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
March 29, 2012 GA HB 861 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Concurrence Vote Passed - House (110 - 56)
March 29, 2012 IL HB 5531 Limits Tuition Waivers for State University Employees Bill Failed - House (26 - 75)
March 29, 2012 SC H 4894 Authorizes Income Tax Credit for Tuition Payments Bill Passed - House (62 - 38)
March 27, 2012 GA HB 861 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 15)
March 21, 2012 NH HB 437 Repeals Same-Sex Marriage "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (211 - 116)
March 20, 2012 ID H 486 Prohibits Minors from Using Tanning Beds Bill Passed - House (39 - 30)
March 19, 2012 CO HB 1271 Repeals Direct Filing of Juveniles by Prosecutors Bill Passed - House (45 - 20)
March 15, 2012 MI SB 756 Prohibits Teens from Using Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
March 15, 2012 MD SB 523 Increases State Income Tax Rates Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
March 14, 2012 NH HB 1264 Authorizes Individuals to Refuse to Provide Services for Marriages "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (246 - 85)
March 14, 2012 MD SB 559 Prohibits Smoking in a Vehicle with Children Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 19)
March 13, 2012 WI SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - House (60 - 34)
March 13, 2012 RI S 2322 Prohibits The Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
March 9, 2012 FL SB 1718 Authorizes Parent Involvement in School Turnaround Decisions Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 20)
March 8, 2012 AZ SB 1462 Expands Penalties for Bullying Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
March 7, 2012 GA SB 292 Requires Drug Tests for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
March 1, 2012 SD SB 141 Amends the Definition of Domestic Abuse Motion Agreed - House (39 - 25)
March 1, 2012 AZ HB 2154 Requires Car Seats for Certain Children Bill Passed - House (38 - 17)
Feb. 28, 2012 SD H Amdt 141 Defining Domestic Abuse as Abuse Witihin an Opposite-Sex Relationship Amendment Adopted - House (35 - 33)
Feb. 28, 2012 SD SB 141 Amends the Definition of Domestic Abuse Bill Passed - House (46 - 22)
Feb. 28, 2012 UT HB 316 Extends Waiting Period for Divorce Bill Passed - House (43 - 26)
Feb. 28, 2012 UT HB 316 Extends Waiting Period for Divorce Bill Passed - House (43 - 26)
Feb. 27, 2012 AZ SB 1204 Authorizes Parents to Vote to Close Schools Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
Feb. 24, 2012 UT HB 198 Prohibits Regulation of Family Food Bill Passed - House (53 - 16)
Feb. 23, 2012 MD HB 438 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
Feb. 23, 2012 FL HB 549 Amends Alimony Provisions Bill Passed - House (83 - 30)
Feb. 22, 2012 VA SB 349 Authorizing Private Adoption Agencies to Refuse Certain Placements Bill Passed - House (71 - 28)
Feb. 22, 2012 UT SB 41 Authorizes Regulations of Tanning Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 9)
Feb. 22, 2012 UT SB 41 Authorizes Regulations of Tanning Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 9)
Feb. 21, 2012 VA HB 189 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Refuse Adoptions for Religious Reasons Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Feb. 17, 2012 MD HB 438 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (72 - 67)
Feb. 16, 2012 NJ S 1 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (42 - 33)
Feb. 13, 2012 NJ S 1 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
Feb. 9, 2012 VA SB 349 Authorizing Private Adoption Agencies to Refuse Certain Placements Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
Feb. 8, 2012 WA SB 6239 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
Feb. 7, 2012 UT SB 128 Prohibits Minors from Using Cell Phones while Driving Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
Feb. 3, 2012 VA HB 189 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Refuse Adoptions for Religious Reasons Bill Passed - House (71 - 28)
Feb. 1, 2012 WA SB 6239 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
Jan. 9, 2012 NJ A 4366 Amending Annulment Requirements and Eliminating Marriage Wait Period Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
Jan. 9, 2012 NJ A 4366 Amending Annulment Requirements and Eliminating Marriage Wait Period Bill Passed - House (46 - 23)
Dec. 15, 2011 National HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (86 - 13)
Dec. 14, 2011 National HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - House (283 - 136)
Dec. 8, 2011 MI HB 4770 Prohibits Public Employers from Providing Medical Benefits to Public Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 45)
Dec. 7, 2011 MI HB 4770 Prohibits Public Employers from Providing Medical Benefits to Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
Nov. 2, 2011 WI SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
