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
Aug. 31, 2020 CA SB 132 Authorizes Incarcerated Transgendered Individuals to be Housed by Gender Identity Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA SB 823 Establishes the Office of Youth and Community Restoration Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA SB 852 Establishes the California Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act of 2020 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA SB 629 Establishes Legal Protection for Journalists Attending Protest Demonstrations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 2)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA SB 493 Requires State-Funded Colleges to Clarify Sexual Assault Allegation Procedures Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA AB 1876 Authorizes Undocumented Immigrant Workers to Qualify for State Tax Returns Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA AB 2542 Prohibits Racial Discrimination in Criminal Courts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA AB 1867 Requires Employers with 500 Employees to Provide 2 Weeks of Supplemental Paid Sick Leave for Full Time Workers Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA AB 1299 Requires Law Enforcement Agencies to Report the Termination of Officers Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA AB 1869 Repeals Certain Judicial Fees Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA AB 3234 Authorizes Judges to Offer Misdemeanor Diversion Programs to Certain Defendants Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA AB 3070 Prohibits the Use of Peremptory Challenge to Remove a Prospective Juror on the Basis of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, Sexual Orientation, or Religious Affiliation Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
Aug. 30, 2020 CA AB 2537 Requires Hospitals Maintain 3-Month Supply of PPE Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
Aug. 30, 2020 CA AB 685 Requires Employers to Report COVID-19 Infections Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
Aug. 30, 2020 CA AB 1196 Prohibits Law Enforcement Agencies from Authorizing the Use of Carotid Restraints or Choke Holds Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
Aug. 30, 2020 CA AB 1506 Requires a State Prosecutor to Investigate Certain Officer-Involved Shootings Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
Aug. 29, 2020 CA AB 2992 Prohibits Employer Punishment for Employee Leave Time Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
Aug. 29, 2020 CA AB 2405 Establishes a Right to Affordable Housing Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
Aug. 29, 2020 CA AB 2425 Prohibits the Release of Certain Juvenile Police Records Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
Aug. 28, 2020 CA AB 1185 Authorizes Counties to Establish a Sheriff Oversight Board Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
Aug. 28, 2020 CA AB 646 Authorizes Individuals on Parole for a Felony Conviction to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
Aug. 28, 2020 CA AB 2762 Prohibits Certain Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Aug. 28, 2020 VA SB 5029 Prohibits Search and Seizure Based Solely on the Odor of Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
Aug. 27, 2020 NJ A 4369 Repeals Mandatory Minimum Prison Terms For Certain Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
Aug. 27, 2020 NJ A 2370 Establishes Compassionate Release System for Inmates with Terminal Illnesses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
Aug. 27, 2020 NJ A 4476 Establishes a Long-Term Care Emergency Operations Center for Infectious Disease Preparedness Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Aug. 27, 2020 NJ A 4006 Authorizes a Postponement of NJQSAC for Certain School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Aug. 27, 2020 NJ A 2370 Establishes Compassionate Release System for Inmates with Terminal Illnesses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
Aug. 27, 2020 NJ S 2519 Authorizes Public Health Emergency Credits for Certain Inmates Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
Aug. 27, 2020 NJ S 2519 Authorizes Public Health Emergency Credits for Certain Inmates Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
Aug. 26, 2020 ID H 6 Establishes Liability Protections for Businesses, Schools, and Cities during COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
Aug. 26, 2020 ID H 6 Establishes Liability Protections for Businesses, Schools, and Cities during COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
Aug. 26, 2020 VA SB 5032 Repeals the 6-Month Mandatory Minimum Requirement for Assaulting Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
Aug. 24, 2020 CA AB 901 Limits a School District's Ability to Refer Students to Probation Officers Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
Aug. 24, 2020 CA AB 901 Limits a School District's Ability to Refer Students to Probation Officers Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
Aug. 24, 2020 CA AB 1950 Limits Length of Probation Terms Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
