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 AB 331 Establishes One Credit of Ethnic and Racial Studies as a High School Graduation Requirement Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 12)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA AB 1869 Repeals Certain Judicial Fees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 17)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA SB 823 Establishes the Office of Youth and Community Restoration Bill Passed - House (54 - 16)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA SB 1383 Expands Protections for Paid Family Leave Bill Passed - House (46 - 16)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA SB 145 Exempts Certain Persons Convicted of Certain Offenses Involving Minors from Mandatory Sex Offender Registration Bill Passed - House (41 - 25)
Aug. 30, 2020 CA AB 646 Authorizes Individuals on Parole for a Felony Conviction to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 16)
Aug. 30, 2020 CA AB 979 Requires Corporations to Have Directors From Under-Represented Groups Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 8)
Aug. 30, 2020 CA AB 2147 Authorizes Certain Defendants that Participate in the California Conversation Camp Program to File Petitions for Relief Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 12)
Aug. 30, 2020 CA AB 2425 Prohibits the Release of Certain Juvenile Police Records Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 16)
Aug. 30, 2020 CA SB 629 Establishes Legal Protection for Journalists Attending Protest Demonstrations Bill Passed - House (49 - 7)
Aug. 30, 2020 CA SB 629 Establishes Legal Protection for Journalists Attending Protest Demonstrations Bill Passed - House (49 - 7)
Aug. 30, 2020 CA SB 132 Authorizes Incarcerated Transgendered Individuals to be Housed by Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (52 - 15)
Aug. 30, 2020 CA SB 132 Authorizes Incarcerated Transgendered Individuals to be Housed by Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (52 - 15)
Aug. 30, 2020 CA SB 1102 Requires Employers to Provide H-2A Employees with a Written Notice of their Rights Bill Passed - House (52 - 18)
Aug. 28, 2020 VA HB 5029 Establishes a Felony Charge for Officers that Fail to Intervene When Witnessing Unlawful Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
Aug. 27, 2020 NJ A 4320 Expands Ballot Receipt and Election Deadlines Bill Passed - House (51 - 27)
Aug. 25, 2020 MO HB 46 Repeals Residency Requirement for Law Enforcement in St. Louis Bill Passed - House (113 - 38)
Aug. 25, 2020 MO HB 66 Establishes a Pre-Trial Witness Protection Services Fund Bill Passed - House (118 - 31)
Aug. 25, 2020 MO HB 16 Classifies Knowingly Transferring a Firearm to a Minor for the Purpose of Avoiding an Arrest or Investigation as a Felony Bill Passed - House (99 - 49)
Aug. 25, 2020 MO HB 11 Classifies the Crime of Child Endangerment as a First-Degree Felony Bill Passed - House (111 - 39)
Aug. 24, 2020 CA AB 3234 Authorizes Judges to Offer Misdemeanor Diversion Programs to Certain Defendants Bill Passed - House (43 - 26)
Aug. 12, 2020 TN SB 8005 Increases Criminal Penalties for Protesting on Public Property Bill Passed - House (71 - 20)
Aug. 4, 2020 NV SB 2 Repeals Existing Law Protecting Peace Officers From Investigations Bill Passed - House (25 - 17)
Aug. 1, 2020 NV AB 3 Establishes Police Reforms for Nevada Law Enforcement Bill Passed - House (38 - 4)
July 30, 2020 NJ S 971 Authorizes Compensation for College Athletes Bill Passed - House (56 - 16)
July 30, 2020 NJ A 4370 Repeals Mandatory Minimum Terms of Parole Ineligibility for Nonviolent Drug Crimes Bill Passed - House (51 - 21)
July 30, 2020 NJ A 1254 Establishes Parole for Nonviolent Offenders Age 65 and Older Bill Passed - House (60 - 12)
July 30, 2020 NJ A 4372 Authorizes Resentencing of Certain Inmates Bill Passed - House (47 - 24)
July 30, 2020 NJ AR 178 Requires the Removal of Confederate Statues From the Capitol Resolution Passed - House (55 - 1)
