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 188 Limits Smoking in Gambling Facilities Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 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 229 Prohibits Payday Lending Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
June 18, 2025 RI H 5029 Increases the State Minimum Wage for 2026 and 2027 Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
June 18, 2025 RI S 125 Increases State Minimum Wage to $16 in 2026 and $17 in 2027 Bill Passed - House (61 - 11)
June 18, 2025 RI H 5506 Prohibits Mandatory Attendance at Workplace Meetings Regarding an Employer's Opinions on Political or Religious Matters Bill Passed - House (71 - 2)
June 18, 2025 RI H 6173 Establishes Penalties for Rigging Public Contracts Bill Passed - House (62 - 10)
June 12, 2025 RI H 5029 Increases the State Minimum Wage for 2026 and 2027 Bill Passed - House (56 - 10)
June 12, 2025 RI S 125 Increases State Minimum Wage to $16 in 2026 and $17 in 2027 Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
June 13, 2024 RI S 2621 Establishes a Commission to Oversee Nursing Home Staffing and Wages Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 7)
June 13, 2024 RI H 7127 Establishes an Automated Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for Uncovered Workers Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
June 13, 2024 RI H 7532 Extends Minimum Wage Protections to Domestic Workers Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
June 13, 2024 RI H 7532 Extends Minimum Wage Protections to Domestic Workers Bill Passed - House (60 - 6)
June 12, 2024 RI S 2045 Requires Private Sector Employers with 5 or more Employees Offer Retirement Plans Bill Passed - House (64 - 8)
June 11, 2024 RI S 2121 Increases Eligible Benefits and Pay to Employees on Leave Bill Passed - House (62 - 8)
June 11, 2024 RI S 2045 Requires Private Sector Employers with 5 or more Employees Offer Retirement Plans Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
June 11, 2024 RI H 7127 Establishes an Automated Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for Uncovered Workers Bill Passed - House (65 - 8)
June 6, 2024 RI S 3040 Increases the Maximum Amount of Credit a Video Lottery Retailer May Extend to a Patron Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
April 30, 2024 RI S 2785 Prohibits Employers from Forcing Workers to Attend Captive Audience Meetings Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
March 28, 2024 RI S 2121 Increases Eligible Benefits and Pay to Employees on Leave Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
Feb. 8, 2024 RI H 7013 Authorizes Fining Healthcare Professionals Bill Passed - House (67 - 2)
Feb. 6, 2024 RI H 7064 Expands Standards for Outdoor Dining Bill Passed - House (70 - 1)
June 15, 2023 RI S 1035 Authorizes the Reuse of Commercial Structures Into High Density Residential Developments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
June 14, 2023 RI H 5902 Increases Criminal Penalties for Wage Theft by Employers from a Misdemeanor to a Felony Bill Passed - House (70 - 2)
June 8, 2023 RI S 342 Prohibits Nondisclosure Agreements that Violate Civil Rights Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
June 8, 2023 RI S 342 Prohibits Nondisclosure Agreements that Violate Civil Rights Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
June 23, 2022 RI S 3036 Requires Firefighters to Take Road Safety Test Prior to Obtaining Commercial Driver's License Bill Passed - House (63 - 4)
June 22, 2022 RI H 8353 Amends the Gender Inclusive Restroom Act to Apply to State Building Code Standards Bill Passed - House (62 - 9)
June 21, 2022 RI H 7277 Establishes Renewable Energy Targets and Standards Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
June 14, 2022 RI H 7277 Establishes Renewable Energy Targets and Standards Bill Passed - House (56 - 13)
April 26, 2022 RI H 7060 Reduces Restrictions on Happy Hour Drink Specials (54 - 11)
Jan. 4, 2022 RI H 6324 Amends the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
Jan. 4, 2022 RI H 6324 Amends the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act Veto Override Passed - House (44 - 17)
May 18, 2021 RI S 1 Increases the State Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (58 - 15)
April 27, 2021 RI S 708 Establishes a Tax Treaty Between the City of East Providence and ExxonMobil Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
