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 23, 2020 | AK | HB 232 | Authorizes Local Governments to Create Property Tax Credits to Increase Efficiency and Local Air Quality | Bill Passed - House (31 - 4) |
| Feb. 13, 2020 | AZ | HB 2686 | Amends Local Government Utility Regulations | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10) |
| Feb. 12, 2020 | AZ | HB 2686 | Amends Local Government Utility Regulations | Bill Passed - House (36 - 23) |
| Aug. 30, 2020 | CA | AB 2147 | Authorizes Certain Defendants that Participate in the California Conversation Camp Program to File Petitions for Relief | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 12) |
| Aug. 30, 2020 | CA | AB 826 | Establishes a Disaster Food Assistance Program | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9) |
| June 26, 2020 | CA | SB 1215 | Appropriates Funds to Assist Municipalities with Power Outages | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8) |
| June 8, 2020 | CA | AB 3030 | Requires Protection for 30 Percent of State's Land and Waters by 2030 | Bill Passed - House (45 - 19) |
| June 26, 2020 | CA | SB 1175 | Prohibits Importation and Possession of Wild Animals | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 8) |
| June 10, 2020 | CA | AB 3214 | Increases Penalties for Oil Spills | Bill Passed - House (41 - 28) |
| Dec. 2, 2020 | CO | SB 20B-003 | Appropriates Funds for Energy Utility Bill Payment Assistance | Bill Passed - House (59 - 5) |
| June 10, 2020 | CO | HB 20-1143 | Increases Maximum Fines for Air and Water Quality Violations | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14) |
| June 11, 2020 | CO | HB 20-1265 | Establishes an Emergency Notification Service for Air Quality Incidents | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| June 11, 2020 | CO | HB 20-1265 | Establishes an Emergency Notification Service for Air Quality Incidents | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| June 10, 2020 | CO | HB 20-1143 | Increases Maximum Fines for Air and Water Quality Violations | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 14) |
| June 10, 2020 | CO | HB 20-1343 | Requires Colorado Eggs to be Cage-Free by 2025 | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| June 10, 2020 | CO | HB 20-1343 | Requires Colorado Eggs to be Cage-Free by 2025 | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 16) |
| June 5, 2020 | CO | HB 20-1143 | Increases Maximum Fines for Air and Water Quality Violations | Bill Passed - House (40 - 24) |
| June 5, 2020 | CO | HB 20-1143 | Increases Maximum Fines for Air and Water Quality Violations | Bill Passed - House (40 - 24) |
| Oct. 1, 2020 | CT | HB 7001 | Amends The Connecticut Property Transfer Act of 1985 | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0) |
| Oct. 1, 2020 | CT | HB 7008 | Expands the Existing Environmental Justice Law | Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1) |
| Jan. 23, 2020 | DE | SB 139 | Establishes Requirements for the Treatment of Dogs in Cold Weather | Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5) |
| March 10, 2020 | FL | SB 172 | Prohibits Local Governments from Prohibiting Certain Drugs and Cosmetics | Bill Passed - House (68 - 47) |
| Jan. 29, 2020 | FL | SB 172 | Prohibits Local Governments from Prohibiting Certain Drugs and Cosmetics | Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 14) |
| June 25, 2020 | GA | SB 211 | Requires Clear Product Labeling on Plant-Based Meat Alternatives | Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (43 - 8) |
| June 18, 2020 | GA | HB 545 | Reduces Statute of Limitations for Certain Nuisance Lawsuits | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 21) |
| June 23, 2020 | GA | HB 879 | Authorizes Retailers to Deliver Alcohol to Residents | Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 9) |
| March 10, 2020 | GA | HB 879 | Authorizes Retailers to Deliver Alcohol to Residents | Bill Passed - House (110 - 54) |
| July 1, 2020 | HI | SB 2629 | Prohibits Burning Coal After 2022 | Bill Passed - House (46 - 5) |
| July 1, 2020 | HI | SB 2629 | Prohibits Burning Coal After 2022 | Bill Passed - House (46 - 5) |
| June 5, 2020 | IA | SF 2413 | Increases Penalties for Trespassing on Animal Food Operations | Bill Passed - House (59 - 37) |
| June 5, 2020 | IA | SF 2413 | Increases Penalties for Trespassing on Animal Food Operations | Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 11) |
| March 3, 2020 | IN | SB 229 | Removes State Oversight of Certain Drains Near Wetlands | Bill Passed - House (58 - 37) |
