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
April 28, 2021 AK HB 76 Extends the Governor's Disaster Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
March 26, 2021 AK HB 76 Extends the Governor's Disaster Declaration Bill Passed - House (22 - 15)
Feb. 12, 2021 AK SR 2 Alleges the Governor Should Issue a New Disaster Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 6)
April 1, 2021 AL SB 97 Reduces the Power of the Public Health Officer During a Public Health Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
March 4, 2021 AZ HCR 2037 Authorizes a Simple Majority to Call a Special Session to Review Executive Powers Joint Resolution Passed - House (31 - 28)
Jan. 11, 2021 CA AR 7 Alleges that Donald Trump Should be Removed from Office Bill Passed - House (51 - 6)
March 25, 2021 CT HB 6672 Expands Governors Emergency Declarations for an Additional Month Bill Passed - House (90 - 50)
Sept. 28, 2021 CT SR 76 Authorizes Governor's Renewed Emergency Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Jan. 14, 2021 DE SCR 3 Extends Congratulations to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
April 7, 2021 ID H 214 Specifies Responsibilities of the Chairman of the Idaho State Tax Commission Veto Override Passed - House (62 - 7)
April 7, 2021 ID S 1136 Establishes Restrictions on the Governor's Authority During an Emergency Bill Passed - House (54 - 16)
March 17, 2021 ID H 214 Specifies Responsibilities of the Chairman of the Idaho State Tax Commission Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
May 5, 2021 ID S 1217 Limits the Governor's Powers During a State of Emergency Bill Passed - House (48 - 8)
May 5, 2021 ID S 1217 Limits the Governor's Powers During a State of Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
Feb. 16, 2021 ID H 135 Amends the Governor's Emergency Powers Bill Passed - House (49 - 20)
March 12, 2021 ID S 1136 Establishes Restrictions on the Governor's Authority During an Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
May 10, 2021 IN SB 5 Prohibits a Local Health Department from Implementing Orders More Restrictive than the Governor Veto Override Passed - House (59 - 30)
May 10, 2021 IN SB 5 Prohibits a Local Health Department from Implementing Orders More Restrictive than the Governor Veto Override Passed - Senate (36 - 10)
March 3, 2021 KS HB 2183 Limits the Governor's and the Secretary of States' Power in Elections Bill Passed - House (84 - 39)
March 11, 2021 KY SB 3 Amends Laws Related to Declaring an Emergency Related to the Agricultural Industry Veto Override Passed - House (72 - 21)
Feb. 2, 2021 KY SB 2 Increases Legislative Oversight Over Executive Orders Related to Emergencies Veto Override Passed - House (69 - 20)
March 29, 2021 KY HJR 77 Limits the Governor's Emergency Health Orders to 60 Days Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
Feb. 2, 2021 KY SB 1 Establishes a 30 Day Expiration Date on Executive Orders Restricting In Person Meetings Veto Override Passed - House (69 - 20)
Feb. 2, 2021 KY HB 5 Limits the Governor's Ability to Reorganize Executive Cabinets, Boards, Agencies, and Commissions Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
Feb. 2, 2021 KY HB 1 Authorizes Businesses, Organizations, and Schools to Remain Open if they are Following CDC Guidelines Regardless of Governor Mandate Veto Override Passed - House (72 - 22)
Feb. 2, 2021 KY SB 2 Increases Legislative Oversight Over Executive Orders Related to Emergencies Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
March 11, 2021 KY SB 3 Amends Laws Related to Declaring an Emergency Related to the Agricultural Industry Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
March 29, 2021 KY HJR 77 Limits the Governor's Emergency Health Orders to 60 Days Veto Override Passed - House (71 - 23)
Feb. 2, 2021 KY HB 5 Limits the Governor's Ability to Reorganize Executive Cabinets, Boards, Agencies, and Commissions Veto Override Passed - House (71 - 23)
Jan. 9, 2021 KY SB 1 Establishes a 30 Day Expiration Date on Executive Orders Restricting In Person Meetings Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
Jan. 9, 2021 KY HB 1 Authorizes Businesses, Organizations, and Schools to Remain Open if they are Following CDC Guidelines Regardless of Governor Mandate Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
Jan. 9, 2021 KY HB 5 Limits the Governor's Ability to Reorganize Executive Cabinets, Boards, Agencies, and Commissions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