March 9, 2021 RI S 196 Establishes the Dignity at Work Act Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
March 2, 2021 RI S 270 Establishes Workplace Protections to Encourage Fair Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
Feb. 10, 2021 RI S 1 Increases the State Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
Feb. 5, 2020 RI S 2147 Increases the State Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
April 9, 2019 RI H 5663 Requires Firefighters to Receive Overtime Pay After 42 Hours Bill Passed - House (62 - 9)
March 26, 2019 RI S 251 Requires the Collection of Sales Tax by Out of State Retailers Bill Passed - House (66 - 6)
May 31, 2018 RI H 7420 Prohibits the Rental or Leasing of Pets Bill Passed - House (69 - 0)
June 26, 2017 RI H 5280A Requires More State Contracts for Veteran-Owned Businesses Bill Passed - House (68 - 0)
June 18, 2016 RI S 2864 Establishes Regulations for Rideshare Companies Bill Passed - House (53 - 6)
June 17, 2016 RI S 2864 Establishes Regulations for Rideshare Companies Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
June 16, 2016 RI H 7007 Authorizes Cities to Establish Regulations for Body Works Businesses Bill Passed - House (54 - 16)
June 7, 2016 RI H 8240 Requires Referendum for Power Plant Tax Agreement Bill Passed - House (64 - 7)
June 25, 2015 RI H 5364 Increases Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
June 25, 2015 RI H 5364 Increases Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
June 23, 2015 RI H 5364 Increases Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees Bill Passed - House (56 - 16)
June 23, 2015 RI H 5364 Increases Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees Bill Passed - House (56 - 16)
June 11, 2015 RI H 5074 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
June 11, 2015 RI H 5074 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
June 2, 2015 RI H 5074 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (59 - 13)
June 2, 2015 RI H 5074 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (59 - 13)
June 19, 2014 RI H 7194A Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
June 19, 2014 RI H 7194A Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
June 18, 2014 RI H 7194A Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (63 - 10)
June 18, 2014 RI H 7194A Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (63 - 10)
June 17, 2014 RI H 7764 Prohibits Certain Employers From Hiring Sex Offenders Bill Passed - House (67 - 3)
June 5, 2014 RI S 2796A Establishes Preference In State and Business Contracts Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
May 22, 2013 RI S 256 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
May 22, 2013 RI S 256 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
June 11, 2012 RI H 7323 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
June 11, 2012 RI S 2374 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (60 - 8)
June 11, 2012 RI S 2374 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (60 - 8)
June 8, 2012 RI H 7323 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (57 - 15)
June 7, 2012 RI S 2374 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
June 7, 2012 RI S 2374 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
Nov. 17, 2011 RI H 6319 Amending the Pension System Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
Nov. 17, 2011 RI H 6319 Amending the Pension System Bill Passed - House (57 - 15)
June 9, 2009 RI H 6088 Limiting Alcohol Sales Bill Passed - House (35 - 33)
June 4, 2009 RI H 5336 Coastal Resources Management Council Bill Passed - House (60 - 8)
May 27, 2009 RI S 659 Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
May 19, 2009 RI H 5769 Boxing Rule Changes Bill Passed - House (53 - 13)
May 12, 2009 RI H 5143 E-Verify Bill Bill Passed - House (38 - 33)
April 29, 2008 RI H 7107 Employment Verification Program Bill Passed - House (52 - 17)
June 19, 2007 RI LCO # 2572/2 to H5300A Privatization of State Services Repeal Amendment Rejected - Senate (9 - 24)
June 15, 2007 RI LCO # 1305/22 to H5300A Privatization of State Services Amendment Adopted - House (61 - 13)
June 19, 2006 RI Article 24 to H 7120 Sub A Article 24 Relating to Tuition Tax Credits Motion Agreed - House (62 - 8)
June 19, 2006 RI LCO # 2167/2 Tax Credits for Contributions to Scholarship Programs Amendment Rejected - House (32 - 39)