July 30, 2020 NJ A 4170 Limits the Use of Data Collected for Purposes of COVID-19 Contact Tracing Bill Passed - House (55 - 18)
July 30, 2020 NJ A 4369 Repeals Mandatory Minimum Prison Terms For Certain Offenses Bill Passed - House (52 - 19)
July 30, 2020 NJ A 4370 Repeals Mandatory Minimum Terms of Parole Ineligibility for Nonviolent Drug Crimes Bill Passed - House (51 - 21)
July 27, 2020 National S 2163 Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act Bill Passed - House (368 - 1)
July 24, 2020 CT HB 6004 Establishes Independent Inspector General to Investigate Police Shootings and Illegal Uses of Force Bill Passed - House (86 - 58)
July 22, 2020 National HR 7573 To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to replace the bust of Roger Brooke Taney in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the United States Capitol with a bust of Thurgood Marshall to be obtained by the Joint Committee on the Library and to remove certain statues from areas of the United States Capitol which are accessible to the public, to remove all statues of individuals who voluntarily served the Confederate States of America from display in the United States Capitol, and for other purposes Bill Passed - House (305 - 113)
July 22, 2020 National HR 7573 To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to replace the bust of Roger Brooke Taney in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the United States Capitol with a bust of Thurgood Marshall to be obtained by the Joint Committee on the Library and to remove certain statues from areas of the United States Capitol which are accessible to the public, to remove all statues of individuals who voluntarily served the Confederate States of America from display in the United States Capitol, and for other purposes Bill Passed - House (305 - 113)
July 21, 2020 NY A 5630 Amends Various Power of Attorney Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (95 - 47)
July 21, 2020 NY A 5991 Amends Civil Rights Law in Relation to "Frivolous" Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (116 - 26)
July 20, 2020 MN HF 1 Establishes and Amends Various Provisions Relating to Public Safety and Law Enforcement Bill Passed - House (102 - 29)
July 20, 2020 MN HF 1 Establishes and Amends Various Provisions Relating to Public Safety and Law Enforcement Bill Passed - House (102 - 29)
July 20, 2020 NY A 5045 Amends Criminal Procedure Laws to Waive Certain Surcharges and Fees for Defendants Under the Age of 21 Bill Passed - House (97 - 44)
July 20, 2020 NY A 2176 Prohibits Civil Arrest of Individuals Attending Court Proceedings Bill Passed - House (97 - 44)
July 20, 2020 MN HR 1 Classifies Racism as a Public Health Crisis Bill Passed - House (82 - 40)
July 7, 2020 PA HB 256 Amends State Law to make Assaulting a Correctional Officer a Felony Concurrence Vote Passed - House (173 - 28)
July 6, 2020 HI HB 285 Requires Law Enforcement Transparency Conference Report Adopted - House (37 - 14)
July 1, 2020 NH HB 1645 Amend Various Law Enforcement Policies Concurrence Vote Passed - House (255 - 74)
July 1, 2020 NH HB 1645 Amend Various Law Enforcement Policies Concurrence Vote Passed - House (255 - 74)
July 1, 2020 HI SB 3054 Requires Gun Owners to Notify Police when Firearm is Moved out of State Bill Passed - House (38 - 13)
June 30, 2020 NH HB 1162 Amends Adoption Laws for Unmarried Couples Concurrence Vote Passed - House (209 - 119)
June 30, 2020 NH HB 1639 Establishes the Opioid Abatement Trust Fund, Among Other Provisions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (201 - 121)
June 30, 2020 MA H 4818 Establishes a Special Commission to Reduce Racial Inequalities in Maternal Health Bill Passed - House (159 - 0)
June 30, 2020 MA H 4818 Establishes a Special Commission to Reduce Racial Inequalities in Maternal Health Bill Passed - House (159 - 0)
June 28, 2020 MS HB 1796 Authorizes the Redesign of the Mississippi State Flag Bill Passed - House (92 - 23)
