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 S 792 Authorizes and Regulates the Sale and Distribution of Kratom Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
June 20, 2025 RI S 229 Prohibits Payday Lending Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
June 12, 2025 RI S 1139 Authorizes Temporary Outdoor Dining for Damaged Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
June 3, 2025 RI S 938 Establishes Green Crab Harvesting Rules and Commercial License Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
May 13, 2025 RI S 771 Requires Each Public School to have a Policy Regarding the Use of Personal Electronic Devices on School Grounds and During School-Sponsored Activities Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 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)
June 14, 2024 RI H 7980 Amends State Law so Mobile Homes are Counted as Affordable Housing Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
June 13, 2024 RI S 2262 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion and Gender Affirming Care Lawsuits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
June 13, 2024 RI H 7324 Repeals Basement Areas from the Calculation of Floor Area Ratios in Zoning Ordinances Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
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 3152 Establishes a Citizens Bank Tax Cut Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
June 12, 2024 RI S 2693 Authorizes KEI (Japanese Imported Trucks) Registration but Prohibits Any New Importation or Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
June 12, 2024 RI H 7382 Prohibits Zoning Regulations that Allow Less Than One Unrelated Individual per Bedroom to Live in a House Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
June 12, 2024 RI H 7304 Increases Advance Notice Requirements for Rent Increases from 30 to 120 Days for Individuals Aged 62 and Older Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
June 12, 2024 RI S 2952 Establishes the Decarbonization Act of 2024 to Promote and Develop Benchmark Standards of Energy Performance Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
June 12, 2024 RI S 2597 Appropriates $2 Million for School Districts and Municipalities to Employ Additional Social Workers Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
June 4, 2024 RI S 2829 Establishes E-Bike Trail Speed Limits Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
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)
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)
May 16, 2024 RI S 2844 Establishes the RI Ombudsman for Special Education Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
May 16, 2024 RI S 2148 Requires a Maximum Class Size of 20 Pupils Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
May 7, 2024 RI S 2440 Prohibits Insurers from Refusing the Use of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
May 2, 2024 RI S 2262 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion and Gender Affirming Care Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
April 9, 2024 RI S 2082 Establishes a $25 Per Month Cap for Insured Individuals for Insulin Administration and Glucose Monitoring Equipment Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
March 14, 2024 RI S 2255 Rescinds Certain Requirements to Receiving HIV Treatment Bill Passed - Senate
June 15, 2023 RI S 575 Requires Epipens to be Covered by Insurance Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
June 15, 2023 RI S 1037 Amends the Low and Moderate Income Housing Act Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
June 15, 2023 RI S 1035 Authorizes the Reuse of Commercial Structures Into High Density Residential Developments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
June 15, 2023 RI S 311 Prohibits Rental Application Fees Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
June 14, 2023 RI H 5174 Establishes a Recognizable Boundary for Public Shore Access Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
June 14, 2023 RI S 912 Authorizes Residential Eviction Court Files to be Sealed Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
June 13, 2023 RI H 6238 Authorizes Tenants to Pay Rent Into an Escrow if Landlords are Not in Compliance with Lead-Safety Laws Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
June 13, 2023 RI H 5946 Repeals Loophole which Excluded Certain Renters from Hazard Protections Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
June 13, 2023 RI H 6239 Increases Enforcement of Lead-Safety Laws Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
June 8, 2023 RI S 821 Prohibits Psychological Abuse in the Workplace Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
May 18, 2023 RI H 5006 Requires All State Employee's and Individuals Receiving Medicaid Continue to Receive Abortion Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
May 16, 2023 RI S 71 Appropriates State Funds to Provide for Free School Breakfast and Lunch in All K-12 Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
March 16, 2023 RI S 72 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Protect the Right to an Adequate Education Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
June 24, 2022 RI H 7942 Reduces Regulations on Dwelling Units to Allow Increased Living Options for Senior Citizens Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
June 23, 2022 RI H 7939 Authorizes Driving Permits for Undocumented Persons Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
June 22, 2022 RI S 2556 Establishes the Implementation of Trauma-informed Practices in Schools (36 - 1)
June 22, 2022 RI S 2556 Establishes the Implementation of Trauma-informed Practices in Schools (36 - 1)
June 21, 2022 RI H 7277 Establishes Renewable Energy Targets and Standards Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
June 7, 2022 RI S 2316 Limits Minors' Access to Dietary Supplements (33 - 4)
June 7, 2022 RI S 2613 Limits Minors' Access to Diet Pills Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
May 17, 2022 RI S 2681 Expands Childcare Assistance Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
May 17, 2022 RI S 2681 Expands Childcare Assistance Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
May 5, 2022 RI S 2006 Authorizes "Driver Privilege Cards" for Undocumented Persons (27 - 10)
March 24, 2022 RI S 2080 Requires Health Insurers Provide Coverage for 10 Categories of Essential Health Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Jan. 4, 2022 RI H 5505 Requires Every Short-Term Rental Property Listed for Rent on Any Third-Party Hosting Platform be Registered with the Department of Business Regulation Veto Override Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