Nov. 1, 2011 WI SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - House (63 - 32)
Oct. 25, 2011 WI SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
Sept. 13, 2011 NC SB 514 Constitutional Amendment to Define Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
Sept. 12, 2011 NC SB 514 Constitutional Amendment to Define Marriage Bill Passed - House (75 - 42)
Sept. 9, 2011 CA AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27)
Sept. 8, 2011 CA SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
Sept. 8, 2011 CA AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
Sept. 6, 2011 CA AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 27)
Sept. 6, 2011 CA SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Bill Passed - House (52 - 26)
Sept. 2, 2011 CA SB 746 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Beds by Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
Sept. 1, 2011 CA SB 746 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Beds by Minors Bill Passed - House (49 - 27)
Aug. 31, 2011 CA AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
Aug. 30, 2011 CA AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
June 29, 2011 RI H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
June 24, 2011 NY A 8354 Marriage Equality Enactment Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 29)
June 22, 2011 NH HB 329 Revising Abortion Procedures for Unemancipated Minors Veto Override Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
June 22, 2011 NH HB 329 Revising Abortion Procedures for Unemancipated Minors Veto Override Passed - House (266 - 102)
June 15, 2011 NY A 8354 Marriage Equality Enactment Bill Passed - House (80 - 63)
June 9, 2011 TX SB 7 Health Care Bill Passed - House (89 - 41)
May 23, 2011 PA HB 815 Reduces the Offense of "Sexting" for Minors Bill Passed - House (178 - 20)
May 23, 2011 CA AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Bill Passed - House (42 - 29)
May 21, 2011 MN SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (70 - 62)
May 19, 2011 RI H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (62 - 11)
May 12, 2011 CA AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - House (50 - 25)
May 11, 2011 MN SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - Senate (38 - 27)
May 9, 2011 NJ S 799 Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates Bill Passed - House (45 - 26)
May 9, 2011 NJ S 799 Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates Bill Passed - House (45 - 26)
April 27, 2011 MT HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 35)
April 27, 2011 MT HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 35)
April 26, 2011 MT HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
April 26, 2011 MT HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
April 21, 2011 WA HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 40)
April 21, 2011 WA HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 40)
April 21, 2011 WA HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 21)
April 21, 2011 WA HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 21)
April 14, 2011 DE SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
April 7, 2011 OR SB 695 Standards for Infant Formula Containers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
April 7, 2011 DE SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 6)
April 7, 2011 OR SB 695 Standards for Infant Formula Containers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
April 1, 2011 TX Amdt 143 Requiring Public Colleges and Universities to Fund Student Centers for Family and Traditional Values Amendment Adopted - House (110 - 24)
April 1, 2011 TX Amdt 143 Requiring Public Colleges and Universities to Fund Student Centers for Family and Traditional Values Amendment Adopted - House (110 - 24)
March 24, 2011 CO SB 172 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
March 23, 2011 KS HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
March 23, 2011 KS HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
March 17, 2011 AZ SB 1308 Separate Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
March 9, 2011 MD Amendment 223923 Civil Marriage Protection Act Amendment Rejected - House (63 - 72)
March 8, 2011 AZ SB 1188 Preference for Married Couples in Adoption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
March 8, 2011 IA HF 535 Repeals Statewide Preschool Program Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)
March 8, 2011 IA HF 535 Repeals Statewide Preschool Program Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)
March 7, 2011 WA HB 1166 Preventing Alcohol Poisoning Deaths Bill Passed - House (57 - 39)
March 7, 2011 UT 1SHB 89 Protection of Children from Second Hand Smoke in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (39 - 35)
March 3, 2011 UT SB 124 Leaving a Child Unattended in a Motor Vehicle Bill Passed - House (47 - 26)
