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
June 20, 2025 RI S 238 Establishes Protections Against the Censorship of Library Materials Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
June 20, 2025 RI H 5506 Prohibits Mandatory Attendance at Workplace Meetings Regarding an Employer's Opinions on Political or Religious Matters Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
June 20, 2025 RI H 5506 Prohibits Mandatory Attendance at Workplace Meetings Regarding an Employer's Opinions on Political or Religious Matters Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
June 20, 2025 RI S 359 Prohibits the Manufacture, Purchase and Sale of Certain Types of Semiautomatic Shotguns and Rifles Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
June 3, 2025 RI S 938 Establishes Green Crab Harvesting Rules and Commercial License Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
May 8, 2025 RI S 387 Requires the Installation of Universal Changing Stations in All Newly Constructed, Reconstructed or Remodeled Public Buildings (Senate Version) Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
April 1, 2025 RI S 280 Increases the 7-Day Waiting Period Exemption for Concealable Firearms to Include the Rhode Island Capitol Police Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
Feb. 25, 2025 RI S 63 Reduces Max Misdemeanor Sentences from One Year to 364 Days Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
Feb. 25, 2025 RI S 63 Reduces Max Misdemeanor Sentences from One Year to 364 Days Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
June 13, 2024 RI H 8244 Increases and Doubles the Credit Limit for Gamblers and Authorizes Bally's to Renegotiate Debt Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
June 13, 2024 RI S 2704 Authorizes the Legal Sale of Kratom Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
June 13, 2024 RI H 7946 Extends the Deadline for Rhode Island to Require Cage-Free Chickens Farms by 4 Years Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
June 11, 2024 RI H 8155 Amends and Simplifies Name Change Process Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
June 11, 2024 RI H 8155 Amends and Simplifies Name Change Process Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
June 6, 2024 RI S 2202 Requires Firearms to be Safely Stored in a Container That Contains a Trigger Lock Function Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
June 6, 2024 RI S 2202 Requires Firearms to be Safely Stored in a Container That Contains a Trigger Lock Function Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
June 6, 2024 RI H 7373 Requires Firearms Not in Use be Kept in Locked Containers or Equipped with Tamper-Resistant Locks Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
June 4, 2024 RI S 2481 Requires the Division of Motor Vehicles Create a Blue Envelope for Drivers to Inform Law Enforcement They are on the Autism Spectrum Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
June 4, 2024 RI S 2059 Authorizes Police and Firefighters with Documented PTSD to Retire, at Any Age, with Tax Free 2/3 Pay Pensions for Life Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
May 23, 2024 RI S 2378 Authorizes the Rhode Island Department of Health to Allow a Patients Medicine to be Transferred to Different Pharmacies Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
April 30, 2024 RI S 2396 Requires Insurance Companies Cover, Diagnose, and Treat Infertility for Women Ages 25 to 42 Years Old Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
Jan. 25, 2024 RI S 2096 Amends the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
June 23, 2022 RI H 7939 Authorizes Driving Permits for Undocumented Persons Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
June 14, 2022 RI H 7457 Increases the Minimum Age to Purchase Firearms and Ammunition Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
June 14, 2022 RI H 7358 Prohibits Carrying a Loaded Rifle or Shotgun in Public Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
June 14, 2022 RI H 6614 Prohibits High-Capacity Magazines for Semi-Automatic Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
June 7, 2022 RI S 2316 Limits Minors' Access to Dietary Supplements (33 - 4)
May 24, 2022 RI H 7593 Authorizes Recreational Use of Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
May 24, 2022 RI S 2430 Authorizes Recreational Use of Cannabis/Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate
May 5, 2022 RI S 2006 Authorizes "Driver Privilege Cards" for Undocumented Persons (27 - 10)
July 1, 2021 RI H 5245 Establishes Harm Reduction Centers Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
June 24, 2021 RI S 190 Authorizes DMV to Issue Driving Privileges to Undocumented Residents Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
June 15, 2021 RI S 834 Prohibits the Marital Sexual Assault Exception in Certain Cases Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
June 15, 2021 RI S 834 Prohibits the Marital Sexual Assault Exception in Certain Cases Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
June 1, 2021 RI S 40 Establishes a Twenty Year Contract with Two Major Gambling Companies Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
March 30, 2021 RI S 128 Repeals Law that Only Allowed Officers to Issue Verbal Warnings to Adults Who Leave Children in Cars Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
July 16, 2020 RI H 7541 Establishes the "Uniform Parentage Act" Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
July 16, 2020 RI H 7541 Establishes the "Uniform Parentage Act" Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
July 16, 2020 RI S 2919 Authorizes Online Registration for Sports Betting Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
June 17, 2020 RI S 2004 Prohibits Non-Metallic Firearms and "Ghost Guns" Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