June 29, 2021 RI H 5028 Requires Civics Education for Students in Grades 8-12 Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
June 24, 2021 RI S 190 Authorizes DMV to Issue Driving Privileges to Undocumented Residents Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
June 1, 2021 RI S 629 Requires All of the State's Electricity to Originate from Renewable Energy Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
June 1, 2021 RI S 40 Establishes a Twenty Year Contract with Two Major Gambling Companies Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
May 18, 2021 RI S 89 Prohibits the Use of a School District's Listserv to Distribute Any Political Advertisements Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
July 16, 2020 RI S 2919 Authorizes Online Registration for Sports Betting Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
July 16, 2020 RI S 2519 Establishes Commission to Recommend Ways To Improve Retirement Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 2)
March 3, 2020 RI S 2326 Establishes Film Production Tax Credits Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
May 23, 2018 RI S 2678 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for DACA Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
April 3, 2018 RI S 2299 Prohibits Minors from Using Tanning Beds Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
June 29, 2017 RI S 897 Amends Housing Restrictions for Sex Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
June 6, 2017 RI S 608 Requires Notification of Sex Offenders Living Near School Bus Stops Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
June 6, 2017 RI S 608 Requires Notification of Sex Offenders Living Near School Bus Stops Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
May 11, 2017 RI S 112A Expands Renewable Energy Growth Program Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
June 17, 2016 RI S 2864 Establishes Regulations for Rideshare Companies Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
April 5, 2016 RI S 2185 Extends Renewable Energy Standard Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
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)
March 1, 2016 RI S 2103 Requires Property Owners to Maintain Trees and Shrubs Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
Feb. 11, 2016 RI H 7409 Establishes Highway Truck Tolls Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
June 23, 2015 RI S 997 Establishes a Toll for Large Commercial Trucks Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
June 13, 2012 RI H 7782 Regulates Auto Insurance Company Claims and Practices Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
June 13, 2012 RI H 7909 Requires State Health Laws to Comply with the Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
June 12, 2012 RI S 2052 Homeless Bill of Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
May 9, 2012 RI S 2555 A Authorizes Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
March 13, 2012 RI S 2322 Prohibits The Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
April 5, 2011 RI S 87 Establishing the Rhode Island Health Benefit Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
June 10, 2010 RI H 8094 Education Funding Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
June 30, 2009 RI S 286 Relating to Video Lottery Terminals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
June 16, 2009 RI H 5359 Medical Marijuana Veto Override Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
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)
April 29, 2008 RI S 2009 Expansion of Video Lottery Facility Hours Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
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 S 792 Authorizes and Regulates the Sale and Distribution of Kratom Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 9)
6/20 S 229 Prohibits Payday Lending Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
6/12 S 1139 Authorizes Temporary Outdoor Dining for Damaged Restaurants Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
6/03 S 938 Establishes Green Crab Harvesting Rules and Commercial License Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
5/13 S 771 Requires Each Public School to have a Policy Regarding the Use of Personal Electronic Devices on School Grounds and During School-Sponsored Activities Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 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)
6/14 H 7980 Amends State Law so Mobile Homes are Counted as Affordable Housing Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
6/13 S 2262 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion and Gender Affirming Care Lawsuits Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
6/13 H 7324 Repeals Basement Areas from the Calculation of Floor Area Ratios in Zoning Ordinances Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 13)
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 3152 Establishes a Citizens Bank Tax Cut Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
6/12 S 2693 Authorizes KEI (Japanese Imported Trucks) Registration but Prohibits Any New Importation or Registration Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 1)
6/12 H 7382 Prohibits Zoning Regulations that Allow Less Than One Unrelated Individual per Bedroom to Live in a House Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
6/12 H 7304 Increases Advance Notice Requirements for Rent Increases from 30 to 120 Days for Individuals Aged 62 and Older Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
6/12 S 2952 Establishes the Decarbonization Act of 2024 to Promote and Develop Benchmark Standards of Energy Performance Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
6/12 S 2597 Appropriates $2 Million for School Districts and Municipalities to Employ Additional Social Workers Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 2)
6/04 S 2829 Establishes E-Bike Trail Speed Limits Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
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)
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)
5/16 S 2844 Establishes the RI Ombudsman for Special Education Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 5)
5/16 S 2148 Requires a Maximum Class Size of 20 Pupils Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 4)
5/07 S 2440 Prohibits Insurers from Refusing the Use of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
5/02 S 2262 Prohibits the State from Cooperating with Out-of-State Abortion and Gender Affirming Care Lawsuits Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
4/09 S 2082 Establishes a $25 Per Month Cap for Insured Individuals for Insulin Administration and Glucose Monitoring Equipment Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 0)
