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.


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Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
June 11, 2026 RI H 7290 Limits the Use of Self-Service Checkout Stations in Grocery Stores Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
June 10, 2026 RI S 2504 Requires Disclosure of Warehouse Quotas to Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
June 10, 2026 PA SB 908 Expands Prevailing Wage Requirements for Public Projects Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
May 19, 2026 CA SB 947 Restricts Employer Use of Automated Decision Systems in Disclipinary and Termination Decisions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
May 13, 2026 WI AB 1 Increases Education Funding and Repeals Income Taxes for Qualified Tips and Overtime Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 18)
May 6, 2026 LA HB 185 Specifies That Employees Of Independent Contractors Engaged in Manual Labor Are Deemed Independent Contractors Under The Law Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
May 4, 2026 OK SB 201 Increases the Minimum Salary Schedule For Teachers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
April 29, 2026 OK HB 3043 Authorizes the Hiring of Seasonal Employees by the Department of Veterans Affairs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 6)
April 15, 2026 MI SB 297 Prohibits Administrative Action Against Nurses who Refuse Overtime Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
April 14, 2026 KY HB 490 Authorizes University Boards of Regents to Dismiss Faculty for Financial Reasons Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
March 27, 2026 KY HB 490 Authorizes University Boards of Regents to Dismiss Faculty for Financial Reasons Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
March 26, 2026 OK SB 1884 Expands Contract Access for Non-Union Educator's Associations Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 7)
March 24, 2026 OK SB 346 Amends the Background Check Process for Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
March 23, 2026 TN HB 2194 Requires University Boards of Regents to Distinguish Between Tenure Decisions and Disciplinary Actions for Faculty Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
March 14, 2026 VA SB 378 Authorizes Collective Bargaining for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 18)
March 14, 2026 VA SB 378 Authorizes Collective Bargaining for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 18)
March 14, 2026 WV SB 670 Establishes Regulations for Protected Series and Decentralized Unincorporated Nonprofit Associations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
March 11, 2026 OK SB 1425 Repeals Provisions Related to the Health Care Workforce Resources Board Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Feb. 5, 2026 NE LB 258 Amends Annual Increases to State Minimum Wage Down to a Fixed Rate Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
Feb. 4, 2026 NY S 496 Requires Employers to Inform Their Employees of Certain Parties with Whom They May Share Otherwise Protected Information Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 0)
Jan. 7, 2026 MS SB 2004 Appropriates Funds to the Mississippi Public Employees' Retirement System Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
Jan. 7, 2026 MS SB 2003 Amends Regulations Regarding Retired Teachers' Benefits and Return-to-Work Authorizations Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 2)
Jan. 7, 2026 MS SB 2001 Increases Teacher Salaries by $2,000 Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
Dec. 9, 2025 PA HB 274 Amends Unemployment Compensation Claim Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 5)
Dec. 9, 2025 UT HB 2001 Repeals a Ban on Public Sector Collective Bargaining Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
Dec. 9, 2025 UT HB 2001 Repeals a Ban on Public Sector Collective Bargaining Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
Nov. 19, 2025 OH HB 184 Establishes Limitations on Intercollegiate Athlete Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Contracts and Amends Appropriations and Regulations for the State Budget Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
Nov. 15, 2025 NV SB 7 Establishes What Constitutes Work Related Lung Diseases Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
Nov. 7, 2025 National S 3012 Shutdown Fairness Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 43)
Oct. 30, 2025 IL SB 2339 Prohibits Employers from Firing an Immigrant Worker if Their Records Don't Match the Federal E-Verify System Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 20)
Oct. 28, 2025 PA SB 111 Authorizes Out-of-State Residents to Work in Pennsylvania Correctional Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
Oct. 23, 2025 National S 3012 Shutdown Fairness Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
Oct. 14, 2025 WI AB 162 Requires State Agencies to Collect a Series of Metrics on Training and Workforce Development Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Oct. 14, 2025 WI AB 39 Requires State Employees to Work In-Office Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
Sept. 13, 2025 CA SB 294 Establishes Requirements Related to Paid Sick Time Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
Sept. 13, 2025 CA SB 809 Requires Employers to Reimburse Employees for the Use, Upkeep, and Depreciation of a Truck, Tractor, Trailer, or Other Commercial Vehicle Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
Sept. 12, 2025 CA SB 7 Requires Employers to Give Workers 30 Days Notice Before They Use AI to Make Decisions Related to Employment Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
Sept. 10, 2025 CA SB 590 Expands Eligibility for Benefits Under the State's Paid Family Leave Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
