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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 30, 2020 | NJ | A 4170 | Limits the Use of Data Collected for Purposes of COVID-19 Contact Tracing | Bill Passed - House (55 - 18) |
| Dec. 16, 2019 | NJ | A 4260 | Prohibits the Sale of Certain Toy Guns or Imitation Firearms | Bill Passed - House (54 - 19) |
| Jan. 7, 2008 | NJ | A 4314 | Traffic Control Signal Monitoring | Bill Passed - House (49 - 25) |
| Jan. 7, 2008 | NJ | A 4314 | Traffic Control Signal Monitoring | Bill Passed - House (49 - 25) |
| Aug. 27, 2020 | NJ | A 4320 | Expands Ballot Receipt and Election Deadlines | Bill Passed - House (51 - 27) |
| July 30, 2020 | NJ | A 4369 | Repeals Mandatory Minimum Prison Terms For Certain Offenses | Bill Passed - House (52 - 19) |
| June 29, 2022 | NJ | A 4370 | Requires Gun Owners to Obtain a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card | Bill Passed - House (48 - 28) |
| July 30, 2020 | NJ | A 4370 | Repeals Mandatory Minimum Terms of Parole Ineligibility for Nonviolent Drug Crimes | Bill Passed - House (51 - 21) |
| July 30, 2020 | NJ | A 4370 | Repeals Mandatory Minimum Terms of Parole Ineligibility for Nonviolent Drug Crimes | Bill Passed - House (51 - 21) |
| July 30, 2020 | NJ | A 4372 | Authorizes Resentencing of Certain Inmates | Bill Passed - House (47 - 24) |
| Jan. 11, 2010 | NJ | A 4378 | Exception to the Ban on Former State Employees Working for the Casino Industry | Bill Passed - House (42 - 31) |
| Jan. 11, 2021 | NJ | A 4454 | Requires School Districts to Include Instruction on Diversity and Inclusion as Part of New Education Standards | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (46 - 29) |
| Oct. 29, 2020 | NJ | A 4545 | Requires Instruction on Racial Discrimination, Social Justice, Diversity, and Inclusion | Bill Passed - House (56 - 7) |
| May 5, 2021 | NY | A 459 | Establishes Proceedings to Vacate Convictions for Offenses Resulting from Sex Trafficking, Labor Trafficking and Compelling Prostitution | Bill Passed - House (111 - 36) |
| June 8, 2020 | NY | A 4615 | Prohibits Police Officers from Racial and Ethnic Profiling | Bill Passed - House (105 - 39) |
| June 8, 2020 | NY | A 4615 | Prohibits Police Officers from Racial and Ethnic Profiling | Bill Passed - House (105 - 39) |
| March 25, 2021 | NJ | A 4655 | Prohibits Police from Being Within 100 Feet of a Polling Location | Bill Passed - House (44 - 25) |
| May 20, 2021 | NJ | A 4681 | Amends Sentencing Laws to Allow Individuals to Join Community Release Programs | Bill Passed - House (64 - 11) |
| July 8, 2006 | NJ | A 4714 | Fur Clothing Tax | Bill Passed - House (44 - 32) |
| March 11, 2024 | NY | A 4714 | Repeals the Crime of Adultery | Bill Passed - House (137 - 10) |
| Nov. 21, 2022 | NJ | A 4769 | Establishes Gun Free Zones | Bill Passed - House (43 - 29) |
| April 29, 2015 | NY | A 4958 | Classifies Conversion Therapy on Minors as Professional Misconduct | Bill Passed - House (111 - 26) |
| April 30, 2012 | NY | A 5039 | Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Expression | Bill Passed - House (81 - 59) |
| July 20, 2020 | NY | A 5045 | Amends Criminal Procedure Laws to Waive Certain Surcharges and Fees for Defendants Under the Age of 21 | Bill Passed - House (97 - 44) |
| June 21, 2021 | NJ | A 5207 | Prohibits State, Local Entities, and Private Detention Facilities from Signing Contracts to Detain Non-Citizens | Bill Passed - House (46 - 24) |
| June 21, 2021 | NJ | A 5207 | Prohibits State, Local Entities, and Private Detention Facilities from Signing Contracts to Detain Non-Citizens | Bill Passed - House (46 - 24) |
| June 20, 2019 | NJ | A 5452 | Amends Firearm Identification and Training Requirements | Bill Passed - House (45 - 24) |
| June 20, 2019 | NJ | A 5453 | Increases Penalties for Illegal Firearm Transfers | Bill Passed - House (59 - 10) |
| June 20, 2019 | NJ | A 5455 | Amends Ammunition Sale Regulations | Bill Passed - House (51 - 18) |
| July 21, 2020 | NY | A 5630 | Amends Various Power of Attorney Laws | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (95 - 47) |
| March 2, 2010 | NY | A 5710 | Prohibiting Gender Identity Discrimination | Bill Passed - House (100 - 43) |