June 1, 2006 RI LCO # 2854/19 West Warwick Casino Competative Bidding Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (16 - 17)
June 1, 2006 RI H 7935 Sub. A West Warwick Casino Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
May 25, 2006 RI H 7935 Sub. A West Warwick Casino Joint Resolution Passed - House (44 - 28)
Feb. 16, 2006 RI S 2112 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - House (51 - 6)
Feb. 2, 2006 RI S 2112 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/20 S 188 Limits Smoking in Gambling Facilities Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 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 229 Prohibits Payday Lending Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
6/18 H 5029 Increases the State Minimum Wage for 2026 and 2027 Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
6/18 S 125 Increases State Minimum Wage to $16 in 2026 and $17 in 2027 Bill Passed - House (61 - 11)
6/18 H 5506 Prohibits Mandatory Attendance at Workplace Meetings Regarding an Employer's Opinions on Political or Religious Matters Bill Passed - House (71 - 2)
6/18 H 6173 Establishes Penalties for Rigging Public Contracts Bill Passed - House (62 - 10)
6/12 H 5029 Increases the State Minimum Wage for 2026 and 2027 Bill Passed - House (56 - 10)
6/12 S 125 Increases State Minimum Wage to $16 in 2026 and $17 in 2027 Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
6/13 S 2621 Establishes a Commission to Oversee Nursing Home Staffing and Wages Concurrence Vote Passed - House (59 - 7)
6/13 H 7127 Establishes an Automated Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for Uncovered Workers Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
6/13 H 7532 Extends Minimum Wage Protections to Domestic Workers Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
6/13 H 7532 Extends Minimum Wage Protections to Domestic Workers Bill Passed - House (60 - 6)
6/12 S 2045 Requires Private Sector Employers with 5 or more Employees Offer Retirement Plans Bill Passed - House (64 - 8)
6/11 S 2121 Increases Eligible Benefits and Pay to Employees on Leave Bill Passed - House (62 - 8)
6/11 S 2045 Requires Private Sector Employers with 5 or more Employees Offer Retirement Plans Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 1)
6/11 H 7127 Establishes an Automated Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for Uncovered Workers Bill Passed - House (65 - 8)
6/06 S 3040 Increases the Maximum Amount of Credit a Video Lottery Retailer May Extend to a Patron Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 5)
4/30 S 2785 Prohibits Employers from Forcing Workers to Attend Captive Audience Meetings Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 5)
3/28 S 2121 Increases Eligible Benefits and Pay to Employees on Leave Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
2/08 H 7013 Authorizes Fining Healthcare Professionals Bill Passed - House (67 - 2)
2/06 H 7064 Expands Standards for Outdoor Dining Bill Passed - House (70 - 1)
6/15 S 1035 Authorizes the Reuse of Commercial Structures Into High Density Residential Developments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
6/14 H 5902 Increases Criminal Penalties for Wage Theft by Employers from a Misdemeanor to a Felony Bill Passed - House (70 - 2)
6/08 S 342 Prohibits Nondisclosure Agreements that Violate Civil Rights Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
6/08 S 342 Prohibits Nondisclosure Agreements that Violate Civil Rights Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
6/23 S 3036 Requires Firefighters to Take Road Safety Test Prior to Obtaining Commercial Driver's License Bill Passed - House (63 - 4)
6/22 H 8353 Amends the Gender Inclusive Restroom Act to Apply to State Building Code Standards Bill Passed - House (62 - 9)
6/21 H 7277 Establishes Renewable Energy Targets and Standards Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
6/14 H 7277 Establishes Renewable Energy Targets and Standards Bill Passed - House (56 - 13)
4/26 H 7060 Reduces Restrictions on Happy Hour Drink Specials (54 - 11)
1/04 H 6324 Amends the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act Veto Override Passed - Senate (24 - 6)
1/04 H 6324 Amends the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act Veto Override Passed - House (44 - 17)
5/18 S 1 Increases the State Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (58 - 15)
4/27 S 708 Establishes a Tax Treaty Between the City of East Providence and ExxonMobil Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
