Key Votes

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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.


results per page:
Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
Dec. 11, 2014 OH HB 663 Requires Confidentiality of Death Penalty Information Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
Dec. 11, 2014 MI SB 1156 Prohibits Actions that Coerce a Woman to Get an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
Dec. 9, 2014 OH SB 386 Authorizes the Use of Certain Fireworks Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
Dec. 4, 2014 MI SB 247 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol until 4 a.m. Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
Oct. 23, 2014 NJ A 939 Amends Tax Expenditure Report Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
Aug. 29, 2014 CA SB 270 Prohibits Retailers from Using Single-Use Carryout Bags Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
Aug. 29, 2014 CA AB 1522 Requires Paid Sick Leave for Employees Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
Aug. 29, 2014 CA AB 1522 Requires Paid Sick Leave for Employees Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
Aug. 28, 2014 CA SB 199 Requires Certain Replica Guns to be Sold in Fluorescent Colors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
Aug. 21, 2014 CA SB 610 Amends Franchise Agreement Terms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
Aug. 21, 2014 CA AB 1699 Prohibits the Sale of Products Containing Microplastics Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 14)
July 30, 2014 National S 2569 Bring Jobs Home Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 42)
July 30, 2014 National S 2569 Bring Jobs Home Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 42)
July 2, 2014 AR HB 1003 Limits Eligibility for School Employee Health Insurance Program Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
July 1, 2014 MA Amdt 17 Limits Use of Non-Competition Agreements Amendment Adopted - Senate (32 - 7)
June 30, 2014 NJ S 602 Increases the Legal Age to Purchase of Tobacco Products Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
June 20, 2014 NY A 6357E Authorizes Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 10)
June 19, 2014 RI H 7194A Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
June 19, 2014 RI H 7194A Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
June 12, 2014 MA S 2123 Increases the Minimum Wage Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
June 12, 2014 MA S 2123 Increases the Minimum Wage Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
June 12, 2014 NJ SCR 116 Specifies that the Job Banding Rule is Not Consistent with Legislative Intent Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
June 5, 2014 RI S 2796A Establishes Preference In State and Business Contracts Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
May 29, 2014 CA SB 1000 Requires Health Warning Labels on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
May 29, 2014 CA SB 935 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
May 28, 2014 CA SB 1372 Amends the Corporate Tax Rate Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 17)
May 27, 2014 MI SB 934 Increases Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
May 27, 2014 MI SB 934 Increases Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
May 23, 2014 IL HB 5701 Prohibits Requiring Disclosure of Criminal Record Prior to Job Interview Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 12)
May 16, 2014 MN HF 2293 Amends Regulations for Payday Lenders Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 25)
May 15, 2014 IL HB 4075 Establishes Standards for Ridesharing Companies Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 8)
May 9, 2014 MN SF 1740 Requires a "Kill Switch" on a Cell Phone Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (44 - 19)
May 8, 2014 MN HF 2536 Increases Equal Pay and Establishes Certain Workplace Protections for Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (43 - 24)
May 8, 2014 MN HF 2536 Increases Equal Pay and Establishes Certain Workplace Protections for Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (43 - 24)
May 8, 2014 NH HB 1403 Increases the Minimum Wage "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (13 - 11)
May 8, 2014 NH HB 1403 Increases the Minimum Wage "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (13 - 11)
May 8, 2014 CA SB 962 Requires Smartphones to Include a Kill Switch Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
May 5, 2014 MO SB 509 Reduces State Income Tax Rates Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
May 1, 2014 IA SF 2360 Authorizes Medical Marijuana Oil Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
May 1, 2014 MA S 2123 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
May 1, 2014 MA S 2123 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
April 30, 2014 CO HB 1269 Requires Certain Retailers to Collect Sales Tax Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
April 30, 2014 National S 2223 Minimum Wage Fairness Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 42)
April 24, 2014 CA SB 962 Requires Smartphones to Include a Kill Switch Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 17)
