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 11, 2019 PA SB 621 Authorizes Schools to Arm Security Guards Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
June 11, 2019 NY S 45 Establishes Protections for LGBTQ Veterans Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 0)
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 5, 2019 LA HB 518 Exempts Certain Non-Violent Crimes From Habitual Offender Law Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
June 5, 2019 ME LD 795 Amends State Constitution to Include a Right to Food Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
June 5, 2019 WI AB 180 Requires Potential Abortion Reversal Drugs be made Available Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
June 5, 2019 WI AB 179 Establishes Requirements for Abortions Resulting in Premature Birth Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
June 4, 2019 ME LD 665 Prohibits Restrictions of Free Speech on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
June 4, 2019 NY S 5532 Prohibits Declawing Cats Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 12)
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)
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 NH HB 608 Expands Definition of Gender Discrimination "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 8)
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 NH HB 651 Authorizes the Use of Campaign Funds for Child Care Expenses "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 IL HB 1637 Establishes the Keep Illinois Families Together Act Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 19)
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 3534 Establishes a Non-Binary Gender Option on IDs Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 16)
May 29, 2019 CA SB 29 Expands Medi-Cal Program Eligibility to Undocumented Immigrants Ages 19-25 or 65 and Older Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
May 29, 2019 CA SB 144 Repeals Various Administrative Fees Within the Criminal Justice System Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
May 28, 2019 AL HB 361 Authorizes Sports Betting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
May 26, 2019 TX HB 3557 Increases Penalties for Pipeline Protesting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
May 24, 2019 IL HB 94 Establishes Specific Rehabilitation Classes as a Means of Reducing Prison Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
May 23, 2019 OK HB 1269 Amends Criminal Sentencing Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
May 23, 2019 IL HB 3606 Authorizes Parental Privacy Rights for Student Data Collection Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 17)
May 23, 2019 CT HB 7219 Establishes Regulations on Manufacturing Guns Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
May 23, 2019 IL HB 246 Requires Public Schools to Teach about Prominent LGBTQ Figures Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
May 23, 2019 OR HB 2023 Requires Inclusive Education on Certain Classifications of Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 5)
May 23, 2019 CT HB 7218 Amends Firearm Storage Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
May 23, 2019 CT HB 7223 Prohibits Unlocked Vehicle Storage of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
May 23, 2019 CA SB 55 Expands List of Persons Prohibited from Owning Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
May 23, 2019 CA SB 329 Prohibits Discrimination Against Section 8 Housing Renters Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
May 23, 2019 CA SB 360 Requires Religious Officials Report Minor Sex Abuse Evidence to Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
May 23, 2019 CA SB 627 Authorizes Prescription of Medical Cannabis for Animals Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
May 23, 2019 CA SB 132 Authorizes Inmate Housing According to Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
May 23, 2019 CA SB 132 Authorizes Inmate Housing According to Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
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 22, 2019 IL HB 834 Requires Equal Pay Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 14)
May 22, 2019 OR HB 2303 Repeals Pseudoephedrine and Ephedrine as Class 3 Controlled Substances Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
May 22, 2019 TX HB 2536 Establishes Drug-Pricing Transparency Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
May 22, 2019 NV AB 431 Expands Voting Rights for Convicted Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
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 61 Prohibits Purchasing More than One Gun per Month Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
May 22, 2019 CA SB 172 Amends Firearm Storage Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
May 22, 2019 CA SB 206 Authorizes Compensation for College Athletes Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
May 21, 2019 TX HB 1143 Authorizes Storage and Transportation of Firearms in School Parking Areas Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
May 21, 2019 ME LD 1025 Prohibits the Practice of Conversion Therapy Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
May 21, 2019 ME LD 1025 Prohibits the Practice of Conversion Therapy Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
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 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 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 LA SB 172 Requires Individuals to be At Least 16 Years Old to Marry Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
May 20, 2019 CA SB 24 Requires Public Universities Offer and Cover the Cost of Abortion Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
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 16, 2019 TX SB 1978 Prohibits Government Action Against Businesses that Donate to Religious Organizations Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
May 15, 2019 VT H 107 Establishes a Paid Statewide Family and Medical Leave Program Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
May 15, 2019 NY S 1414 Prohibits 3D Printed Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 5)
May 15, 2019 NV SB 312 Requires Employers Provide Paid Sick Leave Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
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)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/11 SB 621 Authorizes Schools to Arm Security Guards Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
6/11 S 45 Establishes Protections for LGBTQ Veterans Bill Passed - Senate (61 - 0)
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)
6/05 HB 518 Exempts Certain Non-Violent Crimes From Habitual Offender Law Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
6/05 LD 795 Amends State Constitution to Include a Right to Food Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
6/05 AB 180 Requires Potential Abortion Reversal Drugs be made Available Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
