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
Dec. 21, 2020 OR HB 4402 Establishes Liability Immunity from COVID-19 Related Lawsuits for Schools Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 4)
Dec. 18, 2020 MI HB 4223 Requires Dental Screenings for Children Attending Public School Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
Dec. 17, 2020 NJ A 4454 Requires School Districts to Include Instruction on Diversity and Inclusion as Part of New Education Standards Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
Dec. 3, 2020 OH HB 231 Requires Public Schools Establish a Food Allergy Training Program Bill Passed - House (95 - 1)
Dec. 3, 2020 OH HB 305 Authorizes Alternative Funding Methods for Public Schools Bill Passed - House (87 - 9)
Dec. 2, 2020 CO HB 20B-1001 Appropriates Funds for Grants to Improve Broadband Internet Access for Preschool Education Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 10)
Dec. 2, 2020 OH SB 40 Prohibits State Universities from Enacting Limitations on Campus Free Speech Bill Passed - House (66 - 27)
Nov. 20, 2020 National HR 8294 National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 Bill Passed - House (246 - 140)
Nov. 19, 2020 OH SB 89 Authorizes EdChoice Expansion in School Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - House (53 - 36)
Nov. 19, 2020 OH HB 310 Increases Penalties for Bullying and Hazing Bill Passed - House (74 - 14)
Nov. 18, 2020 PA SB 1216 Authorizes the Issuance of Temporary Teaching Certificates Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Nov. 18, 2020 OH SB 89 Authorizes EdChoice Expansion in School Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 8)
Nov. 18, 2020 OH SB 317 Authorizes Teachers to Carry Firearms on School Grounds if Approved by the School Board Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
Nov. 16, 2020 NJ A 4410 Establishes the Community College Opportunity Grant Program Bill Passed - House (52 - 18)
Oct. 29, 2020 NJ A 4545 Requires Instruction on Racial Discrimination, Social Justice, Diversity, and Inclusion Bill Passed - House (56 - 7)
Oct. 12, 2020 LA SB 31 Prohibits the Use of Statewide Assessments to Evaluate Teacher Performance or Student Placement in the 2020-2021 School Year Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
Oct. 12, 2020 LA SB 31 Prohibits the Use of Statewide Assessments to Evaluate Teacher Performance or Student Placement in the 2020-2021 School Year Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
Sept. 23, 2020 MI SB 927 Authorizes an Increase in Funding for Education Conference Report Adopted - House (103 - 2)
Sept. 23, 2020 MI SB 927 Authorizes an Increase in Funding for Education Conference Report Adopted - House (103 - 2)
Sept. 23, 2020 MI SB 927 Authorizes an Increase in Funding for Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 1)
Sept. 23, 2020 MI SB 927 Authorizes an Increase in Funding for Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 1)
Sept. 16, 2020 National HR 2574 Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (232 - 188)
Sept. 15, 2020 National HR 2639 Strength in Diversity Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (248 - 167)
Sept. 9, 2020 MI SB 171 Repeals the 2024 Expiration Date on the Career-Tech or Arts Class for Foreign Language Credit Exchange Program Bill Passed - House (67 - 38)
Sept. 9, 2020 MI SB 171 Repeals the 2024 Expiration Date on the Career-Tech or Arts Class for Foreign Language Credit Exchange Program Bill Passed - House (67 - 38)
Sept. 9, 2020 PA HB 2787 Authorizes Individual School Districts to Make Decisions Surrounding Activities and COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
Sept. 2, 2020 NC HB 1105 Appropriates COVID Relief Checks to Parents Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
Sept. 2, 2020 NC HB 1105 Appropriates COVID Relief Checks to Parents Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
Sept. 2, 2020 PA HB 2787 Authorizes Individual School Districts to Make Decisions Surrounding Activities and COVID-19 Bill Passed - House (155 - 47)
Sept. 2, 2020 PA HB 2788 Authorizes Students to Repeat a Grade Level Due to COVID-19 Bill Passed - House (197 - 5)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA AB 331 Establishes One Credit of Ethnic and Racial Studies as a High School Graduation Requirement Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 12)
Aug. 31, 2020 CA SB 493 Requires State-Funded Colleges to Clarify Sexual Assault Allegation Procedures Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
Aug. 30, 2020 CA AB 376 Establishes Protections for Student Loan Borrowers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 15)
Aug. 28, 2020 CA AB 376 Establishes Protections for Student Loan Borrowers Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
