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 17, 2025 ME LD 1189 Authorizes an Attorney for the State to Determine Whether to Charge Certain Class E Crimes as Civil Violations "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
June 17, 2025 NC HB 612 Requires Counties and Cities to have Criminal History Record Checks for Applicants Offered a Position that Requires the Applicant to Work with Children in Any Capacity Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
June 17, 2025 NY S 3967 Authorizes Legal Immunity for Sex Workers Bill Passed - House (138 - 0)
June 17, 2025 ME LD 1189 Authorizes an Attorney for the State to Determine Whether to Charge Certain Class E Crimes as Civil Violations "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (77 - 70)
June 17, 2025 DE HB 142 Prohibits Private Individuals from Arresting Someone Accused of a Felony by Another State Without a Warrant Bill Passed - House (24 - 12)
June 12, 2025 NY S 54 Repeals the "Voluntary Intoxication" Loophole Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
June 11, 2025 OR SB 1121 Prohibits Publicly Sharing Information to Encourage Harassment, Injury, or Stalking of Victims Bill Passed - House (54 - 2)
June 11, 2025 National S J Res 54 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of certain defense articles and services. Motion Rejected - Senate (39 - 56)
June 11, 2025 National S J Res 53 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Qatar of certain defense articles and services. Motion Rejected - Senate (39 - 56)
June 11, 2025 NY S 3967 Authorizes Legal Immunity for Sex Workers Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
June 10, 2025 LA HB 496 Establishes Protections for Policyholders Against Any Rate Increases Tied to a Lapse in Auto Coverage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (96 - 1)
June 10, 2025 ME LD 259 Establishes the Criminal Records Review Commission "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (78 - 68)
June 9, 2025 ME LD 259 Establishes the Criminal Records Review Commission "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
June 8, 2025 LA HB 496 Establishes Protections for Policyholders Against Any Rate Increases Tied to a Lapse in Auto Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
June 3, 2025 OR SB 874 Amends the Name in Oregon Medical Practice Act to be "Traditional Eastern Medicine" Instead of "Oriental Medicine" Bill Passed - House (47 - 4)
June 2, 2025 NV AB 381 Expands Protections and Penalties Related to Animal Cruelty and Rescue Situations Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
June 2, 2025 CA SB 245 Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to Certify that a Defendant Successfully Participated in Certain Programs Prior to their Release Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
June 1, 2025 IL SB 328 Specifies that the Transaction of any Business Within the State Submits any Person to the Jurisdiction of the Courts of Illinois Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
May 31, 2025 IL SB 328 Specifies that the Transaction of any Business Within the State Submits any Person to the Jurisdiction of the Courts of Illinois Bill Passed - House (77 - 40)
May 30, 2025 NE LB 298 Increases Legislative Supervision Over Divisions Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 2)
May 30, 2025 CT HB 7042 Authorizes Lawsuits Against the Firearm Industry Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
May 29, 2025 TX SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
May 27, 2025 LA HB 436 Prohibits Unauthorized Immigrants from Receiving General Damages Stemming from Auto Accidents Concurrence Vote Passed - House (74 - 24)
May 27, 2025 LA HB 431 Limits the Ability for Individuals to Recover Damages for Injuries Sustained in Accidents for Which They Are Mostly at Fault Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 22)
May 26, 2025 NV SB 60 Expands Criminal and Civil Penalties for Crimes Against Older or Vulnerable Persons Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
May 22, 2025 NH HB 57 Establishes Bail Standards for Serious and Violent Offenses "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 8)
May 22, 2025 OK HB 1460 Authorizes Removal of Certain Criminal Justice Fees and Court Waivers Bill Passed - House (84 - 3)
May 21, 2025 NV AB 411 Establishes Legal Protections for Prescribers of Abortion Drugs like Mifepristone, Misoprostol Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
May 21, 2025 TX SB 648 Amends Recording Requirements for Certain Instruments Concerning Real Property Bill Passed - House (140 - 1)
May 21, 2025 LA HB 431 Limits the Ability for Individuals to Recover Damages for Injuries Sustained in Accidents for Which They Are Mostly at Fault Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
May 21, 2025 LA HB 436 Prohibits Unauthorized Immigrants from Receiving General Damages Stemming from Auto Accidents Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
May 21, 2025 LA HB 450 Repeals the Housley Presumption that says Courts Should Assume a Plaintiff's Injuries Resulted from the Accident in Question Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
May 21, 2025 NE LB 298 Increases Legislative Supervision Over Divisions Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 3)
