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 16, 2020 NH HB 1166 Extends Emergency Benefit Enhancements Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
June 16, 2020 NH HB 705 Repeals Statute of Limitation Requirements for Sexual Assault Lawsuits "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 5)
June 16, 2020 NH HB 1672 Authorizes Voting by Mail in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
June 16, 2020 MS SB 2112 Prohibits Public Employers from Requiring Applicants to Disclose Felony Convictions on Application Bill Passed - House (97 - 21)
June 16, 2020 NH HB 1582 Establishes the Veterans Bill of Rights Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 0)
June 16, 2020 NC HB 511 Authorizes Shorter Sentences for Nonviolent Drug Offenders Conference Report Adopted - Senate (48 - 0)
June 16, 2020 NC HB 511 Authorizes Shorter Sentences for Nonviolent Drug Offenders Conference Report Adopted - Senate (48 - 0)
June 16, 2020 NC HB 511 Authorizes Shorter Sentences for Nonviolent Drug Offenders Conference Report Adopted - Senate (48 - 0)
June 16, 2020 NC SB 562 Repeals Dismissed Charges and Nonviolent Misdemeanors & Convictions Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
June 16, 2020 MN SF 3 Amends Law Enforcement Use of Force Reporting Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 31)
June 16, 2020 DE SB 243 Authorizes Certain Task Forces, Commissions, and Groups to Hold Their Meetings Virtually Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
June 16, 2020 NC SB 562 Repeals Dismissed Charges and Nonviolent Misdemeanors & Convictions Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
June 15, 2020 CA AB 1950 Limits Length of Probation Terms Bill Passed - House (48 - 22)
June 13, 2020 CO SB 20-007 Requires Insurance Carriers Provide Coverage for Treatment of Substance Use Disorders Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
June 12, 2020 CO SB 20-217 Amends Various Police Accountability and Reform Laws Bill Passed - House (52 - 13)
June 12, 2020 CO SB 20-007 Requires Insurance Carriers Provide Coverage for Treatment of Substance Use Disorders Bill Passed - House (48 - 17)
June 12, 2020 CO SB 20-217 Amends Various Police Accountability and Reform Laws Bill Passed - House (52 - 13)
June 12, 2020 CO SB 20-181 Amends Incompetent-to-Proceed Process for Mentally Ill Defendants Bill Passed - House (41 - 24)
June 12, 2020 CO SB 20-221 Prohibits the "Gay Panic" Murder Defense Bill Passed - House (63 - 1)
June 12, 2020 VT S 348 Authorizes Mail-In Absentee Voting for the 2020 General Election Bill Passed - House (115 - 29)
June 12, 2020 MN SC 1 Repeals the Governor's Peacetime Emergency Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 29)
June 12, 2020 CO HB 20-1425 Amends Hospital Patient Visitation Rights During COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - House (47 - 17)
June 11, 2020 CO HB 20-1017 Expands Substance Use Disorder Treatment in the Criminal Justice System Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
June 11, 2020 CA AB 2847 Requires Microstamping Within Handguns Bill Passed - House (52 - 20)
June 11, 2020 CO HB 20-1017 Expands Substance Use Disorder Treatment in the Criminal Justice System Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
June 11, 2020 CO HB 20-1065 Authorizes Pharmacists to Sell Nonprescription Syringes Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
June 11, 2020 IA HF 2647 Amends Law Enforcement Policies and Training Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
June 11, 2020 CA AB 3262 Requires Electronic Marketplaces Be Held Liable for Defective Products Bill Passed - House (54 - 14)
June 11, 2020 OH HB 425 Repeals the Requirement that Handgun Owners Notify Police About Their Firearm When Stopped Bill Passed - House (58 - 32)
June 11, 2020 CA AB 3121 Establishes a Task Force for Reparations to African Americans Bill Passed - House (61 - 12)
June 11, 2020 IA HF 2647 Amends Law Enforcement Policies and Training Requirements Bill Passed - House (98 - 0)
June 10, 2020 IA SF 2338 Establishes Legal Protection to Businesses and Healthcare Providers during COVID-19 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
June 10, 2020 OH HB 61 Authorizes Oral, Written, Electronic, or Telephonic Consent for Contact Tracing of Infectious Diseases Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
June 10, 2020 IA HF 684 Establishes Medical Amnesty for Under-Aged Individuals in Alcohol-Related Emergencies Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
June 10, 2020 NY S 8539 Establishes the Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office Bill Passed - House (121 - 23)