3/09 S 196 Establishes the Dignity at Work Act Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
3/02 S 270 Establishes Workplace Protections to Encourage Fair Compensation Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
2/10 S 1 Increases the State Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
2/05 S 2147 Increases the State Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
4/09 H 5663 Requires Firefighters to Receive Overtime Pay After 42 Hours Bill Passed - House (62 - 9)
3/26 S 251 Requires the Collection of Sales Tax by Out of State Retailers Bill Passed - House (66 - 6)
5/31 H 7420 Prohibits the Rental or Leasing of Pets Bill Passed - House (69 - 0)
6/26 H 5280A Requires More State Contracts for Veteran-Owned Businesses Bill Passed - House (68 - 0)
6/18 S 2864 Establishes Regulations for Rideshare Companies Bill Passed - House (53 - 6)
6/17 S 2864 Establishes Regulations for Rideshare Companies Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
6/16 H 7007 Authorizes Cities to Establish Regulations for Body Works Businesses Bill Passed - House (54 - 16)
6/07 H 8240 Requires Referendum for Power Plant Tax Agreement Bill Passed - House (64 - 7)
6/25 H 5364 Increases Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
6/25 H 5364 Increases Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
6/23 H 5364 Increases Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees Bill Passed - House (56 - 16)
6/23 H 5364 Increases Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees Bill Passed - House (56 - 16)
6/11 H 5074 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
6/11 H 5074 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
6/02 H 5074 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (59 - 13)
6/02 H 5074 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (59 - 13)
6/19 H 7194A Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
6/19 H 7194A Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
6/18 H 7194A Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (63 - 10)
6/18 H 7194A Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (63 - 10)
6/17 H 7764 Prohibits Certain Employers From Hiring Sex Offenders Bill Passed - House (67 - 3)
6/05 S 2796A Establishes Preference In State and Business Contracts Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
5/22 S 256 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
5/22 S 256 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
6/11 H 7323 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
6/11 S 2374 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (60 - 8)
6/11 S 2374 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (60 - 8)
6/08 H 7323 2012-2013 Budget Bill Passed - House (57 - 15)
6/07 S 2374 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
6/07 S 2374 Increases Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 11)
11/17 H 6319 Amending the Pension System Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
11/17 H 6319 Amending the Pension System Bill Passed - House (57 - 15)
6/09 H 6088 Limiting Alcohol Sales Bill Passed - House (35 - 33)
6/04 H 5336 Coastal Resources Management Council Bill Passed - House (60 - 8)
5/27 S 659 Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
5/19 H 5769 Boxing Rule Changes Bill Passed - House (53 - 13)
5/12 H 5143 E-Verify Bill Bill Passed - House (38 - 33)
4/29 H 7107 Employment Verification Program Bill Passed - House (52 - 17)
6/19 LCO # 2572/2 to H5300A Privatization of State Services Repeal Amendment Rejected - Senate (9 - 24)
6/15 LCO # 1305/22 to H5300A Privatization of State Services Amendment Adopted - House (61 - 13)
6/19 Article 24 to H 7120 Sub A Article 24 Relating to Tuition Tax Credits Motion Agreed - House (62 - 8)
6/19 LCO # 2167/2 Tax Credits for Contributions to Scholarship Programs Amendment Rejected - House (32 - 39)
6/01 LCO # 2854/19 West Warwick Casino Competative Bidding Amendment Amendment Rejected - Senate (16 - 17)
6/01 H 7935 Sub. A West Warwick Casino Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (23 - 13)
5/25 H 7935 Sub. A West Warwick Casino Joint Resolution Passed - House (44 - 28)
2/16 S 2112 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - House (51 - 6)
2/02 S 2112 Minimum Wage Increase Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 2)

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