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
Sept. 9, 2025 CA AB 250 Establishes a 2-Year Window to Revive Civil Claims for Sexual Assault Even if the Statute of Limitations has Expired Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
Sept. 9, 2025 CA SB 627 Prohibits Local, Out-of-State, and Federal Law Enforcement Officers from Wearing Face Coverings Bill Passed - House (45 - 23)
Sept. 9, 2025 CA SB 805 Requires Law Enforcement Officers to be Readily Identifiable Bill Passed - House (60 - 15)
Sept. 9, 2025 National PN 129-10 Nomination of Robert Law to be Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans, Department of Homeland Security Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 46)
Sept. 9, 2025 MI HB 4602 Prohibits the Secretary of State From Restricting Local Election Clerks From Using Any Lawful Source for Testing Voting Machines Bill Passed - House (63 - 41)
Sept. 8, 2025 CA SB 524 Establishes Restrictions on the Use of Artificial Intelligence by Law Enforcement Agencies Bill Passed - House (50 - 17)
Sept. 8, 2025 CA AB 764 Authorizes Hunters and Landowners to Kill Invasive Species Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Sept. 8, 2025 CA AB 15 Requires Law Enforcement Agencies to Review the Casefile of an Open Unsolved Homicide Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
Sept. 8, 2025 CA AB 1269 Requires County and City Jails to Ask Inmates to Provide Emergency Contact Information Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Sept. 8, 2025 CA AB 1269 Requires County and City Jails to Ask Inmates to Provide Emergency Contact Information Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
Sept. 8, 2025 CA AB 316 Prohibits Artificial Intelligence Developers or Deployers from Asserting that AI "Autonomously" Caused Harm as a Legal Defense Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
Sept. 8, 2025 CA SB 642 Establishes the State Statute of Limitations for Civil Actions Brought Under Section 1197.5 of the California Labor Code at 3 Years Bill Passed - House (58 - 15)
Sept. 8, 2025 CA SB 312 Requires Dog Importers to Submit Health Certifications to the CDFA Bill Passed - House (78 - 0)
Sept. 4, 2025 MI HB 4517 Amends and Modifies the Amber Alert Activation Criteria and Distribution Processes Bill Passed - House (104 - 1)
Sept. 4, 2025 MI HB 4517 Amends and Modifies the Amber Alert Activation Criteria and Distribution Processes Bill Passed - House (104 - 1)
Sept. 3, 2025 TX HB 7 Increases Restrictions on Abortion Pills Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 8)
Sept. 3, 2025 TX HB 7 Increases Restrictions on Abortion Pills Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 8)
Sept. 3, 2025 CA AB 406 Prohibits Employers from Taking Action Against an Employee who is the Victim of Certain Crimes Taking Time off for Judicial Proceedings Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 2)
Sept. 3, 2025 CA AB 309 Extends the Authorization for Physicians and Pharmacists to Provide Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Without Prescription or Permit Indefinitely Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
Sept. 2, 2025 CA SB 81 Prohibits Immigration Enforcement from Obtaining Medical Information from Healthcare Providers without a Valid Warrant Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
Sept. 2, 2025 CA SB 81 Prohibits Immigration Enforcement from Obtaining Medical Information from Healthcare Providers without a Valid Warrant Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
Sept. 2, 2025 National HR 747 Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (407 - 4)
Sept. 2, 2025 National HR 747 Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (407 - 4)
Aug. 28, 2025 TX HB 7 Increases Restrictions on Abortion Pills Bill Passed - House (84 - 46)
Aug. 28, 2025 TX HB 7 Increases Restrictions on Abortion Pills Bill Passed - House (84 - 46)
Aug. 28, 2025 TX HB 7 Increases Restrictions on Abortion Pills Bill Passed - House (82 - 48)
Aug. 28, 2025 TX HB 7 Increases Restrictions on Abortion Pills Bill Passed - House (82 - 48)
Aug. 27, 2025 TX HB 25 Authorizes Ivermectin to be Sold Over-the-Counter Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
Aug. 27, 2025 TX HB 25 Authorizes Ivermectin to be Sold Over-the-Counter Bill Passed - House (87 - 47)
Aug. 26, 2025 TX SB 11 (2nd Special Session) Establishes Legal Protections to Victims of Human Trafficking Who Were Forced to Commit Crimes Bill Passed - House (137 - 1)