June 10, 2020 NY S 2574 Establishes an Office of Special Investigation Under the Attorney General Bill Passed - House (97 - 47)
June 10, 2020 CO HB 20-1143 Increases Maximum Fines for Air and Water Quality Violations Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
June 10, 2020 NY S 8539 Establishes the Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office Bill Passed - House (121 - 23)
June 10, 2020 NY S 3595 Establishes the Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office Bill Passed - House (100 - 44)
June 10, 2020 CA ACA 5 Establishes Constitutional Amendment Repealing Prohibition on Affirmative Action Policies Amendment Adopted - House (60 - 14)
June 10, 2020 NY S 8539 Establishes the Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 20)
June 10, 2020 NY S 8539 Establishes the Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 20)
June 10, 2020 OH HB 624 Requires Different Reporting Methods for COVID-19 Statistics Bill Passed - House (61 - 34)
June 10, 2020 CA AB 2570 Establishes the False Claims Act Bill Passed - House (44 - 20)
June 10, 2020 NY S 2574 Establishes an Office of Special Investigation Under the Attorney General Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 17)
June 9, 2020 PA HR 836 Establishes a Resolution to Terminate the Governor's Emergency Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
June 9, 2020 NY S 8496 Authorizes Disclosure of Law Enforcement Disciplinary Records Bill Passed - House (101 - 43)
June 9, 2020 NY S 8493 Establishes the "New York State Police Body-Worn Cameras Program" Bill Passed - House (142 - 2)
June 9, 2020 NY S 8493 Establishes the "New York State Police Body-Worn Cameras Program" Bill Passed - House (142 - 2)
June 9, 2020 NY S 6601 Requires Police Officers to Provide Medical and Mental Health Attention Bill Passed - House (109 - 35)
June 9, 2020 NY S 6601 Requires Police Officers to Provide Medical and Mental Health Attention Bill Passed - House (109 - 35)
June 9, 2020 NY S 8496 Authorizes Disclosure of Law Enforcement Disciplinary Records Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 22)
June 9, 2020 CO HB 20-1017 Expands Substance Use Disorder Treatment in the Criminal Justice System Bill Passed - House (40 - 22)
June 9, 2020 CO HB 20-1017 Expands Substance Use Disorder Treatment in the Criminal Justice System Bill Passed - House (40 - 22)
June 9, 2020 CO HB 20-1065 Authorizes Pharmacists to Sell Nonprescription Syringes Bill Passed - House (38 - 24)
June 9, 2020 CO HB 20-1413 Establishes a Small Business Tax Credit for the COVID-19 Response Bill Passed - House (43 - 18)
June 8, 2020 NY A 6144 Establishes the Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 0)
June 8, 2020 NY S 3253 Authorizes Individuals to Record Law Enforcement Activity Bill Passed - House (128 - 16)
June 8, 2020 NY A 1531 Prohibits Reporting a Non-Emergency Incident Involving a Member of a Protected Class Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
June 8, 2020 NY A 1531 Prohibits Reporting a Non-Emergency Incident Involving a Member of a Protected Class Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
June 8, 2020 NY A 10609 Requires Courts to Compile and Publish Data on Misdemeanors and Violations and Law Enforcement Departments on Arrest-Related Deaths Bill Passed - House (100 - 44)
June 8, 2020 NY A 1531 Prohibits Reporting a Non-Emergency Incident Involving a Member of a Protected Class Bill Passed - House (115 - 29)
June 8, 2020 NY A 1531 Prohibits Reporting a Non-Emergency Incident Involving a Member of a Protected Class Bill Passed - House (115 - 29)
June 8, 2020 NY A 4615 Prohibits Police Officers from Racial and Ethnic Profiling Bill Passed - House (105 - 39)
June 8, 2020 NY A 4615 Prohibits Police Officers from Racial and Ethnic Profiling Bill Passed - House (105 - 39)
June 8, 2020 NY A 10608 Requires Law Enforcement Officers to Report Weapon Discharges to their Superior Bill Passed - House (105 - 39)
June 8, 2020 NY A 10609 Requires Courts to Compile and Publish Data on Misdemeanors and Violations and Law Enforcement Departments on Arrest-Related Deaths Bill Passed - House (100 - 44)
June 5, 2020 IA SF 2338 Establishes Legal Protection to Businesses and Healthcare Providers during COVID-19 Bill Passed - House (52 - 44)
June 5, 2020 IA SF 2413 Increases Penalties for Trespassing on Animal Food Operations Bill Passed - House (59 - 37)
June 5, 2020 IA SF 2413 Increases Penalties for Trespassing on Animal Food Operations Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
June 5, 2020 CO HB 20-1143 Increases Maximum Fines for Air and Water Quality Violations Bill Passed - House (40 - 24)
June 5, 2020 CO SB 20-181 Amends Incompetent-to-Proceed Process for Mentally Ill Defendants Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
