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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 24, 2019 | NE | LB 149 | Increases State Smoking Age | Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0) |
| May 23, 2019 | OK | HB 1269 | Amends Criminal Sentencing Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 11) |
| May 23, 2019 | ME | LD 798 | Prohibits Non-Medical Exemptions for Vaccinations | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| May 23, 2019 | CA | SB 329 | Prohibits Discrimination Against Section 8 Housing Renters | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11) |
| May 23, 2019 | ME | LD 264 | Authorizes Certain EMS Personnel to Draw Blood at the Scene of Fatal Accidents | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13) |
| May 23, 2019 | CA | SB 132 | Authorizes Inmate Housing According to Gender Identity | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8) |
| May 22, 2019 | OR | HB 2191 | Expands Reasons for School Absences to Include Mental and Behavioral Health | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 6) |
| May 22, 2019 | NV | AB 431 | Expands Voting Rights for Convicted Individuals | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
| May 22, 2019 | CT | SB 1 | Establishes Paid Family and Medical Leave | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15) |
| May 22, 2019 | CA | SB 276 | Establishes Procedures for Receiving Medical Exemptions from Vaccinations | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10) |
| May 21, 2019 | VT | S 37 | Requires Corporate Compensation for Long-Term Health Monitoring | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 11) |
| May 21, 2019 | IL | HB 2670 | Expands Definition of "Mitigating Factors" | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 18) |
| May 21, 2019 | IL | HB 1613 | Requires Police Keep Racial Profiling Records | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18) |
| May 21, 2019 | CA | SB 159 | Authorizes Use of HIV Prevention Drugs Without Prescription | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1) |
| May 21, 2019 | CA | SB 307 | Prohibits Water Transfers from Desert Groundwater Basins | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11) |
| May 21, 2019 | OR | SB 1013 | Redefines the Crime of Aggravated Murder | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 9) |
| May 20, 2019 | SC | H 4243 | Authorizes Tax Incentives for Carolina Panthers Training Facilities | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 17) |
| May 20, 2019 | TX | HB 2911 | Amends Election Law to Determine Voter Eligibility | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12) |
| May 20, 2019 | OR | SB 579 | Exempts Certain Individuals from the 15-Day Waiting Period for Assisted Suicide | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11) |
| May 17, 2019 | OK | SB 252 | Amends the State Cash Bail System | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 12) |
| May 16, 2019 | National | PN 526 | Nomination of Jeffrey Rosen to be Deputy Attorney General for the Department of Justice | (52 - 45) |
| May 16, 2019 | IL | HB 2040 | Prohibits Private Prisons and Civil Detention Centers | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14) |
| May 16, 2019 | IL | HB 2040 | Prohibits Private Prisons and Civil Detention Centers | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14) |
| May 15, 2019 | VT | H 107 | Establishes a Paid Statewide Family and Medical Leave Program | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10) |
| May 15, 2019 | NV | SB 312 | Requires Employers Provide Paid Sick Leave | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0) |
| May 14, 2019 | ME | LD 820 | Requires the State Medicaid Program to Cover Abortion Services | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| May 14, 2019 | AK | HB 49 | Amends Criminal Justice Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 0) |
| May 14, 2019 | CT | SB 992 | Limits Cooperation Between Local Law Enforcement and Federal Immigration Agencies | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| May 14, 2019 | CT | SB 992 | Limits Cooperation Between Local Law Enforcement and Federal Immigration Agencies | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| May 13, 2019 | OR | HB 3427 | Increases Business Taxes to Enhance School Funding | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11) |
| May 8, 2019 | IL | HB 2691 | Authorizes Tuition Assistance to Transgender and Undocumented Immigrant Students | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 15) |
| May 7, 2019 | NV | AB 337 | Amends Certain Railroad Freight Transportation Safety Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
| May 7, 2019 | PA | SB 453 | Authorizes Annual Farming Construction Code Building Exemptions | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20) |
