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 9, 2025 ME LD 259 Establishes the Criminal Records Review Commission "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
June 9, 2025 NY S 7882 Prohibits the Use of Algorithmic Software to Set Rent Prices Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 22)
June 9, 2025 MN SF 17 Appropriates Funding for Minnesota's FY 2026-2027 Budget and Establishes Policies Relating to Labor and Economic Development Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 27)
June 9, 2025 NY S 7882 Prohibits the Use of Algorithmic Software to Set Rent Prices Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 22)
June 9, 2025 NY S 1985 Requires Police Officers to Take Temporary Custody of Firearms When Responding to Reports of Family Violence Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 19)
June 8, 2025 LA HB 581 Prohibits the Outdoor Release of Lighter-Than-Air Balloons Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
June 6, 2025 NY S 5242 Requires Collection of Certain Data Regarding Children in Alternative Living Arrangements Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 0)
June 5, 2025 ME LD 957 Requires that Maine School Curriculum Include Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander History "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 13)
June 5, 2025 National PN 12-33 Nomination of James O'Neill to be Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 43)
June 5, 2025 National PN 26-16 Nomination of John Andrew Eisenberg to be an Assistant Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 43)
June 5, 2025 National PN 26-43 Nomination of Brett Shumate to be an Assistant Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 41)
June 5, 2025 ME LD 587 Requires School Boards to Adopt a Policy on Automated External Defibrillator Access at School- sponsored Athletic Events "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 5)
June 5, 2025 ME LD 470 Requires All Public Schools to Implement Teacher Mentoring Programs by 2026 "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 13)
June 5, 2025 ME LD 1145 Authorizes Mobile Homeowners or a Mobile Homeowners' Association the Right of First Refusal to Purchase a Mobile Home Park that the Owner of the Mobile Home Park Intends to Sell "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 7)
June 5, 2025 ME LD 1016 Establishes the Manufactured Housing Community and Mobile Home Park Preservation and Assistance Fund "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 13)
June 5, 2025 National PN 26-16 Nomination of John Andrew Eisenberg to be an Assistant Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 43)
June 5, 2025 National PN 26-43 Nomination of Brett Shumate to be an Assistant Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (49 - 40)
June 5, 2025 MO SB 3 (Special Session) Establishes the Regulation and Tax Credit Provisions for Sports and Entertainment Facility Projects Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
June 5, 2025 MO SB 3 (Special Session) Establishes the Regulation and Tax Credit Provisions for Sports and Entertainment Facility Projects Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
June 5, 2025 MO SB 3 (Special Session) Establishes the Regulation and Tax Credit Provisions for Sports and Entertainment Facility Projects Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
June 5, 2025 OR SB 141 Establishes a Statewide Education Accountability System Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
June 5, 2025 NY S 7616 Authorizes Stony Brook University to Build Additional Housing on its Campus Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 0)
June 4, 2025 National PN 55-47 Nomination of Edward Walsh to be Ambassador to Ireland Nomination Confirmed - Senate (57 - 38)
June 4, 2025 CT HB 7192 Authorizes the Implementation of Connecticut's Bipartisan Drug Task Force Recommendations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
June 4, 2025 CT HB 7004 Authorizes Municipalities in Connecticut to Enter Into Interlocal Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
June 4, 2025 OR HB 2155 Establishes Confidentiality Rules for Accident Reports and Vehicle Records Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
June 4, 2025 CT HB 7288 Appropriates Funds for Connecticut's FY 2027 Budget and Amends Various Laws Relating to Bonds and Grants Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
June 4, 2025 National PN 55-47 Nomination of Edward Walsh to be Ambassador to Ireland Cloture Invoked - Senate (60 - 37)
June 4, 2025 National PN 12-33 Nomination of James O'Neill to be Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 46)
June 4, 2025 CA SB 380 Requires the State Department of State Hospitals to Conduct a Feasibility Study on Transitional Housing Facilities for the Conditional Release Program Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
June 4, 2025 CA SB 500 Authorizes Utilities to Provide Energy Use Data Via an Approved Alternative System or Tool Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
June 4, 2025 CA SB 356 Requires Parole Board to Consider Specified Photographs in Parole Suitability Hearings for Individuals With a Life Sentence Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
June 4, 2025 CA SB 380 Requires the State Department of State Hospitals to Conduct a Feasibility Study on Transitional Housing Facilities for the Conditional Release Program Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
