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. 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 SB 1703 Authorizes the Department of Revenue to Share Information with the Director of Employment Bill Passed - House (52 - 5)
Aug. 10, 2020 OR SB 1701 Authorizes Unemployment Benefits for Employees Working Less than Full-Time Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
Aug. 5, 2020 NV SB 4 Establishes Liability Protections for Businesses during COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - House (31 - 10)
Aug. 5, 2020 NV SB 4 Establishes Liability Protections for Businesses during COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
Aug. 2, 2020 NV AJR 1 Increases Tax on Mining Companies Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
Aug. 2, 2020 NV SJR 1 Amends the State Constitution to Increase Taxes on Mining Proceeds Joint Resolution Passed - House (25 - 17)
Aug. 2, 2020 NV AJR 2 Amends the State Constitution to Increase Taxes on Mining Proceeeds Resolution Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
Aug. 2, 2020 NV AJR 1 Increases Tax on Mining Companies Bill Passed - House (29 - 13)
Aug. 2, 2020 NV AJR 2 Amends the State Constitution to Increase Taxes on Mining Proceeeds Resolution Passed - House (29 - 13)
Aug. 1, 2020 NV SJR 1 Amends the State Constitution to Increase Taxes on Mining Proceeds Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
July 30, 2020 NJ S 2412 Requires Refunds or Credit for Certain Short-Term Rental Reservations During Public Health Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
July 30, 2020 NJ S 2380 Requires Employer to Offer Benefits to Essential Workers Unable to Work Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
July 30, 2020 NJ S 2380 Requires Employer to Offer Benefits to Essential Workers Unable to Work Bill Passed - House (42 - 27)
July 29, 2020 National HR 7327 Child Care for Economic Recovery Act Bill Passed - House (250 - 161)
July 29, 2020 National HR 7027 Child Care Is Essential Act Bill Passed - House (249 - 163)
July 23, 2020 NY S 8617 Requires Public Employers Prepare Public Health Emergency Plans Bill Passed - House (141 - 0)
July 23, 2020 NY S 8617 Requires Public Employers Prepare Public Health Emergency Plans Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 2)
July 13, 2020 PA HB 732 Establishes Tax Credit for Companies that Invest and Create Jobs Building Petrochemical or Fertilizer Plants using Dry Natural Gas Produced in Pennsylvania Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
July 2, 2020 CA SB 1383 Expands Protections for Paid Family Leave Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
July 1, 2020 MS SB 3049 Establishes the "Mississippi Back-to-Business Liability Assurance and Health Care Emergency Response Liability Protection Act" Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
June 30, 2020 NH HB 731 Increases the State Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (199 - 124)
June 30, 2020 NH HB 1166 Extends Emergency Benefit Enhancements Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic Concurrence Vote Passed - House (178 - 154)
June 30, 2020 MS SB 3049 Establishes the "Mississippi Back-to-Business Liability Assurance and Health Care Emergency Response Liability Protection Act" Bill Passed - House (76 - 36)
June 30, 2020 OH HB 606 Establishes a COVID-19 Business Liability Shield Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
June 29, 2020 NJ S 2273 Amends Teacher Health Benefits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
June 29, 2020 NJ S 2455 Prohibits Lawful Presence as Qualification for Occupational License Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
June 26, 2020 CA SB 1159 Requires Coverage of COVID-19 Related Illness and Death Under Workers' Compensation Program Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
June 25, 2020 CA SB 908 Requires the Licensing of Debt Collectors Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
June 25, 2020 CA SB 793 Prohibits Flavored Tobacco Products Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
June 25, 2020 CA SB 1257 Establishes Employment Safety Standards for Domestic Service Employees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
June 24, 2020 MI HB 5781 Authorizes the Creation of Social Districts for Alcohol Consumption Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
June 24, 2020 CA ACA 5 Establishes Constitutional Amendment Repealing Prohibition on Affirmative Action Policies Amendment Adopted - Senate (30 - 10)
June 24, 2020 MI HB 5672 Prohibits Employers from Requiring Employees to Have Implants Bill Passed - House (104 - 2)
June 23, 2020 GA HB 879 Authorizes Retailers to Deliver Alcohol to Residents Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 9)