| May 6, 2019 | AZ | HCR 2009 | Classifies Pornography as a Public Health Crises | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 13) |
| May 4, 2019 | KS | SB 28 | Authorizes CBD Oil for Patients with Debilitating Medical Conditions | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 8) |
| May 3, 2019 | FL | HB 5 | Increases Ballot Initiative Signature Collection Requirements | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 17) |
| May 3, 2019 | CO | HB 19-1263 | Amends Criminal Classification of Certain Drug Possessions | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| May 3, 2019 | FL | HB 7103 | Amends Law Relating to Community Development and Housing | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13) |
| May 3, 2019 | CO | HB 19-1032 | Amends Sex Education Standards | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14) |
| May 3, 2019 | CO | HB 19-1124 | Prohibits Local Law Enforcement from Helping to Enforce Federal Civil Immigration Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| May 3, 2019 | CO | HB 19-1124 | Prohibits Local Law Enforcement from Helping to Enforce Federal Civil Immigration Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| May 2, 2019 | FL | SB 168 | Prohibits State Sanctuary City Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 18) |
| May 2, 2019 | FL | SB 7066 | Requires Felons Pay Outstanding Court Fees Prior to Voting Rights Restoration | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17) |
| May 2, 2019 | TN | HB 1280 | Amends State Medicaid Funding | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 6) |
| May 2, 2019 | CO | HB 19-1289 | Increases State Consumer Protection Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| May 2, 2019 | CO | HB 19-1245 | Reduces Sales Tax Vendor Fee Allowance and Increases Funding for Affordable Housing | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| May 2, 2019 | CO | HB 19-1120 | Reduces the Age at Which a Child Can Seek Mental Health Treatment Without Parental Consent | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14) |
| May 1, 2019 | OH | SB 33 | Increases Penalties for Infrastructure Protesting | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8) |
| May 1, 2019 | OH | SB 33 | Increases Penalties for Infrastructure Protesting | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8) |
| April 30, 2019 | MN | HF 2414 | Appropriates Funds to Various State Agencies | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 28) |
| April 30, 2019 | TN | HB 1151 | Prohibits Indecent Exposure to Include Restrooms, Locker Rooms, Dressing Rooms, and Showers | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 5) |
| April 30, 2019 | ME | LD 944 | Prohibits Native American Mascots | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
| April 30, 2019 | NY | S 5098 | Prohibits the Sale of Anything Made from "Vulnerable Species", Including Giraffe Products | Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 14) |
| April 29, 2019 | FL | HB 19 | Authorizes the Importation of Prescription Drugs from Canada | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13) |
| April 29, 2019 | FL | HB 21 | Repeals Provisions Regulating Healthcare Facilities | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 17) |
| April 29, 2019 | CO | SB 19-007 | Establishes Standards for Sexual Misconduct Policies at Higher Education Institutions | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| April 27, 2019 | CO | HB 19-1216 | Limits the Cost of Insulin and Authorizes Insulin-Pricing Study | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12) |
| April 27, 2019 | CO | HB 19-1239 | Appropriates $12 Million for Census Outreach | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14) |
| April 26, 2019 | IA | HF 766 | Establishes a Health and Human Services Budget for FY 2019-2020 | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19) |
| April 26, 2019 | CO | HB 19-1266 | Authorizes Voting Rights to Paroled Felons | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| April 25, 2019 | OK | HB 1269 | Amends Criminal Sentencing Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 5) |
| April 25, 2019 | WA | SB 5998 | Establishes a Graduated Real Estate Excise Tax | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 22) |
| April 24, 2019 | WA | HB 1155 | Requires Uninterrupted Breaks for Health Care Workers | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (32 - 16) |
| April 24, 2019 | WA | SB 5600 | Expands Residential Tenant Protections | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 18) |
| April 24, 2019 | WA | SB 5497 | Establishes Washington as a Sanctuary State | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 21) |
| April 24, 2019 | OK | HB 2591 | Requires Healthcare Providers Report Statutory Rape | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 8) |
