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:
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.
| Date | State | Bill No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 4, 2015 | CA | AB 96 | Prohibits Sale of Ivory and Rhino Horn | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 21) |
| Aug. 29, 2014 | CA | AB 1739 | Amends Groundwater Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 28) |
| Aug. 29, 2014 | CA | SB 1319 | Authorizes Groundwater Sustainability Plan for Certain Water Basins | Bill Passed - House (48 - 26) |
| Aug. 29, 2014 | CA | SB 1168 | Requires Sustainability Plans for Groundwater Usage | Bill Passed - House (47 - 27) |
| Aug. 28, 2014 | CA | SB 270 | Prohibits Retailers from Using Single-Use Carryout Bags | Bill Passed - House (45 - 31) |
| Aug. 25, 2014 | CA | SB 270 | Prohibits Retailers from Using Single-Use Carryout Bags | Bill Failed - House (38 - 33) |
| May 23, 2014 | CA | AB 1699 | Prohibits the Sale of Products Containing Microplastics | Bill Passed - House (47 - 13) |
| Sept. 12, 2013 | CA | SB 359 | Appropriates Funds for Hybrid and Zero Emission Vehicle Use | Bill Passed - House (53 - 20) |
| Sept. 10, 2013 | CA | AB 711 | Prohibits Lead Ammunition for Hunting | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (44 - 29) |
| Aug. 31, 2012 | CA | AB 1313 | Requires Overtime Wages for Agricultural Workers | Concurrence Vote Failed - House (35 - 33) |
| Aug. 30, 2012 | CA | AB 1478 | Appropriates Funds for State Parks for 2 Years | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (55 - 20) |
| Aug. 22, 2012 | CA | SB 1221 | Prohibits the Use of Dogs to Hunt Bears or Bobcats | Bill Passed - House (46 - 30) |
| Aug. 22, 2012 | CA | ACR 161 | Establishes September as "Food Literacy Awareness Month" | Resolution Passed - House (53 - 21) |
| April 26, 2012 | CA | AB 2405 | Authorizes Low-Emission Vehicles to Use HOV Lanes | Bill Passed - House (49 - 25) |
| Sept. 7, 2011 | CA | SB 292 | Authorizes Governor to Expedite Environmental Review | Bill Passed - House (63 - 13) |
| May 16, 2011 | CA | SB 104 | Labor Representatives | Bill Passed - House (51 - 26) |
| Aug. 30, 2010 | CA | AB 234 | Marine Oil Shipping Regulations | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 28) |
| July 1, 2010 | CA | SB 1121 | Overtime Wages for Agricultural Workers | Bill Passed - House (47 - 28) |
| June 3, 2010 | CA | AB 2514 | Energy Storage Targets | Amendment Adopted - House (41 - 28) |
| June 2, 2010 | CA | AB 1998 | Ban of Single-Use Carryout Bags in Certain Stores | Bill Passed - House (42 - 27) |
| June 1, 2010 | CA | AB 2411 | Pet Insurance Guidelines | Bill Passed - House (52 - 22) |
| April 5, 2010 | CA | AB 1656 | Requiring Fur Product Labeling | Bill Passed - House (59 - 11) |
| March 22, 2010 | CA | SB 4 | Prohibiting Smoking at State Park Beaches | Bill Passed - House (42 - 27) |
| March 8, 2010 | CA | SBx8 32 | Tax Law Amendments | Bill Passed - House (47 - 29) |
| Feb. 17, 2010 | CA | AB 1998 | Ban of Single-Use Carryout Bags in Certain Stores | |
| Nov. 4, 2009 | CA | SBx7 8 | Water Diversion Amendments | Bill Passed - House (49 - 20) |
| Nov. 4, 2009 | CA | SBx7 8 | Water Diversion Amendments | Bill Passed - House (49 - 20) |
| Nov. 4, 2009 | CA | SBx7 2 | Water Investment Bond Measure | Bill Passed - House (55 - 20) |
| Nov. 4, 2009 | CA | SBx7 2 | Water Investment Bond Measure | Bill Passed - House (55 - 20) |
| Nov. 3, 2009 | CA | SBx7 7 | Statewide Water Conservation Requirements | Bill Passed - House (49 - 19) |
| Nov. 3, 2009 | CA | SBx7 7 | Statewide Water Conservation Requirements | Bill Passed - House (49 - 19) |
| Nov. 3, 2009 | CA | SBx7 6 | Statewide Groundwater Elevation Monitoring Program | Bill Passed - House (44 - 29) |