Sept. 10, 2025 CA AB 692 Prohibits Employment Contracts that Require the Worker to Repay an Employer Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
Sept. 10, 2025 CA AB 858 Expands COVID-Era Reinstatement Rights Law to Cover Employees Laid Off Due to Any State or Locally Declared Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
Sept. 10, 2025 CA AB 692 Prohibits Employment Contracts that Require the Worker to Repay an Employer Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
Sept. 9, 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 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
Sept. 9, 2025 CA SB 261 Requires the Labor Commissioner's Office Posts Any Unsatisfied Awards Against Employers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
Sept. 9, 2025 CA AB 288 Expands the Public Employment Relations Board's Jurisdiction Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
Sept. 9, 2025 CA AB 288 Expands the Public Employment Relations Board's Jurisdiction Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
Sept. 4, 2025 CA SB 617 Expands California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
Sept. 2, 2025 CA SB 303 Establishes Employee Protections Regarding Workplace Bias Training Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
July 31, 2025 National PN 55-28 Nomination of Andrea Lucas to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 45)
July 31, 2025 National PN 55-28 Nomination of Andrea Lucas to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 44)
July 17, 2025 CA AB 138 Authorizes Agreements Entered Into by the State and Certain State Employee Bargaining Units Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
July 17, 2025 CA AB 138 Authorizes Agreements Entered Into by the State and Certain State Employee Bargaining Units Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
July 10, 2025 CA AB 642 Authorizes School Employees to Donate Leave to Coworkers Impacted by a Governor-Declared State of Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
June 30, 2025 CA SB 140 Amends State Employee Collective Bargaining Agreements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
June 30, 2025 NJ A 1682 Requires Labor Movement History be Included in Social Studies Curriculum for Grades 6-12 Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
June 30, 2025 NJ A 4429 Prohibits Captive Audience Meetings Relating to Employee Unionization Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 1)
June 30, 2025 NJ S 4506 Exempts Minor League Baseball Players from State Wage Laws Under Certain Circumstances Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
June 30, 2025 CA SB 139 Authorizes the State Employer and State Bargaining Units 9 and 12 to Reopen Negotiations if Funds are not Specifically Appropriated by the Legislature and Approves the Agreement Entered into by the State Employer and State Bargaining Units 9 and 12 Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
June 25, 2025 NC HB 171 Prohibits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs in Local and State Government Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
June 12, 2025 OR SB 916 Authorizes Striking Workers to Receive Unemployment Pay Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 12)
June 12, 2025 OR SB 916 Authorizes Striking Workers to Receive Unemployment Pay Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 12)
June 12, 2025 NY A 584 Prohibits New York Employers' Use of Promissory Notes to Require Employees to Repay Amounts if They Leave their Job Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 21)
June 12, 2025 NY A 584 Prohibits New York Employers' Use of Promissory Notes to Require Employees to Repay Amounts if They Leave their Job Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 21)
June 12, 2025 RI S 125 Increases State Minimum Wage to $16 in 2026 and $17 in 2027 Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
June 11, 2025 LA SB 8 Authorizes the Legislature to Alter the Classified and Unclassified Status of Civil Officers and Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
June 11, 2025 NY S 6573 Requires Municipal Employees to Attempt to Identify and Notify the Owners of a Deceased Dog or Cat Recovered on Public Roads Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
June 5, 2025 ME LD 470 Requires All Public Schools to Implement Teacher Mentoring Programs by 2026 "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 13)
June 4, 2025 CA SB 261 Requires the Labor Commissioner's Office Posts Any Unsatisfied Awards Against Employers Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
June 3, 2025 LA HB 674 Amends and Revises the State's Code of Ethics Laws Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
June 2, 2025 CA SB 7 Requires Employers to Give Workers 30 Days Notice Before They Use AI to Make Decisions Related to Employment Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
May 29, 2025 CA SB 648 Authorizes the Labor Commissioner to Penalize Employers for Taking or Withholding Gratuities Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
May 28, 2025 NE LB 415 Exempts Small Businesses, Minors, and Temporary Agriculture Workers from Receiving Paid Sick Leave Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
May 28, 2025 CA SB 590 Expands Eligibility for Benefits Under the State's Paid Family Leave Program Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
May 28, 2025 CT SB 8 Authorizes Individual's Whose Total or Partial Unemployment is Due to the Existence of a Labor Dispute to Collect Unemployment Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
May 28, 2025 CT SB 8 Authorizes Individual's Whose Total or Partial Unemployment is Due to the Existence of a Labor Dispute to Collect Unemployment Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
