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
Nov. 13, 2025 NV SB 3 Establishes the Silver State General Assistance Program Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
Oct. 30, 2025 MI SB 182 Appropriates $50 Million to the Michigan Department of Health for Emergency Food Assistance Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
Sept. 11, 2025 CA AB 1264 Requires the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to Adopt Regulations for Ultra-Processed Foods Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Sept. 9, 2025 CA SB 68 Requires Restaurants to Disclose Food Allergens on Menus Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Sept. 4, 2025 CA AB 592 Authorizes Restaurants to Operate Using Open Windows or Non-fixed Store Fronts During Hours of Operation Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Sept. 3, 2025 CA AB 1042 Authorizes the Department of Food and Agriculture to Establish and Oversee the Managed Honeybee Health Program Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Aug. 2, 2025 National PN 12-26 Nomination of Luke Lindberg to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Nomination Confirmed - Senate (78 - 17)
Aug. 2, 2025 National PN 12-26 Nomination of Luke Lindberg to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Cloture Invoked - Senate (76 - 19)
July 31, 2025 National PN 25-8 Nomination of Tyler Clarkson to be General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 45)
July 30, 2025 National PN 25-8 Nomination of Tyler Clarkson to be General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 44)
June 30, 2025 NJ A 4603 Authorizes Commercial Farmers to be Awarded Legal Fees for Defending Against Bad Faith Complaints Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
June 27, 2025 CA AB 233 Authorizes Food Truck Owners to Now Sell Beer Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
June 18, 2025 OH HB 65 Establishes Various Dates for Agricultural Appreciation Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
June 12, 2025 NY S 1239 Prohibits Certain Food Dyes and Requires Companies that Sell Packaged Foods to Disclose More Information About the Additives They Put Into Their Products Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 1)
June 12, 2025 RI S 1139 Authorizes Temporary Outdoor Dining for Damaged Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
June 10, 2025 National PN 12-43 Nomination of Stephen Vaden to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 44)
June 10, 2025 National PN 12-43 Nomination of Stephen Vaden to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Cloture Invoked - Senate (48 - 45)
June 9, 2025 LA SB 117 Prohibits the Sale and Serving of Ultra-Processed Foods in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 1)
June 3, 2025 LA SB 14 Prohibits Harmful Food Ingredients and Expand Nutrition Transparency Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
June 3, 2025 CA SB 682 Prohibits the Distribution or Sale of Food Packaging that Contains Intentionally Added PFAS Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
June 3, 2025 RI S 938 Establishes Green Crab Harvesting Rules and Commercial License Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
May 30, 2025 TX SB 17 Increases Sanctions Against Foreign Entities from Purchasing Land in Texas Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 8)
May 29, 2025 OK HB 2459 Requires Mobile Food Vehicles to Comply With the Most Current State Fire Codes Veto Override Passed - Senate (39 - 6)
May 21, 2025 NV AB 244 Prohibits Chain Restaurants from Using Disposable Foam Containers Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
May 14, 2025 NE LB 246 Establishes the Nebraska Pure Food Act to Regulate Adulterated Food Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
May 7, 2025 OK HB 2157 Establishes the Oklahoma Agrivoltaics Act Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 22)
May 7, 2025 NC SB 554 Prohibits Banks and Credit Unions from Denying Loans to Agriculture Producers Based on Their Lack of Commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Factors Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
May 6, 2025 CO HB 25-1274 Authorizes the Colorado Secretary of State to Issue Ballot Measures to Fund the Universal School Meals Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
April 30, 2025 HI HB 969 Prohibits Landfills on the Agricultural Land Best Suited for Farming Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 1)
April 30, 2025 HI HB 969 Prohibits Landfills on the Agricultural Land Best Suited for Farming Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 1)
April 30, 2025 OK HB 1910 Authorizes the Conservation Commission to Create Guidelines Aimed at Fostering Urban Agriculture within Oklahoma's Urban Counties Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 8)
April 30, 2025 ME LD 588 Establishes the Agricultural Employees Concerted Activity Protection Act "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 13)
April 28, 2025 IA SF 491 Prohibits Remote-Piloted Drones Over Farmstead Without Landowner's Permission (42 - 8)
April 22, 2025 NV SB 295 Establishes Sidewalk Vending Laws and Framework for Compact Food Cart Vendors Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
