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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
Sept. 15, 2020 VA SB 5035 Authorizes Localities to Establish Law-Enforcement Civilian Oversight Bodies Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
Sept. 10, 2020 VA SB 5007 Authorizes Defendants to Be Sentenced by a Judge Rather Than a Jury Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Sept. 10, 2020 VA SB 5024 Authorizes the Attorney General to File a Civil Suit or Inquire into Law Enforcement Engaging in Unlawful Practices Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Sept. 10, 2020 VA SB 5024 Authorizes the Attorney General to File a Civil Suit or Inquire into Law Enforcement Engaging in Unlawful Practices Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
Sept. 10, 2020 VA SB 5030 Establishes and Amends Various Provisions Relating to Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Sept. 10, 2020 VA SB 5030 Establishes and Amends Various Provisions Relating to Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Sept. 10, 2020 VA SB 5007 Authorizes Defendants to Be Sentenced by a Judge Rather Than a Jury Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Sept. 9, 2020 PA HB 2787 Authorizes Individual School Districts to Make Decisions Surrounding Activities and COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
Sept. 9, 2020 VA SB 5012 Requires Individual Votes of Virginia Parole Board Members to be Public Records Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
Sept. 2, 2020 NC HB 1105 Appropriates COVID Relief Checks to Parents Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
Sept. 2, 2020 MO HB 2 Amends the Admissibility of Certain Witness Statements Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
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 1102 Requires Employers to Provide H-2A Employees with a Written Notice of their Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA SB 145 Exempts Certain Persons Convicted of Certain Offenses Involving Minors from Mandatory Sex Offender Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
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 629 Establishes Legal Protection for Journalists Attending Protest Demonstrations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 2)
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 2542 Prohibits Racial Discrimination in Criminal Courts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
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 1869 Repeals Certain Judicial Fees Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
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 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 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 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 979 Requires Corporations to Have Directors From Under-Represented Groups Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Aug. 29, 2020 CA AB 2992 Prohibits Employer Punishment for Employee Leave Time Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
Aug. 29, 2020 CA AB 3121 Establishes a Task Force for Reparations to African Americans Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
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 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 2370 Establishes Compassionate Release System for Inmates with Terminal Illnesses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
Aug. 27, 2020 NJ A 4320 Expands Ballot Receipt and Election Deadlines Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
Aug. 27, 2020 NJ S 2519 Authorizes Public Health Emergency Credits for Certain Inmates Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
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. 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. 3, 2020 NV SB 2 Repeals Existing Law Protecting Peace Officers From Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
July 30, 2020 NJ S 971 Authorizes Compensation for College Athletes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
Date No. Title Outcome
9/15 SB 5035 Authorizes Localities to Establish Law-Enforcement Civilian Oversight Bodies Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
9/10 SB 5007 Authorizes Defendants to Be Sentenced by a Judge Rather Than a Jury Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
9/10 SB 5024 Authorizes the Attorney General to File a Civil Suit or Inquire into Law Enforcement Engaging in Unlawful Practices Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
9/10 SB 5024 Authorizes the Attorney General to File a Civil Suit or Inquire into Law Enforcement Engaging in Unlawful Practices Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 18)
9/10 SB 5030 Establishes and Amends Various Provisions Relating to Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
9/10 SB 5030 Establishes and Amends Various Provisions Relating to Law Enforcement Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
9/10 SB 5007 Authorizes Defendants to Be Sentenced by a Judge Rather Than a Jury Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
9/09 HB 2787 Authorizes Individual School Districts to Make Decisions Surrounding Activities and COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
9/09 SB 5012 Requires Individual Votes of Virginia Parole Board Members to be Public Records Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
9/02 HB 1105 Appropriates COVID Relief Checks to Parents Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
9/02 HB 2 Amends the Admissibility of Certain Witness Statements Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
8/31 SB 132 Authorizes Incarcerated Transgendered Individuals to be Housed by Gender Identity Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
8/31 SB 1102 Requires Employers to Provide H-2A Employees with a Written Notice of their Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
8/31 SB 145 Exempts Certain Persons Convicted of Certain Offenses Involving Minors from Mandatory Sex Offender Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
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 629 Establishes Legal Protection for Journalists Attending Protest Demonstrations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 2)
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 2542 Prohibits Racial Discrimination in Criminal Courts Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 10)
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 1869 Repeals Certain Judicial Fees Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
8/31 AB 1299 Requires Law Enforcement Agencies to Report the Termination of Officers Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
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 1196 Prohibits Law Enforcement Agencies from Authorizing the Use of Carotid Restraints or Choke Holds Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
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 979 Requires Corporations to Have Directors From Under-Represented Groups Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
8/29 AB 2992 Prohibits Employer Punishment for Employee Leave Time Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
8/29 AB 3121 Establishes a Task Force for Reparations to African Americans Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
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 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 2370 Establishes Compassionate Release System for Inmates with Terminal Illnesses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
8/27 A 4320 Expands Ballot Receipt and Election Deadlines Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
8/27 S 2519 Authorizes Public Health Emergency Credits for Certain Inmates Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
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)
8/12 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)
8/03 SB 2 Repeals Existing Law Protecting Peace Officers From Investigations Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
7/30 S 971 Authorizes Compensation for College Athletes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
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