| March 2, 2010 | NY | A 5710 | Prohibiting Gender Identity Discrimination | Bill Passed - House (100 - 43) |
| June 21, 2021 | NJ | A 5756 | Prohibits Removing "Commutation Credits" for Inmates After Certain Infractions | Bill Passed - House (48 - 22) |
| Nov. 25, 2019 | NJ | A 5816 | Reduces the Penalty for Certain Parole Violations | Bill Passed - House (47 - 24) |
| Nov. 25, 2019 | NJ | A 5823 | Authorizes Automatic Voter Registration for Individuals Released from Prison | Bill Passed - House (48 - 24) |
| Nov. 25, 2019 | NJ | A 5823 | Authorizes Automatic Voter Registration for Individuals Released from Prison | Bill Passed - House (48 - 24) |
| July 21, 2020 | NY | A 5991 | Amends Civil Rights Law in Relation to "Frivolous" Lawsuits | Bill Passed - House (116 - 26) |
| April 1, 2008 | PA | A 6178 to HB 1845 | Reporting Missing Firearms | Amendment Rejected - House (75 - 128) |
| March 26, 2019 | NY | A 6188 | Prohibits Harassment of Rent Regulated Tenants | Bill Passed - House (108 - 39) |
| May 26, 2021 | NY | A 6193 | Requires Utilities to Allow Customers to Use Their Preferred Name and Pronouns | Bill Passed - House (99 - 48) |
| Jan. 19, 2022 | NY | A 6319 | Amends the State Definition of Rape to Include Additional Forms of Non-Consensual Sexual Conduct | Bill Passed - House (129 - 16) |
| March 19, 2019 | NY | A 6449 | Increases Number of Speed Cameras in School Zones | Bill Passed - House (100 - 46) |
| April 28, 2009 | NY | A 6468 | Microstamping Requirement for Semiautomatic Pistols | Bill Passed - House (94 - 47) |
| March 24, 2022 | NJ | A 649 | Expands Police Uses for Civil Asset Forfeiture Funds | Bill Passed - House (68 - 7) |
| June 8, 2021 | NY | A 6522 | Amends the Definition of "Disguised Gun" | Bill Passed - House (116 - 33) |
| June 13, 2018 | NY | A 6823 | Amends Sex Trafficking Definition | Bill Passed - House (137 - 0) |
| June 24, 2021 | NJ | A 698 | Requires Incarcerated Individuals be Counted for Municipal, County, and Congressional Redistricting Purposes | Bill Passed - House (50 - 25) |
| June 16, 2014 | NY | A 6983B | Prohibits Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy on Minors | Bill Passed - House (105 - 28) |
| May 29, 2007 | NY | A 7526 | Ticket Resale Price Cap Removal | Bill Passed - House (106 - 36) |
| June 3, 2024 | NY | A 7555 | Authorizes New Restrictions Banning Firearm Marketing and Usage | Bill Passed - House (89 - 56) |
| March 16, 2010 | NY | A 7575 | Prohibiting Domestic Violence Offenders from Possessing Firearms | Bill Passed - House (89 - 53) |
| March 16, 2010 | NY | A 7575 | Prohibiting Domestic Violence Offenders from Possessing Firearms | Bill Passed - House (89 - 53) |
| March 16, 2010 | NY | A 7575 | Prohibiting Domestic Violence Offenders from Possessing Firearms | Bill Passed - House (89 - 53) |
| April 12, 2018 | NJ | A 764 | Requires Panic Alarms in Public Schools | Bill Passed - House (66 - 6) |
| June 8, 2023 | NY | A 7691 | Establishes a State Commission to Consider Reparations to Address Effects of Slavery | Bill Passed - House (105 - 42) |
| April 22, 2009 | PA | A771 | Requiring Hands Free Devices for Cell Phones in Cars | Amendment Rejected - House (95 - 100) |
| May 12, 2009 | NY | A 7732 | Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage | Bill Passed - House (89 - 52) |
| May 12, 2009 | NY | A 7732 | Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage | Bill Passed - House (89 - 52) |
| June 25, 2008 | PA | A 7738 | Real ID Biometric Data | Bill Failed - House (92 - 108) |
| June 25, 2008 | PA | A 7738 | Real ID Biometric Data | Bill Failed - House (92 - 108) |
| March 2, 2006 | NJ | A 798 | New Jersey Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act | Bill Passed - House (55 - 14) |
| June 28, 2006 | PA | A7999 to HB 1959 | English as Official Language | Amendment Adopted - House (122 - 70) |
| April 28, 2009 | NY | A 801 | Renewal Requirement for Pistol and Revolver Licenses | Bill Passed - House (87 - 58) |
| Jan. 27, 2014 | NY | A 8070 | Requires Equal Pay | Bill Passed - House (88 - 43) |
| May 8, 2006 | NY | A 8098 | Drug Law Reform and Drug Treatment | Bill Passed - House (81 - 59) |
