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.


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Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
Oct. 18, 2017 PA HB 178 Amends Public School Code Concurrence Vote Passed - House (105 - 81)
Oct. 18, 2017 MI SB 574 Authorizes Charter Schools to Collect Revenues From Enhancement Millages Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
Sept. 19, 2017 RI S 608 Requires Notification of Sex Offenders Living Near School Bus Stops Bill Passed - House (61 - 0)
Sept. 5, 2017 CA AB 841 Restricts Marketing of Unhealthy Foods in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
Aug. 28, 2017 IL SB 1947 Establishes School Funding Plan Bill Passed - House (73 - 34)
Aug. 13, 2017 IL SB 1 Specifies School Funding Reallocation Veto Override Passed - Senate (38 - 19)
Aug. 13, 2017 IL SB 1 Specifies School Funding Reallocation Veto Override Passed - Senate (38 - 19)
July 26, 2017 TX SB 3 Amends Regulations of Public and Charter School Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
July 25, 2017 TX SB 2 Appropriates Funds for Private School Scholarships Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
July 9, 2017 PA HB 97 Authorizes Budget Cuts for Low-Performing Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
July 9, 2017 PA HB 97 Authorizes Budget Cuts for Low-Performing Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
June 22, 2017 OH HB 170 Authorizes Students to Take Computer Science in Lieu of Algebra II Bill Passed - House (83 - 12)
June 22, 2017 OH HB 170 Authorizes Students to Take Computer Science in Lieu of Algebra II Bill Passed - House (83 - 12)
June 21, 2017 WI AB 299 Authorizes Free Speech on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (61 - 36)
June 20, 2017 MI SB 401 Amends Teacher Retirement Plans Bill Passed - House (55 - 51)
June 19, 2017 NJ S 3067 Prohibits Transgender Discrimination in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
June 15, 2017 MI SB 401 Amends Teacher Retirement Plans Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
June 15, 2017 MI HB 4647 Establishes Teacher Pension Plan Bill Passed - House (55 - 52)
June 6, 2017 RI S 608 Requires Notification of Sex Offenders Living Near School Bus Stops Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
June 1, 2017 NH SB 8 Authorizes Overpopulated Public Schools to Transfer Students Elsewhere Bill Passed - House (210 - 147)
May 31, 2017 IL SB 1 Specifies School Funding Reallocation Bill Passed - House (60 - 52)
May 31, 2017 IL SB 1351 Establishes Laws Governing Student Loan Servicers Bill Passed - House (63 - 48)
May 30, 2017 CA SB 328 Amends School Start Time Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
May 17, 2017 IL SB 1 Specifies School Funding Reallocation Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
May 17, 2017 RI H 5457A Requires Parents to Take Course in Driver's Education Bill Passed - House (59 - 11)
May 10, 2017 IL SB 1351 Establishes Laws Governing Student Loan Servicers Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
May 9, 2017 AZ SB 1384 Prohibits Censorship of Student Media Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
May 9, 2017 CO HB 1375 Requires School Districts to Develop a Plan to Equitably Distribute Funds Bill Passed - House (65 - 0)
May 8, 2017 FL HB 7069 Establishes New Eligibility Criteria for Teacher Scholarships Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 18)
May 8, 2017 AZ SB 1384 Prohibits Censorship of Student Media Bill Passed - House (41 - 19)
May 5, 2017 FL HB 989 Authorizes Residents to Challenge School Textbooks Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
May 5, 2017 FL HB 989 Authorizes Residents to Challenge School Textbooks Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
May 4, 2017 TX HB 22 Amends Education Accountability Standards Bill Tabled - House (97 - 46)
May 2, 2017 NE LB 427 Requires Schools to Accommodate Pregnant and Parenting Students Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
May 1, 2017 TX SB 463 Amends High-School Diploma Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
April 27, 2017 TX SB 4 Prohibits Sanctuary Cities Bill Passed - House (94 - 53)
April 27, 2017 TX SB 457 Appropriates Funds for Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