April 22, 2014 AZ HB 2262 Establishes Regulatory Framework for Rideshare Companies Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
April 22, 2014 AZ HB 2262 Establishes Regulatory Framework for Rideshare Companies Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
April 10, 2014 DE HB 265 Increases Certain Business Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
April 9, 2014 MN HF 2091 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 31)
April 9, 2014 MN HF 2091 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 31)
April 9, 2014 National S 2199 Paycheck Fairness Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 44)
April 9, 2014 CT SB 443 Prohibits the Sale of Genetically Modified Seed Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
April 7, 2014 NE LB 485 Prohibits Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (26 - 22)
April 6, 2014 KS HB 2506 Appropriates Funds to Certain School Districts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 16)
April 5, 2014 MD HB 295 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
April 5, 2014 MD HB 295 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
April 3, 2014 MO SB 673 Limits Duration of Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
April 2, 2014 MD HB 727 Expands Prevailing Wage Requirements for Certain School Projects Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
April 1, 2014 MO SB 509 Reduces State Income Tax Rates Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
March 31, 2014 NE LB 943 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 20)
March 31, 2014 NE LB 943 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 20)
March 27, 2014 NH SB 329 Repeals the Prohibition on Alcoholic Beverage Billboard Advertisements "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (13 - 11)
March 27, 2014 KY HB 407 Authorizes Framework for Public-Private Partnerships Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
March 27, 2014 IA HF 2438 Establishes a Retroactive Heavy Equipment Sales Tax Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
March 27, 2014 NJ S 783 Amends the Definition of an Unlawful Employment Practice Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
March 27, 2014 NJ S 1038 Requires Public Contractors to Report Certain Employment Information Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
March 26, 2014 CT SB 32 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
March 26, 2014 CT SB 32 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
March 18, 2014 IA SF 2318 Amends School Harassment and Bullying Policies Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 19)
March 13, 2014 IN HB 1321 Authorizes Certain School Corporations to Establish Innovation Network Schools Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 18)
March 13, 2014 OK SB 1495 Establishes a Pilot Managed Care System under Medicaid Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 21)
March 12, 2014 IN SB 91 Repeals Common Core Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 13)
March 12, 2014 WI AB 19 Requires an Individual to Disclose the Number of Asbestos Trusts they Plan to Sue Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
March 12, 2014 ME LD 1487 Expands Medicaid Eligibility "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 13)
March 12, 2014 KS SB 362 Requires Registration for Health Insurance Navigators Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
March 10, 2014 OK SB 1023 Prohibits Any Municipality from Establishing a Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9)
March 10, 2014 OK SB 1023 Prohibits Any Municipality from Establishing a Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9)
March 10, 2014 ID S 1314 Amends the Provisions of Payday Loans Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
March 4, 2014 IN HB 1126 Amends Procedures for Awarding Unpaid Wages Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 25)
March 4, 2014 HI SB 2609 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 1)
March 4, 2014 HI SB 2609 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 1)
Feb. 28, 2014 CO SB 29 Requires Paint Manufacturers to Establish Recycling Programs Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Feb. 25, 2014 KY SB 116 Amends Patent Laws Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
Feb. 20, 2014 MO SB 694 Amends Payday Loan Terms and Interest Rates Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
Feb. 18, 2014 WV SB 6 Prohibits Sale of Medicines Containing Pseudoephedrine without Prescription Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
Feb. 14, 2014 NM SJR 13 Increases the Minimum Wage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 17)
Feb. 14, 2014 NM SJR 13 Increases the Minimum Wage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 17)
Feb. 11, 2014 AL SB 168 Prohibits Smoking in Public Places Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
Feb. 11, 2014 VA SB 590 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
Feb. 11, 2014 VA SB 590 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
Feb. 5, 2014 MD SB 75 Prohibits the Sale of Alcoholic Products with Alcohol Content Above 95 Percent Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 10)
Feb. 4, 2014 IN SB 404 Establishes Regulations for High-Fence Hunting Preserves Bill Failed - Senate (25 - 23)