June 17, 2020 RI S 2004 Prohibits Non-Metallic Firearms and "Ghost Guns" Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
March 3, 2020 RI S 2326 Establishes Film Production Tax Credits Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
June 19, 2019 RI H 5125 Establishes Abortion Procedures as Protected State Law Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
June 21, 2018 RI H 7715 Classifies Delivery a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death as a Crime Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
June 21, 2018 RI H 7715 Classifies Delivery a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death as a Crime Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
May 23, 2018 RI S 2678 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for DACA Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
June 15, 2017 RI S 237A Authorizes Parole Eligibility for Juveniles with Life Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
March 3, 2016 RI H 7228 Authorizes a Gambling Facility in Tiverton Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
March 3, 2016 RI S 2081 Authorizes a Gambling Facility in Tiverton Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
April 24, 2013 RI H 5015 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
May 9, 2012 RI S 2555 A Authorizes Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
June 29, 2011 RI H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
June 29, 2011 RI H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
May 12, 2011 RI S 400 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
April 5, 2011 RI S 87 Establishing the Rhode Island Health Benefit Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
Oct. 29, 2009 RI HB 5044 Prostitution Ban Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
June 30, 2009 RI S 286 Relating to Video Lottery Terminals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
June 17, 2008 RI S 2706 Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
May 6, 2008 RI H 7040 Twenty-Four Hour Operation of Video Lottery Games Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
May 1, 2008 RI H 7204 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
May 1, 2008 RI H 7204 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
May 1, 2008 RI H 7204 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
April 29, 2008 RI S 2009 Expansion of Video Lottery Facility Hours Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
June 19, 2007 RI LCO # 2552/4 to H5300Aaa Repeal of Provision Requiring the Trying Seventeen Year-Olds as Adults in Criminal Cases Amendment Rejected - Senate (5 - 30)
June 19, 2007 RI LCO # 2552/4 to H5300Aaa Repeal of Provision Requiring the Trying Seventeen Year-Olds as Adults in Criminal Cases Amendment Rejected - Senate (5 - 30)
May 10, 2007 RI S 21 Telephone Political Solicitation Act Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
May 3, 2006 RI S 2486 Ex-Felon's Voting Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
May 3, 2006 RI S 2486 Ex-Felon's Voting Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
Jan. 3, 2006 RI H 6052 Sub. A Medical Marijuana Bill Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/20 S 238 Establishes Protections Against the Censorship of Library Materials Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
6/20 H 5506 Prohibits Mandatory Attendance at Workplace Meetings Regarding an Employer's Opinions on Political or Religious Matters Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
6/20 H 5506 Prohibits Mandatory Attendance at Workplace Meetings Regarding an Employer's Opinions on Political or Religious Matters Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
6/20 S 359 Prohibits the Manufacture, Purchase and Sale of Certain Types of Semiautomatic Shotguns and Rifles Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
6/03 S 938 Establishes Green Crab Harvesting Rules and Commercial License Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
5/08 S 387 Requires the Installation of Universal Changing Stations in All Newly Constructed, Reconstructed or Remodeled Public Buildings (Senate Version) Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
4/01 S 280 Increases the 7-Day Waiting Period Exemption for Concealable Firearms to Include the Rhode Island Capitol Police Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
2/25 S 63 Reduces Max Misdemeanor Sentences from One Year to 364 Days Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
2/25 S 63 Reduces Max Misdemeanor Sentences from One Year to 364 Days Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
6/13 H 8244 Increases and Doubles the Credit Limit for Gamblers and Authorizes Bally's to Renegotiate Debt Restrictions Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
6/13 S 2704 Authorizes the Legal Sale of Kratom Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
6/13 H 7946 Extends the Deadline for Rhode Island to Require Cage-Free Chickens Farms by 4 Years Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
6/11 H 8155 Amends and Simplifies Name Change Process Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
6/11 H 8155 Amends and Simplifies Name Change Process Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
6/06 S 2202 Requires Firearms to be Safely Stored in a Container That Contains a Trigger Lock Function Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
6/06 S 2202 Requires Firearms to be Safely Stored in a Container That Contains a Trigger Lock Function Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
6/06 H 7373 Requires Firearms Not in Use be Kept in Locked Containers or Equipped with Tamper-Resistant Locks Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
