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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |