Top 7 Tools for Tracking Legislation
Explore the top tools for tracking legislation that simplify the process and keep you informed on critical developments.
Tracking legislation can be overwhelming, but the right tools make it manageable. Here are the top 7 tools to help you stay informed, whether you're a citizen, advocate, or policy professional:
- Bloomberg Government (BGOV): Tracks over 10,000 bills per session at the federal level with real-time updates, bill comparisons, and contract analysis. Designed for professionals with subscription plans starting at several thousand dollars annually.
- LegiScan: Covers all 50 states and Congress with free and paid tiers. Features include real-time alerts, multi-state monitoring, and API access for advanced users.
- GovTrack: A free platform for federal legislation tracking with options for advanced tools at $29.99/year. Offers voting records, bill predictions, and historical data.
- BillTrack50: Focuses on U.S. states and Congress. Includes keyword searches, real-time alerts, and customizable dashboards. Plans range from free to enterprise-level.
- FiscalNote: Combines AI with predictive analytics to monitor legislation worldwide. Tracks 40,000+ bodies and offers tools for stakeholder management. Pricing is customized.
- Cicada.Guide: AI-powered platform that simplifies legal jargon, tracks representatives’ votes, and provides personalized feeds. Focused on citizen engagement.
- Quorum: Tracks legislation across all U.S. states and Congress with real-time updates, analytics, and advocacy tools for organizations.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Coverage | Key Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomberg Gov. | Federal | Bill comparisons, contract analysis | $$$ (Custom) |
| LegiScan | 50 States + Congress | Multi-state tracking, API access | Free to $$$ |
| GovTrack | Federal | Predictions, historical data | Free to $29.99 |
| BillTrack50 | 50 States + Congress | Dashboards, NLP search | Free to $$$ |
| FiscalNote | Federal, State, Global | AI predictions, stakeholder tools | $$$ (Custom) |
| Cicada.Guide | State-focused | AI summaries, personalized feeds | $$$ (Custom) |
| Quorum | 50 States + Congress | Advocacy tools, analytics | $$$ (Custom) |
These tools simplify legislative tracking by offering real-time updates, summaries, and actionable insights. Choose the one that fits your needs and budget to stay informed and engaged.
Bloomberg Government's Legislative Tracking Solution
1. Bloomberg Government
Bloomberg Government (BGOV) is a powerful resource for tracking federal legislation, keeping tabs on over 10,000 bills per session with real-time updates from more than 400 committees.
Key Features for Legislative Tracking:
- Instant alerts for new bill introductions and status updates
- Comprehensive bill summaries and side-by-side text comparisons
- Interactive heatmaps to visualize legislative activity
- Access to CRS Reports and CBO cost estimates
- Hearing transcripts and legislative calendars
BGOV goes beyond tracking bills. It combines legislative insights with federal contract analysis, covering approximately $500 billion in contracts each year. Users can customize their experience with a dashboard that delivers personalized alerts, targeted monitoring, and access to congressional staff directories.
For those needing deeper insights, BGOV provides tools to compare bill versions, track amendments, and integrate news coverage alongside expert commentary.
Subscription Details:
BGOV operates on a subscription basis, with individual plans starting at several thousand dollars annually. Special pricing is available for non-profits, educational institutions, and government agencies, along with enterprise options for multi-user access.
Additional Features for Policy Experts:
- Access to historical legislative data
- Industry-specific impact analyses
- Exclusive webinars and training sessions
- Comprehensive customer support
- Seamless integration with Bloomberg's professional tools
With its robust data analytics and tailored tools, BGOV sets a high standard as we explore other legislative tracking platforms.
2. LegiScan
LegiScan is a powerful tool for tracking legislation across all 50 states and Congress. It’s a go-to resource for anyone needing to follow bills across multiple jurisdictions.
Core Features
LegiScan provides three service tiers, each tailored to different needs:
| Service Tier | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| OneVote (Free) | Track up to 50 bills, email alerts, basic reporting | Individual citizens, small advocacy groups |
| OneVote+ | Unlimited bill tracking, PDF reports, multi-state monitoring | Policy professionals, researchers |
| GAITS Pro | Advanced reporting (PDF, Word, Excel), custom issue management, API access, multi-user support | Organizations, government relations teams |
Real-Time Updates
The platform keeps users informed with instant updates through personalized email alerts and private RSS feeds. With its dynamic reporting tools, users can create and share updates in multiple formats, ensuring everyone stays in the loop.
Advanced Tools and Integration
For those needing deeper integration, LegiScan provides a RESTful API, delivering legislative data in JSON format. This includes full bill texts, voting records, search results, and real-time status updates.
Professional-Grade Features
GAITS Pro users gain access to advanced tools designed for detailed and collaborative tracking. These include:
- Executive Summaries: Condensed overviews of complex bills for quick understanding.