Aug. 15, 2020 MI HB 5913 Requires School Districts to Administer Math and Reading Exams During E-Learning Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Aug. 12, 2020 TN SB 8005 Increases Criminal Penalties for Protesting on Public Property Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
Aug. 11, 2020 NE LB 424 Amends the Nebraska Municipal Land Bank Act Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 12)
Aug. 10, 2020 OR HB 4301 Prohibits Use of Chokeholds by Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
Aug. 10, 2020 MS HB 1806 Increases Funding to the Department of Education Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
Aug. 7, 2020 MO SB 1 Amends Criminal Justice Laws Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
Aug. 5, 2020 NV SB 4 Establishes Liability Protections for Businesses during COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
Aug. 3, 2020 NV SB 2 Repeals Existing Law Protecting Peace Officers From Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
Aug. 2, 2020 NV AJR 1 Increases Tax on Mining Companies Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
Aug. 2, 2020 NV AJR 2 Amends the State Constitution to Increase Taxes on Mining Proceeeds Resolution Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
Aug. 1, 2020 NV SJR 1 Amends the State Constitution to Increase Taxes on Mining Proceeds Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
July 30, 2020 NJ S 2412 Requires Refunds or Credit for Certain Short-Term Rental Reservations During Public Health Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
July 30, 2020 NJ S 2412 Requires Refunds or Credit for Certain Short-Term Rental Reservations During Public Health Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
July 30, 2020 NJ S 2380 Requires Employer to Offer Benefits to Essential Workers Unable to Work Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
July 30, 2020 NJ S 2380 Requires Employer to Offer Benefits to Essential Workers Unable to Work Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
July 30, 2020 NJ A 3641 Requires Cultural Diversity and Implicit Bias Training for Law Officers Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
July 30, 2020 NJ A 1076 Requires Attorney General to Collect and Report Prosecutorial and Criminal Justice Data Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
July 30, 2020 NJ A 1906 Establishes Crime of False 911 Calls with Purpose to Intimidate or Harass Based on Race Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
July 30, 2020 NJ A 3971 Authorizes the Issuance of "Coronavirus Relief Bonds" by Local Governments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
July 30, 2020 NJ ACR 188 Establishes Referendum to Delay Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
July 30, 2020 NJ S 419 Requires Cultural Diversity Training for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
July 30, 2020 NJ S 419 Requires Cultural Diversity Training for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
July 29, 2020 CT HB 6004 Establishes Independent Inspector General to Investigate Police Shootings and Illegal Uses of Force Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
July 28, 2020 CT HB 6001 Extends Telehealth Benefits through March 15, 2021 Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
July 28, 2020 CT HB 6003 Establishes a $25 Cap on Insulin Prices Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
July 28, 2020 MA S 2844 Repeals Previous Restrictions on Students with Disabilities Attending Universities of Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
July 23, 2020 MI SB 899 Extends Certain Immunities and Liabilities to Healthcare Providers and Facilities Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
July 23, 2020 NY S 8525 Requires Hospitals to Inform Expectant Mothers If They Are Going into Preterm Labor Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 0)
July 23, 2020 NY S 8617 Requires Public Employers Prepare Public Health Emergency Plans Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 2)
July 22, 2020 NY A 5045 Amends Criminal Procedure Laws to Waive Certain Surcharges and Fees for Defendants Under the Age of 21 Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 19)
July 22, 2020 NY S 8015 Authorizes Absentee Voting Due to Risk of Contracting a Disease Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 18)
July 21, 2020 NY A 6710 Requires Incarcerated Parents to Be Placed at Facilities Closest to Their Children's Home Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 11)
July 16, 2020 NJ A 4175 Establishes the "New Jersey COVID-19 Emergency Bond Act" Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
July 16, 2020 RI S 2519 Establishes Commission to Recommend Ways To Improve Retirement Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 2)
July 15, 2020 PA SB 14 Establishes New Guidelines to Reduce Probation Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
July 14, 2020 PA HB 1459 Establishes a Mental Health Wellness and Stress Management Program for Emergency First Responders Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
July 14, 2020 MA S 2800 Amends Police Standards and Restructures Policing Resources Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