April 26, 2017 IL HB 2977 Requires Public Schools to Provide Cursive Writing Courses Bill Passed - House (67 - 48)
April 26, 2017 IL HB 2977 Requires Public Schools to Provide Cursive Writing Courses Bill Passed - House (67 - 48)
April 25, 2017 NC HB 13 Establishes Maximum Class Size for Kindergarten Through Third Grade (48 - 1)
April 25, 2017 PA HB 97 Prohibits Failing Students from Continuing Online Charter School Bill Passed - House (108 - 84)
April 25, 2017 PA HB 97 Prohibits Failing Students from Continuing Online Charter School Bill Passed - House (108 - 84)
April 25, 2017 AZ SB 1042 Establishes New Requirements for Teacher Certification Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
April 20, 2017 FL HB 989 Authorizes Parents to Object to Instructional Material Bill Passed - House (94 - 25)
April 20, 2017 FL HB 989 Authorizes Parents to Object to Instructional Material Bill Passed - House (94 - 25)
April 13, 2017 FL HB 5105 Implements School Improvement and Education Accountability Bill Passed - House (77 - 40)
April 13, 2017 FL HB 7069 Establishes New Eligibility Criteria for Teacher Scholarships Bill Passed - House (79 - 38)
April 13, 2017 TN HB 531 Provides Free Commmunity College Education to Adults Bill Passed - House (87 - 6)
April 9, 2017 WV HB 2018 Reduces State Spending Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 37)
April 9, 2017 NY A 3009 Establishes State Fiscal Plan (53 - 4)
April 6, 2017 MD HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
April 6, 2017 MD HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Veto Override Passed - House (90 - 50)
April 6, 2017 MO HB 2 Appropriates Education Funds Bill Passed - House (119 - 34)
April 4, 2017 MN HF 890 Authorizes Education Funding Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 28)
April 4, 2017 IN HB 1384 Expands Indiana's Voucher Program Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
April 4, 2017 MN HF 890 Authorizes Education Funding Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 28)
April 4, 2017 AL SB 129 Establishes Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
April 4, 2017 TX SB 576 Establishes Reporting Standards for Sexual Assault on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
March 31, 2017 ND HB 1329 Authorizes Free Speech at Public Universities Bill Failed - Senate (7 - 37)
March 31, 2017 ND HB 1329 Authorizes Free Speech at Public Universities Bill Failed - Senate (7 - 37)
March 31, 2017 MN HF 890 Authorizes Education Funding Bill Passed - House (75 - 54)
March 31, 2017 MN HF 890 Authorizes Education Funding Bill Passed - House (75 - 54)
March 30, 2017 GA HB 280 Authorizes Concealed Carry on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (96 - 70)
March 30, 2017 TX SB 3 Appropriates State Funds for Education in Non-Rural Areas Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
March 30, 2017 TX SB 3 Appropriates State Funds for Education in Non-Rural Areas Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
March 30, 2017 TX SB 2 Appropriates Funds for Private School Scholarships Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
March 29, 2017 KY HB 128 Establishes Regulations for Elective Courses on Religious Literature Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
March 29, 2017 KY HB 128 Establishes Regulations for Elective Courses on Religious Literature Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
March 28, 2017 ND HB 1310 Amends Concealed Carry Laws Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 27)
March 26, 2017 NC HB 174 Authorizes Concealed Handguns at Certain Church Services Bill Passed - House (82 - 34)
March 24, 2017 MD HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
March 23, 2017 FL SB 436 Prohibits Discrimination Against Religious Expression in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
March 23, 2017 FL SB 436 Prohibits Discrimination Against Religious Expression in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
March 17, 2017 NM HB 241 Establishes New Standards of Evaluation for Teachers Veto Override Failed - House (36 - 31)
March 17, 2017 NM HB 241 Establishes New Standards of Evaluation for Teachers Veto Override Failed - House (36 - 31)
March 17, 2017 NM SB 374 Prohibits Public Shaming of Students Who Can't Pay for Lunch Bill Passed - House (60 - 0)