- Regional Assignments: Tools for monitoring legislation by specific territories.
- Insights Browser: A feature for in-depth analysis of legislative data.
- Centralized Dashboard: A hub for team coordination and tracking multiple issues.
One of LegiScan’s standout features is its ability to consolidate legislative data from all jurisdictions into a single interface. This makes it especially useful for organizations monitoring issues like education reform, healthcare policies, or environmental regulations across state lines. By offering comprehensive oversight without the need to juggle multiple systems, LegiScan simplifies the process for users managing complex legislative landscapes.
Next, we’ll dive into another prominent platform for legislative tracking.
3. GovTrack
Launched in 2004, GovTrack was one of the first platforms to make legislative tracking accessible to the public. Today, it attracts over 9 million unique visitors each year, providing tools to keep tabs on federal legislation and Congressional activities.
Core Platform Features
GovTrack simplifies legislative tracking with a range of user-friendly tools:
| Feature Category | Included Tools | What It Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Tracking | Bill updates, voting records, member profiles | Keep up with legislative progress |
| Analytics | Statistical insights, bill predictions, Report Cards | Data to inform your decisions |
| Customization | Email alerts, personalized dashboards, saved searches | Tailor the experience to your needs |
| Historical Data | Records from the 1970s, profiles of past members | Dive into decades of legislative history |
Data-Driven Insights
GovTrack processes over 10,000 bills during each Congressional session. Its prediction system assigns scores to bills, offering users a glimpse into their chances of becoming law.
Accessibility and Pricing
GovTrack is designed with accessibility in mind:
- Free Tier: Get access to essential features like bill tracking and alerts at no cost.
- Pro Subscription: For $29.99 per year, unlock advanced tools like customizable alerts, ad-free browsing, and enhanced tracking dashboards.
Professional Integration
GovTrack's API connects users to legislative data from trusted sources, including Congress.gov, official House and Senate records, and Congressional Budget Office reports.
Educational Resources
GovTrack goes beyond tracking bills - it also educates users on how Congress works. It was one of the first platforms to make Congressional data openly available, earning recognition from civic tech advocates for its role in promoting government transparency.
With records of over 100,000 bills and a wealth of analytical tools, GovTrack is a go-to resource for anyone interested in monitoring Congressional activity. Next, we’ll explore BillTrack50 and its unique approach to legislative tracking.
4. BillTrack50
BillTrack50 is a legislative tracking platform designed to simplify monitoring and analysis of legislation across all 50 states and Congress. Its user-friendly interface and robust tools make it a go-to resource for staying updated on legislative developments.
Core Features
| Feature Category | Capabilities | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Search & Discovery | Search by keywords, sponsors, or policy areas | Easily find relevant legislation in various jurisdictions |
| Monitoring Tools | Real-time alerts, status updates, and amendment tracking | Stay up-to-date with legislative changes |
| Visualization | Customizable dashboards | Get a clear overview of tracked bills at a glance |
| Document Access | Access full bill texts, markup tools, and note-taking features | Analyze and annotate legislation efficiently |
These features are powered by advanced technology that enhances the search process and streamlines legislative tracking.
Smart Tracking Technology
BillTrack50 employs natural language processing to identify relevant legislation, even if you don’t know the exact bill number. It also categorizes bills into standardized topics, making it easier to compare similar legislation across states.
Accessibility Options
BillTrack50 offers flexible pricing plans to suit various needs:
- Free Basic Access: Allows users to search for current session bills, view summaries, and get basic status updates.
- Professional Tier ($50–$100/month): Includes advanced search options, better tracking capabilities, and more detailed alerts.
- Enterprise Level: Provides unlimited tracking, multi-user support, and API access for custom integrations.
Integration Capabilities
The platform seamlessly integrates with tools you already use, such as Google Calendar, Outlook, iCal, and Slack, ensuring team notifications and scheduling are effortless. For enterprise users, API access enables deeper customization. To help users get the most out of the platform, BillTrack50 also offers tutorials and regular webinars, making it easier to navigate and manage legislative processes across multiple jurisdictions.
5. FiscalNote
FiscalNote is a legislative and regulatory intelligence platform that leverages AI and advanced analytics to assist government affairs professionals in tracking and managing legislation across multiple jurisdictions.
Core Analytics and Features
| Feature Category | Capabilities | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Predictive Analytics | AI-powered predictions for bill outcomes | Make informed decisions based on the likelihood of legislative success |
| Coverage Scope | Tracks activity from over 40,000 legislative and regulatory bodies worldwide | Monitor legislation at federal, state, and international levels |
| Real-time Monitoring | Immediate alerts for changes in bill status | Stay updated on key legislative developments |
| Stakeholder Tools | Tools for managing contacts and tracking relationships | Simplify advocacy and engagement efforts |
Advanced Technology Integration
FiscalNote employs machine learning and natural language processing to evaluate legislative data, forecast outcomes, and identify how industry trends might be shaped by legislative changes.