June 4, 2025 CA SB 681 Requires the California Residential Mitigation Program to Prioritize Making Affordable Multifamily Housing Serving Lower Income Households Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
June 3, 2025 LA SB 14 Prohibits Harmful Food Ingredients and Expand Nutrition Transparency Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
June 3, 2025 LA SB 14 Prohibits Harmful Food Ingredients and Expand Nutrition Transparency Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
June 3, 2025 ME LD 134 Establishes the Decriminalization of Personal Possession of Psilocybin for Adults "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 16)
June 3, 2025 ME LD 134 Establishes the Decriminalization of Personal Possession of Psilocybin for Adults "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 16)
June 3, 2025 ME LD 1226 Requires Home Contractors to be Licensed "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 15)
June 3, 2025 LA HB 674 Amends and Revises the State's Code of Ethics Laws Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
June 3, 2025 CT HB 7287 Appropriates Funding for the Connecticut State Budget Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
June 3, 2025 ME LD 396 Requires Public High Schools to Start No Earlier Than 8:30 A.M. Beginning in the 2026-2027 School Year "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 13)
June 3, 2025 ME LD 396 Requires Public High Schools to Start No Earlier Than 8:30 A.M. Beginning in the 2026-2027 School Year "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 13)
June 3, 2025 CA SB 79 Authorizes Dense Housing to be Built in Transit Hubs Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
June 3, 2025 CA SB 379 Requires the State Department of State Hospitals to Ensure Department Vendors Consider Public Safety in the Placement of a Conditionally Released Sexually Violent Predator Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
June 3, 2025 CA SB 379 Requires the State Department of State Hospitals to Ensure Department Vendors Consider Public Safety in the Placement of a Conditionally Released Sexually Violent Predator Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
June 3, 2025 CA SB 262 Expands the Definition of Prohousing Local Policies to Include Safe Parking Programs, Safe Camping Programs, and Noncongregate Shelter Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
June 3, 2025 CA SB 720 Amends the Way Red Light Cameras are Regulated and Tickets are Issued Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
June 3, 2025 CA SB 709 Requires Rental Agreements to Disclose Certain Information Regarding Rental Fees Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
June 2, 2025 ME LD 186 Authorizes the Maine Public Utilities Commission to Establish Time-of-Use Pricing for Standard-Offer Service "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 14)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/09 LD 259 Establishes the Criminal Records Review Commission "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
6/09 S 7882 Prohibits the Use of Algorithmic Software to Set Rent Prices Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 22)
6/09 SF 17 Appropriates Funding for Minnesota's FY 2026-2027 Budget and Establishes Policies Relating to Labor and Economic Development Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 27)
6/09 S 7882 Prohibits the Use of Algorithmic Software to Set Rent Prices Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 22)
6/09 S 1985 Requires Police Officers to Take Temporary Custody of Firearms When Responding to Reports of Family Violence Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 19)
6/08 HB 581 Prohibits the Outdoor Release of Lighter-Than-Air Balloons Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
6/06 S 5242 Requires Collection of Certain Data Regarding Children in Alternative Living Arrangements Bill Passed - Senate (53 - 0)
6/05 LD 957 Requires that Maine School Curriculum Include Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander History "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 13)
6/05 PN 12-33 Nomination of James O'Neill to be Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 43)
6/05 PN 26-16 Nomination of John Andrew Eisenberg to be an Assistant Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 43)
6/05 PN 26-43 Nomination of Brett Shumate to be an Assistant Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 41)
6/05 LD 587 Requires School Boards to Adopt a Policy on Automated External Defibrillator Access at School- sponsored Athletic Events "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 5)
6/05 LD 470 Requires All Public Schools to Implement Teacher Mentoring Programs by 2026 "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 13)
6/05 LD 1145 Authorizes Mobile Homeowners or a Mobile Homeowners' Association the Right of First Refusal to Purchase a Mobile Home Park that the Owner of the Mobile Home Park Intends to Sell "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 7)
6/05 LD 1016 Establishes the Manufactured Housing Community and Mobile Home Park Preservation and Assistance Fund "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 13)
6/05 PN 26-16 Nomination of John Andrew Eisenberg to be an Assistant Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 43)