March 2, 2011 WY HB 74 Prohibiting Recognition of Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages Conference Report Rejected - Senate (14 - 16)
March 2, 2011 WY HB 74 Prohibiting Recognition of Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages Conference Report Adopted - House (31 - 28)
March 1, 2011 GA HB 279 Increased Age Requirement for Child Restraints Bill Passed - House (129 - 43)
Date No. Title Outcome
3/29 HB 861 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Concurrence Vote Passed - House (110 - 56)
3/29 HB 5531 Limits Tuition Waivers for State University Employees Bill Failed - House (26 - 75)
3/29 H 4894 Authorizes Income Tax Credit for Tuition Payments Bill Passed - House (62 - 38)
3/27 HB 861 Requires Drug Testing for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 15)
3/21 HB 437 Repeals Same-Sex Marriage "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (211 - 116)
3/20 H 486 Prohibits Minors from Using Tanning Beds Bill Passed - House (39 - 30)
3/19 HB 1271 Repeals Direct Filing of Juveniles by Prosecutors Bill Passed - House (45 - 20)
3/15 SB 756 Prohibits Teens from Using Cell Phones While Driving Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 10)
3/15 SB 523 Increases State Income Tax Rates Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
3/14 HB 1264 Authorizes Individuals to Refuse to Provide Services for Marriages "Inexpedient to Legislate" Vote Passed - House (246 - 85)
3/14 SB 559 Prohibits Smoking in a Vehicle with Children Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 19)
3/13 SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - House (60 - 34)
3/13 S 2322 Prohibits The Use Of Tanning Facilities By Minors Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
3/09 SB 1718 Authorizes Parent Involvement in School Turnaround Decisions Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 20)
3/08 SB 1462 Expands Penalties for Bullying Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 12)
3/07 SB 292 Requires Drug Tests for Certain Welfare Recipients Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 18)
3/01 SB 141 Amends the Definition of Domestic Abuse Motion Agreed - House (39 - 25)
3/01 HB 2154 Requires Car Seats for Certain Children Bill Passed - House (38 - 17)
2/28 H Amdt 141 Defining Domestic Abuse as Abuse Witihin an Opposite-Sex Relationship Amendment Adopted - House (35 - 33)
2/28 SB 141 Amends the Definition of Domestic Abuse Bill Passed - House (46 - 22)
2/28 HB 316 Extends Waiting Period for Divorce Bill Passed - House (43 - 26)
2/28 HB 316 Extends Waiting Period for Divorce Bill Passed - House (43 - 26)
2/27 SB 1204 Authorizes Parents to Vote to Close Schools Bill Passed - Senate (16 - 14)
2/24 HB 198 Prohibits Regulation of Family Food Bill Passed - House (53 - 16)
2/23 HB 438 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 22)
2/23 HB 549 Amends Alimony Provisions Bill Passed - House (83 - 30)
2/22 SB 349 Authorizing Private Adoption Agencies to Refuse Certain Placements Bill Passed - House (71 - 28)
2/22 SB 41 Authorizes Regulations of Tanning Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 9)
2/22 SB 41 Authorizes Regulations of Tanning Facilities Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 9)
2/21 HB 189 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Refuse Adoptions for Religious Reasons Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
2/17 HB 438 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (72 - 67)
2/16 S 1 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (42 - 33)
2/13 S 1 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 16)
2/09 SB 349 Authorizing Private Adoption Agencies to Refuse Certain Placements Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 18)
2/08 SB 6239 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - House (55 - 43)
2/07 SB 128 Prohibits Minors from Using Cell Phones while Driving Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 9)
2/03 HB 189 Authorizes Adoption Agencies to Refuse Adoptions for Religious Reasons Bill Passed - House (71 - 28)
2/01 SB 6239 Authorizes Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 21)
1/09 A 4366 Amending Annulment Requirements and Eliminating Marriage Wait Period Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 13)
1/09 A 4366 Amending Annulment Requirements and Eliminating Marriage Wait Period Bill Passed - House (46 - 23)
12/15 HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - Senate (86 - 13)
12/14 HR 1540 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report Adopted - House (283 - 136)
12/08 HB 4770 Prohibits Public Employers from Providing Medical Benefits to Public Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - House (63 - 45)
12/07 HB 4770 Prohibits Public Employers from Providing Medical Benefits to Public Employees Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
11/02 SB 237 Amending Sexual Education Guidelines Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