| May 8, 2006 | NY | A 8098 | Drug Law Reform and Drug Treatment | Bill Passed - House (81 - 59) |
| May 8, 2006 | NY | A 8098 | Drug Law Reform and Drug Treatment | Bill Passed - House (81 - 59) |
| June 15, 2011 | NY | A 8354 | Marriage Equality Enactment | Bill Passed - House (80 - 63) |
| June 19, 2019 | NY | A 8421 | Amends Requirements for Workplace Harassment Claims | Bill Passed - House (128 - 20) |
| June 19, 2007 | NY | A 8590 | Same-Sex Marriage | Bill Passed - House (85 - 61) |
| June 19, 2007 | NY | A 8590 | Same-Sex Marriage | Bill Passed - House (85 - 61) |
| March 13, 2008 | NJ | A 873 | Extending Family Leave Benefits | Bill Passed - House (46 - 30) |
| June 18, 2014 | NY | A 8769A | Prohibits Workplace Discrimination Based on Reproductive Health Decisions | Bill Passed - House (106 - 30) |
| June 6, 2018 | NY | A 9016 | Authorizes Medical Marijuana for Opioid-Use Disorder | Bill Passed - House (108 - 28) |
| April 28, 2014 | NY | A 9206 | Authorizes Traffic Cameras on Long Island | Bill Passed - House (104 - 25) |
| March 14, 2012 | NY | A 9556 | Authorizes Casino Gambling | Amendment Adopted - House (96 - 45) |
| June 19, 2014 | NY | A 9583A | Authorizes Demonstration Program for Red Light Cameras | Bill Passed - House (91 - 37) |
| Jan. 24, 2023 | NY | A 975 | Establishes the Crime of Unlawful Dissemination of Anothers Image | Bill Passed - House (141 - 3) |
| April 6, 2006 | FL | A 990255 | Florida KidCare Funding Amendment | Amendment Rejected - House (34 - 75) |
| Feb. 13, 2008 | NY | A 9998 | New York Racing Association Funding | Bill Passed - House (92 - 40) |
| Feb. 28, 2008 | WI | A Amnd. 1 | Exemptions to Partial-Birth/Late-Term Abortion Ban | Amendment Tabled - House (54 - 43) |
| Feb. 28, 2008 | WI | A Amnd. 1 | Exemptions to Partial-Birth/Late-Term Abortion Ban | Amendment Tabled - House (54 - 43) |
| Feb. 28, 2008 | WI | A Amnd. 2 | Exemptions to Partial-Birth/Late-Term Abortion Ban | Amendment Tabled - House (54 - 43) |
| Feb. 28, 2008 | WI | A Amnd. 2 | Exemptions to Partial-Birth/Late-Term Abortion Ban | Amendment Tabled - House (54 - 43) |
| Feb. 28, 2008 | WI | A Amnd. 2 | Exemptions to Partial-Birth/Late-Term Abortion Ban | Amendment Tabled - House (54 - 43) |
| Sept. 9, 2011 | CA | AB 101 | Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27) |
| Aug. 29, 2014 | CA | AB 1014 | Authorizes Gun Violence Restraining Orders | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (48 - 28) |
| Aug. 29, 2014 | CA | AB 1014 | Authorizes Gun Violence Restraining Orders | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (48 - 28) |
| May 7, 2007 | CA | AB 102 | Name Equality Act of 2007 | Bill Passed - House (46 - 26) |
| May 7, 2007 | CA | AB 102 | Name Equality Act of 2007 | Bill Passed - House (46 - 26) |
| Sept. 9, 2021 | CA | AB 105 | Requires State Boards and Committees to be More Diverse | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (58 - 12) |
| April 15, 2010 | WI | AB 106 | Authorizing Sale of Alcohol to 18-20 Year-Olds Under Parental or Spousal Supervision | Bill Passed - House (56 - 41) |
| April 15, 2010 | WI | AB 106 | Authorizing Sale of Alcohol to 18-20 Year-Olds Under Parental or Spousal Supervision | Bill Passed - House (56 - 41) |
| Sept. 10, 2019 | CA | AB 1076 | Requires Criminal Record Expungement for Individuals Never Convicted | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 23) |
| Sept. 7, 2023 | CA | AB 1078 | Prohibits School Book Bans | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 17) |
| Aug. 24, 2012 | CA | AB 1081 | Prohibits Excessive Detention of Undocumented Immigrants | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (48 - 26) |
| Sept. 2, 2021 | CA | AB 1084 | Requires Retailers and Department Stores to Have a Gender Neutral Section | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 16) |
| May 30, 2023 | CA | AB 1089 | Prohibits 3-D Printed Firearms or "Ghost Guns" | Bill Passed - House (64 - 8) |
| March 17, 2011 | CA | AB 109 | Criminal Justice Realignment | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27) |
| Sept. 7, 2023 | CA | AB 1104 | Amends Correction and Rehabilitation Statutes in California | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 14) |