Key Votes

Chamber

Keyword Search

Search string must be longer than 3 characters.

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.


Page 2 of 2
results per page:
Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
July 1, 2021 RI H 5245 Establishes Harm Reduction Centers Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
June 29, 2021 RI H 5028 Requires Civics Education for Students in Grades 8-12 Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
June 24, 2021 RI S 190 Authorizes DMV to Issue Driving Privileges to Undocumented Residents Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
June 22, 2021 RI S 568 Establishes the Cannabis Control Commission Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
June 15, 2021 RI S 834 Prohibits the Marital Sexual Assault Exception in Certain Cases Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
June 1, 2021 RI S 629 Requires All of the State's Electricity to Originate from Renewable Energy Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
June 1, 2021 RI S 40 Establishes a Twenty Year Contract with Two Major Gambling Companies Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
May 18, 2021 RI S 89 Prohibits the Use of a School District's Listserv to Distribute Any Political Advertisements Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
April 27, 2021 RI S 708 Establishes a Tax Treaty Between the City of East Providence and ExxonMobil Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
April 6, 2021 RI H 5445 Establishes an Updated Outline of State Climate Goals Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
March 30, 2021 RI S 128 Repeals Law that Only Allowed Officers to Issue Verbal Warnings to Adults Who Leave Children in Cars Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
March 9, 2021 RI S 196 Establishes the Dignity at Work Act Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
March 2, 2021 RI S 270 Establishes Workplace Protections to Encourage Fair Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
Feb. 10, 2021 RI S 1 Increases the State Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
July 16, 2020 RI H 7541 Establishes the "Uniform Parentage Act" Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
July 16, 2020 RI S 2519 Establishes Commission to Recommend Ways To Improve Retirement Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 2)
July 16, 2020 RI S 2919 Authorizes Online Registration for Sports Betting Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
June 17, 2020 RI S 2004 Prohibits Non-Metallic Firearms and "Ghost Guns" Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
March 3, 2020 RI S 2326 Establishes Film Production Tax Credits Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
Feb. 5, 2020 RI S 2147 Increases the State Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
June 19, 2019 RI H 5125 Establishes Abortion Procedures as Protected State Law Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
June 21, 2018 RI H 7715 Classifies Delivery a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death as a Crime Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
June 20, 2018 RI H 7200 Establishes Budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
June 19, 2018 RI S 2612 Requires Presidential Candidates to Release Tax Returns Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
May 23, 2018 RI S 2678 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for DACA Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
May 2, 2018 RI S 2350 Prohibits Advertising Unhealthy Food in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
April 25, 2018 RI S 2353 Requires Educators to Report Sexual Abuse Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
April 3, 2018 RI S 2399 Prohibits Gender Discrimination in Insurance Premiums Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
April 3, 2018 RI S 2299 Prohibits Minors from Using Tanning Beds Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
June 29, 2017 RI S 897 Amends Housing Restrictions for Sex Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
June 15, 2017 RI S 237A Authorizes Parole Eligibility for Juveniles with Life Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
June 6, 2017 RI S 608 Requires Notification of Sex Offenders Living Near School Bus Stops Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
May 11, 2017 RI S 112A Expands Renewable Energy Growth Program Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
June 18, 2016 RI H 7454 Establishes State Budget for 2017 Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
June 17, 2016 RI S 2864 Establishes Regulations for Rideshare Companies Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
April 5, 2016 RI S 2185 Extends Renewable Energy Standard Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
March 29, 2016 RI H 7024 Authorizes Online Voting Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
March 3, 2016 RI H 7228 Authorizes a Gambling Facility in Tiverton Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
March 3, 2016 RI S 2081 Authorizes a Gambling Facility in Tiverton Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
March 1, 2016 RI S 2103 Requires Property Owners to Maintain Trees and Shrubs Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
Feb. 11, 2016 RI H 7409 Establishes Highway Truck Tolls Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
June 25, 2015 RI H 5364 Increases Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
June 23, 2015 RI H 5900 Establishes Budget for FY 2015-2016 Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
June 23, 2015 RI S 997 Establishes a Toll for Large Commercial Trucks Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
June 11, 2015 RI H 5074 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
June 19, 2014 RI H 7194A Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
June 18, 2014 RI H 8072A Repeals Straight Party Voting Option on Election Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
June 16, 2014 RI H 7133AAA 2014-2015 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
June 5, 2014 RI S 2796A Establishes Preference In State and Business Contracts Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
May 14, 2014 RI S 2059 Prohibits State Assessments for Graduation Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
May 1, 2014 RI H 7944A Authorizes State Fiscal Oversight of Certain Fire Districts Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
May 22, 2013 RI S 256 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
April 24, 2013 RI H 5015 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