Feb. 4, 2014 IN SB 91 Repeals Common Core Standards Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
Feb. 3, 2014 IN SB 340 Amends Customer Participation Requirements in Certain Energy Efficiency Programs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
Jan. 30, 2014 DE SB 6 Increases the State Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
Jan. 30, 2014 CA SB 383 Authorizes Businesses to Collect Certain Cardholder Information in Online Transactions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
Jan. 30, 2014 NH SB 217 Prohibits Employees from Being Required to Join a Labor Union Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 13)
Date No. Title Outcome
12/11 HB 663 Requires Confidentiality of Death Penalty Information Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
12/11 SB 1156 Prohibits Actions that Coerce a Woman to Get an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
12/09 SB 386 Authorizes the Use of Certain Fireworks Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 7)
12/04 SB 247 Authorizes the Sale of Alcohol until 4 a.m. Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14)
10/23 A 939 Amends Tax Expenditure Report Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
8/29 SB 270 Prohibits Retailers from Using Single-Use Carryout Bags Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
8/29 AB 1522 Requires Paid Sick Leave for Employees Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
8/29 AB 1522 Requires Paid Sick Leave for Employees Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 8)
8/28 SB 199 Requires Certain Replica Guns to be Sold in Fluorescent Colors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
8/21 SB 610 Amends Franchise Agreement Terms Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
8/21 AB 1699 Prohibits the Sale of Products Containing Microplastics Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 14)
7/30 S 2569 Bring Jobs Home Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 42)
7/30 S 2569 Bring Jobs Home Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 42)
7/02 HB 1003 Limits Eligibility for School Employee Health Insurance Program Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
7/01 Amdt 17 Limits Use of Non-Competition Agreements Amendment Adopted - Senate (32 - 7)
6/30 S 602 Increases the Legal Age to Purchase of Tobacco Products Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
6/20 A 6357E Authorizes Medical Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (49 - 10)
6/19 H 7194A Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
6/19 H 7194A Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
6/12 S 2123 Increases the Minimum Wage Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
6/12 S 2123 Increases the Minimum Wage Conference Report Adopted - Senate (35 - 4)
6/12 SCR 116 Specifies that the Job Banding Rule is Not Consistent with Legislative Intent Resolution Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
6/05 S 2796A Establishes Preference In State and Business Contracts Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
5/29 SB 1000 Requires Health Warning Labels on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
5/29 SB 935 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
5/28 SB 1372 Amends the Corporate Tax Rate Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 17)
5/27 SB 934 Increases Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
5/27 SB 934 Increases Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
5/23 HB 5701 Prohibits Requiring Disclosure of Criminal Record Prior to Job Interview Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 12)
5/16 HF 2293 Amends Regulations for Payday Lenders Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 25)
5/15 HB 4075 Establishes Standards for Ridesharing Companies Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 8)
5/09 SF 1740 Requires a "Kill Switch" on a Cell Phone Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (44 - 19)
5/08 HF 2536 Increases Equal Pay and Establishes Certain Workplace Protections for Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (43 - 24)
5/08 HF 2536 Increases Equal Pay and Establishes Certain Workplace Protections for Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (43 - 24)
5/08 HB 1403 Increases the Minimum Wage "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (13 - 11)
5/08 HB 1403 Increases the Minimum Wage "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - Senate (13 - 11)
5/08 SB 962 Requires Smartphones to Include a Kill Switch Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
5/05 SB 509 Reduces State Income Tax Rates Veto Override Passed - Senate (23 - 8)
5/01 SF 2360 Authorizes Medical Marijuana Oil Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
5/01 S 2123 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
5/01 S 2123 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
4/30 HB 1269 Requires Certain Retailers to Collect Sales Tax Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 17)
4/30 S 2223 Minimum Wage Fairness Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 42)
4/24 SB 962 Requires Smartphones to Include a Kill Switch Bill Failed - Senate (19 - 17)
4/22 HB 2262 Establishes Regulatory Framework for Rideshare Companies Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
