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.


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Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
March 12, 2020 FL SB 664 Requires Government Agencies Use E-Verify Immigration Check for Employment Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
March 12, 2020 UT HB 494 Appropriates Funds In Response to the COVID-19 Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
March 12, 2020 MS SB 2522 Requires Employers to Pay Employees the Same Wage Regardless of Sex Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
March 11, 2020 WA SB 6478 Reduces Sanctions Related to Noncompliance with TANF Work Requirements for Abuse Survivors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
March 11, 2020 WA SB 6478 Reduces Sanctions Related to Noncompliance with TANF Work Requirements for Abuse Survivors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
March 11, 2020 FL HB 199 Extends Sexual Battery Prosecution Time Limitations Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
March 10, 2020 IN HB 1022 Expands the Definition of Panhandling Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 14)
March 9, 2020 WA SB 6561 Establishes a Student Loan Program for Undocumented Students Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
March 7, 2020 VA HB 1150 Eliminates Requirement that Jails and Prisons Ascertain Citizenship Status of Inmates Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 19)
March 6, 2020 UT SB 67 Amends Requirements for Disposal of Fetal Remains Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 6)
March 6, 2020 FL HB 43 Amends Child Welfare Training Standards Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
March 5, 2020 WA HB 2441 Increases Access to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
March 5, 2020 WA HB 2614 Amends the Paid Family Medical Leave Program for Union Employees Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
March 5, 2020 WA HB 2614 Amends the Paid Family Medical Leave Program for Union Employees Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
March 5, 2020 AL SB 219 Establishes a Felony for Doctors that Perform Gender Reassignment Treatment to Individuals Under the Age of 19 Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 3)
March 4, 2020 SC H 3967 Establishes Requirements for the Treatment of Female Inmates Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 0)
March 3, 2020 VA HB 623 Repeals the State Statutory Same-Sex Marriage Ban and Amends State Gender-Neutral Terms (24 - 16)
March 3, 2020 UT HB 116 Establishes a Missing Indigenous Women and Girls Task Force Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 0)
Feb. 26, 2020 SD SB 96 Repeals the Lifetime Ban on Drug Felons Receiving TANF Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
Feb. 26, 2020 IA SF 2272 Establishes Computer Verification System for Public Assistance Programs Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
Feb. 26, 2020 UT SB 39 Increases Funding for Affordable Housing Development Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
Feb. 26, 2020 MI SB 686 Prohibits Disciplinary Action Against State Employees for Communicating with Legislative Branch Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
Feb. 25, 2020 VA SB 657 Authorizes Replacement Birth Certificates for Transgender Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Feb. 25, 2020 SD SB 147 Prohibits Collective Bargaining by Certain University Employees Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
Feb. 24, 2020 VA HB 618 Specifies that Gender Related Crimes are Associated with Hate Crimes (24 - 16)
Feb. 19, 2020 WI AB 804 Increases Penalties for Domestic Abuse Victim Intimidation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
Feb. 19, 2020 NM HB 364 Expands Bargaining Rights of Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 17)
Feb. 17, 2020 VA HB 386 Prohibits State Funding for Conversion Therapy on Minors Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Feb. 13, 2020 VT S 23 Increases the State Minimum Wage Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
Feb. 13, 2020 VT S 23 Increases the State Minimum Wage Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
Feb. 12, 2020 KY SB 30 Limits the Number of Companies that Oversee State's Medicaid Program Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
Feb. 12, 2020 WA SB 6262 Requires Schools to Incorporate Curriculum on Local Indian Tribes Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
Feb. 11, 2020 NE LB 329 Amends Eligibility Provisions for Transitional Childcare Assistance Subsidies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
Feb. 11, 2020 VA SB 935 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Feb. 10, 2020 WV SB 275 Establishes an Intermediate Court of Appeals Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
Feb. 6, 2020 VA SB 868 Amends Anti-Discrimination Law to Include Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
Feb. 5, 2020 National H Res 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Bill Failed - Senate (47 - 53)
Feb. 5, 2020 National H Res 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Bill Failed - Senate (47 - 53)
Feb. 5, 2020 National H Res 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Bill Failed - Senate (48 - 52)
Feb. 5, 2020 National H Res 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Bill Failed - Senate (48 - 52)
Feb. 4, 2020 KY SB 1 Prohibits "Sanctuary" Immigration Policies Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Feb. 4, 2020 IN SB 342 Establishes Reasonable Accommodations for Pregnant Workers Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
Jan. 31, 2020 National S Amdt 1298 Requires the US Chief Justice to rule on motions to subpoena witnesses and documents and issues of privilege Amendment Tabled - Senate (53 - 47)
Jan. 31, 2020 National S Amdt 1298 Requires the US Chief Justice to rule on motions to subpoena witnesses and documents and issues of privilege Amendment Tabled - Senate (53 - 47)
Jan. 31, 2020 National S Res 488 A resolution to provide for related procedures concerning the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
Jan. 31, 2020 National S Res 488 A resolution to provide for related procedures concerning the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
Jan. 30, 2020 AZ SB 1141 Expands Arrest Powers of Detention Officers Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
Jan. 27, 2020 VA HJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
Jan. 24, 2020 WA SB 6037 Requires Public Companies to have a Gender-Diverse Board of Directors Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
Jan. 22, 2020 National S Res 483 A resolution to provide for related procedures concerning the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 47)
Jan. 22, 2020 National S Res 483 A resolution to provide for related procedures concerning the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 47)
Jan. 21, 2020 VA SB 245 Prohibits Conversion Therapy on Minors Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Jan. 21, 2020 VA SB 161 Requires Schools to Create Policies Transgender-Friendly Student Policies Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
Jan. 17, 2020 WA SB 5165 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Citizenship or Immigration Status Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
Jan. 17, 2020 WA SB 5165 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Citizenship or Immigration Status Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
Jan. 16, 2020 DE HB 73 Amends the Delaware Constitution to Authorize the General Assembly to Pass Laws On Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