June 13, 2012 RI H 7909 Requires State Health Laws to Comply with the Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
June 13, 2012 RI H 7782 Regulates Auto Insurance Company Claims and Practices Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
June 12, 2012 RI S 2052 Homeless Bill of Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
June 11, 2012 RI H 7323 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
June 7, 2012 RI S 2374 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
June 5, 2012 RI S 2253 Reduces Penalties for Possession of Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
May 9, 2012 RI S 2555 A Authorizes Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
March 13, 2012 RI S 2322 Prohibits The Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Feb. 1, 2012 RI S 2178 State Senate, State House, and Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
Nov. 17, 2011 RI H 6319 Amending the Pension System Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
June 29, 2011 RI H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
May 12, 2011 RI S 400 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
April 5, 2011 RI S 87 Establishing the Rhode Island Health Benefit Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
June 10, 2010 RI H 8094 Education Funding Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
Oct. 29, 2009 RI HB 5044 Prostitution Ban Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
June 30, 2009 RI S 286 Relating to Video Lottery Terminals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
June 30, 2009 RI H 5005 Voter Pre-Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
June 26, 2009 RI H 5983 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
June 16, 2009 RI H 5359 Medical Marijuana Veto Override Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
May 27, 2009 RI S 659 Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
April 2, 2009 RI H 5019 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
June 17, 2008 RI S 2706 Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
June 17, 2008 RI H 7106 Allow Sixteen- and Seventeen-Year-Olds to Pre-register to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
May 27, 2008 RI S 2081 Allowing Sixteen- and Seventeen-Year-Olds to Pre-register to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
May 27, 2008 RI S 2112 National Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
May 6, 2008 RI H 7040 Twenty-Four Hour Operation of Video Lottery Games Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
May 1, 2008 RI H 7204 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
April 29, 2008 RI S 2009 Expansion of Video Lottery Facility Hours Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
June 19, 2007 RI LCO # 2572/2 to H5300A Privatization of State Services Repeal Amendment Rejected - Senate (9 - 24)
June 19, 2007 RI LCO # 2552/4 to H5300Aaa Repeal of Provision Requiring the Trying Seventeen Year-Olds as Adults in Criminal Cases Amendment Rejected - Senate (5 - 30)
May 10, 2007 RI S 21 Telephone Political Solicitation Act Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
June 23, 2006 RI H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
June 13, 2006 RI H 6874 Ballot Questions from Governor Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
June 1, 2006 RI LCO # 2854/19 West Warwick Casino Competative Bidding Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (16 - 17)
June 1, 2006 RI H 7935 Sub. A West Warwick Casino Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
May 3, 2006 RI S 2486 Ex-Felon's Voting Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
Feb. 2, 2006 RI S 2112 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
Jan. 3, 2006 RI H 6052 Sub. A Medical Marijuana Bill Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
Date No. Title Outcome
7/01 H 5245 Establishes Harm Reduction Centers Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
6/29 H 5028 Requires Civics Education for Students in Grades 8-12 Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
6/24 S 190 Authorizes DMV to Issue Driving Privileges to Undocumented Residents Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
6/22 S 568 Establishes the Cannabis Control Commission Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
6/15 S 834 Prohibits the Marital Sexual Assault Exception in Certain Cases Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
6/01 S 629 Requires All of the State's Electricity to Originate from Renewable Energy Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
6/01 S 40 Establishes a Twenty Year Contract with Two Major Gambling Companies Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
5/18 S 89 Prohibits the Use of a School District's Listserv to Distribute Any Political Advertisements Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
4/27 S 708 Establishes a Tax Treaty Between the City of East Providence and ExxonMobil Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
4/06 H 5445 Establishes an Updated Outline of State Climate Goals Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
3/30 S 128 Repeals Law that Only Allowed Officers to Issue Verbal Warnings to Adults Who Leave Children in Cars Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
3/09 S 196 Establishes the Dignity at Work Act Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
3/02 S 270 Establishes Workplace Protections to Encourage Fair Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
2/10 S 1 Increases the State Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
7/16 H 7541 Establishes the "Uniform Parentage Act" Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
7/16 S 2519 Establishes Commission to Recommend Ways To Improve Retirement Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 2)
7/16 S 2919 Authorizes Online Registration for Sports Betting Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
6/17 S 2004 Prohibits Non-Metallic Firearms and "Ghost Guns" Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
3/03 S 2326 Establishes Film Production Tax Credits Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
2/05 S 2147 Increases the State Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
6/19 H 5125 Establishes Abortion Procedures as Protected State Law Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
6/21 H 7715 Classifies Delivery a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death as a Crime Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
6/20 H 7200 Establishes Budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
