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
June 27, 2019 National HR 3401 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (305 - 102)
June 27, 2019 DE SB 44 Reduces the Punishment for Possession or Consumption of Alcohol by a Person Under 21 to a Civil Offense Bill Passed - House (34 - 6)
June 27, 2019 PA SB 621 Authorizes Schools to Arm Security Guards Bill Passed - House (116 - 83)
June 27, 2019 National HR 2722 Securing America's Federal Elections (SAFE) Act Bill Passed - House (225 - 184)
June 26, 2019 National HR 3401 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019 Bill Passed - Senate (84 - 8)
June 26, 2019 DE SB 47 Repeals Certain Sentencing Enhancements Based Upon Where Crimes were Committed Bill Passed - House (28 - 12)
June 26, 2019 PA SB 147 Establishes Hunting Regulations on Sundays Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
June 25, 2019 National HR 3401 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019 Bill Passed - House (230 - 195)
June 25, 2019 DE HB 77 Amends Burglary and Home Invasion Code Bill Passed - House (23 - 16)
June 25, 2019 NJ S 761 Establishes Inmate Re-Entry Plans Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
June 24, 2019 NC HB 370 Requires Sheriffs to Cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 18)
June 20, 2019 NJ S 101 Requires Firearm Retailers to Sell Personalized Handguns Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
June 20, 2019 NJ S 824 Requires Ignition interlock Devices for Sentenced Drunk Drivers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
June 20, 2019 NJ S 101 Requires Firearm Retailers to Sell Personalized Handguns Bill Passed - House (49 - 23)
June 20, 2019 NJ S 3897 Prohibits Persons Convicted of Certain Crimes from Purchasing Guns Bill Passed - House (58 - 10)
June 20, 2019 NJ A 4135 Establishes Procedures for Digital Parking Meters and a Fund for Encouraging Designated Drivers Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
June 20, 2019 NJ A 314 Amends Solitary Confinement Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
June 20, 2019 NY S 5248 Prohibits Class-Based Wage Differentials Bill Passed - House (138 - 9)
June 20, 2019 DE SB 45 Establishes Marijuana Usage by a Juvenile as a Civil Violation Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 6)
June 20, 2019 NJ A 5452 Amends Firearm Identification and Training Requirements Bill Passed - House (45 - 24)
June 20, 2019 NJ A 5455 Amends Ammunition Sale Regulations Bill Passed - House (51 - 18)
June 20, 2019 NJ A 3696 Amends Firearms Storage Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 18)
June 20, 2019 NJ A 5453 Increases Penalties for Illegal Firearm Transfers Bill Passed - House (59 - 10)
June 20, 2019 NJ A 314 Amends Solitary Confinement Procedures Bill Passed - House (49 - 24)
June 19, 2019 ME LD 1811 Requires Judicial Hearings and Evaluations for Individuals in Protective Custody Regarding Risk of Harm and Restricting Access to Dangerous Weapons "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (135 - 9)
June 19, 2019 OR SB 1013 Redefines the Crime of Aggravated Murder Bill Passed - House (33 - 26)
June 19, 2019 OR SB 1013 Redefines the Crime of Aggravated Murder Bill Passed - House (33 - 26)
June 19, 2019 NY A 8421 Amends Requirements for Workplace Harassment Claims Bill Passed - House (128 - 20)
June 19, 2019 NY S 3909 Establishes a Hate Crimes Training Program for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 0)
June 19, 2019 NY S 3909 Establishes a Hate Crimes Training Program for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 0)
June 18, 2019 ME LD 1312 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 15)
June 18, 2019 ME LD 1312 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 15)
June 18, 2019 ME LD 1312 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders "Ought to Pass" Report Not Adopted - House (61 - 82)
June 18, 2019 ME LD 1312 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders "Ought to Pass" Report Not Adopted - House (61 - 82)
June 17, 2019 NY S 6209 Expands the Definition of Race and Prohibits Racial Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 16)
June 14, 2019 NY S 5864 Establishes the Television Diversity Tax Credit Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 18)
June 11, 2019 PA SB 621 Authorizes Schools to Arm Security Guards Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
June 11, 2019 DE HB 5 Authorizes Judges to Impose Prison Sentences Concurrently Bill Passed - House (30 - 10)