Jan. 7, 2021 KY HB 5 Limits the Governor's Ability to Reorganize Executive Cabinets, Boards, Agencies, and Commissions Bill Passed - House (73 - 22)
April 1, 2021 MD HB 670 Repeals the Law Enforcement Officer's Bill of Rights and Replaces it With a Multistep System Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
March 11, 2021 MD HB 670 Repeals the Law Enforcement Officer's Bill of Rights and Replaces it With a Multistep System Bill Passed - House (96 - 40)
Sept. 1, 2021 MI HB 4061 Prohibits Using the Public Threat Alert System for Executive Orders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
March 3, 2021 MI HB 4061 Prohibits Using the Public Threat Alert System for Executive Orders Bill Passed - House (63 - 47)
March 11, 2021 MI SR 26 Authorizes the Senate Majority Leader to Sue the Governor Resolution Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
March 15, 2021 MN SF 4 Requires the Governor to Seek Approval Before Extending an Emergency Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 29)
Feb. 25, 2021 MT HB 429 Rescinds Gubernatorial Power to Suspend Election Laws During Emergencies Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
May 12, 2021 National PN 245 Nomination of Ronald Stroman as Governor of the United States Postal Service Nomination Confirmed - Senate (66 - 32)
Feb. 23, 2021 National PN 78-22 Nomination of Thomas J. Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture Nomination Confirmed - Senate (92 - 7)
Feb. 23, 2021 National PN 78-21 Nomination of Linda Thomas-Greenfield as Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations Nomination Confirmed - Senate (78 - 21)
June 22, 2021 National PN 220 Nomination of Kiran Ahuja to be Director of the Office of Personnel Management Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 50)
March 15, 2021 National PN 78-11 Nomination of Debra Haaland as Secretary of the Interior Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 40)
July 20, 2021 National PN 126 Nomination of Jennifer Abruzzo as General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 50)
March 1, 2021 National PN 78-5 Nomination of Miguel Cardona as Secretary of Education Nomination Confirmed - Senate (64 - 33)
March 2, 2021 National PN 78-15 Nomination of Gina Raimondo as Secretary of Commerce Nomination Confirmed - Senate (84 - 15)
Feb. 25, 2021 National PN 78-8 Nomination of Jennifer Granholm as Secretary of Energy Nomination Confirmed - Senate (64 - 35)
March 10, 2021 National PN 78-6 Nomination of Marcia Fudge as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Nomination Confirmed - Senate (66 - 34)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/28 HB 76 Extends the Governor's Disaster Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 7)
3/26 HB 76 Extends the Governor's Disaster Declaration Bill Passed - House (22 - 15)
2/12 SR 2 Alleges the Governor Should Issue a New Disaster Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (11 - 6)
4/01 SB 97 Reduces the Power of the Public Health Officer During a Public Health Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
3/04 HCR 2037 Authorizes a Simple Majority to Call a Special Session to Review Executive Powers Joint Resolution Passed - House (31 - 28)
1/11 AR 7 Alleges that Donald Trump Should be Removed from Office Bill Passed - House (51 - 6)
3/25 HB 6672 Expands Governors Emergency Declarations for an Additional Month Bill Passed - House (90 - 50)
9/28 SR 76 Authorizes Governor's Renewed Emergency Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
1/14 SCR 3 Extends Congratulations to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
4/07 H 214 Specifies Responsibilities of the Chairman of the Idaho State Tax Commission Veto Override Passed - House (62 - 7)
4/07 S 1136 Establishes Restrictions on the Governor's Authority During an Emergency Bill Passed - House (54 - 16)
3/17 H 214 Specifies Responsibilities of the Chairman of the Idaho State Tax Commission Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 9)
5/05 S 1217 Limits the Governor's Powers During a State of Emergency Bill Passed - House (48 - 8)
5/05 S 1217 Limits the Governor's Powers During a State of Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
2/16 H 135 Amends the Governor's Emergency Powers Bill Passed - House (49 - 20)
3/12 S 1136 Establishes Restrictions on the Governor's Authority During an Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 7)
5/10 SB 5 Prohibits a Local Health Department from Implementing Orders More Restrictive than the Governor Veto Override Passed - House (59 - 30)