Aug. 27, 2020 NJ A 4006 Authorizes a Postponement of NJQSAC for Certain School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Aug. 27, 2020 NJ A 4006 Authorizes a Postponement of NJQSAC for Certain School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Aug. 26, 2020 ID H 6 Establishes Liability Protections for Businesses, Schools, and Cities during COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
Aug. 26, 2020 ID H 6 Establishes Liability Protections for Businesses, Schools, and Cities during COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - House (54 - 15)
Aug. 24, 2020 CA AB 901 Limits a School District's Ability to Refer Students to Probation Officers Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
Aug. 24, 2020 CA AB 901 Limits a School District's Ability to Refer Students to Probation Officers Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
Aug. 17, 2020 MI HB 5913 Requires School Districts to Administer Math and Reading Exams During E-Learning Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 33)
Aug. 17, 2020 MI HB 5913 Requires School Districts to Administer Math and Reading Exams During E-Learning Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 33)
Aug. 15, 2020 MI HB 5913 Requires School Districts to Administer Math and Reading Exams During E-Learning Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Aug. 15, 2020 MI HB 5913 Requires School Districts to Administer Math and Reading Exams During E-Learning Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Aug. 13, 2020 NE LB 515 Authorizes Suspended or Expelled Students to Complete Their Coursework Out of School Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
Aug. 13, 2020 NE LB 1089 Requires Filling out a FAFSA Form to Graduate Highschool Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 12)
Aug. 10, 2020 MS HB 1806 Increases Funding to the Department of Education Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
Aug. 10, 2020 MS HB 1806 Increases Funding to the Department of Education Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
July 30, 2020 NJ S 971 Authorizes Compensation for College Athletes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
July 30, 2020 NJ S 971 Authorizes Compensation for College Athletes Bill Passed - House (56 - 16)
July 30, 2020 NJ A 4250 Authorizes Remote Online Notarizations Bill Passed - House (53 - 20)
July 28, 2020 MA S 2844 Repeals Previous Restrictions on Students with Disabilities Attending Universities of Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
July 22, 2020 MI HB 5913 Requires School Districts to Administer Math and Reading Exams During E-Learning Bill Passed - House (55 - 49)
July 22, 2020 MI HB 5911 Expands Access to Virtual Classes at Parental Request Due to Health Concerns Bill Passed - House (57 - 47)
July 22, 2020 MI HB 5911 Expands Access to Virtual Classes at Parental Request Due to Health Concerns Bill Passed - House (57 - 47)
July 22, 2020 MI HB 5910 Authorizes School Districts to Adopt Programs for E-Learning Days (56 - 48)
July 22, 2020 MI HB 5912 Requires Districts to Have at Least 75 Percent Attendance to Avoid Prorated Funding Bill Passed - House (57 - 47)
July 22, 2020 MI HB 5913 Requires School Districts to Administer Math and Reading Exams During E-Learning Bill Passed - House (55 - 49)
July 21, 2020 NY S 6648 Requires Instruction Regarding Symbols of Hate for Grades 6-12 Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 1)
July 15, 2020 PA SB 1216 Authorizes the Issuance of Temporary Teaching Certificates Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
June 30, 2020 NH HB 1558 Amends School Disciplinary Policies to Address Behavioral Needs Concurrence Vote Passed - House (201 - 129)
June 29, 2020 CA SB 98 Establishes Distance Education Guidance and Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
June 29, 2020 NJ S 2273 Amends Teacher Health Benefits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
June 26, 2020 National H J Res 76 Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Borrower Defense Institutional Accountability" Veto Override Failed - House (238 - 173)
June 26, 2020 NC SB 681 Requires Credit in the Arts in Order to Graduate Conference Report Adopted - House (87 - 21)
June 26, 2020 CA SB 98 Establishes Distance Education Guidance and Standards Bill Passed - House (57 - 17)
June 26, 2020 NC SB 681 Requires Credit in the Arts in Order to Graduate Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9)
June 18, 2020 CA AB 1460 Requires Ethnic Studies Course Completion in State Universities Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
June 17, 2020 NC SB 818 Authorizes Bonuses for Public School Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - House (84 - 35)
June 17, 2020 NC SB 818 Authorizes Bonuses for Public School Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - House (84 - 35)
June 16, 2020 NH HB 1454 Authorizes Credit for Alternative Learning and Work Programs "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 9)
June 15, 2020 NC SB 818 Authorizes Bonuses for Public School Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