June 11, 2019 DE HB 5 Authorizes Judges to Impose Prison Sentences Concurrently Bill Passed - House (30 - 10)
June 10, 2019 ME LD 777 Establishes a Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial and Ethnic Populations "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 14)
June 10, 2019 ME LD 1529 Prohibits Employers from Requiring Employees Sign Nondisclosure Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
June 10, 2019 ME LD 1529 Prohibits Employers from Requiring Employees Sign Nondisclosure Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
June 5, 2019 LA HB 518 Exempts Certain Non-Violent Crimes From Habitual Offender Law Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
June 5, 2019 NH SB 235 Establishes a Human Resources Office to Investigate Sexual Harassment Complaints in Legislature "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - House (207 - 139)
June 5, 2019 NH SB 263 Prohibits Discrimination in Public Schools "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (211 - 141)
June 5, 2019 CT SB 380 Requires the Release of Police Camera Video Bill Passed - House (86 - 60)
June 5, 2019 ME LD 795 Amends State Constitution to Include a Right to Food Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
June 5, 2019 OH HB 136 Prohibits Individuals With Serious Mental Illnesses from Being Sentenced to Death Bill Passed - House (76 - 18)
June 5, 2019 OH HB 136 Prohibits Individuals With Serious Mental Illnesses from Being Sentenced to Death Bill Passed - House (76 - 18)
June 4, 2019 ME LD 665 Prohibits Restrictions of Free Speech on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
June 4, 2019 OR SB 420 Establishes Procedures for the Expungement of Marijuana Related Convictions Bill Passed - House (41 - 16)
June 4, 2019 OR SB 910 Expands Access to Substances That Can Stop Overdoses and Treat Addiction Bill Passed - House (36 - 21)
June 4, 2019 OR SB 731 Authorizes College and University Student Governments to Take Positions on Initiatives and Ballot Measures Bill Passed - House (42 - 13)
June 4, 2019 ME LD 795 Amends State Constitution to Include a Right to Food Bill Passed - House (93 - 47)
June 3, 2019 National HR 2157 Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2019 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (354 - 58)
June 3, 2019 OR HB 3216 Prohibits Discriminatory 911 Calls Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 1)
June 3, 2019 OR HB 3216 Prohibits Discriminatory 911 Calls Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 1)
June 3, 2019 ME LD 665 Prohibits Restrictions of Free Speech on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (87 - 51)
May 31, 2019 NV AB 291 Establishes Various Provisions to Increase Gun Safety Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
May 30, 2019 AL HB 225 Prohibits Pay Discrimination Based on Sex and Race Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 0)
May 30, 2019 IL SB 1609 Authorizes Incarcerated Persons on Bailable Offenses to Receive a Credit Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
May 30, 2019 IL SB 1609 Authorizes Incarcerated Persons on Bailable Offenses to Receive a Credit Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
May 30, 2019 IL HB 94 Establishes Specific Rehabilitation Classes as a Means of Reducing Prison Sentences Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 52)
May 30, 2019 NH HB 608 Expands Definition of Gender Discrimination "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 8)
May 30, 2019 NH HB 637 Establishes Online Criminal Record Database "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 9)
May 30, 2019 IL HB 3394 Requires Women and African Americans on Corporate Boards Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 16)
May 30, 2019 CT SB 992 Limits Cooperation Between Local Law Enforcement and Federal Immigration Agencies Bill Passed - House (79 - 61)
May 30, 2019 NH HB 105 Repeals State Photo Identification Voter ID Laws Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
May 29, 2019 IL HB 3534 Establishes a Non-Binary Gender Option on IDs Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 16)
May 29, 2019 IL HB 834 Requires Equal Pay Concurrence Vote Passed - House (93 - 19)
May 29, 2019 CA AB 1550 Establishes the "Caution Against Racially Exploitative Non-Emergencies (CAREN) Act" Bill Passed - House (78 - 0)
May 29, 2019 CA AB 1246 Requires Large Group Health Plans to Cover Medically Necessary Prescription Drugs (58 - 19)