April 21, 2025 TN HB 134 Prohibits Schools From Selling Food Containing Red 40 Dyes Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
April 17, 2025 OR SB 992 Authorizes Stores That Accept Bottle Returns to Refuse Service After 8:00 PM, and Authorizes State Approval of Alternative Redemption Centers Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 1)
April 16, 2025 ND HB 1332 Appropriates $30 Million for an Agriculture Incentive Program Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 5)
April 16, 2025 AZ HB 2572 Establishes New Provisions for Irrigation Grandfathered Rights Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
April 16, 2025 FL SB 700 Establishes the 2025 Florida Farm Bill and Prohibits Fluoride in Water Supplies Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
April 14, 2025 ND HB 1318 Increases the Standard for Proving Liability for Lawsuits Involving Pesticides Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
April 8, 2025 AR SB 217 Requires the Department of Human Services to Request a Waiver to Exclude Candy and Soft Drinks from Eligible Foods Under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
April 7, 2025 MO HB 508 Exempts Capital Gains from State Income Tax Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
April 7, 2025 IA SF 608 Amends and Updates the Grain Indemnity Program Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 8)
April 2, 2025 OH SB 100 Exempts Nonprofit Agricultural Membership Organizations From Insurance Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
March 26, 2025 IA SF 394 Increases Pesticide Liability Immunity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
March 25, 2025 National PN 12-28 Nomination of Martin Makary to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs in the Department of Health and Human Services Nomination Confirmed - Senate (56 - 44)
March 25, 2025 National PN 12-28 Nomination of Martin Makary to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs in the Department of Health and Human Services Nomination Confirmed - Senate (56 - 44)
March 25, 2025 ND HB 1332 Appropriates $30 Million for an Agriculture Incentive Program Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 3)
March 25, 2025 National PN 12-28 Nomination of Martin Makary to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs in the Department of Health and Human Services Cloture Invoked - Senate (56 - 44)
March 25, 2025 National PN 12-28 Nomination of Martin Makary to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs in the Department of Health and Human Services Cloture Invoked - Senate (56 - 44)
March 25, 2025 OR SB 777 Increases Compensation to Ranchers for Wolf Kills Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 1)
March 19, 2025 AK SSCR 1 Repeals Executive Order for the Establishment of Agricultural Department Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
March 19, 2025 TX SB 17 Increases Sanctions Against Foreign Entities from Purchasing Land in Texas Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
March 14, 2025 WV HB 2354 Prohibits Certain Synthetic Products Found in Food Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
March 14, 2025 KY HB 315 Prohibits Certain Hostile Foreign Entities from Acquiring Agricultural Land in Kentucky Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
March 6, 2025 MS HB 1006 Prohibits the Distribution, Manufacture, or Sale of Lab Grown Meat Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
March 6, 2025 MS HB 1006 Prohibits the Distribution, Manufacture, or Sale of Lab Grown Meat Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
March 5, 2025 WV HB 2354 Prohibits Certain Synthetic Products Found in Food Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 2)
March 4, 2025 HI SB 438 Prohibits Landfills Over Aquifers Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 1)
March 4, 2025 GA SB 144 Prohibits Lawsuits Against Pesticide Companies Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 12)
March 3, 2025 MN SF 1360 Increases the Speed Limit for Husbandry Vehicles to 35 Miles Per Hour Bill Passed - Senate (65 - 0)
Feb. 25, 2025 NJ S 3418 Authorizes Preserved Farms to Host Special Occasions Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
Feb. 19, 2025 KS SB 89 Authorizes the Kansas Department of Agriculture to Assess a Participant Fee for Poultry Producers Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
Feb. 13, 2025 National PN 11-12 Nomination of Brooke Rollins to be Secretary of Agriculture Nomination Confirmed - Senate (72 - 28)
Feb. 12, 2025 NV AB 171 Repeals a 2021 Law that Required All Eggs Sold in the State Come from Cageless Hens Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
Feb. 12, 2025 AR SB 98 Authorizes Third Party Delivery Services for Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
Feb. 6, 2025 National PN 11-12 Nomination of Brooke Rollins to be Secretary of Agriculture Motion Agreed - Senate (52 - 46)
Feb. 5, 2025 PA HB 324 Authorizes Licensing of Poultry Technicians to be Done by the Secretary of Agriculture Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 4)
Feb. 3, 2025 SD HB 1022 Prohibits the Misbranding of Any Cell-Cultured Protein Product Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