Aug. 26, 2025 TX SB 11 (2nd Special Session) Establishes Legal Protections to Victims of Human Trafficking Who Were Forced to Commit Crimes Bill Passed - House (137 - 1)
Aug. 26, 2025 MI SB 361 Amends References to Identity Theft Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
Aug. 26, 2025 MI SB 364 Amends References to Identity Theft Protection Act in the Code of Criminal Procedure Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
Aug. 26, 2025 MI SB 363 Amends References to Identity Theft and Consumer Protections Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
Aug. 26, 2025 MI SB 362 Reduces Data Breaches by Requiring Companies that Collect, Store, or Access Personal Information to Implement Stronger Security Measures Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
Aug. 26, 2025 MI SB 360 Reduces Data Breaches Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
Aug. 12, 2025 TX SB 10 (Special Session) Establishes Protections for Human Trafficking Victims Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
Aug. 12, 2025 TX SB 14 (Special Session) Prohibits the Release of Police Personnel Records Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
Aug. 6, 2025 TX SB 15 (Special Session) Prohibits Title Theft and Deed Fraud Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
Aug. 1, 2025 TX SB 11 (Special Session) Authorizes the State Attorney General the Power to Prosecute Election Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
July 31, 2025 National PN 26-42 Nomination of Gadyaces Serralta to be Director of the United States Marshals Service Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 39)
July 31, 2025 National PN 26-25 Nomination of Matthew Kozma to be Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security Nomination Confirmed - Senate (53 - 44)
July 30, 2025 National PN 129-4 Nomination of Thomas Gaiser to be an Assistant Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (53 - 45)
July 30, 2025 National PN 26-42 Nomination of Gadyaces Serralta to be Director of the United States Marshals Service Cloture Invoked - Senate (59 - 38)
July 30, 2025 National PN 129-4 Nomination of Thomas Gaiser to be an Assistant Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 47)
July 30, 2025 National PN 26-25 Nomination of Matthew Kozma to be Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 44)
July 29, 2025 NC HB 805 Defines Sex in North Carolina State Law Based on Biological Attributes and Amends Relevant Laws Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
July 29, 2025 NC HB 318 Reduces the Timeline for Law Enforcement to Alert ICE before an Undocumented Immigrant Criminal Suspect is Released Veto Override Passed - House (72 - 48)
July 29, 2025 NC SB 416 Prohibits Public Agencies from "Collecting, Disclosing, or Releasing Personal Information" About Individuals Associated with 501(c) Nonprofits, With Exceptions Allowed by State or Federal Law. Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
July 29, 2025 NC HB 193 Authorizes Certain Employees and Volunteers to Carry a Concealed Handgun on Private School Property with Permission from the Property Owner Veto Override Passed - House (72 - 48)
July 29, 2025 NC SB 416 Prohibits Public Agencies from "Collecting, Disclosing, or Releasing Personal Information" About Individuals Associated with 501(c) Nonprofits, With Exceptions Allowed by State or Federal Law. Veto Override Passed - House (74 - 46)
July 29, 2025 NC HB 193 Authorizes Certain Employees and Volunteers to Carry a Concealed Handgun on Private School Property with Permission from the Property Owner Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
July 29, 2025 NC HB 318 Reduces the Timeline for Law Enforcement to Alert ICE before an Undocumented Immigrant Criminal Suspect is Released Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
July 29, 2025 NC SB 153 Requires State Police to Cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Authorizes Individuals to Sue Local Governments for Crimes Committed by Undocumented Immigrants Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
July 29, 2025 NC HB 805 Defines Sex in North Carolina State Law Based on Biological Attributes and Amends Relevant Laws Veto Override Passed - House (72 - 48)
July 29, 2025 NC SB 50 Establishes State Constitutional Concealed Carry Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
July 29, 2025 NC SB 558 Prohibits the Promotion of "Divisive Concepts" and DEI at State Universities Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
