Key Votes
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About the Selection and Descriptions of Key Votes
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:
- The vote should be helpful in portraying how a member stands on a particular issue
- The vote should be clear for any person to understand
- The vote has received media attention
- The vote was passed or defeated by a very close margin
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 11, 2020 | OK | SB 1674 | Increases Penalties for Selling or Possessing Drugs Near Schools | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12) |
| March 10, 2020 | CO | HB 20-1080 | Repeals State Residency Requirement for Medical Marijuana Business Licenses | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9) |
| March 3, 2020 | HI | SB 2793 | Classifies the Promotion of a Dangerous Drug as a Misdemeanor | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 9) |
| Feb. 26, 2020 | SD | SB 96 | Repeals the Lifetime Ban on Drug Felons Receiving TANF Benefits | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6) |
| Feb. 7, 2020 | MD | SB 147 | Prohibits the Purchase, Distribution, or Sale of Kratom | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11) |
| Oct. 29, 2019 | IL | SB 667 | Limits the Cost of Insulin to $100 per 30-day Supply | Bill Passed - Senate (48 - 7) |
| Sept. 11, 2019 | CA | AB 545 | Authorizes the Review of Activities of the Bureau of Cannabis Control | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0) |
| Sept. 5, 2019 | CA | AB 1291 | Requires Cannabis Businesses to Enter Into Labor Peace Agreements | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 9) |
| Aug. 30, 2019 | CA | SB 223 | Authorizes Medical Cannabis on K-12 Campuses | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 7) |
| June 27, 2019 | DE | SB 24 | Expands Who Can Qualify for Medical Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4) |
| June 20, 2019 | DE | SB 45 | Establishes Marijuana Usage by a Juvenile as a Civil Violation | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 6) |
| June 20, 2019 | NY | S 6579 | Amends Marijuana-Related Laws and Violations | Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 23) |
| June 19, 2019 | ME | LD 719 | Establishes Various Changes to the Marijuana Legalization Act | "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 9) |
| May 30, 2019 | NJ | A 10 | Expands the Medical Marijuana Program | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4) |
| May 29, 2019 | IL | HB 1438 | Authorizes Sale and Use of Recreational Cannabis | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 17) |
| May 24, 2019 | NV | AB 132 | Prohibits Employment Discrimination for Positive Marijuana Drug Tests | Bill Passed - Senate (12 - 8) |
| May 23, 2019 | CA | SB 627 | Authorizes Prescription of Medical Cannabis for Animals | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0) |
| May 22, 2019 | OR | HB 2303 | Repeals Pseudoephedrine and Ephedrine as Class 3 Controlled Substances | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10) |
| May 22, 2019 | TX | HB 2536 | Establishes Drug-Pricing Transparency Requirements | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4) |
| May 21, 2019 | CA | SB 159 | Authorizes Use of HIV Prevention Drugs Without Prescription | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1) |
| May 4, 2019 | KS | SB 28 | Authorizes CBD Oil for Patients with Debilitating Medical Conditions | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 8) |
| May 3, 2019 | CO | HB 19-1263 | Amends Criminal Classification of Certain Drug Possessions | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| May 2, 2019 | NH | HB 364 | Authorizes Private Marijuana Cultivation | Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 10) |
| May 1, 2019 | CO | HB 19-1230 | Authorizes Marijuana Consumption on the Premises of Hospitality Establishments | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12) |
| May 1, 2019 | CO | HB 19-1234 | Authorizes the Delivery of Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14) |
| April 29, 2019 | FL | HB 19 | Authorizes the Importation of Prescription Drugs from Canada | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13) |
| April 27, 2019 | IA | HF 732 | Increases THC Allowance for Medical Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 7) |
| April 9, 2019 | DE | SB 34 | Establishes a Per-Pill Tax on Prescription Opioid Painkillers | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4) |
| April 2, 2019 | GA | HB 324 | Authorizes Sale of Medical Marijuana Oil | Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 20) |
| March 18, 2019 | ID | H 180 | Authorizes Syringe and Needle Exchange Program | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 11) |