Jan. 31, 2025 VA SB 970 Establishes Regulatory Bodies to Legalize the Cannabis Industry in Virginia Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
Jan. 22, 2025 NY A 417 Expands State Agriculture Law to Include Cannabis Bill Passed - Senate (57 - 2)
Jan. 22, 2025 NY A 414 Amends and Updates the State's Nourish New York Program to Include Milk and Dairy Products Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 1)
Date No. Title Outcome
11/13 SB 3 Establishes the Silver State General Assistance Program Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
10/30 SB 182 Appropriates $50 Million to the Michigan Department of Health for Emergency Food Assistance Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
9/11 AB 1264 Requires the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to Adopt Regulations for Ultra-Processed Foods Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
9/09 SB 68 Requires Restaurants to Disclose Food Allergens on Menus Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
9/04 AB 592 Authorizes Restaurants to Operate Using Open Windows or Non-fixed Store Fronts During Hours of Operation Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
9/03 AB 1042 Authorizes the Department of Food and Agriculture to Establish and Oversee the Managed Honeybee Health Program Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
8/02 PN 12-26 Nomination of Luke Lindberg to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Nomination Confirmed - Senate (78 - 17)
8/02 PN 12-26 Nomination of Luke Lindberg to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Cloture Invoked - Senate (76 - 19)
7/31 PN 25-8 Nomination of Tyler Clarkson to be General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 45)
7/30 PN 25-8 Nomination of Tyler Clarkson to be General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 44)
6/30 A 4603 Authorizes Commercial Farmers to be Awarded Legal Fees for Defending Against Bad Faith Complaints Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
6/27 AB 233 Authorizes Food Truck Owners to Now Sell Beer Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
6/18 HB 65 Establishes Various Dates for Agricultural Appreciation Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
6/12 S 1239 Prohibits Certain Food Dyes and Requires Companies that Sell Packaged Foods to Disclose More Information About the Additives They Put Into Their Products Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 1)
6/12 S 1139 Authorizes Temporary Outdoor Dining for Damaged Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
6/10 PN 12-43 Nomination of Stephen Vaden to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 44)
6/10 PN 12-43 Nomination of Stephen Vaden to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Cloture Invoked - Senate (48 - 45)
6/09 SB 117 Prohibits the Sale and Serving of Ultra-Processed Foods in Public Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 1)
6/03 SB 14 Prohibits Harmful Food Ingredients and Expand Nutrition Transparency Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
6/03 SB 682 Prohibits the Distribution or Sale of Food Packaging that Contains Intentionally Added PFAS Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
6/03 S 938 Establishes Green Crab Harvesting Rules and Commercial License Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
5/30 SB 17 Increases Sanctions Against Foreign Entities from Purchasing Land in Texas Conference Report Adopted - Senate (23 - 8)
5/29 HB 2459 Requires Mobile Food Vehicles to Comply With the Most Current State Fire Codes Veto Override Passed - Senate (39 - 6)
5/21 AB 244 Prohibits Chain Restaurants from Using Disposable Foam Containers Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 4)
5/14 LB 246 Establishes the Nebraska Pure Food Act to Regulate Adulterated Food Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 11)
5/07 HB 2157 Establishes the Oklahoma Agrivoltaics Act Bill Failed - Senate (21 - 22)
5/07 SB 554 Prohibits Banks and Credit Unions from Denying Loans to Agriculture Producers Based on Their Lack of Commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Factors Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
5/06 HB 25-1274 Authorizes the Colorado Secretary of State to Issue Ballot Measures to Fund the Universal School Meals Program Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
4/30 HB 969 Prohibits Landfills on the Agricultural Land Best Suited for Farming Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 1)
4/30 HB 969 Prohibits Landfills on the Agricultural Land Best Suited for Farming Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 1)
4/30 HB 1910 Authorizes the Conservation Commission to Create Guidelines Aimed at Fostering Urban Agriculture within Oklahoma's Urban Counties Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 8)
4/30 LD 588 Establishes the Agricultural Employees Concerted Activity Protection Act "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 13)
4/28 SF 491 Prohibits Remote-Piloted Drones Over Farmstead Without Landowner's Permission (42 - 8)
4/22 SB 295 Establishes Sidewalk Vending Laws and Framework for Compact Food Cart Vendors Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 4)