May 29, 2019 CA SB 144 Repeals Various Administrative Fees Within the Criminal Justice System Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
May 28, 2019 IL SB 1609 Authorizes Incarcerated Persons on Bailable Offenses to Receive a Credit Bill Passed - House (62 - 52)
May 28, 2019 IL SB 1609 Authorizes Incarcerated Persons on Bailable Offenses to Receive a Credit Bill Passed - House (62 - 52)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/27 HR 3401 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (305 - 102)
6/27 SB 44 Reduces the Punishment for Possession or Consumption of Alcohol by a Person Under 21 to a Civil Offense Bill Passed - House (34 - 6)
6/27 SB 621 Authorizes Schools to Arm Security Guards Bill Passed - House (116 - 83)
6/27 HR 2722 Securing America's Federal Elections (SAFE) Act Bill Passed - House (225 - 184)
6/26 HR 3401 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019 Bill Passed - Senate (84 - 8)
6/26 SB 47 Repeals Certain Sentencing Enhancements Based Upon Where Crimes were Committed Bill Passed - House (28 - 12)
6/26 SB 147 Establishes Hunting Regulations on Sundays Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 14)
6/25 HR 3401 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019 Bill Passed - House (230 - 195)
6/25 HB 77 Amends Burglary and Home Invasion Code Bill Passed - House (23 - 16)
6/25 S 761 Establishes Inmate Re-Entry Plans Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
6/24 HB 370 Requires Sheriffs to Cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 18)
6/20 S 101 Requires Firearm Retailers to Sell Personalized Handguns Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
6/20 S 824 Requires Ignition interlock Devices for Sentenced Drunk Drivers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
6/20 S 101 Requires Firearm Retailers to Sell Personalized Handguns Bill Passed - House (49 - 23)
6/20 S 3897 Prohibits Persons Convicted of Certain Crimes from Purchasing Guns Bill Passed - House (58 - 10)
6/20 A 4135 Establishes Procedures for Digital Parking Meters and a Fund for Encouraging Designated Drivers Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
6/20 A 314 Amends Solitary Confinement Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
6/20 S 5248 Prohibits Class-Based Wage Differentials Bill Passed - House (138 - 9)
6/20 SB 45 Establishes Marijuana Usage by a Juvenile as a Civil Violation Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 6)
6/20 A 5452 Amends Firearm Identification and Training Requirements Bill Passed - House (45 - 24)
6/20 A 5455 Amends Ammunition Sale Regulations Bill Passed - House (51 - 18)
6/20 A 3696 Amends Firearms Storage Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (54 - 18)
6/20 A 5453 Increases Penalties for Illegal Firearm Transfers Bill Passed - House (59 - 10)
6/20 A 314 Amends Solitary Confinement Procedures Bill Passed - House (49 - 24)
6/19 LD 1811 Requires Judicial Hearings and Evaluations for Individuals in Protective Custody Regarding Risk of Harm and Restricting Access to Dangerous Weapons "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (135 - 9)
6/19 SB 1013 Redefines the Crime of Aggravated Murder Bill Passed - House (33 - 26)
6/19 SB 1013 Redefines the Crime of Aggravated Murder Bill Passed - House (33 - 26)
6/19 A 8421 Amends Requirements for Workplace Harassment Claims Bill Passed - House (128 - 20)
6/19 S 3909 Establishes a Hate Crimes Training Program for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 0)
6/19 S 3909 Establishes a Hate Crimes Training Program for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 0)
6/18 LD 1312 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 15)
6/18 LD 1312 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders "Ought Not to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 15)
6/18 LD 1312 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders "Ought to Pass" Report Not Adopted - House (61 - 82)
6/18 LD 1312 Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders "Ought to Pass" Report Not Adopted - House (61 - 82)
6/17 S 6209 Expands the Definition of Race and Prohibits Racial Discrimination Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 16)
6/14 S 5864 Establishes the Television Diversity Tax Credit Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 18)
6/11 SB 621 Authorizes Schools to Arm Security Guards Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
6/11 HB 5 Authorizes Judges to Impose Prison Sentences Concurrently Bill Passed - House (30 - 10)