July 13, 2020 PA HB 732 Establishes Tax Credit for Companies that Invest and Create Jobs Building Petrochemical or Fertilizer Plants using Dry Natural Gas Produced in Pennsylvania Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
July 8, 2020 NC SB 232 Repeals Anti-Mask Law Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 4)
Date No. Title Outcome
8/31 SB 132 Authorizes Incarcerated Transgendered Individuals to be Housed by Gender Identity Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
8/31 SB 823 Establishes the Office of Youth and Community Restoration Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
8/31 SB 852 Establishes the California Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act of 2020 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
8/31 SB 629 Establishes Legal Protection for Journalists Attending Protest Demonstrations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 2)
8/31 SB 493 Requires State-Funded Colleges to Clarify Sexual Assault Allegation Procedures Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
8/31 AB 1876 Authorizes Undocumented Immigrant Workers to Qualify for State Tax Returns Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
8/31 AB 2542 Prohibits Racial Discrimination in Criminal Courts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
8/31 AB 1867 Requires Employers with 500 Employees to Provide 2 Weeks of Supplemental Paid Sick Leave for Full Time Workers Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
8/31 AB 1299 Requires Law Enforcement Agencies to Report the Termination of Officers Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
8/31 AB 1869 Repeals Certain Judicial Fees Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
8/31 AB 3234 Authorizes Judges to Offer Misdemeanor Diversion Programs to Certain Defendants Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
8/31 AB 3070 Prohibits the Use of Peremptory Challenge to Remove a Prospective Juror on the Basis of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, Sexual Orientation, or Religious Affiliation Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
8/30 AB 2537 Requires Hospitals Maintain 3-Month Supply of PPE Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
8/30 AB 685 Requires Employers to Report COVID-19 Infections Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
8/30 AB 1196 Prohibits Law Enforcement Agencies from Authorizing the Use of Carotid Restraints or Choke Holds Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
8/30 AB 1506 Requires a State Prosecutor to Investigate Certain Officer-Involved Shootings Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
8/29 AB 2992 Prohibits Employer Punishment for Employee Leave Time Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
8/29 AB 2405 Establishes a Right to Affordable Housing Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8)
8/29 AB 2425 Prohibits the Release of Certain Juvenile Police Records Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
8/28 AB 1185 Authorizes Counties to Establish a Sheriff Oversight Board Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
8/28 AB 646 Authorizes Individuals on Parole for a Felony Conviction to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
8/28 AB 2762 Prohibits Certain Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
8/28 SB 5029 Prohibits Search and Seizure Based Solely on the Odor of Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
8/27 A 4369 Repeals Mandatory Minimum Prison Terms For Certain Offenses Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
8/27 A 2370 Establishes Compassionate Release System for Inmates with Terminal Illnesses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
8/27 A 4476 Establishes a Long-Term Care Emergency Operations Center for Infectious Disease Preparedness Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
8/27 A 4006 Authorizes a Postponement of NJQSAC for Certain School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
8/27 A 2370 Establishes Compassionate Release System for Inmates with Terminal Illnesses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
8/27 S 2519 Authorizes Public Health Emergency Credits for Certain Inmates Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
8/27 S 2519 Authorizes Public Health Emergency Credits for Certain Inmates Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
8/26 H 6 Establishes Liability Protections for Businesses, Schools, and Cities during COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
8/26 H 6 Establishes Liability Protections for Businesses, Schools, and Cities during COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
8/26 SB 5032 Repeals the 6-Month Mandatory Minimum Requirement for Assaulting Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
8/24 AB 901 Limits a School District's Ability to Refer Students to Probation Officers Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
8/24 AB 901 Limits a School District's Ability to Refer Students to Probation Officers Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
8/24 AB 1950 Limits Length of Probation Terms Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