| Feb. 3, 2020 | IN | SB 438 | Establishes Regulations for Pesticides | Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 9) |
| Feb. 3, 2020 | IN | HB 1414 | Requires Notification from Utility Companies Prior to Closure of Energy Plant | Bill Passed - House (52 - 41) |
| May 15, 2020 | LA | HB 173 | Expands Parole Eligibility for Certain Juvenile Offenders | Bill Passed - House (68 - 22) |
| May 20, 2020 | LA | SB 440 | Limits Environmental Lawsuits Against Oil and Gas Companies | Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15) |
| March 18, 2020 | MD | HB 732 | Increases Tobacco Tax and Establishes Vaping Tax | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (88 - 47) |
| March 17, 2020 | MD | HB 732 | Increases Tobacco Tax and Establishes Vaping Tax | Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 16) |
| March 18, 2020 | MD | SB 300 | Prohibits Use of Chlorpyrifos | Bill Passed - House (94 - 37) |
| March 3, 2020 | MD | SB 300 | Prohibits Use of Chlorpyrifos | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14) |
| March 12, 2020 | ME | LD 13 | Authorizes a Streamlined Process for Microgrid Implementation | Bill Passed - House (85 - 54) |
| March 12, 2020 | ME | LD 1894 | Increases Purchases of Electric School Buses | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 10) |
| Sept. 30, 2020 | MI | HB 4332 | Authorizes Use of Pneumatic Guns | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15) |
| Feb. 6, 2020 | MI | HB 4567 | Amends Fishing Regulations | Bill Passed - House (72 - 32) |
| Dec. 2, 2020 | MI | HB 6233 | Prohibits Direct or Indirect Ownership of Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Facilities by Motor Vehicle Manufacturers | Bill Passed - House (65 - 39) |
| May 11, 2020 | MN | HF 4502 | Increases the Minnesota Conservation Program's Energy Savings Goal | Bill Passed - House (79 - 55) |
| May 11, 2020 | MN | HF 4502 | Increases the Minnesota Conservation Program's Energy Savings Goal | Bill Passed - House (79 - 55) |
| July 22, 2020 | National | HR 1957 | Great American Outdoors Act | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (310 - 107) |
| July 22, 2020 | National | HR 1957 | Great American Outdoors Act | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (310 - 107) |
| June 17, 2020 | National | HR 1957 | Great American Outdoors Act | Bill Passed - Senate (73 - 25) |
| June 17, 2020 | National | HR 1957 | Great American Outdoors Act | Bill Passed - Senate (73 - 25) |
| Dec. 3, 2020 | National | HR 1380 | Big Cat Public Safety Act | Bill Passed - House (272 - 114) |
| Sept. 24, 2020 | National | HR 4447 | Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019 | Bill Passed - House (220 - 185) |
| Sept. 24, 2020 | National | HR 4447 | Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act of 2019 | Bill Passed - House (220 - 185) |
| Jan. 10, 2020 | National | HR 535 | PFAS Action Act | Bill Passed - House (247 - 159) |
| Feb. 12, 2020 | National | HR 2546 | Protecting Americas Wilderness Act | Bill Passed - House (231 - 183) |
| June 3, 2020 | NC | SB 315 | Establishes Regulations on Hemp and Other Farming Industries | Conference Report Adopted - House (86 - 34) |
| Aug. 11, 2020 | NE | LB 424 | Amends the Nebraska Municipal Land Bank Act | Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 12) |
| Sept. 17, 2020 | NH | SB 159 | Increases Net Metering Capacity for Customer-Generators | Veto Override Failed - House (207 - 130) |
| March 5, 2020 | NH | SB 159 | Increases Net Metering Capacity for Customer-Generators | Veto Override Passed - Senate (17 - 7) |
| June 30, 2020 | NH | HB 1264 | Establishes Maximum Contaminant Limits for Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) in Drinking Water | Concurrence Vote Passed - House (210 - 116) |
| Jan. 9, 2020 | NH | HB 102 | Authorizes Municipalities to Regulate Single-Use Bags | "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (215 - 151) |
| Sept. 24, 2020 | NJ | S 864 | Prohibits Single-Use Plastic Bags and Styrofoam Containers | Bill Passed - House (47 - 24) |
| Dec. 17, 2020 | NJ | S 2607 | Requires Municipal Master Plans to Factor in Climate Change | Bill Passed - House (51 - 28) |
| March 5, 2020 | NJ | A 2371 | Requires Recycling of Food Waste | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17) |
| March 5, 2020 | NJ | A 2371 | Requires Recycling of Food Waste | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17) |
| Aug. 27, 2020 | NJ | S 232 | Requires the Evaluation of Environmental and Public Health Stressors | Bill Passed - House (49 - 28) |