June 4, 2020 MI SB 945 Requires Implicit Bias and De-Escalation Training for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
June 4, 2020 MI SB 945 Requires Implicit Bias and De-Escalation Training for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
June 4, 2020 NJ A 4175 Establishes the "New Jersey COVID-19 Emergency Bond Act" Bill Passed - House (52 - 28)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/16 HB 1166 Extends Emergency Benefit Enhancements Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
6/16 HB 705 Repeals Statute of Limitation Requirements for Sexual Assault Lawsuits "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 5)
6/16 HB 1672 Authorizes Voting by Mail in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10)
6/16 SB 2112 Prohibits Public Employers from Requiring Applicants to Disclose Felony Convictions on Application Bill Passed - House (97 - 21)
6/16 HB 1582 Establishes the Veterans Bill of Rights Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 0)
6/16 HB 511 Authorizes Shorter Sentences for Nonviolent Drug Offenders Conference Report Adopted - Senate (48 - 0)
6/16 HB 511 Authorizes Shorter Sentences for Nonviolent Drug Offenders Conference Report Adopted - Senate (48 - 0)
6/16 HB 511 Authorizes Shorter Sentences for Nonviolent Drug Offenders Conference Report Adopted - Senate (48 - 0)
6/16 SB 562 Repeals Dismissed Charges and Nonviolent Misdemeanors & Convictions Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
6/16 SF 3 Amends Law Enforcement Use of Force Reporting Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 31)
6/16 SB 243 Authorizes Certain Task Forces, Commissions, and Groups to Hold Their Meetings Virtually Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
6/16 SB 562 Repeals Dismissed Charges and Nonviolent Misdemeanors & Convictions Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
6/15 AB 1950 Limits Length of Probation Terms Bill Passed - House (48 - 22)
6/13 SB 20-007 Requires Insurance Carriers Provide Coverage for Treatment of Substance Use Disorders Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
6/12 SB 20-217 Amends Various Police Accountability and Reform Laws Bill Passed - House (52 - 13)
6/12 SB 20-007 Requires Insurance Carriers Provide Coverage for Treatment of Substance Use Disorders Bill Passed - House (48 - 17)
6/12 SB 20-217 Amends Various Police Accountability and Reform Laws Bill Passed - House (52 - 13)
6/12 SB 20-181 Amends Incompetent-to-Proceed Process for Mentally Ill Defendants Bill Passed - House (41 - 24)
6/12 SB 20-221 Prohibits the "Gay Panic" Murder Defense Bill Passed - House (63 - 1)
6/12 S 348 Authorizes Mail-In Absentee Voting for the 2020 General Election Bill Passed - House (115 - 29)
6/12 SC 1 Repeals the Governor's Peacetime Emergency Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 29)
6/12 HB 20-1425 Amends Hospital Patient Visitation Rights During COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - House (47 - 17)
6/11 HB 20-1017 Expands Substance Use Disorder Treatment in the Criminal Justice System Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
6/11 AB 2847 Requires Microstamping Within Handguns Bill Passed - House (52 - 20)
6/11 HB 20-1017 Expands Substance Use Disorder Treatment in the Criminal Justice System Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 11)
6/11 HB 20-1065 Authorizes Pharmacists to Sell Nonprescription Syringes Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
6/11 HF 2647 Amends Law Enforcement Policies and Training Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
6/11 AB 3262 Requires Electronic Marketplaces Be Held Liable for Defective Products Bill Passed - House (54 - 14)
6/11 HB 425 Repeals the Requirement that Handgun Owners Notify Police About Their Firearm When Stopped Bill Passed - House (58 - 32)
6/11 AB 3121 Establishes a Task Force for Reparations to African Americans Bill Passed - House (61 - 12)
6/11 HF 2647 Amends Law Enforcement Policies and Training Requirements Bill Passed - House (98 - 0)
6/10 SF 2338 Establishes Legal Protection to Businesses and Healthcare Providers during COVID-19 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
6/10 HB 61 Authorizes Oral, Written, Electronic, or Telephonic Consent for Contact Tracing of Infectious Diseases Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
6/10 HF 684 Establishes Medical Amnesty for Under-Aged Individuals in Alcohol-Related Emergencies Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 2)
6/10 S 8539 Establishes the Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office Bill Passed - House (121 - 23)