Enterprise Solutions
FiscalNote offers flexible solutions tailored to meet various organizational needs:
- Global Reach: Provides access to legislative data from all 50 U.S. states and international jurisdictions.
- Collaboration Tools: Built-in features for sharing insights and coordinating team responses.
- API Integration: Options to connect FiscalNote with existing business systems.
- Professional Support: Includes training sessions and access to custom research services.
2025 State Sessions Toolkit
The State Sessions Toolkit is designed to help organizations navigate the complexities of state-level policymaking in 2025. It offers targeted resources to prepare for and respond to state legislative developments, combining strategic insights with powerful monitoring tools.
Data-Driven Insights
FiscalNote’s platform delivers a wealth of actionable data, including:
- Monitoring over 40,000 legislative and regulatory bodies worldwide.
- Access to historical voting records and detailed legislator profiles.
- Custom alerts tailored to industry-specific policy changes.
- Predictive analytics to assess the probability of bill passage.
The platform operates on a subscription-based pricing model, with packages customized to fit the size of the organization, the jurisdictions covered, and the features required. For precise pricing details, organizations are encouraged to contact FiscalNote directly for a quote.
Up next, we’ll dive into another essential tool to enhance your legislative tracking capabilities.
6. Cicada.Guide
Cicada.Guide takes legislative tracking to the next level by using AI to simplify complex laws and make them more understandable for both citizens and professionals. With a focus on clarity and personalized engagement, the platform is designed to help users navigate legislation effortlessly.
Core Features
| Feature Category | Description | User Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| AI Summaries | Breaks down complicated legal jargon into easy-to-read summaries | Saves time and improves understanding of laws |
| Interactive Q&A | Lets users ask specific questions about bills | Provides quick answers to legislative concerns |
| Representative Tracking | Tracks voting records of representatives and compares them to your values | Helps users stay informed and engaged civically |
| Custom Feeds | Offers personalized feeds like 'For You,' 'Discover,' and 'Tracking' | Keeps users updated on relevant legislation |
Tools for Engagement
Cicada.Guide makes it simple for users to take action. Its AI-powered tools help craft effective messages to send to elected officials, ensuring that your opinions on critical issues are heard. These tools are seamlessly integrated with personalized feeds, providing a streamlined way to stay informed and engaged.
Personalized Feeds
The platform stands out with its tailored feeds, designed to enhance the experience of tracking legislation:
-
For You Feed
Curates bills that match your interests, based on your preferences and activity, so you can easily stay updated on topics that matter to you. -
Discover Feed
Lets you explore a wide range of legislation, offering filters by subject or policy area to find content that aligns with your curiosity or priorities. -
Tracking Feed
Focuses on the bills you’ve chosen to follow, delivering real-time updates so you never miss a development.
With its intuitive design, Cicada.Guide ensures that anyone - whether politically savvy or not - can access and engage with legislative information. By removing barriers, it opens the door for more people to participate in the democratic process.
7. Quorum
Quorum is a legislative tracking platform that offers coverage across all 50 U.S. states, Congress, and major federal agencies. Its ability to provide real-time updates makes it a go-to tool for organizations managing legislation across various jurisdictions.
Key Capabilities
| Feature Category | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Tracks legislation in all 50 states, Congress, and federal agencies | Ensures comprehensive oversight |
| Real-time Updates | Sends instant alerts on bill status changes | Keeps users informed of critical changes |
| Analytics | Offers custom reports and trend analysis | Supports data-driven strategies |
| Communication | Includes tools for direct advocacy efforts | Simplifies stakeholder engagement |
These features are designed to streamline the monitoring process and improve engagement with legislative developments.
Advanced Monitoring Features
Quorum provides instant insight into legislative activity through customizable alerts and notifications. Users are immediately informed when bills are introduced, amended, or move through the legislative process, ensuring no critical updates are missed.
In addition to real-time monitoring, Quorum offers an analytics suite that turns legislative data into actionable insights, helping users make informed decisions.
Analytics and Reporting
With Quorum's analytics tools, users can:
- Examine legislative trends and patterns
- Generate predictive insights to anticipate changes
- Monitor voting behaviors
- Assess the effectiveness of advocacy campaigns
Practical Application
For example, healthcare advocacy groups benefit significantly from Quorum's features. The platform simplifies tracking policy changes across multiple states by consolidating data and providing instant alerts. This allows stakeholders to respond quickly and coordinate actions using integrated communication tools.