11/01 SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - House (63 - 32)
10/25 SB 45 Administration of Medications to Students Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 15)
9/13 SB 514 Constitutional Amendment to Define Marriage Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
9/12 SB 514 Constitutional Amendment to Define Marriage Bill Passed - House (75 - 42)
9/09 AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Concurrence Vote Passed - House (51 - 27)
9/08 SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (27 - 9)
9/08 AB 101 Allows Family Child Care Providers to Organize Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 15)
9/06 AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 27)
9/06 SB 299 Pregnancy or Childbirth Leave for Employees Bill Passed - House (52 - 26)
9/02 SB 746 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Beds by Minors Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 12)
9/01 SB 746 Prohibits the Use of Tanning Beds by Minors Bill Passed - House (49 - 27)
8/31 AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 17)
8/30 AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
6/29 H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 16)
6/24 A 8354 Marriage Equality Enactment Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 29)
6/22 HB 329 Revising Abortion Procedures for Unemancipated Minors Veto Override Passed - Senate (17 - 7)
6/22 HB 329 Revising Abortion Procedures for Unemancipated Minors Veto Override Passed - House (266 - 102)
6/15 A 8354 Marriage Equality Enactment Bill Passed - House (80 - 63)
6/09 SB 7 Health Care Bill Passed - House (89 - 41)
5/23 HB 815 Reduces the Offense of "Sexting" for Minors Bill Passed - House (178 - 20)
5/23 AB 1319 Prohibiting the Use of BPA in Baby Products Bill Passed - House (42 - 29)
5/21 SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - House (70 - 62)
5/19 H 6103 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (62 - 11)
5/12 AB 499 Authorizes Minors to Seek Medical Care for STDs Bill Passed - House (50 - 25)
5/11 SF 1308 Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage Amendment Adopted - Senate (38 - 27)
5/09 S 799 Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates Bill Passed - House (45 - 26)
5/09 S 799 Adopted Individuals' Access to Birth Certificates Bill Passed - House (45 - 26)
4/27 HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 35)
4/27 HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (65 - 35)
4/26 HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
4/26 HB 627 Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 22)
4/21 HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 40)
4/21 HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - House (57 - 40)
4/21 HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 21)
4/21 HB 1267 Definition of Parenthood Conference Report Adopted - Senate (27 - 21)
4/14 SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
4/07 SB 695 Standards for Infant Formula Containers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
4/07 SB 30 Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 6)
4/07 SB 695 Standards for Infant Formula Containers Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 9)
4/01 Amdt 143 Requiring Public Colleges and Universities to Fund Student Centers for Family and Traditional Values Amendment Adopted - House (110 - 24)
4/01 Amdt 143 Requiring Public Colleges and Universities to Fund Student Centers for Family and Traditional Values Amendment Adopted - House (110 - 24)
3/24 SB 172 Authorizes Civil Unions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 12)
3/23 HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
3/23 HB 2035 Amending Statutes Regulating Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 15)
3/17 SB 1308 Separate Birth Certificates for Non-Citizens Bill Failed - Senate (12 - 18)
3/09 Amendment 223923 Civil Marriage Protection Act Amendment Rejected - House (63 - 72)
3/08 SB 1188 Preference for Married Couples in Adoption Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
3/08 HF 535 Repeals Statewide Preschool Program Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)
3/08 HF 535 Repeals Statewide Preschool Program Bill Passed - House (55 - 45)
3/07 HB 1166 Preventing Alcohol Poisoning Deaths Bill Passed - House (57 - 39)
3/07 1SHB 89 Protection of Children from Second Hand Smoke in Motor Vehicles Bill Passed - House (39 - 35)
3/03 SB 124 Leaving a Child Unattended in a Motor Vehicle Bill Passed - House (47 - 26)
3/02 HB 74 Prohibiting Recognition of Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages Conference Report Rejected - Senate (14 - 16)
3/02 HB 74 Prohibiting Recognition of Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages Conference Report Adopted - House (31 - 28)
3/01 HB 279 Increased Age Requirement for Child Restraints Bill Passed - House (129 - 43)

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