6/11 HB 5 Authorizes Judges to Impose Prison Sentences Concurrently Bill Passed - House (30 - 10)
6/10 LD 777 Establishes a Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial and Ethnic Populations "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 14)
6/10 LD 1529 Prohibits Employers from Requiring Employees Sign Nondisclosure Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
6/10 LD 1529 Prohibits Employers from Requiring Employees Sign Nondisclosure Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
6/05 HB 518 Exempts Certain Non-Violent Crimes From Habitual Offender Law Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
6/05 SB 235 Establishes a Human Resources Office to Investigate Sexual Harassment Complaints in Legislature "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - House (207 - 139)
6/05 SB 263 Prohibits Discrimination in Public Schools "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (211 - 141)
6/05 SB 380 Requires the Release of Police Camera Video Bill Passed - House (86 - 60)
6/05 LD 795 Amends State Constitution to Include a Right to Food Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
6/05 HB 136 Prohibits Individuals With Serious Mental Illnesses from Being Sentenced to Death Bill Passed - House (76 - 18)
6/05 HB 136 Prohibits Individuals With Serious Mental Illnesses from Being Sentenced to Death Bill Passed - House (76 - 18)
6/04 LD 665 Prohibits Restrictions of Free Speech on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
6/04 SB 420 Establishes Procedures for the Expungement of Marijuana Related Convictions Bill Passed - House (41 - 16)
6/04 SB 910 Expands Access to Substances That Can Stop Overdoses and Treat Addiction Bill Passed - House (36 - 21)
6/04 SB 731 Authorizes College and University Student Governments to Take Positions on Initiatives and Ballot Measures Bill Passed - House (42 - 13)
6/04 LD 795 Amends State Constitution to Include a Right to Food Bill Passed - House (93 - 47)
6/03 HR 2157 Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2019 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (354 - 58)
6/03 HB 3216 Prohibits Discriminatory 911 Calls Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 1)
6/03 HB 3216 Prohibits Discriminatory 911 Calls Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 1)
6/03 LD 665 Prohibits Restrictions of Free Speech on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (87 - 51)
5/31 AB 291 Establishes Various Provisions to Increase Gun Safety Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8)
5/30 HB 225 Prohibits Pay Discrimination Based on Sex and Race Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 0)
5/30 SB 1609 Authorizes Incarcerated Persons on Bailable Offenses to Receive a Credit Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
5/30 SB 1609 Authorizes Incarcerated Persons on Bailable Offenses to Receive a Credit Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
5/30 HB 94 Establishes Specific Rehabilitation Classes as a Means of Reducing Prison Sentences Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 52)
5/30 HB 608 Expands Definition of Gender Discrimination "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 8)
5/30 HB 637 Establishes Online Criminal Record Database "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 9)
5/30 HB 3394 Requires Women and African Americans on Corporate Boards Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 16)
5/30 SB 992 Limits Cooperation Between Local Law Enforcement and Federal Immigration Agencies Bill Passed - House (79 - 61)
5/30 HB 105 Repeals State Photo Identification Voter ID Laws Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
5/29 HB 3534 Establishes a Non-Binary Gender Option on IDs Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 16)
5/29 HB 834 Requires Equal Pay Concurrence Vote Passed - House (93 - 19)
5/29 AB 1550 Establishes the "Caution Against Racially Exploitative Non-Emergencies (CAREN) Act" Bill Passed - House (78 - 0)
5/29 AB 1246 Requires Large Group Health Plans to Cover Medically Necessary Prescription Drugs (58 - 19)
5/29 SB 144 Repeals Various Administrative Fees Within the Criminal Justice System Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
5/28 SB 1609 Authorizes Incarcerated Persons on Bailable Offenses to Receive a Credit Bill Passed - House (62 - 52)
5/28 SB 1609 Authorizes Incarcerated Persons on Bailable Offenses to Receive a Credit Bill Passed - House (62 - 52)

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