July 29, 2025 NC SB 227 Prohibits the Teaching of "Divisive Concepts" in Public Schools Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
July 24, 2025 MA S 2565 Requires Law Enforcement in Massachusetts to Provide Training and Resources Regarding the Blue Envelope Program Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
July 23, 2025 National PN 24-3 Nomination of John Hurley to be Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Crimes Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 47)
July 23, 2025 National HR 3357 Enhancing Multi-Class Share Disclosures Act Bill Passed - House (381 - 31)
July 22, 2025 National PN 26-11 Nomination of Terrance Cole to be Administrator of Drug Enforcement Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 47)
July 21, 2025 National PN 26-11 Nomination of Terrance Cole to be Administrator of Drug Enforcement Cloture Invoked - Senate (44 - 43)
July 17, 2025 National PN 24-3 Nomination of John Hurley to be Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Crimes Cloture Invoked - Senate (46 - 36)
July 14, 2025 CA AB 379 Increases Penalties for Prostitution Violations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
July 1, 2025 MI HB 4390 Authorizes Michigan Law Enforcement to Administer Roadside Oral Fluid Tests Bill Passed - House (61 - 44)
July 1, 2025 MI HB 4390 Authorizes Michigan Law Enforcement to Administer Roadside Oral Fluid Tests Bill Passed - House (61 - 44)
July 1, 2025 MI HB 4391 Authorizes a Peace Officer to Require a Person to Submit to a Preliminary Chemical Breath Analysis Bill Passed - House (61 - 44)
June 30, 2025 PA HB 640 Amends and Updates Annual Reporting Requirements for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (46 - 4)
June 30, 2025 DE SB 10 Authorizes People to Apply for Sentence Modification Based on the Person's Serious Medical Illness, Age, and Time Served Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 2)
June 30, 2025 PA SB 95 Authorizes Emergency Medical Service Providers to Leave Naloxone With a Caregiver of an Overdose Patient Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 2)
June 30, 2025 PA HB 640 Amends and Updates Annual Reporting Requirements for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - House (183 - 20)
June 30, 2025 PA SB 95 Authorizes Emergency Medical Service Providers to Leave Naloxone With a Caregiver of an Overdose Patient Bill Passed - House (126 - 77)
June 30, 2025 NJ A 3802 Establishes Differences Between Certain Legal Services and Traditional Insurance Products Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
June 30, 2025 DE HB 152 Increases the Penalty for Impersonation of a Law-Enforcement Official Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
Date No. Title Outcome
9/09 AB 250 Establishes a 2-Year Window to Revive Civil Claims for Sexual Assault Even if the Statute of Limitations has Expired Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
9/09 SB 627 Prohibits Local, Out-of-State, and Federal Law Enforcement Officers from Wearing Face Coverings Bill Passed - House (45 - 23)
9/09 SB 805 Requires Law Enforcement Officers to be Readily Identifiable Bill Passed - House (60 - 15)
9/09 PN 129-10 Nomination of Robert Law to be Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans, Department of Homeland Security Cloture Invoked - Senate (51 - 46)
9/09 HB 4602 Prohibits the Secretary of State From Restricting Local Election Clerks From Using Any Lawful Source for Testing Voting Machines Bill Passed - House (63 - 41)
9/08 SB 524 Establishes Restrictions on the Use of Artificial Intelligence by Law Enforcement Agencies Bill Passed - House (50 - 17)
9/08 AB 764 Authorizes Hunters and Landowners to Kill Invasive Species Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
9/08 AB 15 Requires Law Enforcement Agencies to Review the Casefile of an Open Unsolved Homicide Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 0)
9/08 AB 1269 Requires County and City Jails to Ask Inmates to Provide Emergency Contact Information Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
9/08 AB 1269 Requires County and City Jails to Ask Inmates to Provide Emergency Contact Information Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
9/08 AB 316 Prohibits Artificial Intelligence Developers or Deployers from Asserting that AI "Autonomously" Caused Harm as a Legal Defense Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