March 17, 2017 NM SB 374 Prohibits Public Shaming of Students Who Can't Pay for Lunch Bill Passed - House (60 - 0)
March 15, 2017 KY HB 520 Authorizes Charter Schools to Operate in Kentucky Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 43)
March 15, 2017 KY HB 520 Authorizes Charter Schools to Operate in Kentucky Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 43)
March 15, 2017 KY HB 520 Authorizes Charter Schools to Operate in Kentucky Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
March 15, 2017 KY HB 520 Authorizes Charter Schools to Operate in Kentucky Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
March 15, 2017 KY SB 1 Amends State Educational Standards Bill Passed - House (94 - 0)
March 10, 2017 MD HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Bill Passed - House (91 - 46)
March 9, 2017 NM SB 374 Prohibits Public Shaming of Students Who Can't Pay for Lunch Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
March 9, 2017 NM SB 374 Prohibits Public Shaming of Students Who Can't Pay for Lunch Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
March 6, 2017 KY SB 17 Authorizes Expression of Religious or Political Viewpoints in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
March 6, 2017 KY SB 17 Authorizes Expression of Religious or Political Viewpoints in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
March 6, 2017 KY SB 17 Authorizes Expression of Religious or Political Viewpoints in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
March 3, 2017 WY HB 236 Reduces the Education Budget Concurrence Vote Failed - House (9 - 51)
March 3, 2017 KY HB 520 Authorizes Charter Schools to Operate in Kentucky Bill Passed - House (56 - 39)
March 3, 2017 KY HB 520 Authorizes Charter Schools to Operate in Kentucky Bill Passed - House (56 - 39)
March 1, 2017 WY HB 236 Reduces the Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
Feb. 23, 2017 NH SB 8 Authorizes Overpopulated Public Schools to Transfer Students Elsewhere Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
Feb. 22, 2017 WA HB 1843 Amends Public Education Funding Formula Bill Passed - House (52 - 45)
Feb. 22, 2017 GA HB 37 Prohibits State Funding for Sanctuary Campuses Bill Passed - House (112 - 57)
Feb. 15, 2017 KY SB 1 Amends State Educational Standards Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
Feb. 7, 2017 National PN 37 Nomination of Elisabeth Prince DeVos to be Secretary of Education Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 50)
Feb. 7, 2017 WY HB 236 Reduces the Education Budget Bill Passed - House (43 - 16)
Feb. 6, 2017 IA SF 166 Authorizes School Funding Increase of 1.11 Percent Bill Passed - House (55 - 40)
Feb. 6, 2017 IA SF 166 Authorizes School Funding Increase of 1.11 Percent Bill Passed - House (55 - 40)
Date No. Title Outcome
10/18 HB 178 Amends Public School Code Concurrence Vote Passed - House (105 - 81)
10/18 SB 574 Authorizes Charter Schools to Collect Revenues From Enhancement Millages Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 14)
9/19 S 608 Requires Notification of Sex Offenders Living Near School Bus Stops Bill Passed - House (61 - 0)
9/05 AB 841 Restricts Marketing of Unhealthy Foods in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 13)
8/28 SB 1947 Establishes School Funding Plan Bill Passed - House (73 - 34)
8/13 SB 1 Specifies School Funding Reallocation Veto Override Passed - Senate (38 - 19)
8/13 SB 1 Specifies School Funding Reallocation Veto Override Passed - Senate (38 - 19)
7/26 SB 3 Amends Regulations of Public and Charter School Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 10)
7/25 SB 2 Appropriates Funds for Private School Scholarships Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 12)
7/09 HB 97 Authorizes Budget Cuts for Low-Performing Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
7/09 HB 97 Authorizes Budget Cuts for Low-Performing Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
6/22 HB 170 Authorizes Students to Take Computer Science in Lieu of Algebra II Bill Passed - House (83 - 12)
6/22 HB 170 Authorizes Students to Take Computer Science in Lieu of Algebra II Bill Passed - House (83 - 12)
6/21 AB 299 Authorizes Free Speech on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (61 - 36)
6/20 SB 401 Amends Teacher Retirement Plans Bill Passed - House (55 - 51)