6/19 S 2612 Requires Presidential Candidates to Release Tax Returns Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
5/23 S 2678 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for DACA Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
5/02 S 2350 Prohibits Advertising Unhealthy Food in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
4/25 S 2353 Requires Educators to Report Sexual Abuse Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
4/03 S 2399 Prohibits Gender Discrimination in Insurance Premiums Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
4/03 S 2299 Prohibits Minors from Using Tanning Beds Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
6/29 S 897 Amends Housing Restrictions for Sex Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
6/15 S 237A Authorizes Parole Eligibility for Juveniles with Life Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
6/06 S 608 Requires Notification of Sex Offenders Living Near School Bus Stops Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
5/11 S 112A Expands Renewable Energy Growth Program Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
6/18 H 7454 Establishes State Budget for 2017 Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 3)
6/17 S 2864 Establishes Regulations for Rideshare Companies Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
4/05 S 2185 Extends Renewable Energy Standard Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
3/29 H 7024 Authorizes Online Voting Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
3/03 H 7228 Authorizes a Gambling Facility in Tiverton Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
3/03 S 2081 Authorizes a Gambling Facility in Tiverton Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
3/01 S 2103 Requires Property Owners to Maintain Trees and Shrubs Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
2/11 H 7409 Establishes Highway Truck Tolls Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
6/25 H 5364 Increases Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
6/23 H 5900 Establishes Budget for FY 2015-2016 Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
6/23 S 997 Establishes a Toll for Large Commercial Trucks Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
6/11 H 5074 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
6/19 H 7194A Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
6/18 H 8072A Repeals Straight Party Voting Option on Election Ballots Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
6/16 H 7133AAA 2014-2015 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
6/05 S 2796A Establishes Preference In State and Business Contracts Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
5/14 S 2059 Prohibits State Assessments for Graduation Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
5/01 H 7944A Authorizes State Fiscal Oversight of Certain Fire Districts Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
5/22 S 256 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
4/24 H 5015 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
6/13 H 7909 Requires State Health Laws to Comply with the Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
6/13 H 7782 Regulates Auto Insurance Company Claims and Practices Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
6/12 S 2052 Homeless Bill of Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
6/11 H 7323 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
6/07 S 2374 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
6/05 S 2253 Reduces Penalties for Possession of Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
5/09 S 2555 A Authorizes Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
3/13 S 2322 Prohibits The Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
2/01 S 2178 State Senate, State House, and Congressional Redistricting Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
11/17 H 6319 Amending the Pension System Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
6/29 H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
5/12 S 400 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
4/05 S 87 Establishing the Rhode Island Health Benefit Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
6/10 H 8094 Education Funding Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
10/29 HB 5044 Prostitution Ban Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
6/30 S 286 Relating to Video Lottery Terminals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
6/30 H 5005 Voter Pre-Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
6/26 H 5983 2009-2010 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
6/16 H 5359 Medical Marijuana Veto Override Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
5/27 S 659 Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
4/02 H 5019 2008-2009 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
6/17 S 2706 Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
6/17 H 7106 Allow Sixteen- and Seventeen-Year-Olds to Pre-register to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
5/27 S 2081 Allowing Sixteen- and Seventeen-Year-Olds to Pre-register to Vote Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
5/27 S 2112 National Popular Vote Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
5/06 H 7040 Twenty-Four Hour Operation of Video Lottery Games Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
5/01 H 7204 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
4/29 S 2009 Expansion of Video Lottery Facility Hours Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
6/19 LCO # 2572/2 to H5300A Privatization of State Services Repeal Amendment Rejected - Senate (9 - 24)
6/19 LCO # 2552/4 to H5300Aaa Repeal of Provision Requiring the Trying Seventeen Year-Olds as Adults in Criminal Cases Amendment Rejected - Senate (5 - 30)
5/10 S 21 Telephone Political Solicitation Act Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
6/23 H 6885 International Trade Agreements Veto Override Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
6/13 H 6874 Ballot Questions from Governor Veto Override Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
6/01 LCO # 2854/19 West Warwick Casino Competative Bidding Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (16 - 17)
6/01 H 7935 Sub. A West Warwick Casino Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
5/03 S 2486 Ex-Felon's Voting Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
2/02 S 2112 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
1/03 H 6052 Sub. A Medical Marijuana Bill Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 5)

Page 2 of 2
arrow_upward