| Nov. 3, 2009 | CA | SBx7 1 | Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Water Management Amendments | Bill Passed - House (46 - 29) |
| Nov. 3, 2009 | CA | SBx7 6 | Statewide Groundwater Elevation Monitoring Program | Bill Passed - House (44 - 29) |
| Nov. 3, 2009 | CA | SBx7 1 | Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Water Management Amendments | Bill Passed - House (46 - 29) |
| Sept. 12, 2009 | CA | SB 14 | Renewable Energy Requirements | Bill Passed - House (49 - 28) |
| Sept. 12, 2009 | CA | SB 14 | Renewable Energy Requirements | Bill Passed - House (49 - 28) |
| June 3, 2009 | CA | AB 49 | Water Conservation Requirements | Bill Passed - House (43 - 30) |
| June 3, 2009 | CA | AB 49 | Water Conservation Requirements | Bill Passed - House (43 - 30) |
| June 1, 2009 | CA | AB 920 | Solar Power Energy Credit | Bill Passed - House (51 - 26) |
| June 1, 2009 | CA | AB 920 | Solar Power Energy Credit | Bill Passed - House (51 - 26) |
| April 20, 2009 | CA | AJR 3 | Statement of Opposition to Offshore Drilling | Joint Resolution Passed - House (43 - 25) |
| April 20, 2009 | CA | AJR 3 | Statement of Opposition to Offshore Drilling | Joint Resolution Passed - House (43 - 25) |
| Aug. 29, 2008 | CA | AB 1107 | Drought-Related Unemployment Benefits | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 18) |
| Aug. 29, 2008 | CA | AB 2386 | Agricultural Union Election Law Amendments | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 31) |
| Aug. 28, 2008 | CA | AB 2765 | Aerial Spraying Regulations | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 14) |
| Aug. 25, 2008 | CA | SB 375 | Global Warming and Land Use Policy | Bill Passed - House (49 - 22) |
| Aug. 12, 2008 | CA | AB 2270 | Water Softener Regulations | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 19) |
| Aug. 12, 2008 | CA | AB 1946 | Expanding Enforcement of Water Pollution Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (48 - 29) |
| May 28, 2008 | CA | AB 1991 | Development on Half Moon Bay | Bill Passed - House (46 - 18) |
| May 28, 2008 | CA | AB 2058 | Paper and Plastic Bag Tax | Bill Passed - House (44 - 33) |
| May 27, 2008 | CA | AB 3025 | Polystyrene Packaging Regulations | Bill Passed - House (42 - 32) |
| May 5, 2008 | CA | AB 2233 | Ban on Holding Pets While Driving | Bill Passed - House (44 - 20) |
| March 12, 2008 | CA | ABx3 9 | Oil Tax | Bill Failed - House (45 - 30) |
| July 12, 2007 | CA | SB 180 | Collective Bargaining Representation for Agricultural Workers | Bill Passed - House (46 - 33) |
| June 6, 2007 | CA | AB 1470 | Solar Water Heating and Efficiency Act of 2007 | Bill Passed - House (44 - 34) |
| June 6, 2007 | CA | AB 493 | New Car Purchases Fees and Rebates | Bill Failed - House (35 - 35) |
| June 6, 2007 | CA | AB 493 | New Car Purchases Fees and Rebates | Bill Failed - House (35 - 35) |
| June 6, 2007 | CA | AB 1634 | California Healthy Pets Act | Bill Passed - House (41 - 38) |
| June 6, 2007 | CA | AB 1470 | Solar Water Heating and Efficiency Act of 2007 | Bill Passed - House (44 - 34) |
| June 5, 2007 | CA | AB 35 | Sustainable Government Building Standards | Bill Passed - House (46 - 33) |
| June 5, 2007 | CA | AB 35 | Sustainable Government Building Standards | Bill Passed - House (46 - 33) |
| Aug. 31, 2006 | CA | AB 32 | Greenhouse Gases Emission Limits | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 32) |
| Aug. 31, 2006 | CA | SB 1578 | Dog Restraint Regulations | Bill Passed - House (46 - 32) |
| Aug. 31, 2006 | CA | SB 1675 | Renewable Diesel Fuel Requirements | Bill Failed - House (33 - 40) |
| Aug. 29, 2006 | CA | SB 1379 | Biomonitoring Program | Bill Passed - House (47 - 30) |