6/05 PN 26-43 Nomination of Brett Shumate to be an Assistant Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (49 - 40)
6/05 SB 3 (Special Session) Establishes the Regulation and Tax Credit Provisions for Sports and Entertainment Facility Projects Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
6/05 SB 3 (Special Session) Establishes the Regulation and Tax Credit Provisions for Sports and Entertainment Facility Projects Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
6/05 SB 3 (Special Session) Establishes the Regulation and Tax Credit Provisions for Sports and Entertainment Facility Projects Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 13)
6/05 SB 141 Establishes a Statewide Education Accountability System Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 11)
6/05 S 7616 Authorizes Stony Brook University to Build Additional Housing on its Campus Bill Passed - Senate (60 - 0)
6/04 PN 55-47 Nomination of Edward Walsh to be Ambassador to Ireland Nomination Confirmed - Senate (57 - 38)
6/04 HB 7192 Authorizes the Implementation of Connecticut's Bipartisan Drug Task Force Recommendations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
6/04 HB 7004 Authorizes Municipalities in Connecticut to Enter Into Interlocal Agreements Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
6/04 HB 2155 Establishes Confidentiality Rules for Accident Reports and Vehicle Records Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
6/04 HB 7288 Appropriates Funds for Connecticut's FY 2027 Budget and Amends Various Laws Relating to Bonds and Grants Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
6/04 PN 55-47 Nomination of Edward Walsh to be Ambassador to Ireland Cloture Invoked - Senate (60 - 37)
6/04 PN 12-33 Nomination of James O'Neill to be Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 46)
6/04 SB 380 Requires the State Department of State Hospitals to Conduct a Feasibility Study on Transitional Housing Facilities for the Conditional Release Program Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
6/04 SB 500 Authorizes Utilities to Provide Energy Use Data Via an Approved Alternative System or Tool Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
6/04 SB 356 Requires Parole Board to Consider Specified Photographs in Parole Suitability Hearings for Individuals With a Life Sentence Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 9)
6/04 SB 380 Requires the State Department of State Hospitals to Conduct a Feasibility Study on Transitional Housing Facilities for the Conditional Release Program Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
6/04 SB 681 Requires the California Residential Mitigation Program to Prioritize Making Affordable Multifamily Housing Serving Lower Income Households Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
6/03 SB 14 Prohibits Harmful Food Ingredients and Expand Nutrition Transparency Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
6/03 SB 14 Prohibits Harmful Food Ingredients and Expand Nutrition Transparency Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
6/03 LD 134 Establishes the Decriminalization of Personal Possession of Psilocybin for Adults "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 16)
6/03 LD 134 Establishes the Decriminalization of Personal Possession of Psilocybin for Adults "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (17 - 16)
6/03 LD 1226 Requires Home Contractors to be Licensed "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (18 - 15)
6/03 HB 674 Amends and Revises the State's Code of Ethics Laws Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
6/03 HB 7287 Appropriates Funding for the Connecticut State Budget Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
6/03 LD 396 Requires Public High Schools to Start No Earlier Than 8:30 A.M. Beginning in the 2026-2027 School Year "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 13)
6/03 LD 396 Requires Public High Schools to Start No Earlier Than 8:30 A.M. Beginning in the 2026-2027 School Year "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 13)
6/03 SB 79 Authorizes Dense Housing to be Built in Transit Hubs Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
6/03 SB 379 Requires the State Department of State Hospitals to Ensure Department Vendors Consider Public Safety in the Placement of a Conditionally Released Sexually Violent Predator Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
6/03 SB 379 Requires the State Department of State Hospitals to Ensure Department Vendors Consider Public Safety in the Placement of a Conditionally Released Sexually Violent Predator Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
6/03 SB 262 Expands the Definition of Prohousing Local Policies to Include Safe Parking Programs, Safe Camping Programs, and Noncongregate Shelter Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
6/03 SB 720 Amends the Way Red Light Cameras are Regulated and Tickets are Issued Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
6/03 SB 709 Requires Rental Agreements to Disclose Certain Information Regarding Rental Fees Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
6/02 LD 186 Authorizes the Maine Public Utilities Commission to Establish Time-of-Use Pricing for Standard-Offer Service "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 14)

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