4/22 HB 2262 Establishes Regulatory Framework for Rideshare Companies Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 8)
4/10 HB 265 Increases Certain Business Taxes Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
4/09 HF 2091 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 31)
4/09 HF 2091 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 31)
4/09 S 2199 Paycheck Fairness Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 44)
4/09 SB 443 Prohibits the Sale of Genetically Modified Seed Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
4/07 LB 485 Prohibits Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (26 - 22)
4/06 HB 2506 Appropriates Funds to Certain School Districts Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 16)
4/05 HB 295 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
4/05 HB 295 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
4/03 SB 673 Limits Duration of Unemployment Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
4/02 HB 727 Expands Prevailing Wage Requirements for Certain School Projects Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
4/01 SB 509 Reduces State Income Tax Rates Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
3/31 LB 943 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 20)
3/31 LB 943 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 20)
3/27 SB 329 Repeals the Prohibition on Alcoholic Beverage Billboard Advertisements "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (13 - 11)
3/27 HB 407 Authorizes Framework for Public-Private Partnerships Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
3/27 HF 2438 Establishes a Retroactive Heavy Equipment Sales Tax Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
3/27 S 783 Amends the Definition of an Unlawful Employment Practice Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
3/27 S 1038 Requires Public Contractors to Report Certain Employment Information Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 15)
3/26 SB 32 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
3/26 SB 32 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
3/18 SF 2318 Amends School Harassment and Bullying Policies Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 19)
3/13 HB 1321 Authorizes Certain School Corporations to Establish Innovation Network Schools Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 18)
3/13 SB 1495 Establishes a Pilot Managed Care System under Medicaid Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 21)
3/12 SB 91 Repeals Common Core Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 13)
3/12 AB 19 Requires an Individual to Disclose the Number of Asbestos Trusts they Plan to Sue Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
3/12 LD 1487 Expands Medicaid Eligibility "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 13)
3/12 SB 362 Requires Registration for Health Insurance Navigators Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
3/10 SB 1023 Prohibits Any Municipality from Establishing a Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9)
3/10 SB 1023 Prohibits Any Municipality from Establishing a Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9)
3/10 S 1314 Amends the Provisions of Payday Loans Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
3/04 HB 1126 Amends Procedures for Awarding Unpaid Wages Bill Failed - Senate (23 - 25)
3/04 SB 2609 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 1)
3/04 SB 2609 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 1)
2/28 SB 29 Requires Paint Manufacturers to Establish Recycling Programs Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
2/25 SB 116 Amends Patent Laws Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
2/20 SB 694 Amends Payday Loan Terms and Interest Rates Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
2/18 SB 6 Prohibits Sale of Medicines Containing Pseudoephedrine without Prescription Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
2/14 SJR 13 Increases the Minimum Wage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 17)
2/14 SJR 13 Increases the Minimum Wage Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (24 - 17)
2/11 SB 168 Prohibits Smoking in Public Places Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 8)
2/11 SB 590 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
2/11 SB 590 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 20)
2/05 SB 75 Prohibits the Sale of Alcoholic Products with Alcohol Content Above 95 Percent Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 10)
2/04 SB 404 Establishes Regulations for High-Fence Hunting Preserves Bill Failed - Senate (25 - 23)
2/04 SB 91 Repeals Common Core Standards Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
2/03 SB 340 Amends Customer Participation Requirements in Certain Energy Efficiency Programs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 11)
1/30 SB 6 Increases the State Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
1/30 SB 383 Authorizes Businesses to Collect Certain Cardholder Information in Online Transactions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
1/30 SB 217 Prohibits Employees from Being Required to Join a Labor Union Bill Failed - Senate (11 - 13)

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