4/21 HB 134 Prohibits Schools From Selling Food Containing Red 40 Dyes Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
4/17 SB 992 Authorizes Stores That Accept Bottle Returns to Refuse Service After 8:00 PM, and Authorizes State Approval of Alternative Redemption Centers Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 1)
4/16 HB 1332 Appropriates $30 Million for an Agriculture Incentive Program Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 5)
4/16 HB 2572 Establishes New Provisions for Irrigation Grandfathered Rights Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
4/16 SB 700 Establishes the 2025 Florida Farm Bill and Prohibits Fluoride in Water Supplies Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
4/14 HB 1318 Increases the Standard for Proving Liability for Lawsuits Involving Pesticides Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
4/08 SB 217 Requires the Department of Human Services to Request a Waiver to Exclude Candy and Soft Drinks from Eligible Foods Under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 4)
4/07 HB 508 Exempts Capital Gains from State Income Tax Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
4/07 SF 608 Amends and Updates the Grain Indemnity Program Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 8)
4/02 SB 100 Exempts Nonprofit Agricultural Membership Organizations From Insurance Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 0)
3/26 SF 394 Increases Pesticide Liability Immunity Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 21)
3/25 PN 12-28 Nomination of Martin Makary to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs in the Department of Health and Human Services Nomination Confirmed - Senate (56 - 44)
3/25 PN 12-28 Nomination of Martin Makary to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs in the Department of Health and Human Services Nomination Confirmed - Senate (56 - 44)
3/25 HB 1332 Appropriates $30 Million for an Agriculture Incentive Program Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 3)
3/25 PN 12-28 Nomination of Martin Makary to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs in the Department of Health and Human Services Cloture Invoked - Senate (56 - 44)
3/25 PN 12-28 Nomination of Martin Makary to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs in the Department of Health and Human Services Cloture Invoked - Senate (56 - 44)
3/25 SB 777 Increases Compensation to Ranchers for Wolf Kills Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 1)
3/19 SSCR 1 Repeals Executive Order for the Establishment of Agricultural Department Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
3/19 SB 17 Increases Sanctions Against Foreign Entities from Purchasing Land in Texas Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 7)
3/14 HB 2354 Prohibits Certain Synthetic Products Found in Food Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 4)
3/14 HB 315 Prohibits Certain Hostile Foreign Entities from Acquiring Agricultural Land in Kentucky Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
3/06 HB 1006 Prohibits the Distribution, Manufacture, or Sale of Lab Grown Meat Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
3/06 HB 1006 Prohibits the Distribution, Manufacture, or Sale of Lab Grown Meat Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
3/05 HB 2354 Prohibits Certain Synthetic Products Found in Food Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 2)
3/04 SB 438 Prohibits Landfills Over Aquifers Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 1)
3/04 SB 144 Prohibits Lawsuits Against Pesticide Companies Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 12)
3/03 SF 1360 Increases the Speed Limit for Husbandry Vehicles to 35 Miles Per Hour Bill Passed - Senate (65 - 0)
2/25 S 3418 Authorizes Preserved Farms to Host Special Occasions Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
2/19 SB 89 Authorizes the Kansas Department of Agriculture to Assess a Participant Fee for Poultry Producers Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 2)
2/13 PN 11-12 Nomination of Brooke Rollins to be Secretary of Agriculture Nomination Confirmed - Senate (72 - 28)
2/12 AB 171 Repeals a 2021 Law that Required All Eggs Sold in the State Come from Cageless Hens Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
2/12 SB 98 Authorizes Third Party Delivery Services for Alcohol Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 7)
2/06 PN 11-12 Nomination of Brooke Rollins to be Secretary of Agriculture Motion Agreed - Senate (52 - 46)
2/05 HB 324 Authorizes Licensing of Poultry Technicians to be Done by the Secretary of Agriculture Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 4)
2/03 HB 1022 Prohibits the Misbranding of Any Cell-Cultured Protein Product Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
1/31 SB 970 Establishes Regulatory Bodies to Legalize the Cannabis Industry in Virginia Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 19)
1/22 A 417 Expands State Agriculture Law to Include Cannabis Bill Passed - Senate (57 - 2)
1/22 A 414 Amends and Updates the State's Nourish New York Program to Include Milk and Dairy Products Bill Passed - Senate (58 - 1)

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