6/19 S 3067 Prohibits Transgender Discrimination in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
6/15 SB 401 Amends Teacher Retirement Plans Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
6/15 HB 4647 Establishes Teacher Pension Plan Bill Passed - House (55 - 52)
6/06 S 608 Requires Notification of Sex Offenders Living Near School Bus Stops Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
6/01 SB 8 Authorizes Overpopulated Public Schools to Transfer Students Elsewhere Bill Passed - House (210 - 147)
5/31 SB 1 Specifies School Funding Reallocation Bill Passed - House (60 - 52)
5/31 SB 1351 Establishes Laws Governing Student Loan Servicers Bill Passed - House (63 - 48)
5/30 SB 328 Amends School Start Time Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
5/17 SB 1 Specifies School Funding Reallocation Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
5/17 H 5457A Requires Parents to Take Course in Driver's Education Bill Passed - House (59 - 11)
5/10 SB 1351 Establishes Laws Governing Student Loan Servicers Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 15)
5/09 SB 1384 Prohibits Censorship of Student Media Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 0)
5/09 HB 1375 Requires School Districts to Develop a Plan to Equitably Distribute Funds Bill Passed - House (65 - 0)
5/08 HB 7069 Establishes New Eligibility Criteria for Teacher Scholarships Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 18)
5/08 SB 1384 Prohibits Censorship of Student Media Bill Passed - House (41 - 19)
5/05 HB 989 Authorizes Residents to Challenge School Textbooks Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
5/05 HB 989 Authorizes Residents to Challenge School Textbooks Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 17)
5/04 HB 22 Amends Education Accountability Standards Bill Tabled - House (97 - 46)
5/02 LB 427 Requires Schools to Accommodate Pregnant and Parenting Students Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
5/01 SB 463 Amends High-School Diploma Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
4/27 SB 4 Prohibits Sanctuary Cities Bill Passed - House (94 - 53)
4/27 SB 457 Appropriates Funds for Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
4/26 HB 2977 Requires Public Schools to Provide Cursive Writing Courses Bill Passed - House (67 - 48)
4/26 HB 2977 Requires Public Schools to Provide Cursive Writing Courses Bill Passed - House (67 - 48)
4/25 HB 13 Establishes Maximum Class Size for Kindergarten Through Third Grade (48 - 1)
4/25 HB 97 Prohibits Failing Students from Continuing Online Charter School Bill Passed - House (108 - 84)
4/25 HB 97 Prohibits Failing Students from Continuing Online Charter School Bill Passed - House (108 - 84)
4/25 SB 1042 Establishes New Requirements for Teacher Certification Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
4/20 HB 989 Authorizes Parents to Object to Instructional Material Bill Passed - House (94 - 25)
4/20 HB 989 Authorizes Parents to Object to Instructional Material Bill Passed - House (94 - 25)
4/13 HB 5105 Implements School Improvement and Education Accountability Bill Passed - House (77 - 40)
4/13 HB 7069 Establishes New Eligibility Criteria for Teacher Scholarships Bill Passed - House (79 - 38)
4/13 HB 531 Provides Free Commmunity College Education to Adults Bill Passed - House (87 - 6)
4/09 HB 2018 Reduces State Spending Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 37)
4/09 A 3009 Establishes State Fiscal Plan (53 - 4)
4/06 HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
4/06 HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Veto Override Passed - House (90 - 50)
4/06 HB 2 Appropriates Education Funds Bill Passed - House (119 - 34)
4/04 HF 890 Authorizes Education Funding Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 28)
4/04 HB 1384 Expands Indiana's Voucher Program Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 12)
4/04 HF 890 Authorizes Education Funding Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 28)
4/04 SB 129 Establishes Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 2)
4/04 SB 576 Establishes Reporting Standards for Sexual Assault on College Campuses Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 1)
3/31 HB 1329 Authorizes Free Speech at Public Universities Bill Failed - Senate (7 - 37)