Jan. 15, 2020 VA SJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
Jan. 14, 2020 TN HB 836 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Deny Potential Parents Based on Religious Exemption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/12 SB 664 Requires Government Agencies Use E-Verify Immigration Check for Employment Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 17)
3/12 HB 494 Appropriates Funds In Response to the COVID-19 Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
3/12 SB 2522 Requires Employers to Pay Employees the Same Wage Regardless of Sex Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
3/11 SB 6478 Reduces Sanctions Related to Noncompliance with TANF Work Requirements for Abuse Survivors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
3/11 SB 6478 Reduces Sanctions Related to Noncompliance with TANF Work Requirements for Abuse Survivors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 18)
3/11 HB 199 Extends Sexual Battery Prosecution Time Limitations Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
3/10 HB 1022 Expands the Definition of Panhandling Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 14)
3/09 SB 6561 Establishes a Student Loan Program for Undocumented Students Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
3/07 HB 1150 Eliminates Requirement that Jails and Prisons Ascertain Citizenship Status of Inmates Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 19)
3/06 SB 67 Amends Requirements for Disposal of Fetal Remains Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 6)
3/06 HB 43 Amends Child Welfare Training Standards Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
3/05 HB 2441 Increases Access to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
3/05 HB 2614 Amends the Paid Family Medical Leave Program for Union Employees Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
3/05 HB 2614 Amends the Paid Family Medical Leave Program for Union Employees Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 10)
3/05 SB 219 Establishes a Felony for Doctors that Perform Gender Reassignment Treatment to Individuals Under the Age of 19 Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 3)
3/04 H 3967 Establishes Requirements for the Treatment of Female Inmates Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 0)
3/03 HB 623 Repeals the State Statutory Same-Sex Marriage Ban and Amends State Gender-Neutral Terms (24 - 16)
3/03 HB 116 Establishes a Missing Indigenous Women and Girls Task Force Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 0)
2/26 SB 96 Repeals the Lifetime Ban on Drug Felons Receiving TANF Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
2/26 SF 2272 Establishes Computer Verification System for Public Assistance Programs Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
2/26 SB 39 Increases Funding for Affordable Housing Development Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 11)
2/26 SB 686 Prohibits Disciplinary Action Against State Employees for Communicating with Legislative Branch Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
2/25 SB 657 Authorizes Replacement Birth Certificates for Transgender Individuals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
2/25 SB 147 Prohibits Collective Bargaining by Certain University Employees Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
2/24 HB 618 Specifies that Gender Related Crimes are Associated with Hate Crimes (24 - 16)
2/19 AB 804 Increases Penalties for Domestic Abuse Victim Intimidation Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
2/19 HB 364 Expands Bargaining Rights of Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 17)
2/17 HB 386 Prohibits State Funding for Conversion Therapy on Minors Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
2/13 S 23 Increases the State Minimum Wage Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
2/13 S 23 Increases the State Minimum Wage Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
2/12 SB 30 Limits the Number of Companies that Oversee State's Medicaid Program Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
2/12 SB 6262 Requires Schools to Incorporate Curriculum on Local Indian Tribes Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 13)
2/11 LB 329 Amends Eligibility Provisions for Transitional Childcare Assistance Subsidies Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
2/11 SB 935 Authorizes In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
2/10 SB 275 Establishes an Intermediate Court of Appeals Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 14)
2/06 SB 868 Amends Anti-Discrimination Law to Include Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
2/05 H Res 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Bill Failed - Senate (47 - 53)
2/05 H Res 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Bill Failed - Senate (47 - 53)
2/05 H Res 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Bill Failed - Senate (48 - 52)
2/05 H Res 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors Bill Failed - Senate (48 - 52)
2/04 SB 1 Prohibits "Sanctuary" Immigration Policies Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
2/04 SB 342 Establishes Reasonable Accommodations for Pregnant Workers Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8)
1/31 S Amdt 1298 Requires the US Chief Justice to rule on motions to subpoena witnesses and documents and issues of privilege Amendment Tabled - Senate (53 - 47)
1/31 S Amdt 1298 Requires the US Chief Justice to rule on motions to subpoena witnesses and documents and issues of privilege Amendment Tabled - Senate (53 - 47)
1/31 S Res 488 A resolution to provide for related procedures concerning the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
1/31 S Res 488 A resolution to provide for related procedures concerning the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States Bill Passed - Senate (51 - 49)
1/30 SB 1141 Expands Arrest Powers of Detention Officers Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 13)
1/27 HJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
1/24 SB 6037 Requires Public Companies to have a Gender-Diverse Board of Directors Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
1/22 S Res 483 A resolution to provide for related procedures concerning the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 47)
1/22 S Res 483 A resolution to provide for related procedures concerning the articles of impeachment against Donald John Trump, President of the United States Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 47)
1/21 SB 245 Prohibits Conversion Therapy on Minors Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
1/21 SB 161 Requires Schools to Create Policies Transgender-Friendly Student Policies Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 16)
1/17 SB 5165 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Citizenship or Immigration Status Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
1/17 SB 5165 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Citizenship or Immigration Status Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
1/16 HB 73 Amends the Delaware Constitution to Authorize the General Assembly to Pass Laws On Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 5)
1/15 SJ 1 Establishes an Amendment to the US Constitution Relating to Equal Rights Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 12)
1/14 HB 836 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Deny Potential Parents Based on Religious Exemption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)

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