8/15 HB 5913 Requires School Districts to Administer Math and Reading Exams During E-Learning Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
8/12 SB 8005 Increases Criminal Penalties for Protesting on Public Property Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
8/11 LB 424 Amends the Nebraska Municipal Land Bank Act Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 12)
8/10 HB 4301 Prohibits Use of Chokeholds by Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
8/10 HB 1806 Increases Funding to the Department of Education Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
8/07 SB 1 Amends Criminal Justice Laws Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
8/05 SB 4 Establishes Liability Protections for Businesses during COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
8/03 SB 2 Repeals Existing Law Protecting Peace Officers From Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
8/02 AJR 1 Increases Tax on Mining Companies Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
8/02 AJR 2 Amends the State Constitution to Increase Taxes on Mining Proceeeds Resolution Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
8/01 SJR 1 Amends the State Constitution to Increase Taxes on Mining Proceeds Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
7/30 S 2412 Requires Refunds or Credit for Certain Short-Term Rental Reservations During Public Health Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
7/30 S 2412 Requires Refunds or Credit for Certain Short-Term Rental Reservations During Public Health Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
7/30 S 2380 Requires Employer to Offer Benefits to Essential Workers Unable to Work Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
7/30 S 2380 Requires Employer to Offer Benefits to Essential Workers Unable to Work Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
7/30 A 3641 Requires Cultural Diversity and Implicit Bias Training for Law Officers Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
7/30 A 1076 Requires Attorney General to Collect and Report Prosecutorial and Criminal Justice Data Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
7/30 A 1906 Establishes Crime of False 911 Calls with Purpose to Intimidate or Harass Based on Race Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
7/30 A 3971 Authorizes the Issuance of "Coronavirus Relief Bonds" by Local Governments Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 14)
7/30 ACR 188 Establishes Referendum to Delay Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 15)
7/30 S 419 Requires Cultural Diversity Training for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
7/30 S 419 Requires Cultural Diversity Training for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
7/29 HB 6004 Establishes Independent Inspector General to Investigate Police Shootings and Illegal Uses of Force Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
7/28 HB 6001 Extends Telehealth Benefits through March 15, 2021 Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
7/28 HB 6003 Establishes a $25 Cap on Insulin Prices Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
7/28 S 2844 Repeals Previous Restrictions on Students with Disabilities Attending Universities of Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
7/23 SB 899 Extends Certain Immunities and Liabilities to Healthcare Providers and Facilities Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
7/23 S 8525 Requires Hospitals to Inform Expectant Mothers If They Are Going into Preterm Labor Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 0)
7/23 S 8617 Requires Public Employers Prepare Public Health Emergency Plans Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 2)
7/22 A 5045 Amends Criminal Procedure Laws to Waive Certain Surcharges and Fees for Defendants Under the Age of 21 Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 19)
7/22 S 8015 Authorizes Absentee Voting Due to Risk of Contracting a Disease Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 18)
7/21 A 6710 Requires Incarcerated Parents to Be Placed at Facilities Closest to Their Children's Home Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 11)
7/16 A 4175 Establishes the "New Jersey COVID-19 Emergency Bond Act" Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
7/16 S 2519 Establishes Commission to Recommend Ways To Improve Retirement Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 2)
7/15 SB 14 Establishes New Guidelines to Reduce Probation Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
7/14 HB 1459 Establishes a Mental Health Wellness and Stress Management Program for Emergency First Responders Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
7/14 S 2800 Amends Police Standards and Restructures Policing Resources Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
7/13 HB 732 Establishes Tax Credit for Companies that Invest and Create Jobs Building Petrochemical or Fertilizer Plants using Dry Natural Gas Produced in Pennsylvania Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
7/08 SB 232 Repeals Anti-Mask Law Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 4)

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