| June 29, 2006 | CA | SB 1 | Solar Energy | Bill Passed - House (49 - 19) |
| June 29, 2006 | CA | SB 1 | Solar Energy | Bill Passed - House (49 - 19) |
| May 31, 2006 | CA | AB 1899 | Flood Assessment Requirements for Building | Bill Passed - House (42 - 35) |
| May 30, 2006 | CA | AB 1970 | Energy Conservation Bill | Bill Passed - House (44 - 35) |
| May 15, 2006 | CA | AB 2496 | Water Conservation: Low-Flush Water Closet | Bill Passed - House (51 - 26) |
| Jan. 26, 2006 | CA | AB 802 | Local Governments Assessment of Flood Risks | Bill Passed - House (41 - 34) |
| Date | No. | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9/04 | AB 96 | Prohibits Sale of Ivory and Rhino Horn | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 21) |
| 8/29 | AB 1739 | Amends Groundwater Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 28) |
| 8/29 | SB 1319 | Authorizes Groundwater Sustainability Plan for Certain Water Basins | Bill Passed - House (48 - 26) |
| 8/29 | SB 1168 | Requires Sustainability Plans for Groundwater Usage | Bill Passed - House (47 - 27) |
| 8/28 | SB 270 | Prohibits Retailers from Using Single-Use Carryout Bags | Bill Passed - House (45 - 31) |
| 8/25 | SB 270 | Prohibits Retailers from Using Single-Use Carryout Bags | Bill Failed - House (38 - 33) |
| 5/23 | AB 1699 | Prohibits the Sale of Products Containing Microplastics | Bill Passed - House (47 - 13) |
| 9/12 | SB 359 | Appropriates Funds for Hybrid and Zero Emission Vehicle Use | Bill Passed - House (53 - 20) |
| 9/10 | AB 711 | Prohibits Lead Ammunition for Hunting | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (44 - 29) |
| 8/31 | AB 1313 | Requires Overtime Wages for Agricultural Workers | Concurrence Vote Failed - House (35 - 33) |
| 8/30 | AB 1478 | Appropriates Funds for State Parks for 2 Years | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (55 - 20) |
| 8/22 | SB 1221 | Prohibits the Use of Dogs to Hunt Bears or Bobcats | Bill Passed - House (46 - 30) |
| 8/22 | ACR 161 | Establishes September as "Food Literacy Awareness Month" | Resolution Passed - House (53 - 21) |
| 4/26 | AB 2405 | Authorizes Low-Emission Vehicles to Use HOV Lanes | Bill Passed - House (49 - 25) |
| 9/07 | SB 292 | Authorizes Governor to Expedite Environmental Review | Bill Passed - House (63 - 13) |
| 5/16 | SB 104 | Labor Representatives | Bill Passed - House (51 - 26) |
| 8/30 | AB 234 | Marine Oil Shipping Regulations | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 28) |
| 7/01 | SB 1121 | Overtime Wages for Agricultural Workers | Bill Passed - House (47 - 28) |
| 6/03 | AB 2514 | Energy Storage Targets | Amendment Adopted - House (41 - 28) |
| 6/02 | AB 1998 | Ban of Single-Use Carryout Bags in Certain Stores | Bill Passed - House (42 - 27) |
| 6/01 | AB 2411 | Pet Insurance Guidelines | Bill Passed - House (52 - 22) |
| 4/05 | AB 1656 | Requiring Fur Product Labeling | Bill Passed - House (59 - 11) |
| 3/22 | SB 4 | Prohibiting Smoking at State Park Beaches | Bill Passed - House (42 - 27) |
| 3/08 | SBx8 32 | Tax Law Amendments | Bill Passed - House (47 - 29) |
| 2/17 | AB 1998 | Ban of Single-Use Carryout Bags in Certain Stores | |
| 11/04 | SBx7 8 | Water Diversion Amendments | Bill Passed - House (49 - 20) |
| 11/04 | SBx7 8 | Water Diversion Amendments | Bill Passed - House (49 - 20) |
| 11/04 | SBx7 2 | Water Investment Bond Measure | Bill Passed - House (55 - 20) |
| 11/04 | SBx7 2 | Water Investment Bond Measure | Bill Passed - House (55 - 20) |
| 11/03 | SBx7 7 | Statewide Water Conservation Requirements | Bill Passed - House (49 - 19) |
| 11/03 | SBx7 7 | Statewide Water Conservation Requirements | Bill Passed - House (49 - 19) |
| 11/03 | SBx7 6 | Statewide Groundwater Elevation Monitoring Program | Bill Passed - House (44 - 29) |