| March 14, 2019 | NH | SB 311 | Amends Annulment Laws for Certain Drug Possession | Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 8) |
| March 12, 2019 | SD | HB 1191 | Authorizes the Cultivation of Industrial Hemp | Veto Override Failed - Senate (20 - 13) |
| March 11, 2019 | OK | HB 2612 | Establishes State Medical Marijuana Rules and Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 5) |
| March 7, 2019 | FL | SB 182 | Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana by Smoking | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4) |
| March 5, 2019 | NM | SB 323 | Reduces Criminal Penalties for Marijuana Possession | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 8) |
| Feb. 28, 2019 | VT | S 54 | Authorizes the Sale and Regulation of Cannabis | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5) |
| Feb. 18, 2019 | NM | SB 204 | Authorizes Medical Cannabis In Certain School Settings | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2) |
| Dec. 3, 2018 | UT | HB 3001 | Authorizes Medical Cannabis in the State | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 4) |
| Sept. 27, 2018 | NJ | A 1330 | Authorizes Research and Cultivation of Hemp | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2) |
| Sept. 17, 2018 | National | HR 6 | Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 | Bill Passed - Senate (99 - 1) |
| Aug. 22, 2018 | CA | AB 1793 | Amends Marijuana Convictions | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10) |
| June 21, 2018 | RI | H 7715 | Classifies Delivery a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death as a Crime | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10) |
| May 30, 2018 | CA | SB 930 | Authorizes Cannabis Limited Charter Banks | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6) |
| May 9, 2018 | LA | HB 823 | Amends Termination Date of Medical Marijuana Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13) |
| May 9, 2018 | LA | HB 627 | Authorizes Recommendation of Medical Marijuana for Treating Certain Health Conditions of Individuals with Autism | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10) |
| April 11, 2018 | ME | LD 1719 | Authorizes Adult-Use of Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 10) |
| March 16, 2018 | ID | H 649 | Amends Drug Use Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1) |
| Feb. 28, 2018 | VA | SB 726 | Authorizes Doctors Recommend Use of Cannabidiol Oil for Treatment | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 0) |
| Feb. 27, 2018 | IN | HB 1359 | Increases Penalties for Drug Dealers Connected to Overdose Deaths | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 9) |
| Feb. 21, 2018 | AK | SB 6 | Authorizes Production of Industrial Hemp | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 0) |
| Oct. 26, 2017 | MA | S 2200 | Amends Various Criminal Justice Laws | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10) |
| July 20, 2017 | MA | H 3818 | Amends Voter-Passed Marijuana Law | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6) |
| July 6, 2017 | OR | HB 2355 | Reduces Criminal Charges for Drug Possession | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9) |
| June 22, 2017 | MA | H 3776 | Authorizes Medical Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5) |
| June 9, 2017 | FL | SB 8A | Establishes Rules for Growing Medical Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8) |
| May 24, 2017 | ME | LD 347 | Authorizes the Prescription of Lethal Doses of Drugs to Terminally Ill Patients | |
| May 18, 2017 | DE | SB 24 | Authorizes Medical Marijuana to Treat Anxiety | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0) |
| May 16, 2017 | DE | SB 24 | Authorizes Medical Marijuana to Treat Anxiety | Bill Failed - Senate (9 - 1) |
| May 11, 2017 | NH | HB 640 | Reduces Penalties for Marijuana Possession | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 6) |
| May 5, 2017 | VT | S 22 | Reduces Penalties for Possession of Marijuana | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (20 - 9) |
| April 22, 2017 | IA | HF 524 | Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 7) |
| April 13, 2017 | ND | SB 2344 | Establishes Guidelines for Medical Marijuana | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 9) |
| April 13, 2017 | IA | HF 524 | Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 0) |
| April 13, 2017 | MO | HB 90 | Establishes Prescription Drug Monitoring Program | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9) |
| April 12, 2017 | CO | SB 192 | Authorizes Transfers of Retail Marijuana to Medical Marijuana Licensees | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7) |