| April 24, 2019 | OK | HB 2591 | Requires Healthcare Providers Report Statutory Rape | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 8) |
| April 23, 2019 | IN | HB 1003 | Establishes the Fiscal Year 2019 Public Education Budget | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14) |
| April 23, 2019 | NV | SB 450 | Amends Provisions Relating to Recall Elections | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5) |
| April 23, 2019 | NV | SB 256 | Establishes New Rights and Protections for Renters | Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 10) |
| April 22, 2019 | IN | HB 1284 | Expands "Stand Your Ground" Laws | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 7) |
| April 22, 2019 | IA | HF 765 | Appropriates $3 Million for the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 13) |
| April 22, 2019 | WA | HB 1923 | Increases Urban Residential Capacity Allowances | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16) |
| April 18, 2019 | MT | HB 54 | Amends Requirements for Missing Persons Reports | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (46 - 4) |
| April 18, 2019 | TN | HB 658 | Repeals City Police Oversight Boards Subpoena Power | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 6) |
| April 18, 2019 | MT | HB 217 | Prohibits Suspension of Driver's License as Punishment for Certain Crimes | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20) |
| April 18, 2019 | OR | SB 698 | Requires Second Language on Prescription Drug Labels | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7) |
| April 17, 2019 | WA | HB 1638 | Prohibits Parental Exemptions of the Measles Vaccine | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 22) |
| April 17, 2019 | CO | SB 19-030 | Authorizes a Remedy for Improperly Entered Guilty Pleas | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11) |
| April 17, 2019 | CO | SB 19-030 | Authorizes a Remedy for Improperly Entered Guilty Pleas | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11) |
| April 16, 2019 | MT | HB 21 | Establishes a Missing Persons Specialist in the Department of Justice | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 13) |
| April 16, 2019 | MT | HB 658 | Amends State Medicaid Program | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22) |
| April 16, 2019 | WA | HB 1087 | Establishes a Long-Term Care Program | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 22) |
| April 16, 2019 | MT | HB 21 | Establishes a Missing Persons Specialist in the Department of Justice | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 13) |
| April 16, 2019 | OR | SB 1008 | Amends Juvenile Offender Sentencing | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10) |
| April 16, 2019 | AL | SB 140 | Amends Sex Education Standards | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1) |
| April 16, 2019 | AL | SB 140 | Amends Sex Education Standards | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1) |
| April 16, 2019 | TX | SB 1264 | Authorizes Arbitration Processes for Insurers to Stop "Surprise Billings" | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2) |
| April 15, 2019 | ND | SCR 4001 | Requires Legislative Approval for Constitutional Amendments Approved by Voters | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 15) |
| April 15, 2019 | IA | SF 615 | Prohibits the Attorney General From Joining Out-Of-State Lawsuits | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18) |
| April 13, 2019 | MT | SB 160 | Establishes Presumptive Health Care Coverage for Firefighters | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 10) |
| April 12, 2019 | CO | SB 19-1025 | Prohibits Employers from Asking About Employee Criminal History | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 12) |
| April 11, 2019 | AZ | SB 1346 | Authorizes HIV Prevention Education | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 10) |
| April 11, 2019 | AZ | SB 1346 | Authorizes HIV Prevention Education | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 10) |
| April 11, 2019 | National | PN 503 | Nomination of David Bernhardt as the Secretary of the Interior | (56 - 41) |
| April 11, 2019 | IL | SB 10 | Increases Teacher Salaries to $40,000 | Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 11) |
| April 10, 2019 | AZ | SB 1167 | Prohibits Government Contractors from Participating in a Boycott of Israel | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 10) |
| April 10, 2019 | NY | A 6188 | Prohibits Harassment of Rent Regulated Tenants | Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 17) |
| April 10, 2019 | MT | HB 146 | Prohibits Cities from Passing Sanctuary Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 20) |
| April 10, 2019 | IL | SB 2090 | Expands Access to Voting in Jails | Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17) |