June 26, 2020 VT H 965 Appropriates Funds to Health Care and Human Services Programs from Coronavirus Relief Fund Concurrence Vote Passed - House
June 26, 2020 NC SB 681 Requires Credit in the Arts in Order to Graduate Conference Report Adopted - House (87 - 21)
June 26, 2020 GA SB 402 Prohibits the Use of "Unsecured Judicial Release" Bill Passed - House (99 - 68)
June 25, 2020 National HR 7120 George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 Bill Passed - House (236 - 181)
June 24, 2020 PA HB 1841 Requires Background Checks for Police Officers Bill Passed - House (201 - 0)
June 24, 2020 PA HB 1841 Requires Background Checks for Police Officers Bill Passed - House (201 - 0)
June 24, 2020 PA HB 1747 Limits the Governors Ability to Restrict Firearm Access During a Disaster Emergency Bill Passed - House (127 - 74)
June 24, 2020 MI HB 5672 Prohibits Employers from Requiring Employees to Have Implants Bill Passed - House (104 - 2)
June 23, 2020 GA HB 426 Increase Penalties for Bias-Motivated Crime Concurrence Vote Passed - House (127 - 38)
June 23, 2020 GA HB 426 Increase Penalties for Bias-Motivated Crime Concurrence Vote Passed - House (127 - 38)
June 23, 2020 GA HB 838 Increases Penalties for Crimes Against Police, Firefighters, and Paramedics Concurrence Vote Passed - House (92 - 74)
June 22, 2020 NM SB 8 Requires Law Enforcement to Use Body-Worn Cameras Bill Passed - House (44 - 26)
June 22, 2020 NM SB 8 Requires Law Enforcement to Use Body-Worn Cameras Bill Passed - House (44 - 26)
June 19, 2020 NM HB 5 Establishes the New Mexico Civil Rights Commission Bill Passed - House (53 - 17)
June 19, 2020 NM HB 5 Establishes the New Mexico Civil Rights Commission Bill Passed - House (53 - 17)
June 19, 2020 VT HR 21 Alleges Donald Trump's Tweets are "Racist" and Recognizes Juneteenth Bill Passed - House (128 - 17)
June 19, 2020 VT HR 21 Alleges Donald Trump's Tweets are "Racist" and Recognizes Juneteenth Bill Passed - House (128 - 17)
June 18, 2020 NJ A 2394 Establishes Minority Recruitment Program for Police Departments Bill Passed - House (70 - 3)
June 18, 2020 NJ A 1897 Reduces Criminal Penalty for Marijuana Possession Bill Passed - House (63 - 10)
June 18, 2020 NJ A 2394 Establishes Minority Recruitment Program for Police Departments Bill Passed - House (70 - 3)
June 18, 2020 UT HB 5007 Prohibits Using Knee-Holds and Teaching Chokeholds in Police Academies Bill Passed - House (69 - 5)
June 17, 2020 LA HB 64 Establishes 8 Percent Taxation Rate for Fantasy Sports Bill Passed - House (82 - 11)
Date No. Title Outcome
8/31 AB 331 Establishes One Credit of Ethnic and Racial Studies as a High School Graduation Requirement Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 12)
8/31 AB 1869 Repeals Certain Judicial Fees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 17)
8/31 SB 823 Establishes the Office of Youth and Community Restoration Bill Passed - House (54 - 16)
8/31 SB 1383 Expands Protections for Paid Family Leave Bill Passed - House (46 - 16)
8/31 SB 145 Exempts Certain Persons Convicted of Certain Offenses Involving Minors from Mandatory Sex Offender Registration Bill Passed - House (41 - 25)
8/30 AB 646 Authorizes Individuals on Parole for a Felony Conviction to Vote Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 16)
8/30 AB 979 Requires Corporations to Have Directors From Under-Represented Groups Concurrence Vote Passed - House (56 - 8)
8/30 AB 2147 Authorizes Certain Defendants that Participate in the California Conversation Camp Program to File Petitions for Relief Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 12)
8/30 AB 2425 Prohibits the Release of Certain Juvenile Police Records Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 16)
8/30 SB 629 Establishes Legal Protection for Journalists Attending Protest Demonstrations Bill Passed - House (49 - 7)
8/30 SB 629 Establishes Legal Protection for Journalists Attending Protest Demonstrations Bill Passed - House (49 - 7)
8/30 SB 132 Authorizes Incarcerated Transgendered Individuals to be Housed by Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (52 - 15)
8/30 SB 132 Authorizes Incarcerated Transgendered Individuals to be Housed by Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (52 - 15)
8/30 SB 1102 Requires Employers to Provide H-2A Employees with a Written Notice of their Rights Bill Passed - House (52 - 18)
8/28 HB 5029 Establishes a Felony Charge for Officers that Fail to Intervene When Witnessing Unlawful Deadly Force Bill Passed - House (55 - 42)
8/27 A 4320 Expands Ballot Receipt and Election Deadlines Bill Passed - House (51 - 27)
8/25 HB 46 Repeals Residency Requirement for Law Enforcement in St. Louis Bill Passed - House (113 - 38)
8/25 HB 66 Establishes a Pre-Trial Witness Protection Services Fund Bill Passed - House (118 - 31)
8/25 HB 16 Classifies Knowingly Transferring a Firearm to a Minor for the Purpose of Avoiding an Arrest or Investigation as a Felony Bill Passed - House (99 - 49)
8/25 HB 11 Classifies the Crime of Child Endangerment as a First-Degree Felony Bill Passed - House (111 - 39)
8/24 AB 3234 Authorizes Judges to Offer Misdemeanor Diversion Programs to Certain Defendants Bill Passed - House (43 - 26)
8/12 SB 8005 Increases Criminal Penalties for Protesting on Public Property Bill Passed - House (71 - 20)
8/04 SB 2 Repeals Existing Law Protecting Peace Officers From Investigations Bill Passed - House (25 - 17)
8/01 AB 3 Establishes Police Reforms for Nevada Law Enforcement Bill Passed - House (38 - 4)
7/30 S 971 Authorizes Compensation for College Athletes Bill Passed - House (56 - 16)
7/30 A 4370 Repeals Mandatory Minimum Terms of Parole Ineligibility for Nonviolent Drug Crimes Bill Passed - House (51 - 21)
7/30 A 1254 Establishes Parole for Nonviolent Offenders Age 65 and Older Bill Passed - House (60 - 12)
7/30 A 4372 Authorizes Resentencing of Certain Inmates Bill Passed - House (47 - 24)
7/30 AR 178 Requires the Removal of Confederate Statues From the Capitol Resolution Passed - House (55 - 1)
7/30 A 4170 Limits the Use of Data Collected for Purposes of COVID-19 Contact Tracing Bill Passed - House (55 - 18)
7/30 A 4369 Repeals Mandatory Minimum Prison Terms For Certain Offenses Bill Passed - House (52 - 19)
7/30 A 4370 Repeals Mandatory Minimum Terms of Parole Ineligibility for Nonviolent Drug Crimes Bill Passed - House (51 - 21)
7/27 S 2163 Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act Bill Passed - House (368 - 1)
7/24 HB 6004 Establishes Independent Inspector General to Investigate Police Shootings and Illegal Uses of Force Bill Passed - House (86 - 58)
7/22 HR 7573 To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to replace the bust of Roger Brooke Taney in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the United States Capitol with a bust of Thurgood Marshall to be obtained by the Joint Committee on the Library and to remove certain statues from areas of the United States Capitol which are accessible to the public, to remove all statues of individuals who voluntarily served the Confederate States of America from display in the United States Capitol, and for other purposes Bill Passed - House (305 - 113)
7/22 HR 7573 To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to replace the bust of Roger Brooke Taney in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the United States Capitol with a bust of Thurgood Marshall to be obtained by the Joint Committee on the Library and to remove certain statues from areas of the United States Capitol which are accessible to the public, to remove all statues of individuals who voluntarily served the Confederate States of America from display in the United States Capitol, and for other purposes Bill Passed - House (305 - 113)
7/21 A 5630 Amends Various Power of Attorney Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (95 - 47)
7/21 A 5991 Amends Civil Rights Law in Relation to "Frivolous" Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (116 - 26)