| April 12, 2017 | CO | SB 192 | Authorizes Transfers of Retail Marijuana to Medical Marijuana Licensees | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7) |
| April 6, 2017 | IN | HB 1438 | Authorizes Counties or Municipalities to Approve Syringe Exchange Programs | Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 16) |
| April 5, 2017 | WV | SB 386 | Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 6) |
| March 29, 2017 | WV | SB 386 | Authorizes the Use of Medical Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6) |
| March 29, 2017 | OH | SB 1 | Increases Penalties for Fentanyl-Related Drug Convictions | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6) |
| March 27, 2017 | TN | HB 173 | Prohibits Local Government from Enacting Drug-Related Sanctions | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5) |
| March 27, 2017 | TN | HB 173 | Prohibits Local Government from Enacting Drug-Related Sanctions | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 5) |
| March 21, 2017 | OR | SB 863 | Prohibits Marijuana Retailers from Customer Record-Keeping | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 6) |
| March 2, 2017 | WA | SB 5223 | Prohibits Localities from Permitting Heroin Injection Sites | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23) |
| Sept. 8, 2016 | MI | HB 4210 | Authorizes Edible Medical Marijuana Products | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9) |
| Sept. 8, 2016 | MI | HB 4827 | Establishes Medical Marijuana Tracking System | Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10) |
| Sept. 8, 2016 | MI | HB 4209 | Establishes Regulations for Medical Marijuana Facilities | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12) |
| Sept. 8, 2016 | MI | SB 1014 | Exempts Medical Marijuana Rules from Administrative Procedures Act | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11) |
| Sept. 8, 2016 | MI | SB 141 | Establishes Penalties for the Unauthorized Sale of Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11) |
| Aug. 1, 2016 | NJ | A 457 | Authorizes Medical Marijuana Treatment for PTSD | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9) |
| May 24, 2016 | OH | HB 110 | Authorizes Immunity for Individuals Reporting Drug Overdose | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10) |
| May 16, 2016 | LA | SB 271 | Expands Eligibility for Medical Marijuana | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 14) |
| April 25, 2016 | CA | SB 966 | Prohibits Extending Sentences for Repeat Drug Offenders | Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 16) |
| April 21, 2016 | NH | HB 1631 | Amends Penalty for Possession of Marijuana | "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Failed - Senate (14 - 10) |
| April 20, 2016 | LA | SB 271 | Expands Eligibility for Medical Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16) |
| April 19, 2016 | IL | SB 2228 | Classifies Minor Marijuana Possession as Civil Violation | Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 14) |
| April 19, 2016 | LA | SB 271 | Expands Eligibility for Medical Marijuana | Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| April 5, 2016 | NE | LB 643 | Authorizes Medical Marijuana | Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (30 - 15) |
| March 15, 2016 | KY | HB 160 | Establishes 1-for-1 Syringe Exchange Program | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10) |
| March 7, 2016 | FL | HB 307 | Amends Medical Marijuana Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11) |
| Feb. 25, 2016 | UT | SB 73 | Authorizes Medical Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12) |
| Feb. 25, 2016 | VT | S 241 | Authorizes Recreational Use of Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12) |
| Feb. 25, 2016 | CO | SB 80 | Establishes Regulations for Secured Medical Marijuana Cultivation | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15) |
| Feb. 23, 2016 | SD | SB 171 | Authorizes Medical Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| Feb. 23, 2016 | WY | SF 96 | Classifies 3 Ounces of Marijuana Edibles as a Felony | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7) |
| Feb. 23, 2016 | OR | SB 1511 | Establishes Regulations for Marijuana Dispensaries | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10) |
| Feb. 22, 2016 | UT | SB 89 | Authorizes the Use of Medicinal Marijuana | Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 8) |
| Feb. 14, 2016 | NM | SJR 5 | Authorizes the Use of Marijuana | Bill Failed - Senate (17 - 24) |
| Feb. 3, 2016 | IN | SB 80 | Authorizes Pharmacists to Decline to Sell Certain Cold Medicines | Bill Passed - Senate (41 - 8) |
| Jan. 21, 2016 | MD | SB 517 | Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia | Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 17) |