June 19, 2020 NM SB 3 Establishes the "Small Business Recovery Act of 2020" Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
June 18, 2020 CA AB 3216 Expands Medical Leave Protections for Workers during the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic Bill Passed - House (44 - 17)
June 18, 2020 NJ A 2394 Establishes Minority Recruitment Program for Police Departments Bill Passed - House (70 - 3)
June 17, 2020 MI SB 783 Authorizes Certain Flavors of Vape Products and Prohibits Certain Vape Advertisements Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
June 17, 2020 MI SB 781 Establishes 18 Percent Tax on E-Cigarette Liquid Nicotine Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
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 731 Increases the State Minimum Wage "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - 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 15, 2020 CO HB 20-1415 Prohibits Employers from Discriminating Against Workers Raising Concerns About Workplace Safety Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 24)
June 15, 2020 CO SB 20-205 Establishes the "Healthy Families and Workplace Act" Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 11)
June 15, 2020 CO HB 20-1427 Increases the Cigarette Tobacco and Nicotine Products Tax Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 25)
June 15, 2020 CO SB 20-205 Establishes the "Healthy Families and Workplace Act" Conference Report Adopted - House (39 - 23)
June 15, 2020 CO HB 20-1427 Increases the Cigarette Tobacco and Nicotine Products Tax Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
June 12, 2020 CO HB 20-1001 Increases Legal Age to Buy Tobacco Products to 21 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (40 - 21)
June 11, 2020 CA AB 1850 Amends Worker Classification for Self Employed Individuals Bill Passed - House (76 - 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 674 Amends Liquor Laws Bill Passed - House (76 - 16)
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 CA ACA 5 Establishes Constitutional Amendment Repealing Prohibition on Affirmative Action Policies Amendment Adopted - House (60 - 14)
June 10, 2020 CO SB 20-213 Extends State Take-Out Regulations for Alcohol Sales Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
June 10, 2020 MI SB 942 Extends To-Go and Delivery Options to Cocktails Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 1)
June 9, 2020 CO HB 20-1413 Establishes a Small Business Tax Credit for the COVID-19 Response Bill Passed - House (43 - 18)
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 CO HB 20-1001 Increases Legal Age to Buy Tobacco Products to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
June 3, 2020 OH SB 308 Establishes Legal Protection to Small Businesses and Healthcare Providers during COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
June 1, 2020 LA HB 826 Establishes Legal Immunity for COVID-19 Claims to Businesses and Government Agencies Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 0)
May 31, 2020 LA SB 508 Limits Liability of Restaurants During the COVID-19 Epidemic Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
May 29, 2020 LA HB 846 Establishes Tax Rebates for COVID-19 Impacted Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
May 28, 2020 NC HB 536 Authorizes the Reopening of Bars and Restaurants During COVID-19 Pandemic Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 53)
May 28, 2020 LA SB 178 Authorizes Alcohol Delivery by Third Party Platforms Bill Passed - House (87 - 13)
May 28, 2020 NY S 8275 Authorizes Suspending the Forfeiture of Unemployment Benefits During the COVID-19 State of Emergency Bill Passed - House (97 - 46)
May 28, 2020 OH HB 606 Establishes a COVID-19 Business Liability Shield Bill Passed - House (83 - 9)
May 27, 2020 OH HB 242 Prohibits Local Government from Enacting Fees on Plastic Bags in Stores Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
May 23, 2020 IL HB 2682 Authorizes the Sale of To-Go Cocktails Concurrence Vote Passed - House (104 - 6)
May 22, 2020 IL SB 471 Establishes Worker Protections During Public Health Emergency Bill Passed - House (95 - 10)
May 21, 2020 IL HB 2455 Authorizes Worker Compensation for Essential and Frontline Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 4)
May 21, 2020 AZ HB 2912 Increases Requirements for COVID-19 Business Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
May 20, 2020 LA HB 211 Prohibits State Commissioner from Penalizing Financial Institutions for Providing Services to Cannabis-Related Businesses Bill Passed - House (73 - 20)
May 20, 2020 LA HB 109 Prohibits Vaping in Motor Vehicles When a Child Is Present Bill Passed - House (80 - 19)