June 15, 2020 NC SB 818 Authorizes Bonuses for Public School Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
June 13, 2020 CO SB 20-163 Amends the Definition for Nonmedical Exemptions for School Immunization Policies Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 13)
June 13, 2020 IA SF 2310 Establishes Educational Instructional Requirements for Online Learning Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
Date No. Title Outcome
12/21 HB 4402 Establishes Liability Immunity from COVID-19 Related Lawsuits for Schools Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 4)
12/18 HB 4223 Requires Dental Screenings for Children Attending Public School Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
12/17 A 4454 Requires School Districts to Include Instruction on Diversity and Inclusion as Part of New Education Standards Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 13)
12/03 HB 231 Requires Public Schools Establish a Food Allergy Training Program Bill Passed - House (95 - 1)
12/03 HB 305 Authorizes Alternative Funding Methods for Public Schools Bill Passed - House (87 - 9)
12/02 HB 20B-1001 Appropriates Funds for Grants to Improve Broadband Internet Access for Preschool Education Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 10)
12/02 SB 40 Prohibits State Universities from Enacting Limitations on Campus Free Speech Bill Passed - House (66 - 27)
11/20 HR 8294 National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 Bill Passed - House (246 - 140)
11/19 SB 89 Authorizes EdChoice Expansion in School Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - House (53 - 36)
11/19 HB 310 Increases Penalties for Bullying and Hazing Bill Passed - House (74 - 14)
11/18 SB 1216 Authorizes the Issuance of Temporary Teaching Certificates Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 0)
11/18 SB 89 Authorizes EdChoice Expansion in School Appropriations Conference Report Adopted - Senate (24 - 8)
11/18 SB 317 Authorizes Teachers to Carry Firearms on School Grounds if Approved by the School Board Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 11)
11/16 A 4410 Establishes the Community College Opportunity Grant Program Bill Passed - House (52 - 18)
10/29 A 4545 Requires Instruction on Racial Discrimination, Social Justice, Diversity, and Inclusion Bill Passed - House (56 - 7)
10/12 SB 31 Prohibits the Use of Statewide Assessments to Evaluate Teacher Performance or Student Placement in the 2020-2021 School Year Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
10/12 SB 31 Prohibits the Use of Statewide Assessments to Evaluate Teacher Performance or Student Placement in the 2020-2021 School Year Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
9/23 SB 927 Authorizes an Increase in Funding for Education Conference Report Adopted - House (103 - 2)
9/23 SB 927 Authorizes an Increase in Funding for Education Conference Report Adopted - House (103 - 2)
9/23 SB 927 Authorizes an Increase in Funding for Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 1)
9/23 SB 927 Authorizes an Increase in Funding for Education Conference Report Adopted - Senate (36 - 1)
9/16 HR 2574 Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (232 - 188)
9/15 HR 2639 Strength in Diversity Act of 2019 Bill Passed - House (248 - 167)
9/09 SB 171 Repeals the 2024 Expiration Date on the Career-Tech or Arts Class for Foreign Language Credit Exchange Program Bill Passed - House (67 - 38)
9/09 SB 171 Repeals the 2024 Expiration Date on the Career-Tech or Arts Class for Foreign Language Credit Exchange Program Bill Passed - House (67 - 38)
9/09 HB 2787 Authorizes Individual School Districts to Make Decisions Surrounding Activities and COVID-19 Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 11)
9/02 HB 1105 Appropriates COVID Relief Checks to Parents Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
9/02 HB 1105 Appropriates COVID Relief Checks to Parents Bill Passed - Senate (44 - 5)
9/02 HB 2787 Authorizes Individual School Districts to Make Decisions Surrounding Activities and COVID-19 Bill Passed - House (155 - 47)
9/02 HB 2788 Authorizes Students to Repeat a Grade Level Due to COVID-19 Bill Passed - House (197 - 5)
8/31 AB 331 Establishes One Credit of Ethnic and Racial Studies as a High School Graduation Requirement Concurrence Vote Passed - House (62 - 12)
8/31 SB 493 Requires State-Funded Colleges to Clarify Sexual Assault Allegation Procedures Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 8)
8/30 AB 376 Establishes Protections for Student Loan Borrowers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (57 - 15)
8/28 AB 376 Establishes Protections for Student Loan Borrowers Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
8/27 A 4006 Authorizes a Postponement of NJQSAC for Certain School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
8/27 A 4006 Authorizes a Postponement of NJQSAC for Certain School Districts Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
