expands Renewable Energy Growth Program Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
5/11 HB 39 Prohibits Vaccination of New Foster Children Bill Passed - House (132 - 11)
5/10 H 3864 Amends Restrictions on Children's Car Seats Concurrence Vote Passed - House (70 - 24)
5/10 HB 40 Amends Restrictions on Publicly Funded Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 22)
5/10 SB 1351 Establishes Laws Governing Student Loan Servicers Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
5/09 SB 1384 Prohibits Censorship of Student Media Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
5/09 SB 301 Amends Funds and Regulations for Renewable Energy Programs Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
5/09 HB 1375 Requires School Districts to Develop a Plan to Equitably Distribute Funds Bill Passed - House (65 - 0)
5/08 HB 7069 Establishes New Eligibility Criteria for Teacher Scholarships Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 18)
5/08 SB 1384 Prohibits Censorship of Student Media Bill Passed - House (41 - 19)
5/06 HB 2466 Expands Healthcare to Cover Postpartum Depression Bill Passed - House (135 - 7)
5/05 HB 989 Authorizes Residents to Challenge School Textbooks Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
5/02 PN 47 Nomination of Jay Clayton to be a Member of the Securities and Exchange Commission Nomination Confirmed - Senate (61 - 37)
5/02 S 16 Authorizes Medical Marijuana to Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Bill Passed - House (130 - 16)
5/02 HB 4215 Amends Regulations of Unattended Running Vehicles Bill Passed - House (77 - 30)
5/01 PN 47 Nomination of Jay Clayton to be a Member of the Securities and Exchange Commission Cloture Invoked - Senate (60 - 36)
5/01 HB 2597 Increases Penalties for Distracted Driving Bill Passed - House (46 - 13)
5/01 SB 463 Amends High-School Diploma Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
4/28 HB 425 Prohibits City and County Governments from Regulating Short-Term Rental Homes Bill Passed - House (63 - 56)
4/27 SB 309 Amends Payback Rate for Excess Solar Energy Bill Passed - House (56 - 43)
4/27 SB 60 Prohibits Alteration or Removal of Historic Markers Bill Passed - House (72 - 29)
4/27 HB 330 Limits Liability for Motorists Involved in Accidents with Protesters Bill Passed - House (67 - 48)
4/27 SB 163 Authorizes "Choose Life" License Plates Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
4/27 SB 457 Appropriates Funds for Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
4/27 HB 608 Prohibits Local Governments from Prohibiting Residential Dwelling Rentals Bill Passed - House (90 - 49)
4/26 HB 2977 Requires Public Schools to Provide Cursive Writing Courses Bill Passed - House (67 - 48)
4/25 HB 1418 Amends Building Code Exemptions to Comply with Federal Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (48 - 0)
4/25 HB 13 Establishes Maximum Class Size for Kindergarten Through Third Grade (48 - 1)
4/25 SB 366 Establishes Real-ID Compliance Bill Passed - House (83 - 17)
4/25 HB 97 Prohibits Failing Students from Continuing Online Charter School Bill Passed - House (108 - 84)
4/25 SB 122 Provides Funding and Regulations Related to Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 9)
4/25 SB 1042 Establishes New Requirements for Teacher Certification Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
4/25 AB 249 Requires Insurance Coverage for 12-Month Refills of Contraceptive Drugs Bill Passed - House (40 - 2)
4/25 HB 40 Amends Restrictions on Publicly Funded Abortions Bill Passed - House (62 - 55)
4/22 HF 524 Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 7)
4/22 HB 473 Increases Taxes on Gasoline and Diesel Fuels Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 43)
4/22 HF 524 Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - House (83 - 11)
4/21 SB 226 Increases Insurance Requirements of Ridesharing Companies Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
4/20 SB 5289 Prohibits Cell-Phone Use on Highways Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 10)
4/20 HF 653 Reduces Government Fund Allocations to Planned Parenthood Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
4/20 HB 743 Prohibits Anabolic Steroids in Greyhounds Bill Passed - House (84 - 32)
4/20 HB 989 Authorizes Parents to Object to Instructional Material Bill Passed - House (94 - 25)
4/19 HB 1133 Prohibits Local Governments from Regulating Short-Term Rentals Concurrence Vote Failed - House (50 - 46)
4/19 HB 193 Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to Approve Cost-Tracking Adjustments Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21)
4/19 HF 653 Reduces Government Fund Allocations to Planned Parenthood Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
4/19 HB 2200 Strengthens Privacy of Internet Users Bill Passed - House (87 - 10)
4/18 LD 12 Establishes Protections for Living Organ Donors Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
4/13 LD 12 Establishes Protections for Living Organ Donors Veto Override Passed - House (146 - 0)
4/13 SB 299 Requires Public Disclosure of Fracking Chemicals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 16)
4/13 HB 473 Increases Taxes on Gasoline and Diesel Fuels Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
4/13 HF 524 Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
4/13 HB 90 Establishes Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)

arrow_upward