3/14 S 2255 Rescinds Certain Requirements to Receiving HIV Treatment Bill Passed - Senate
6/15 S 575 Requires Epipens to be Covered by Insurance Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
6/15 S 1037 Amends the Low and Moderate Income Housing Act Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
6/15 S 1035 Authorizes the Reuse of Commercial Structures Into High Density Residential Developments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
6/15 S 311 Prohibits Rental Application Fees Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
6/14 H 5174 Establishes a Recognizable Boundary for Public Shore Access Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 3)
6/14 S 912 Authorizes Residential Eviction Court Files to be Sealed Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
6/13 H 6238 Authorizes Tenants to Pay Rent Into an Escrow if Landlords are Not in Compliance with Lead-Safety Laws Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
6/13 H 5946 Repeals Loophole which Excluded Certain Renters from Hazard Protections Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
6/13 H 6239 Increases Enforcement of Lead-Safety Laws Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
6/08 S 821 Prohibits Psychological Abuse in the Workplace Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
5/18 H 5006 Requires All State Employee's and Individuals Receiving Medicaid Continue to Receive Abortion Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
5/16 S 71 Appropriates State Funds to Provide for Free School Breakfast and Lunch in All K-12 Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
3/16 S 72 Establishes a Constitutional Amendment to Protect the Right to an Adequate Education Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (35 - 0)
6/24 H 7942 Reduces Regulations on Dwelling Units to Allow Increased Living Options for Senior Citizens Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
6/23 H 7939 Authorizes Driving Permits for Undocumented Persons Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
6/22 S 2556 Establishes the Implementation of Trauma-informed Practices in Schools (36 - 1)
6/22 S 2556 Establishes the Implementation of Trauma-informed Practices in Schools (36 - 1)
6/21 H 7277 Establishes Renewable Energy Targets and Standards Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
6/07 S 2316 Limits Minors' Access to Dietary Supplements (33 - 4)
6/07 S 2613 Limits Minors' Access to Diet Pills Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
5/17 S 2681 Expands Childcare Assistance Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
5/17 S 2681 Expands Childcare Assistance Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 5)
5/05 S 2006 Authorizes "Driver Privilege Cards" for Undocumented Persons (27 - 10)
3/24 S 2080 Requires Health Insurers Provide Coverage for 10 Categories of Essential Health Benefits Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
1/04 H 5505 Requires Every Short-Term Rental Property Listed for Rent on Any Third-Party Hosting Platform be Registered with the Department of Business Regulation Veto Override Passed - Senate (27 - 3)
6/29 H 5028 Requires Civics Education for Students in Grades 8-12 Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
6/24 S 190 Authorizes DMV to Issue Driving Privileges to Undocumented Residents Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
6/01 S 629 Requires All of the State's Electricity to Originate from Renewable Energy Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
6/01 S 40 Establishes a Twenty Year Contract with Two Major Gambling Companies Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
5/18 S 89 Prohibits the Use of a School District's Listserv to Distribute Any Political Advertisements Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
7/16 S 2919 Authorizes Online Registration for Sports Betting Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
7/16 S 2519 Establishes Commission to Recommend Ways To Improve Retirement Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 2)
3/03 S 2326 Establishes Film Production Tax Credits Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
5/23 S 2678 Authorizes Driver's Licenses for DACA Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 2)
4/03 S 2299 Prohibits Minors from Using Tanning Beds Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 1)
6/29 S 897 Amends Housing Restrictions for Sex Offenders Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 5)
6/06 S 608 Requires Notification of Sex Offenders Living Near School Bus Stops Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
6/06 S 608 Requires Notification of Sex Offenders Living Near School Bus Stops Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 0)
5/11 S 112A Expands Renewable Energy Growth Program Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 3)
6/17 S 2864 Establishes Regulations for Rideshare Companies Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
4/05 S 2185 Extends Renewable Energy Standard Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
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)
3/01 S 2103 Requires Property Owners to Maintain Trees and Shrubs Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 6)
2/11 H 7409 Establishes Highway Truck Tolls Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 12)
6/23 S 997 Establishes a Toll for Large Commercial Trucks Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
6/13 H 7782 Regulates Auto Insurance Company Claims and Practices Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
6/13 H 7909 Requires State Health Laws to Comply with the Affordable Care Act Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 8)
6/12 S 2052 Homeless Bill of Rights Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
5/09 S 2555 A Authorizes Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
3/13 S 2322 Prohibits The Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
4/05 S 87 Establishing the Rhode Island Health Benefit Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 6)
6/10 H 8094 Education Funding Amendments Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
6/30 S 286 Relating to Video Lottery Terminals Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
6/16 H 5359 Medical Marijuana Veto Override Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
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)
4/29 S 2009 Expansion of Video Lottery Facility Hours Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 6)
1/03 H 6052 Sub. A Medical Marijuana Bill Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 5)

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