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. 28, 2020 CA AB 2847 Requires Microstamping Within Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
Aug. 28, 2020 CA AB 646 Authorizes Individuals on Parole for a Felony Conviction to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
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 4320 Expands Ballot Receipt and Election Deadlines Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
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. 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 1950 Limits Length of Probation Terms Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
Aug. 13, 2020 NE LB 238 Requires Witnesses of Executions to Watch the Entire Proceeding Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
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 1060 Prohibits Racial Discrimination in the Workplace Based on Certain Hair Textures and Styles Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
Aug. 10, 2020 OR HB 4301 Prohibits Use of Chokeholds by Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
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. 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)
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 1076 Requires Attorney General to Collect and Report Prosecutorial and Criminal Justice Data Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 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 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 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 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 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 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 A 2176 Prohibits Civil Arrest of Individuals Attending Court Proceedings Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 18)
July 21, 2020 NY A 5630 Amends Various Power of Attorney Laws Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 17)
July 21, 2020 NY A 5630 Amends Various Power of Attorney Laws Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 17)
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 H 7541 Establishes the "Uniform Parentage Act" Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
July 15, 2020 PA SB 1166 Limits the Governor's Emergency Powers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
July 15, 2020 PA HB 2463 Requires State Agency Response to Public Record Requests Made During a Gubernatorial Disaster Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
July 15, 2020 PA SB 14 Establishes New Guidelines to Reduce Probation Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
July 14, 2020 MA S 2800 Amends Police Standards and Restructures Policing Resources Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
July 14, 2020 MA S 2800 Amends Police Standards and Restructures Policing Resources Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
July 8, 2020 NC SB 232 Repeals Anti-Mask Law Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 4)
July 6, 2020 HI HB 285 Requires Law Enforcement Transparency Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 4)
July 6, 2020 HI HB 2502 Authorizes COVID-19 Health Screenings of Travelers At Ports of Entry Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 4)
July 6, 2020 HI HB 2738 Prohibits Foreign Nationals and Foreign Corporations from Funding Elections Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 0)
June 30, 2020 MS SB 2123 Establishes the "Mississippi Correctional Safety and Rehabilitation Act" Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 17)
Date No. Title Outcome
8/28 AB 2847 Requires Microstamping Within Handguns Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
8/28 AB 646 Authorizes Individuals on Parole for a Felony Conviction to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
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 4320 Expands Ballot Receipt and Election Deadlines Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
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)
8/26 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 1950 Limits Length of Probation Terms Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
8/13 LB 238 Requires Witnesses of Executions to Watch the Entire Proceeding Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
8/12 SB 8005 Increases Criminal Penalties for Protesting on Public Property Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
8/11 LB 1060 Prohibits Racial Discrimination in the Workplace Based on Certain Hair Textures and Styles Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
8/10 HB 4301 Prohibits Use of Chokeholds by Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 5)
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)
8/05 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)
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 1076 Requires Attorney General to Collect and Report Prosecutorial and Criminal Justice Data Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 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 1906 Establishes Crime of False 911 Calls with Purpose to Intimidate or Harass Based on Race Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
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)
7/29 HB 6004 Establishes Independent Inspector General to Investigate Police Shootings and Illegal Uses of Force Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
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 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 A 2176 Prohibits Civil Arrest of Individuals Attending Court Proceedings Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 18)
7/21 A 5630 Amends Various Power of Attorney Laws Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 17)
7/21 A 5630 Amends Various Power of Attorney Laws Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 17)
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 H 7541 Establishes the "Uniform Parentage Act" Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
7/15 SB 1166 Limits the Governor's Emergency Powers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 17)
7/15 HB 2463 Requires State Agency Response to Public Record Requests Made During a Gubernatorial Disaster Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
7/15 SB 14 Establishes New Guidelines to Reduce Probation Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
7/14 S 2800 Amends Police Standards and Restructures Policing Resources Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
7/14 S 2800 Amends Police Standards and Restructures Policing Resources Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
7/08 SB 232 Repeals Anti-Mask Law Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 4)
7/06 HB 285 Requires Law Enforcement Transparency Conference Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 4)
7/06 HB 2502 Authorizes COVID-19 Health Screenings of Travelers At Ports of Entry Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 4)
7/06 HB 2738 Prohibits Foreign Nationals and Foreign Corporations from Funding Elections Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 0)
6/30 SB 2123 Establishes the "Mississippi Correctional Safety and Rehabilitation Act" Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 17)

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