6/05 AB 179 Establishes Requirements for Abortions Resulting in Premature Birth Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
6/04 LD 665 Prohibits Restrictions of Free Speech on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
6/04 S 5532 Prohibits Declawing Cats Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 12)
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)
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 HB 608 Expands Definition of Gender Discrimination "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 8)
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 651 Authorizes the Use of Campaign Funds for Child Care Expenses "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 HB 1637 Establishes the Keep Illinois Families Together Act Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 19)
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 3534 Establishes a Non-Binary Gender Option on IDs Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 16)
5/29 SB 29 Expands Medi-Cal Program Eligibility to Undocumented Immigrants Ages 19-25 or 65 and Older Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
5/29 SB 144 Repeals Various Administrative Fees Within the Criminal Justice System Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
5/28 HB 361 Authorizes Sports Betting Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
5/26 HB 3557 Increases Penalties for Pipeline Protesting Conference Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 12)
5/24 HB 94 Establishes Specific Rehabilitation Classes as a Means of Reducing Prison Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
5/23 HB 1269 Amends Criminal Sentencing Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
5/23 HB 3606 Authorizes Parental Privacy Rights for Student Data Collection Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 17)
5/23 HB 7219 Establishes Regulations on Manufacturing Guns Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
5/23 HB 246 Requires Public Schools to Teach about Prominent LGBTQ Figures Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 17)
5/23 HB 2023 Requires Inclusive Education on Certain Classifications of Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 5)
5/23 HB 7218 Amends Firearm Storage Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
5/23 HB 7223 Prohibits Unlocked Vehicle Storage of Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
5/23 SB 55 Expands List of Persons Prohibited from Owning Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
5/23 SB 329 Prohibits Discrimination Against Section 8 Housing Renters Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
5/23 SB 360 Requires Religious Officials Report Minor Sex Abuse Evidence to Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
5/23 SB 627 Authorizes Prescription of Medical Cannabis for Animals Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
5/23 SB 132 Authorizes Inmate Housing According to Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
5/23 SB 132 Authorizes Inmate Housing According to Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
5/23 LD 264 Authorizes Certain EMS Personnel to Draw Blood at the Scene of Fatal Accidents Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 13)
5/22 HB 834 Requires Equal Pay Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 14)
5/22 HB 2303 Repeals Pseudoephedrine and Ephedrine as Class 3 Controlled Substances Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
5/22 HB 2536 Establishes Drug-Pricing Transparency Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
5/22 AB 431 Expands Voting Rights for Convicted Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
5/22 AB 431 Expands Voting Rights for Convicted Individuals Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
5/22 SB 1 Establishes Paid Family and Medical Leave Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
5/22 SB 61 Prohibits Purchasing More than One Gun per Month Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
5/22 SB 172 Amends Firearm Storage Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
5/22 SB 206 Authorizes Compensation for College Athletes Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
5/21 HB 1143 Authorizes Storage and Transportation of Firearms in School Parking Areas Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
5/21 LD 1025 Prohibits the Practice of Conversion Therapy Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
5/21 LD 1025 Prohibits the Practice of Conversion Therapy Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
5/21 HB 2670 Expands Definition of "Mitigating Factors" Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 18)
5/21 HB 1613 Requires Police Keep Racial Profiling Records Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
5/21 HB 1613 Requires Police Keep Racial Profiling Records Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 18)
5/21 SB 159 Authorizes Use of HIV Prevention Drugs Without Prescription Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
5/21 SB 1013 Redefines the Crime of Aggravated Murder Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 9)
5/20 H 4243 Authorizes Tax Incentives for Carolina Panthers Training Facilities Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 17)
5/20 HB 2911 Amends Election Law to Determine Voter Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/20 SB 172 Requires Individuals to be At Least 16 Years Old to Marry Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
5/20 SB 24 Requires Public Universities Offer and Cover the Cost of Abortion Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
5/17 SB 252 Amends the State Cash Bail System Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 12)
5/16 PN 526 Nomination of Jeffrey Rosen to be Deputy Attorney General for the Department of Justice (52 - 45)
5/16 HB 2040 Prohibits Private Prisons and Civil Detention Centers Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
5/16 HB 2040 Prohibits Private Prisons and Civil Detention Centers Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 14)
5/16 SB 1978 Prohibits Government Action Against Businesses that Donate to Religious Organizations Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
5/15 H 107 Establishes a Paid Statewide Family and Medical Leave Program Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10)
5/15 S 1414 Prohibits 3D Printed Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 5)
5/15 SB 312 Requires Employers Provide Paid Sick Leave Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
5/14 HB 49 Amends Criminal Justice Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 0)
5/14 SB 992 Limits Cooperation Between Local Law Enforcement and Federal Immigration Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
5/14 SB 992 Limits Cooperation Between Local Law Enforcement and Federal Immigration Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)

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