9/08 SB 642 Establishes the State Statute of Limitations for Civil Actions Brought Under Section 1197.5 of the California Labor Code at 3 Years Bill Passed - House (58 - 15)
9/08 SB 312 Requires Dog Importers to Submit Health Certifications to the CDFA Bill Passed - House (78 - 0)
9/04 HB 4517 Amends and Modifies the Amber Alert Activation Criteria and Distribution Processes Bill Passed - House (104 - 1)
9/04 HB 4517 Amends and Modifies the Amber Alert Activation Criteria and Distribution Processes Bill Passed - House (104 - 1)
9/03 HB 7 Increases Restrictions on Abortion Pills Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 8)
9/03 HB 7 Increases Restrictions on Abortion Pills Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 8)
9/03 AB 406 Prohibits Employers from Taking Action Against an Employee who is the Victim of Certain Crimes Taking Time off for Judicial Proceedings Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 2)
9/03 AB 309 Extends the Authorization for Physicians and Pharmacists to Provide Hypodermic Needles and Syringes Without Prescription or Permit Indefinitely Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 11)
9/02 SB 81 Prohibits Immigration Enforcement from Obtaining Medical Information from Healthcare Providers without a Valid Warrant Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
9/02 SB 81 Prohibits Immigration Enforcement from Obtaining Medical Information from Healthcare Providers without a Valid Warrant Bill Passed - House (58 - 11)
9/02 HR 747 Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (407 - 4)
9/02 HR 747 Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act of 2025 Bill Passed - House (407 - 4)
8/28 HB 7 Increases Restrictions on Abortion Pills Bill Passed - House (84 - 46)
8/28 HB 7 Increases Restrictions on Abortion Pills Bill Passed - House (84 - 46)
8/28 HB 7 Increases Restrictions on Abortion Pills Bill Passed - House (82 - 48)
8/28 HB 7 Increases Restrictions on Abortion Pills Bill Passed - House (82 - 48)
8/27 HB 25 Authorizes Ivermectin to be Sold Over-the-Counter Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 6)
8/27 HB 25 Authorizes Ivermectin to be Sold Over-the-Counter Bill Passed - House (87 - 47)
8/26 SB 11 (2nd Special Session) Establishes Legal Protections to Victims of Human Trafficking Who Were Forced to Commit Crimes Bill Passed - House (137 - 1)
8/26 SB 11 (2nd Special Session) Establishes Legal Protections to Victims of Human Trafficking Who Were Forced to Commit Crimes Bill Passed - House (137 - 1)
8/26 SB 361 Amends References to Identity Theft Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
8/26 SB 364 Amends References to Identity Theft Protection Act in the Code of Criminal Procedure Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
8/26 SB 363 Amends References to Identity Theft and Consumer Protections Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
8/26 SB 362 Reduces Data Breaches by Requiring Companies that Collect, Store, or Access Personal Information to Implement Stronger Security Measures Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
8/26 SB 360 Reduces Data Breaches Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 15)
8/12 SB 10 (Special Session) Establishes Protections for Human Trafficking Victims Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 0)
8/12 SB 14 (Special Session) Prohibits the Release of Police Personnel Records Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
8/06 SB 15 (Special Session) Prohibits Title Theft and Deed Fraud Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)
8/01 SB 11 (Special Session) Authorizes the State Attorney General the Power to Prosecute Election Crimes Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 12)
7/31 PN 26-42 Nomination of Gadyaces Serralta to be Director of the United States Marshals Service Nomination Confirmed - Senate (59 - 39)
7/31 PN 26-25 Nomination of Matthew Kozma to be Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security Nomination Confirmed - Senate (53 - 44)
7/30 PN 129-4 Nomination of Thomas Gaiser to be an Assistant Attorney General Nomination Confirmed - Senate (53 - 45)
7/30 PN 26-42 Nomination of Gadyaces Serralta to be Director of the United States Marshals Service Cloture Invoked - Senate (59 - 38)
7/30 PN 129-4 Nomination of Thomas Gaiser to be an Assistant Attorney General Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 47)
7/30 PN 26-25 Nomination of Matthew Kozma to be Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 44)