7/20 HF 1 Establishes and Amends Various Provisions Relating to Public Safety and Law Enforcement Bill Passed - House (102 - 29)
7/20 HF 1 Establishes and Amends Various Provisions Relating to Public Safety and Law Enforcement Bill Passed - House (102 - 29)
7/20 A 5045 Amends Criminal Procedure Laws to Waive Certain Surcharges and Fees for Defendants Under the Age of 21 Bill Passed - House (97 - 44)
7/20 A 2176 Prohibits Civil Arrest of Individuals Attending Court Proceedings Bill Passed - House (97 - 44)
7/20 HR 1 Classifies Racism as a Public Health Crisis Bill Passed - House (82 - 40)
7/07 HB 256 Amends State Law to make Assaulting a Correctional Officer a Felony Concurrence Vote Passed - House (173 - 28)
7/06 HB 285 Requires Law Enforcement Transparency Conference Report Adopted - House (37 - 14)
7/01 HB 1645 Amend Various Law Enforcement Policies Concurrence Vote Passed - House (255 - 74)
7/01 HB 1645 Amend Various Law Enforcement Policies Concurrence Vote Passed - House (255 - 74)
7/01 SB 3054 Requires Gun Owners to Notify Police when Firearm is Moved out of State Bill Passed - House (38 - 13)
6/30 HB 1162 Amends Adoption Laws for Unmarried Couples Concurrence Vote Passed - House (209 - 119)
6/30 HB 1639 Establishes the Opioid Abatement Trust Fund, Among Other Provisions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (201 - 121)
6/30 H 4818 Establishes a Special Commission to Reduce Racial Inequalities in Maternal Health Bill Passed - House (159 - 0)
6/30 H 4818 Establishes a Special Commission to Reduce Racial Inequalities in Maternal Health Bill Passed - House (159 - 0)
6/28 HB 1796 Authorizes the Redesign of the Mississippi State Flag Bill Passed - House (92 - 23)
6/26 H 965 Appropriates Funds to Health Care and Human Services Programs from Coronavirus Relief Fund Concurrence Vote Passed - House
6/26 SB 681 Requires Credit in the Arts in Order to Graduate Conference Report Adopted - House (87 - 21)
6/26 SB 402 Prohibits the Use of "Unsecured Judicial Release" Bill Passed - House (99 - 68)
6/25 HR 7120 George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 Bill Passed - House (236 - 181)
6/24 HB 1841 Requires Background Checks for Police Officers Bill Passed - House (201 - 0)
6/24 HB 1841 Requires Background Checks for Police Officers Bill Passed - House (201 - 0)
6/24 HB 1747 Limits the Governors Ability to Restrict Firearm Access During a Disaster Emergency Bill Passed - House (127 - 74)
6/24 HB 5672 Prohibits Employers from Requiring Employees to Have Implants Bill Passed - House (104 - 2)
6/23 HB 426 Increase Penalties for Bias-Motivated Crime Concurrence Vote Passed - House (127 - 38)
6/23 HB 426 Increase Penalties for Bias-Motivated Crime Concurrence Vote Passed - House (127 - 38)
6/23 HB 838 Increases Penalties for Crimes Against Police, Firefighters, and Paramedics Concurrence Vote Passed - House (92 - 74)
6/22 SB 8 Requires Law Enforcement to Use Body-Worn Cameras Bill Passed - House (44 - 26)
6/22 SB 8 Requires Law Enforcement to Use Body-Worn Cameras Bill Passed - House (44 - 26)
6/19 HB 5 Establishes the New Mexico Civil Rights Commission Bill Passed - House (53 - 17)
6/19 HB 5 Establishes the New Mexico Civil Rights Commission Bill Passed - House (53 - 17)
6/19 HR 21 Alleges Donald Trump's Tweets are "Racist" and Recognizes Juneteenth Bill Passed - House (128 - 17)
6/19 HR 21 Alleges Donald Trump's Tweets are "Racist" and Recognizes Juneteenth Bill Passed - House (128 - 17)
6/18 A 2394 Establishes Minority Recruitment Program for Police Departments Bill Passed - House (70 - 3)
6/18 A 1897 Reduces Criminal Penalty for Marijuana Possession Bill Passed - House (63 - 10)
6/18 A 2394 Establishes Minority Recruitment Program for Police Departments Bill Passed - House (70 - 3)
6/18 HB 5007 Prohibits Using Knee-Holds and Teaching Chokeholds in Police Academies Bill Passed - House (69 - 5)
6/17 HB 64 Establishes 8 Percent Taxation Rate for Fantasy Sports Bill Passed - House (82 - 11)

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