8/26 H 6 Establishes Liability Protections for Businesses, Schools, and Cities during COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
8/26 H 6 Establishes Liability Protections for Businesses, Schools, and Cities during COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - House (54 - 15)
8/24 AB 901 Limits a School District's Ability to Refer Students to Probation Officers Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
8/24 AB 901 Limits a School District's Ability to Refer Students to Probation Officers Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
8/17 HB 5913 Requires School Districts to Administer Math and Reading Exams During E-Learning Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 33)
8/17 HB 5913 Requires School Districts to Administer Math and Reading Exams During E-Learning Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 33)
8/15 HB 5913 Requires School Districts to Administer Math and Reading Exams During E-Learning Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
8/15 HB 5913 Requires School Districts to Administer Math and Reading Exams During E-Learning Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
8/13 LB 515 Authorizes Suspended or Expelled Students to Complete Their Coursework Out of School Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
8/13 LB 1089 Requires Filling out a FAFSA Form to Graduate Highschool Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 12)
8/10 HB 1806 Increases Funding to the Department of Education Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
8/10 HB 1806 Increases Funding to the Department of Education Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 12)
7/30 S 971 Authorizes Compensation for College Athletes Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 9)
7/30 S 971 Authorizes Compensation for College Athletes Bill Passed - House (56 - 16)
7/30 A 4250 Authorizes Remote Online Notarizations Bill Passed - House (53 - 20)
7/28 S 2844 Repeals Previous Restrictions on Students with Disabilities Attending Universities of Higher Education Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
7/22 HB 5913 Requires School Districts to Administer Math and Reading Exams During E-Learning Bill Passed - House (55 - 49)
7/22 HB 5911 Expands Access to Virtual Classes at Parental Request Due to Health Concerns Bill Passed - House (57 - 47)
7/22 HB 5911 Expands Access to Virtual Classes at Parental Request Due to Health Concerns Bill Passed - House (57 - 47)
7/22 HB 5910 Authorizes School Districts to Adopt Programs for E-Learning Days (56 - 48)
7/22 HB 5912 Requires Districts to Have at Least 75 Percent Attendance to Avoid Prorated Funding Bill Passed - House (57 - 47)
7/22 HB 5913 Requires School Districts to Administer Math and Reading Exams During E-Learning Bill Passed - House (55 - 49)
7/21 S 6648 Requires Instruction Regarding Symbols of Hate for Grades 6-12 Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 1)
7/15 SB 1216 Authorizes the Issuance of Temporary Teaching Certificates Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
6/30 HB 1558 Amends School Disciplinary Policies to Address Behavioral Needs Concurrence Vote Passed - House (201 - 129)
6/29 SB 98 Establishes Distance Education Guidance and Standards Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
6/29 S 2273 Amends Teacher Health Benefits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
6/26 H J Res 76 Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Borrower Defense Institutional Accountability" Veto Override Failed - House (238 - 173)
6/26 SB 681 Requires Credit in the Arts in Order to Graduate Conference Report Adopted - House (87 - 21)
6/26 SB 98 Establishes Distance Education Guidance and Standards Bill Passed - House (57 - 17)
6/26 SB 681 Requires Credit in the Arts in Order to Graduate Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 9)
6/18 AB 1460 Requires Ethnic Studies Course Completion in State Universities Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
6/17 SB 818 Authorizes Bonuses for Public School Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - House (84 - 35)
6/17 SB 818 Authorizes Bonuses for Public School Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - House (84 - 35)
6/16 HB 1454 Authorizes Credit for Alternative Learning and Work Programs "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (15 - 9)
6/15 SB 818 Authorizes Bonuses for Public School Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
6/15 SB 818 Authorizes Bonuses for Public School Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
6/13 SB 20-163 Amends the Definition for Nonmedical Exemptions for School Immunization Policies Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 13)
6/13 SF 2310 Establishes Educational Instructional Requirements for Online Learning Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (49 - 0)

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