May 23, 2025 NV AB 112 Requires Private Employers that Provide Sick Leave to Allow an Employee to Use Accrued Sick Leave for an Absence Due to an Illness, Injury, or Medical Appointment of a Member of Their Immediate Family Even if the Employee is Covered Under a Valid Collective Bargaining Agreement Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/11 H 7290 Limits the Use of Self-Service Checkout Stations in Grocery Stores Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
6/10 S 2504 Requires Disclosure of Warehouse Quotas to Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 4)
6/10 SB 908 Expands Prevailing Wage Requirements for Public Projects Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 13)
5/19 SB 947 Restricts Employer Use of Automated Decision Systems in Disclipinary and Termination Decisions Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
5/13 AB 1 Increases Education Funding and Repeals Income Taxes for Qualified Tips and Overtime Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 18)
5/06 HB 185 Specifies That Employees Of Independent Contractors Engaged in Manual Labor Are Deemed Independent Contractors Under The Law Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
5/04 SB 201 Increases the Minimum Salary Schedule For Teachers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (47 - 0)
4/29 HB 3043 Authorizes the Hiring of Seasonal Employees by the Department of Veterans Affairs Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 6)
4/15 SB 297 Prohibits Administrative Action Against Nurses who Refuse Overtime Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
4/14 HB 490 Authorizes University Boards of Regents to Dismiss Faculty for Financial Reasons Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 6)
3/27 HB 490 Authorizes University Boards of Regents to Dismiss Faculty for Financial Reasons Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 7)
3/26 SB 1884 Expands Contract Access for Non-Union Educator's Associations Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 7)
3/24 SB 346 Amends the Background Check Process for Teachers Bill Passed - Senate (45 - 0)
3/23 HB 2194 Requires University Boards of Regents to Distinguish Between Tenure Decisions and Disciplinary Actions for Faculty Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
3/14 SB 378 Authorizes Collective Bargaining for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 18)
3/14 SB 378 Authorizes Collective Bargaining for Public Employees Conference Report Adopted - Senate (20 - 18)
3/14 SB 670 Establishes Regulations for Protected Series and Decentralized Unincorporated Nonprofit Associations Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 0)
3/11 SB 1425 Repeals Provisions Related to the Health Care Workforce Resources Board Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
2/05 LB 258 Amends Annual Increases to State Minimum Wage Down to a Fixed Rate Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
2/04 S 496 Requires Employers to Inform Their Employees of Certain Parties with Whom They May Share Otherwise Protected Information Bill Passed - Senate (62 - 0)
1/07 SB 2004 Appropriates Funds to the Mississippi Public Employees' Retirement System Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
1/07 SB 2003 Amends Regulations Regarding Retired Teachers' Benefits and Return-to-Work Authorizations Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 2)
1/07 SB 2001 Increases Teacher Salaries by $2,000 Bill Passed - Senate (52 - 0)
12/09 HB 274 Amends Unemployment Compensation Claim Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (42 - 5)
12/09 HB 2001 Repeals a Ban on Public Sector Collective Bargaining Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
12/09 HB 2001 Repeals a Ban on Public Sector Collective Bargaining Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 1)
11/19 HB 184 Establishes Limitations on Intercollegiate Athlete Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Contracts and Amends Appropriations and Regulations for the State Budget Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 1)
11/15 SB 7 Establishes What Constitutes Work Related Lung Diseases Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 5)
11/07 S 3012 Shutdown Fairness Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (53 - 43)
10/30 SB 2339 Prohibits Employers from Firing an Immigrant Worker if Their Records Don't Match the Federal E-Verify System Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 20)
10/28 SB 111 Authorizes Out-of-State Residents to Work in Pennsylvania Correctional Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (50 - 0)
10/23 S 3012 Shutdown Fairness Act Cloture Not Invoked - Senate (54 - 45)
10/14 AB 162 Requires State Agencies to Collect a Series of Metrics on Training and Workforce Development Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
10/14 AB 39 Requires State Employees to Work In-Office Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
9/13 SB 294 Establishes Requirements Related to Paid Sick Time Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
9/13 SB 809 Requires Employers to Reimburse Employees for the Use, Upkeep, and Depreciation of a Truck, Tractor, Trailer, or Other Commercial Vehicle Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (29 - 8)
9/12 SB 7 Requires Employers to Give Workers 30 Days Notice Before They Use AI to Make Decisions Related to Employment Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
9/10 SB 590 Expands Eligibility for Benefits Under the State's Paid Family Leave Program Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (40 - 0)
9/10 AB 692 Prohibits Employment Contracts that Require the Worker to Repay an Employer Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