Stakeholder Management
Quorum also facilitates direct engagement with legislators. Users can:
- Reach out to lawmakers using built-in communication tools
- Organize grassroots campaigns and monitor their impact
- Manage and track relationships with key stakeholders
Dashboard Customization
Quorum offers customizable dashboards that display:
- Legislative milestones
- Committee hearing schedules
- Upcoming votes
- Advocacy performance metrics
Features and Pricing Comparison
Here's a breakdown of the key features and pricing details for some of the top legislative tracking tools available.
Coverage and Updates
| Tool | Coverage | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomberg Government | Federal, State, Local | Live |
| LegiScan | 50 States + Congress | Daily |
| GovTrack | Federal | Live |
| BillTrack50 | 50 States + Congress | Daily |
| FiscalNote | Federal, State, Local | Live |
| Cicada.guide | State-focused | Live |
| Quorum | 50 States + Congress | Live |
Note: Pricing structures depend on organizational needs. For precise details, it's best to contact the vendors directly.
Core Functionality Comparison
| Feature Category | Most Common Features | Advanced Features |
|---|---|---|
| Bill Tracking | • Status updates • Email alerts • Basic search |
• Analytics • Custom reports • Trend analysis |
| Document Access | • Bill text • Amendments • Committee reports |
• Historical archives • Legal analysis |
| Collaboration | • Sharing tools • Notes • Basic workflow |
• Team management • Project tracking |
Each tool also brings its own unique strengths to the table:
Bloomberg Government
- Federal contracting insights
- Policy analysis tools
- Integrated news updates
LegiScan
- Comprehensive state-level coverage
- Bulk data downloads
- API access for custom integrations
GovTrack
- Free access to federal legislation
- Public voting records
- Statistical tracking tools
BillTrack50
- Customizable alerts
- Legislative mapping features
- Social media integration
FiscalNote
- Global policy monitoring
- Stakeholder management tools
- Risk analysis capabilities
Cicada.guide
- AI-powered bill summaries
- Interactive Q&A features
- Representative alignment and personalized recommendations
- Tools for citizen engagement
Quorum
- Stakeholder database
- Advanced analytics for legislative trends
- Advocacy and outreach tools
Technology Integration
| Technology | Implementation | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| AI/ML | Smart bill analysis | Better understanding of legislation |
| Mobile Apps | Real-time access | Faster response times |
| APIs | System integration | Streamlined workflows |
| Analytics | Custom reporting tools | Data-informed decision-making |
Implementation Considerations
When evaluating these tools, consider the following factors:
- Compatibility with your current systems
- Ease of use and training needs
- Options for exporting data
- Availability of customer support
- Security features and compliance standards
Pricing varies significantly across platforms, with enterprise solutions often offering tailored packages that include advanced analytics and dedicated support services.
Key Points to Remember
When selecting the right tool for staying informed and engaged, keep these factors in mind:
Simplifying Complex Legislation
A good tool should break down dense legal language into easy-to-understand summaries. Many modern platforms use AI to help users quickly grasp the main takeaways of proposed bills.
Interactive Engagement
Seek out platforms that make it easier to connect with your representatives and participate in civic advocacy efforts.
Custom Tracking and Alerts
Personalized features like tracking specific issues, receiving custom alerts, or curating tailored content feeds can make your experience more relevant and efficient.
Keeping Representatives Accountable
Understanding how your representatives vote is crucial. Opt for tools that provide in-depth insights into voting records and how they align with your priorities.
The best tools don’t just provide accurate information - they also empower you to take meaningful action. These considerations highlight the essential qualities to look for when evaluating different options.
FAQs
What should I consider when choosing a legislative tracking tool?
When choosing a legislative tracking tool, it's important to pinpoint the features that align with your priorities. Do you want AI-powered summaries to break down complicated bills? Or perhaps tools to reach out to your representatives and stay updated on new legislation? It’s also worth considering platforms that allow you to follow your representatives' voting records and see how their decisions match your values.
Think about your budget and whether the platform meets your unique requirements. For instance, a tool like Cicada offers these capabilities, helping you stay informed and actively involved in the legislative process.
What features should I look for in a legislative tracking tool to better connect with my representatives?
When picking a legislative tracking tool, focus on features that keep you informed and involved. Tools with AI-powered summaries can simplify complicated bills into clear, digestible insights. Look for options that let you monitor your representatives' voting records, giving you a better sense of how their actions align with your priorities. Another handy feature is the ability to reach out to your representatives directly, making it easier to voice your concerns and stand up for the issues that matter to you.
How do AI and predictive analytics improve tools like Cicada for tracking legislation?
AI and predictive analytics are transforming legislative tracking tools by breaking down complex legislation into easy-to-digest summaries. This makes it simpler for users to grasp proposed laws and understand how they might affect them. These tools can also pinpoint critical details, forecast legislative outcomes, and deliver tailored updates based on individual preferences.
By leveraging these capabilities, users can stay up-to-date, monitor voting records, and take meaningful action with greater ease - helping them stay actively involved in the legislative process.