6/04 S 2481 Requires the Division of Motor Vehicles Create a Blue Envelope for Drivers to Inform Law Enforcement They are on the Autism Spectrum Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
6/04 S 2059 Authorizes Police and Firefighters with Documented PTSD to Retire, at Any Age, with Tax Free 2/3 Pay Pensions for Life Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
5/23 S 2378 Authorizes the Rhode Island Department of Health to Allow a Patients Medicine to be Transferred to Different Pharmacies Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
4/30 S 2396 Requires Insurance Companies Cover, Diagnose, and Treat Infertility for Women Ages 25 to 42 Years Old Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
1/25 S 2096 Amends the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
6/23 H 7939 Authorizes Driving Permits for Undocumented Persons Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
6/14 H 7457 Increases the Minimum Age to Purchase Firearms and Ammunition Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
6/14 H 7358 Prohibits Carrying a Loaded Rifle or Shotgun in Public Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
6/14 H 6614 Prohibits High-Capacity Magazines for Semi-Automatic Firearms Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
6/07 S 2316 Limits Minors' Access to Dietary Supplements (33 - 4)
5/24 H 7593 Authorizes Recreational Use of Marijuana Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
5/24 S 2430 Authorizes Recreational Use of Cannabis/Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate
5/05 S 2006 Authorizes "Driver Privilege Cards" for Undocumented Persons (27 - 10)
7/01 H 5245 Establishes Harm Reduction Centers Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
6/24 S 190 Authorizes DMV to Issue Driving Privileges to Undocumented Residents Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
6/15 S 834 Prohibits the Marital Sexual Assault Exception in Certain Cases Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
6/15 S 834 Prohibits the Marital Sexual Assault Exception in Certain Cases Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
6/01 S 40 Establishes a Twenty Year Contract with Two Major Gambling Companies Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
3/30 S 128 Repeals Law that Only Allowed Officers to Issue Verbal Warnings to Adults Who Leave Children in Cars Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
7/16 H 7541 Establishes the "Uniform Parentage Act" Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
7/16 H 7541 Establishes the "Uniform Parentage Act" Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
7/16 S 2919 Authorizes Online Registration for Sports Betting Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
6/17 S 2004 Prohibits Non-Metallic Firearms and "Ghost Guns" Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
6/17 S 2004 Prohibits Non-Metallic Firearms and "Ghost Guns" Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
3/03 S 2326 Establishes Film Production Tax Credits Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
6/19 H 5125 Establishes Abortion Procedures as Protected State Law Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 17)
6/21 H 7715 Classifies Delivery a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death as a Crime Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
6/21 H 7715 Classifies Delivery a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death as a Crime Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 10)
5/23 S 2678 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for DACA Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
6/15 S 237A Authorizes Parole Eligibility for Juveniles with Life Sentences Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 8)
3/03 H 7228 Authorizes a Gambling Facility in Tiverton Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
3/03 S 2081 Authorizes a Gambling Facility in Tiverton Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
4/24 H 5015 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 12)
5/09 S 2555 A Authorizes Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
6/29 H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
6/29 H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
5/12 S 400 Voter Identification Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 6)
4/05 S 87 Establishing the Rhode Island Health Benefit Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
10/29 HB 5044 Prostitution Ban Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
6/30 S 286 Relating to Video Lottery Terminals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
6/17 S 2706 Red Light Cameras Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 2)
5/06 H 7040 Twenty-Four Hour Operation of Video Lottery Games Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 8)
5/01 H 7204 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
5/01 H 7204 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
5/01 H 7204 2007-2008 Budget Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
4/29 S 2009 Expansion of Video Lottery Facility Hours Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
6/19 LCO # 2552/4 to H5300Aaa Repeal of Provision Requiring the Trying Seventeen Year-Olds as Adults in Criminal Cases Amendment Rejected - Senate (5 - 30)
6/19 LCO # 2552/4 to H5300Aaa Repeal of Provision Requiring the Trying Seventeen Year-Olds as Adults in Criminal Cases Amendment Rejected - Senate (5 - 30)
5/10 S 21 Telephone Political Solicitation Act Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 13)
5/03 S 2486 Ex-Felon's Voting Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
5/03 S 2486 Ex-Felon's Voting Eligibility Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
1/03 H 6052 Sub. A Medical Marijuana Bill Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 5)

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