9/10 AB 858 Expands COVID-Era Reinstatement Rights Law to Cover Employees Laid Off Due to Any State or Locally Declared Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 10)
9/10 AB 692 Prohibits Employment Contracts that Require the Worker to Repay an Employer Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
9/09 SB 642 Establishes the State Statute of Limitations for Civil Actions Brought Under Section 1197.5 of the California Labor Code at 3 Years Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
9/09 SB 261 Requires the Labor Commissioner's Office Posts Any Unsatisfied Awards Against Employers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 6)
9/09 AB 288 Expands the Public Employment Relations Board's Jurisdiction Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
9/09 AB 288 Expands the Public Employment Relations Board's Jurisdiction Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 10)
9/04 SB 617 Expands California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
9/02 SB 303 Establishes Employee Protections Regarding Workplace Bias Training Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (36 - 0)
7/31 PN 55-28 Nomination of Andrea Lucas to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 45)
7/31 PN 55-28 Nomination of Andrea Lucas to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Cloture Invoked - Senate (53 - 44)
7/17 AB 138 Authorizes Agreements Entered Into by the State and Certain State Employee Bargaining Units Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
7/17 AB 138 Authorizes Agreements Entered Into by the State and Certain State Employee Bargaining Units Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
7/10 AB 642 Authorizes School Employees to Donate Leave to Coworkers Impacted by a Governor-Declared State of Emergency Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 0)
6/30 SB 140 Amends State Employee Collective Bargaining Agreements Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
6/30 A 1682 Requires Labor Movement History be Included in Social Studies Curriculum for Grades 6-12 Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 3)
6/30 A 4429 Prohibits Captive Audience Meetings Relating to Employee Unionization Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 1)
6/30 S 4506 Exempts Minor League Baseball Players from State Wage Laws Under Certain Circumstances Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 0)
6/30 SB 139 Authorizes the State Employer and State Bargaining Units 9 and 12 to Reopen Negotiations if Funds are not Specifically Appropriated by the Legislature and Approves the Agreement Entered into by the State Employer and State Bargaining Units 9 and 12 Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
6/25 HB 171 Prohibits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs in Local and State Government Agencies Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
6/12 SB 916 Authorizes Striking Workers to Receive Unemployment Pay Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 12)
6/12 SB 916 Authorizes Striking Workers to Receive Unemployment Pay Conference Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 12)
6/12 A 584 Prohibits New York Employers' Use of Promissory Notes to Require Employees to Repay Amounts if They Leave their Job Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 21)
6/12 A 584 Prohibits New York Employers' Use of Promissory Notes to Require Employees to Repay Amounts if They Leave their Job Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 21)
6/12 S 125 Increases State Minimum Wage to $16 in 2026 and $17 in 2027 Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 4)
6/11 SB 8 Authorizes the Legislature to Alter the Classified and Unclassified Status of Civil Officers and Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
6/11 S 6573 Requires Municipal Employees to Attempt to Identify and Notify the Owners of a Deceased Dog or Cat Recovered on Public Roads Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
6/05 LD 470 Requires All Public Schools to Implement Teacher Mentoring Programs by 2026 "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 13)
6/04 SB 261 Requires the Labor Commissioner's Office Posts Any Unsatisfied Awards Against Employers Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
6/03 HB 674 Amends and Revises the State's Code of Ethics Laws Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
6/02 SB 7 Requires Employers to Give Workers 30 Days Notice Before They Use AI to Make Decisions Related to Employment Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
5/29 SB 648 Authorizes the Labor Commissioner to Penalize Employers for Taking or Withholding Gratuities Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
5/28 LB 415 Exempts Small Businesses, Minors, and Temporary Agriculture Workers from Receiving Paid Sick Leave Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
5/28 SB 590 Expands Eligibility for Benefits Under the State's Paid Family Leave Program Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 0)
5/28 SB 8 Authorizes Individual's Whose Total or Partial Unemployment is Due to the Existence of a Labor Dispute to Collect Unemployment Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
5/28 SB 8 Authorizes Individual's Whose Total or Partial Unemployment is Due to the Existence of a Labor Dispute to Collect Unemployment Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 11)
5/23 AB 112 Requires Private Employers that Provide Sick Leave to Allow an Employee to Use Accrued Sick Leave for an Absence Due to an Illness, Injury, or Medical Appointment of a Member of Their Immediate Family Even if the Employee is Covered Under a Valid Collective Bargaining Agreement Bill Passed - Senate (15 - 6)

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