| 11/03 | SBx7 1 | Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Water Management Amendments | Bill Passed - House (46 - 29) |
| 11/03 | SBx7 6 | Statewide Groundwater Elevation Monitoring Program | Bill Passed - House (44 - 29) |
| 11/03 | SBx7 1 | Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Water Management Amendments | Bill Passed - House (46 - 29) |
| 9/12 | SB 14 | Renewable Energy Requirements | Bill Passed - House (49 - 28) |
| 9/12 | SB 14 | Renewable Energy Requirements | Bill Passed - House (49 - 28) |
| 6/03 | AB 49 | Water Conservation Requirements | Bill Passed - House (43 - 30) |
| 6/03 | AB 49 | Water Conservation Requirements | Bill Passed - House (43 - 30) |
| 6/01 | AB 920 | Solar Power Energy Credit | Bill Passed - House (51 - 26) |
| 6/01 | AB 920 | Solar Power Energy Credit | Bill Passed - House (51 - 26) |
| 4/20 | AJR 3 | Statement of Opposition to Offshore Drilling | Joint Resolution Passed - House (43 - 25) |
| 4/20 | AJR 3 | Statement of Opposition to Offshore Drilling | Joint Resolution Passed - House (43 - 25) |
| 8/29 | AB 1107 | Drought-Related Unemployment Benefits | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (60 - 18) |
| 8/29 | AB 2386 | Agricultural Union Election Law Amendments | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 31) |
| 8/28 | AB 2765 | Aerial Spraying Regulations | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 14) |
| 8/25 | SB 375 | Global Warming and Land Use Policy | Bill Passed - House (49 - 22) |
| 8/12 | AB 2270 | Water Softener Regulations | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 19) |
| 8/12 | AB 1946 | Expanding Enforcement of Water Pollution Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (48 - 29) |
| 5/28 | AB 1991 | Development on Half Moon Bay | Bill Passed - House (46 - 18) |
| 5/28 | AB 2058 | Paper and Plastic Bag Tax | Bill Passed - House (44 - 33) |
| 5/27 | AB 3025 | Polystyrene Packaging Regulations | Bill Passed - House (42 - 32) |
| 5/05 | AB 2233 | Ban on Holding Pets While Driving | Bill Passed - House (44 - 20) |
| 3/12 | ABx3 9 | Oil Tax | Bill Failed - House (45 - 30) |
| 7/12 | SB 180 | Collective Bargaining Representation for Agricultural Workers | Bill Passed - House (46 - 33) |
| 6/06 | AB 1470 | Solar Water Heating and Efficiency Act of 2007 | Bill Passed - House (44 - 34) |
| 6/06 | AB 493 | New Car Purchases Fees and Rebates | Bill Failed - House (35 - 35) |
| 6/06 | AB 493 | New Car Purchases Fees and Rebates | Bill Failed - House (35 - 35) |
| 6/06 | AB 1634 | California Healthy Pets Act | Bill Passed - House (41 - 38) |
| 6/06 | AB 1470 | Solar Water Heating and Efficiency Act of 2007 | Bill Passed - House (44 - 34) |
| 6/05 | AB 35 | Sustainable Government Building Standards | Bill Passed - House (46 - 33) |
| 6/05 | AB 35 | Sustainable Government Building Standards | Bill Passed - House (46 - 33) |
| 8/31 | AB 32 | Greenhouse Gases Emission Limits | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (47 - 32) |
| 8/31 | SB 1578 | Dog Restraint Regulations | Bill Passed - House (46 - 32) |
| 8/31 | SB 1675 | Renewable Diesel Fuel Requirements | Bill Failed - House (33 - 40) |
| 8/29 | SB 1379 | Biomonitoring Program | Bill Passed - House (47 - 30) |
| 6/29 | SB 1 | Solar Energy | Bill Passed - House (49 - 19) |
| 6/29 | SB 1 | Solar Energy | Bill Passed - House (49 - 19) |
| 5/31 | AB 1899 | Flood Assessment Requirements for Building | Bill Passed - House (42 - 35) |
| 5/30 | AB 1970 | Energy Conservation Bill | Bill Passed - House (44 - 35) |
| 5/15 | AB 2496 | Water Conservation: Low-Flush Water Closet | Bill Passed - House (51 - 26) |
| 1/26 | AB 802 | Local Governments Assessment of Flood Risks | Bill Passed - House (41 - 34) |