May 19, 2020 AZ SB 1557 Amends State Consumer Annuity Laws and Regulations Bill Passed - House (36 - 24)
Date No. Title Outcome
8/11 LB 1060 Prohibits Racial Discrimination in the Workplace Based on Certain Hair Textures and Styles Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
8/10 SB 1703 Authorizes the Department of Revenue to Share Information with the Director of Employment Bill Passed - House (52 - 5)
8/10 SB 1701 Authorizes Unemployment Benefits for Employees Working Less than Full-Time Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6)
8/05 SB 4 Establishes Liability Protections for Businesses during COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - House (31 - 10)
8/05 SB 4 Establishes Liability Protections for Businesses during COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 5)
8/02 AJR 1 Increases Tax on Mining Companies Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
8/02 SJR 1 Amends the State Constitution to Increase Taxes on Mining Proceeds Joint Resolution Passed - House (25 - 17)
8/02 AJR 2 Amends the State Constitution to Increase Taxes on Mining Proceeeds Resolution Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
8/02 AJR 1 Increases Tax on Mining Companies Bill Passed - House (29 - 13)
8/02 AJR 2 Amends the State Constitution to Increase Taxes on Mining Proceeeds Resolution Passed - House (29 - 13)
8/01 SJR 1 Amends the State Constitution to Increase Taxes on Mining Proceeds Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
7/30 S 2412 Requires Refunds or Credit for Certain Short-Term Rental Reservations During Public Health Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
7/30 S 2380 Requires Employer to Offer Benefits to Essential Workers Unable to Work Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 12)
7/30 S 2380 Requires Employer to Offer Benefits to Essential Workers Unable to Work Bill Passed - House (42 - 27)
7/29 HR 7327 Child Care for Economic Recovery Act Bill Passed - House (250 - 161)
7/29 HR 7027 Child Care Is Essential Act Bill Passed - House (249 - 163)
7/23 S 8617 Requires Public Employers Prepare Public Health Emergency Plans Bill Passed - House (141 - 0)
7/23 S 8617 Requires Public Employers Prepare Public Health Emergency Plans Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 2)
7/13 HB 732 Establishes Tax Credit for Companies that Invest and Create Jobs Building Petrochemical or Fertilizer Plants using Dry Natural Gas Produced in Pennsylvania Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 9)
7/02 SB 1383 Expands Protections for Paid Family Leave Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
7/01 SB 3049 Establishes the "Mississippi Back-to-Business Liability Assurance and Health Care Emergency Response Liability Protection Act" Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
6/30 HB 731 Increases the State Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (199 - 124)
6/30 HB 1166 Extends Emergency Benefit Enhancements Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic Concurrence Vote Passed - House (178 - 154)
6/30 SB 3049 Establishes the "Mississippi Back-to-Business Liability Assurance and Health Care Emergency Response Liability Protection Act" Bill Passed - House (76 - 36)
6/30 HB 606 Establishes a COVID-19 Business Liability Shield Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 6)
6/29 S 2273 Amends Teacher Health Benefits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
6/29 S 2455 Prohibits Lawful Presence as Qualification for Occupational License Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
6/26 SB 1159 Requires Coverage of COVID-19 Related Illness and Death Under Workers' Compensation Program Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
6/25 SB 908 Requires the Licensing of Debt Collectors Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
6/25 SB 793 Prohibits Flavored Tobacco Products Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
6/25 SB 1257 Establishes Employment Safety Standards for Domestic Service Employees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
6/24 HB 5781 Authorizes the Creation of Social Districts for Alcohol Consumption Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
6/24 ACA 5 Establishes Constitutional Amendment Repealing Prohibition on Affirmative Action Policies Amendment Adopted - Senate (30 - 10)
6/24 HB 5672 Prohibits Employers from Requiring Employees to Have Implants Bill Passed - House (104 - 2)
6/23 HB 879 Authorizes Retailers to Deliver Alcohol to Residents Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 9)
6/19 SB 3 Establishes the "Small Business Recovery Act of 2020" Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