6/10 S 2574 Establishes an Office of Special Investigation Under the Attorney General Bill Passed - House (97 - 47)
6/10 HB 20-1143 Increases Maximum Fines for Air and Water Quality Violations Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
6/10 S 8539 Establishes the Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office Bill Passed - House (121 - 23)
6/10 S 3595 Establishes the Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office Bill Passed - House (100 - 44)
6/10 ACA 5 Establishes Constitutional Amendment Repealing Prohibition on Affirmative Action Policies Amendment Adopted - House (60 - 14)
6/10 S 8539 Establishes the Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 20)
6/10 S 8539 Establishes the Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 20)
6/10 HB 624 Requires Different Reporting Methods for COVID-19 Statistics Bill Passed - House (61 - 34)
6/10 AB 2570 Establishes the False Claims Act Bill Passed - House (44 - 20)
6/10 S 2574 Establishes an Office of Special Investigation Under the Attorney General Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 17)
6/09 HR 836 Establishes a Resolution to Terminate the Governor's Emergency Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 19)
6/09 S 8496 Authorizes Disclosure of Law Enforcement Disciplinary Records Bill Passed - House (101 - 43)
6/09 S 8493 Establishes the "New York State Police Body-Worn Cameras Program" Bill Passed - House (142 - 2)
6/09 S 8493 Establishes the "New York State Police Body-Worn Cameras Program" Bill Passed - House (142 - 2)
6/09 S 6601 Requires Police Officers to Provide Medical and Mental Health Attention Bill Passed - House (109 - 35)
6/09 S 6601 Requires Police Officers to Provide Medical and Mental Health Attention Bill Passed - House (109 - 35)
6/09 S 8496 Authorizes Disclosure of Law Enforcement Disciplinary Records Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 22)
6/09 HB 20-1017 Expands Substance Use Disorder Treatment in the Criminal Justice System Bill Passed - House (40 - 22)
6/09 HB 20-1017 Expands Substance Use Disorder Treatment in the Criminal Justice System Bill Passed - House (40 - 22)
6/09 HB 20-1065 Authorizes Pharmacists to Sell Nonprescription Syringes Bill Passed - House (38 - 24)
6/09 HB 20-1413 Establishes a Small Business Tax Credit for the COVID-19 Response Bill Passed - House (43 - 18)
6/08 A 6144 Establishes the Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 0)
6/08 S 3253 Authorizes Individuals to Record Law Enforcement Activity Bill Passed - House (128 - 16)
6/08 A 1531 Prohibits Reporting a Non-Emergency Incident Involving a Member of a Protected Class Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
6/08 A 1531 Prohibits Reporting a Non-Emergency Incident Involving a Member of a Protected Class Bill Passed - Senate (56 - 6)
6/08 A 10609 Requires Courts to Compile and Publish Data on Misdemeanors and Violations and Law Enforcement Departments on Arrest-Related Deaths Bill Passed - House (100 - 44)
6/08 A 1531 Prohibits Reporting a Non-Emergency Incident Involving a Member of a Protected Class Bill Passed - House (115 - 29)
6/08 A 1531 Prohibits Reporting a Non-Emergency Incident Involving a Member of a Protected Class Bill Passed - House (115 - 29)
6/08 A 4615 Prohibits Police Officers from Racial and Ethnic Profiling Bill Passed - House (105 - 39)
6/08 A 4615 Prohibits Police Officers from Racial and Ethnic Profiling Bill Passed - House (105 - 39)
6/08 A 10608 Requires Law Enforcement Officers to Report Weapon Discharges to their Superior Bill Passed - House (105 - 39)
6/08 A 10609 Requires Courts to Compile and Publish Data on Misdemeanors and Violations and Law Enforcement Departments on Arrest-Related Deaths Bill Passed - House (100 - 44)
6/05 SF 2338 Establishes Legal Protection to Businesses and Healthcare Providers during COVID-19 Bill Passed - House (52 - 44)
6/05 SF 2413 Increases Penalties for Trespassing on Animal Food Operations Bill Passed - House (59 - 37)
6/05 SF 2413 Increases Penalties for Trespassing on Animal Food Operations Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
6/05 HB 20-1143 Increases Maximum Fines for Air and Water Quality Violations Bill Passed - House (40 - 24)
6/05 SB 20-181 Amends Incompetent-to-Proceed Process for Mentally Ill Defendants Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
6/04 SB 945 Requires Implicit Bias and De-Escalation Training for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
6/04 SB 945 Requires Implicit Bias and De-Escalation Training for Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
6/04 A 4175 Establishes the "New Jersey COVID-19 Emergency Bond Act" Bill Passed - House (52 - 28)

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