3/31 HB 1329 Authorizes Free Speech at Public Universities Bill Failed - Senate (7 - 37)
3/31 HF 890 Authorizes Education Funding Bill Passed - House (75 - 54)
3/31 HF 890 Authorizes Education Funding Bill Passed - House (75 - 54)
3/30 HB 280 Authorizes Concealed Carry on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (96 - 70)
3/30 SB 3 Appropriates State Funds for Education in Non-Rural Areas Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
3/30 SB 3 Appropriates State Funds for Education in Non-Rural Areas Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
3/30 SB 2 Appropriates Funds for Private School Scholarships Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 13)
3/29 HB 128 Establishes Regulations for Elective Courses on Religious Literature Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
3/29 HB 128 Establishes Regulations for Elective Courses on Religious Literature Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
3/28 HB 1310 Amends Concealed Carry Laws Bill Failed - Senate (18 - 27)
3/26 HB 174 Authorizes Concealed Handguns at Certain Church Services Bill Passed - House (82 - 34)
3/24 HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
3/23 SB 436 Prohibits Discrimination Against Religious Expression in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
3/23 SB 436 Prohibits Discrimination Against Religious Expression in Schools Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
3/17 HB 241 Establishes New Standards of Evaluation for Teachers Veto Override Failed - House (36 - 31)
3/17 HB 241 Establishes New Standards of Evaluation for Teachers Veto Override Failed - House (36 - 31)
3/17 SB 374 Prohibits Public Shaming of Students Who Can't Pay for Lunch Bill Passed - House (60 - 0)
3/17 SB 374 Prohibits Public Shaming of Students Who Can't Pay for Lunch Bill Passed - House (60 - 0)
3/15 HB 520 Authorizes Charter Schools to Operate in Kentucky Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 43)
3/15 HB 520 Authorizes Charter Schools to Operate in Kentucky Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 43)
3/15 HB 520 Authorizes Charter Schools to Operate in Kentucky Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
3/15 HB 520 Authorizes Charter Schools to Operate in Kentucky Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
3/15 SB 1 Amends State Educational Standards Bill Passed - House (94 - 0)
3/10 HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Bill Passed - House (91 - 46)
3/09 SB 374 Prohibits Public Shaming of Students Who Can't Pay for Lunch Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
3/09 SB 374 Prohibits Public Shaming of Students Who Can't Pay for Lunch Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
3/06 SB 17 Authorizes Expression of Religious or Political Viewpoints in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
3/06 SB 17 Authorizes Expression of Religious or Political Viewpoints in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
3/06 SB 17 Authorizes Expression of Religious or Political Viewpoints in Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
3/03 HB 236 Reduces the Education Budget Concurrence Vote Failed - House (9 - 51)
3/03 HB 520 Authorizes Charter Schools to Operate in Kentucky Bill Passed - House (56 - 39)
3/03 HB 520 Authorizes Charter Schools to Operate in Kentucky Bill Passed - House (56 - 39)
3/01 HB 236 Reduces the Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
2/23 SB 8 Authorizes Overpopulated Public Schools to Transfer Students Elsewhere Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 9)
2/22 HB 1843 Amends Public Education Funding Formula Bill Passed - House (52 - 45)
2/22 HB 37 Prohibits State Funding for Sanctuary Campuses Bill Passed - House (112 - 57)
2/15 SB 1 Amends State Educational Standards Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
2/07 PN 37 Nomination of Elisabeth Prince DeVos to be Secretary of Education Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 50)
2/07 HB 236 Reduces the Education Budget Bill Passed - House (43 - 16)
2/06 SF 166 Authorizes School Funding Increase of 1.11 Percent Bill Passed - House (55 - 40)
2/06 SF 166 Authorizes School Funding Increase of 1.11 Percent Bill Passed - House (55 - 40)

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