6/18 AB 3216 Expands Medical Leave Protections for Workers during the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic Bill Passed - House (44 - 17)
6/18 A 2394 Establishes Minority Recruitment Program for Police Departments Bill Passed - House (70 - 3)
6/17 SB 783 Authorizes Certain Flavors of Vape Products and Prohibits Certain Vape Advertisements Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 14)
6/17 SB 781 Establishes 18 Percent Tax on E-Cigarette Liquid Nicotine Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 5)
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 731 Increases the State Minimum Wage "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (14 - 10)
6/16 SB 2112 Prohibits Public Employers from Requiring Applicants to Disclose Felony Convictions on Application Bill Passed - House (97 - 21)
6/15 HB 20-1415 Prohibits Employers from Discriminating Against Workers Raising Concerns About Workplace Safety Concurrence Vote Passed - House (39 - 24)
6/15 SB 20-205 Establishes the "Healthy Families and Workplace Act" Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 11)
6/15 HB 20-1427 Increases the Cigarette Tobacco and Nicotine Products Tax Concurrence Vote Passed - House (38 - 25)
6/15 SB 20-205 Establishes the "Healthy Families and Workplace Act" Conference Report Adopted - House (39 - 23)
6/15 HB 20-1427 Increases the Cigarette Tobacco and Nicotine Products Tax Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
6/12 HB 20-1001 Increases Legal Age to Buy Tobacco Products to 21 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (40 - 21)
6/11 AB 1850 Amends Worker Classification for Self Employed Individuals Bill Passed - House (76 - 0)
6/11 AB 3262 Requires Electronic Marketplaces Be Held Liable for Defective Products Bill Passed - House (54 - 14)
6/11 HB 674 Amends Liquor Laws Bill Passed - House (76 - 16)
6/10 SF 2338 Establishes Legal Protection to Businesses and Healthcare Providers during COVID-19 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 18)
6/10 ACA 5 Establishes Constitutional Amendment Repealing Prohibition on Affirmative Action Policies Amendment Adopted - House (60 - 14)
6/10 SB 20-213 Extends State Take-Out Regulations for Alcohol Sales Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
6/10 SB 942 Extends To-Go and Delivery Options to Cocktails Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 1)
6/09 HB 20-1413 Establishes a Small Business Tax Credit for the COVID-19 Response Bill Passed - House (43 - 18)
6/05 SF 2338 Establishes Legal Protection to Businesses and Healthcare Providers during COVID-19 Bill Passed - House (52 - 44)
6/05 HB 20-1001 Increases Legal Age to Buy Tobacco Products to 21 Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 12)
6/03 SB 308 Establishes Legal Protection to Small Businesses and Healthcare Providers during COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
6/01 HB 826 Establishes Legal Immunity for COVID-19 Claims to Businesses and Government Agencies Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 0)
5/31 SB 508 Limits Liability of Restaurants During the COVID-19 Epidemic Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
5/29 HB 846 Establishes Tax Rebates for COVID-19 Impacted Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
5/28 HB 536 Authorizes the Reopening of Bars and Restaurants During COVID-19 Pandemic Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 53)
5/28 SB 178 Authorizes Alcohol Delivery by Third Party Platforms Bill Passed - House (87 - 13)
5/28 S 8275 Authorizes Suspending the Forfeiture of Unemployment Benefits During the COVID-19 State of Emergency Bill Passed - House (97 - 46)
5/28 HB 606 Establishes a COVID-19 Business Liability Shield Bill Passed - House (83 - 9)
5/27 HB 242 Prohibits Local Government from Enacting Fees on Plastic Bags in Stores Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
5/23 HB 2682 Authorizes the Sale of To-Go Cocktails Concurrence Vote Passed - House (104 - 6)
5/22 SB 471 Establishes Worker Protections During Public Health Emergency Bill Passed - House (95 - 10)
5/21 HB 2455 Authorizes Worker Compensation for Essential and Frontline Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 4)
5/21 HB 2912 Increases Requirements for COVID-19 Business Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (31 - 29)
5/20 HB 211 Prohibits State Commissioner from Penalizing Financial Institutions for Providing Services to Cannabis-Related Businesses Bill Passed - House (73 - 20)
5/20 HB 109 Prohibits Vaping in Motor Vehicles When a Child Is Present Bill Passed - House (80 - 19)
5/19 SB 1557 Amends State Consumer Annuity Laws and Regulations Bill Passed - House (36 - 24)

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