| Aug. 27, 2020 | NJ | S 232 | Requires the Evaluation of Environmental and Public Health Stressors | Bill Passed - House (49 - 28) |
| Aug. 27, 2020 | NJ | A 3367 | Requires Installment of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Common Interest Communities | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2) |
| Aug. 27, 2020 | NJ | A 3367 | Requires Installment of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Common Interest Communities | Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2) |
| June 29, 2020 | NJ | S 232 | Requires the Evaluation of Environmental and Public Health Stressors | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14) |
| Aug. 27, 2020 | NJ | S 2607 | Requires Municipal Master Plans to Factor in Climate Change | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11) |
| March 5, 2020 | NJ | S 864 | Prohibits Single-Use Plastic Bags and Styrofoam Containers | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14) |
| June 29, 2020 | NJ | S 232 | Requires the Evaluation of Environmental and Public Health Stressors | Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 14) |
| Feb. 24, 2020 | NJ | A 2371 | Requires Recycling of Food Waste | Bill Passed - House (49 - 28) |
| Feb. 24, 2020 | NJ | A 2371 | Requires Recycling of Food Waste | Bill Passed - House (49 - 28) |
| Nov. 16, 2020 | NJ | S 2484 | Establishes the Office of Clean Energy Equity | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10) |
| Nov. 16, 2020 | NJ | S 2484 | Establishes the Office of Clean Energy Equity | Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10) |
| Feb. 19, 2020 | NM | SB 29 | Establishes a Solar Market Development Income Tax Credit | Bill Passed - House (51 - 19) |
| Feb. 8, 2020 | NM | HB 50 | Authorizes Transmission Line Projects for Industrial Revenue Bonds | Bill Passed - House (48 - 21) |
| Feb. 18, 2020 | NM | SB 2 | Establishes an Electric Vehicle Tax Credit | Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 18) |
| Feb. 15, 2020 | NM | SB 29 | Establishes a Solar Market Development Income Tax Credit | Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 6) |
| Aug. 2, 2020 | NV | AJR 2 | Amends the State Constitution to Increase Taxes on Mining Proceeeds | Resolution Passed - Senate (14 - 7) |
| Aug. 2, 2020 | NV | SJR 1 | Amends the State Constitution to Increase Taxes on Mining Proceeds | Joint Resolution Passed - House (25 - 17) |
| Aug. 2, 2020 | NV | AJR 1 | Increases Tax on Mining Companies | Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
| Aug. 2, 2020 | NV | AJR 2 | Amends the State Constitution to Increase Taxes on Mining Proceeeds | Resolution Passed - House (29 - 13) |
| Aug. 1, 2020 | NV | SJR 1 | Amends the State Constitution to Increase Taxes on Mining Proceeds | Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (13 - 8) |
| Aug. 2, 2020 | NV | AJR 1 | Increases Tax on Mining Companies | Bill Passed - House (29 - 13) |
| July 21, 2020 | NY | S 5612 | Increases Protections of Certain Streams and Protected Waterways | Bill Passed - Senate (43 - 17) |
| June 10, 2020 | NY | S 8075 | Amends Tax Law to Include Nuclear Fuel From Ceased Plants | Bill Passed - House (114 - 30) |
| July 22, 2020 | NY | S 6502 | Prohibits the Use of Glyphosate on State Property | Bill Passed - House (100 - 42) |
| July 22, 2020 | NY | S 8247 | Authorizes Online Grocery Purchases for SNAP Recipients | Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 1) |
| Feb. 12, 2020 | NY | A 8349 | Increases Protections of Certain Streams and Protected Waterways | Bill Passed - House (113 - 31) |
| July 22, 2020 | NY | S 6502 | Prohibits the Use of Glyphosate on State Property | Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 15) |
| June 9, 2020 | NY | S 8075 | Amends Tax Law to Include Nuclear Fuel From Ceased Plants | Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 17) |
| July 21, 2020 | NY | S 4234 | Prohibits the Sale of Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits by Retail Pet Shops | Bill Passed - Senate (47 - 13) |
| May 27, 2020 | OH | HB 242 | Prohibits Local Government from Enacting Fees on Plastic Bags in Stores | Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9) |
| Dec. 3, 2020 | OH | SCR 8 | Authorizes Congress to Pass the Sunshine Protection Act of 2019 and Make Daylight Savings Time Permanent Nationwide | Bill Passed - House (61 - 32) |
| June 11, 2020 | OH | HB 33 | Requires Social Service Professionals to Alert Authorities When They Suspect Animal Abuse | Bill Passed - House (90 - 2) |
| Feb. 20, 2020 | OH | HR 247 | Rescinds the E-Check Program | Resolution Passed - House (62 - 29) |