5/10 SB 5 Prohibits a Local Health Department from Implementing Orders More Restrictive than the Governor Veto Override Passed - Senate (36 - 10)
3/03 HB 2183 Limits the Governor's and the Secretary of States' Power in Elections Bill Passed - House (84 - 39)
3/11 SB 3 Amends Laws Related to Declaring an Emergency Related to the Agricultural Industry Veto Override Passed - House (72 - 21)
2/02 SB 2 Increases Legislative Oversight Over Executive Orders Related to Emergencies Veto Override Passed - House (69 - 20)
3/29 HJR 77 Limits the Governor's Emergency Health Orders to 60 Days Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
2/02 SB 1 Establishes a 30 Day Expiration Date on Executive Orders Restricting In Person Meetings Veto Override Passed - House (69 - 20)
2/02 HB 5 Limits the Governor's Ability to Reorganize Executive Cabinets, Boards, Agencies, and Commissions Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
2/02 HB 1 Authorizes Businesses, Organizations, and Schools to Remain Open if they are Following CDC Guidelines Regardless of Governor Mandate Veto Override Passed - House (72 - 22)
2/02 SB 2 Increases Legislative Oversight Over Executive Orders Related to Emergencies Veto Override Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
3/11 SB 3 Amends Laws Related to Declaring an Emergency Related to the Agricultural Industry Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
3/29 HJR 77 Limits the Governor's Emergency Health Orders to 60 Days Veto Override Passed - House (71 - 23)
2/02 HB 5 Limits the Governor's Ability to Reorganize Executive Cabinets, Boards, Agencies, and Commissions Veto Override Passed - House (71 - 23)
1/09 SB 1 Establishes a 30 Day Expiration Date on Executive Orders Restricting In Person Meetings Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 5)
1/09 HB 1 Authorizes Businesses, Organizations, and Schools to Remain Open if they are Following CDC Guidelines Regardless of Governor Mandate Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
1/09 HB 5 Limits the Governor's Ability to Reorganize Executive Cabinets, Boards, Agencies, and Commissions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
1/07 HB 5 Limits the Governor's Ability to Reorganize Executive Cabinets, Boards, Agencies, and Commissions Bill Passed - House (73 - 22)
4/01 HB 670 Repeals the Law Enforcement Officer's Bill of Rights and Replaces it With a Multistep System Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
3/11 HB 670 Repeals the Law Enforcement Officer's Bill of Rights and Replaces it With a Multistep System Bill Passed - House (96 - 40)
9/01 HB 4061 Prohibits Using the Public Threat Alert System for Executive Orders Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 16)
3/03 HB 4061 Prohibits Using the Public Threat Alert System for Executive Orders Bill Passed - House (63 - 47)
3/11 SR 26 Authorizes the Senate Majority Leader to Sue the Governor Resolution Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
3/15 SF 4 Requires the Governor to Seek Approval Before Extending an Emergency Declaration Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 29)
2/25 HB 429 Rescinds Gubernatorial Power to Suspend Election Laws During Emergencies Bill Passed - House (71 - 27)
5/12 PN 245 Nomination of Ronald Stroman as Governor of the United States Postal Service Nomination Confirmed - Senate (66 - 32)
2/23 PN 78-22 Nomination of Thomas J. Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture Nomination Confirmed - Senate (92 - 7)
2/23 PN 78-21 Nomination of Linda Thomas-Greenfield as Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations Nomination Confirmed - Senate (78 - 21)
6/22 PN 220 Nomination of Kiran Ahuja to be Director of the Office of Personnel Management Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 50)
3/15 PN 78-11 Nomination of Debra Haaland as Secretary of the Interior Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 40)
7/20 PN 126 Nomination of Jennifer Abruzzo as General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 50)
3/01 PN 78-5 Nomination of Miguel Cardona as Secretary of Education Nomination Confirmed - Senate (64 - 33)
3/02 PN 78-15 Nomination of Gina Raimondo as Secretary of Commerce Nomination Confirmed - Senate (84 - 15)
2/25 PN 78-8 Nomination of Jennifer Granholm as Secretary of Energy Nomination Confirmed - Senate (64 - 35)
3/10 PN 78-6 Nomination of Marcia Fudge as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Nomination Confirmed - Senate (66 - 34)

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