7/29 HB 805 Defines Sex in North Carolina State Law Based on Biological Attributes and Amends Relevant Laws Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
7/29 HB 318 Reduces the Timeline for Law Enforcement to Alert ICE before an Undocumented Immigrant Criminal Suspect is Released Veto Override Passed - House (72 - 48)
7/29 SB 416 Prohibits Public Agencies from "Collecting, Disclosing, or Releasing Personal Information" About Individuals Associated with 501(c) Nonprofits, With Exceptions Allowed by State or Federal Law. Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
7/29 HB 193 Authorizes Certain Employees and Volunteers to Carry a Concealed Handgun on Private School Property with Permission from the Property Owner Veto Override Passed - House (72 - 48)
7/29 SB 416 Prohibits Public Agencies from "Collecting, Disclosing, or Releasing Personal Information" About Individuals Associated with 501(c) Nonprofits, With Exceptions Allowed by State or Federal Law. Veto Override Passed - House (74 - 46)
7/29 HB 193 Authorizes Certain Employees and Volunteers to Carry a Concealed Handgun on Private School Property with Permission from the Property Owner Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 19)
7/29 HB 318 Reduces the Timeline for Law Enforcement to Alert ICE before an Undocumented Immigrant Criminal Suspect is Released Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
7/29 SB 153 Requires State Police to Cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Authorizes Individuals to Sue Local Governments for Crimes Committed by Undocumented Immigrants Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
7/29 HB 805 Defines Sex in North Carolina State Law Based on Biological Attributes and Amends Relevant Laws Veto Override Passed - House (72 - 48)
7/29 SB 50 Establishes State Constitutional Concealed Carry Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
7/29 SB 558 Prohibits the Promotion of "Divisive Concepts" and DEI at State Universities Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
7/29 SB 227 Prohibits the Teaching of "Divisive Concepts" in Public Schools Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 19)
7/24 S 2565 Requires Law Enforcement in Massachusetts to Provide Training and Resources Regarding the Blue Envelope Program Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
7/23 PN 24-3 Nomination of John Hurley to be Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Crimes Nomination Confirmed - Senate (51 - 47)
7/23 HR 3357 Enhancing Multi-Class Share Disclosures Act Bill Passed - House (381 - 31)
7/22 PN 26-11 Nomination of Terrance Cole to be Administrator of Drug Enforcement Nomination Confirmed - Senate (50 - 47)
7/21 PN 26-11 Nomination of Terrance Cole to be Administrator of Drug Enforcement Cloture Invoked - Senate (44 - 43)
7/17 PN 24-3 Nomination of John Hurley to be Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Crimes Cloture Invoked - Senate (46 - 36)
7/14 AB 379 Increases Penalties for Prostitution Violations Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 2)
7/01 HB 4390 Authorizes Michigan Law Enforcement to Administer Roadside Oral Fluid Tests Bill Passed - House (61 - 44)
7/01 HB 4390 Authorizes Michigan Law Enforcement to Administer Roadside Oral Fluid Tests Bill Passed - House (61 - 44)
7/01 HB 4391 Authorizes a Peace Officer to Require a Person to Submit to a Preliminary Chemical Breath Analysis Bill Passed - House (61 - 44)
6/30 HB 640 Amends and Updates Annual Reporting Requirements for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (46 - 4)
6/30 SB 10 Authorizes People to Apply for Sentence Modification Based on the Person's Serious Medical Illness, Age, and Time Served Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (19 - 2)
6/30 SB 95 Authorizes Emergency Medical Service Providers to Leave Naloxone With a Caregiver of an Overdose Patient Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (48 - 2)
6/30 HB 640 Amends and Updates Annual Reporting Requirements for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - House (183 - 20)
6/30 SB 95 Authorizes Emergency Medical Service Providers to Leave Naloxone With a Caregiver of an Overdose Patient Bill Passed - House (126 - 77)
6/30 A 3802 Establishes Differences Between Certain Legal Services and Traditional Insurance Products Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
6/30 HB 152 Increases the Penalty for Impersonation of a Law-Enforcement Official Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 0)

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