May 20, 2025 TX SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Bill Passed - House (118 - 25)
May 20, 2025 OR SB 1191 Authorizes Individuals to Inform Others of Their Rights Bill Passed - House (32 - 19)
May 20, 2025 MI SB 258 Expands the Statute of Limitations for Civil Actions against Criminal Sexual Conduct Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
May 20, 2025 MI SB 257 Expands the Statute of Limitations for Civil Action Against Criminal Sexual Conduct Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
May 20, 2025 MI SB 260 Specifies that Public Universities, Colleges, and School Districts May be Held Liable for Criminal Sexual Conduct of an Employee or Agent Committed During the Course of Employment or Service Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
May 20, 2025 NY S 856 Increases State Prison Oversight Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 21)
May 20, 2025 DE HB 154 Authorizes Immunity to Nonprofit Organizations Who Distribute New Secure Gun Storage and Safety Devices Bill Passed - House (31 - 7)
May 20, 2025 MI SB 259 Exempts Claims for Damages Resulting from Criminal Sexual Conduct from the Statute of Limitations on Claims Made Against the State Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
May 20, 2025 MI SB 261 Exempts Claims for Damages Resulting from Criminal Sexual Conduct from the Statute of Limitations on Claims Made Against the State of Michigan Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
May 15, 2025 MO SB 3 Increases Certain Service Fees at License Offices Bill Passed - House (131 - 18)
May 14, 2025 AL HB 202 Extends Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 28)
May 14, 2025 AL HB 202 Extends Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
May 14, 2025 CT SB 1446 Establishes Increased Fines for Roaming Dogs Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
May 14, 2025 National HR 2243 Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) Reform Act Bill Passed - House (229 - 193)
May 14, 2025 CT SB 2 Establishes Artificial Intelligence Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
May 13, 2025 National PN 25-50 Nomination of Reed Rubinstein to be Legal Adviser of the Department of State Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 46)
May 13, 2025 OR HB 2134 Authorizes Tenants to Terminate Lease Early Following Landlord's Notice of Nonrenewal Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 3)
May 12, 2025 IA HF 639 Limits Carbon Sequestration Pipelines Ability to Use Eminent Domain Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
May 12, 2025 National PN 25-50 Nomination of Reed Rubinstein to be Legal Adviser of the Department of State Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 45)
May 7, 2025 PA HB 1200 Authorizes Recreational Cannabis Use for Adults Ages 21 and Older Bill Passed - House (102 - 101)
May 6, 2025 AZ HB 2611 Establishes a Class 4 Felony for Assaults which Include 2 or More Accomplices Concurrence Vote Passed - House (35 - 19)
May 6, 2025 CO SB 25-304 Establishes the Colorado Sexual Assault Forensic Medical Evidence Review Board Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
May 6, 2025 AZ HB 2611 Establishes a Class 4 Felony for Assaults which Include 2 or More Accomplices Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
May 6, 2025 CO SB 25-288 Defines AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Materials to be Included in State Child Pornography Laws Bill Passed - House (43 - 22)
May 6, 2025 CO SB 25-304 Establishes the Colorado Sexual Assault Forensic Medical Evidence Review Board Bill Passed - House (61 - 4)
May 1, 2025 AZ HB 2824 Authorizes State Legislators the Power to Hold an Individual in Contempt Concurrence Vote Passed - House (31 - 26)
May 1, 2025 OK HB 1217 Prohibits Public Drag Performances Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 8)
May 1, 2025 MI HB 4339 Prohibits Sanctuary City Policies and Requires Local-Federal Immigration Enforcement Cooperation Bill Passed - House (58 - 48)
May 1, 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 - House (76 - 3)
April 30, 2025 CT HB 7042 Authorizes Lawsuits Against the Firearm Industry Bill Passed - House (100 - 46)
April 29, 2025 AZ HB 2076 Amends Statutes Related to Life Insurance Policies to Redefine the Term "Illustration" Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 14)
April 29, 2025 AZ SB 1372 Requires Individuals Who Submit Public Records Requests to Affirm That the Public Record is Not Being Used for Commercial Purposes When They Submit Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
April 29, 2025 AZ HB 2451 Amends the Rules for Administrative Hearings to Allow for One Uncontested Change by an Administrative Law Judge Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 2)
April 29, 2025 AZ SB 1604 Requires Individuals Charged with a Crime and Found to be Dangerous and Incompetent to Stand Trial to be Placed in a Licensed Secure Facility if a State Mental Health Facility is Not Feasible Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 3)
April 28, 2025 AZ SB 1443 Establishes Specific Regulations for Compensatory Damages Bill Passed - House (33 - 23)
April 28, 2025 AZ SB 1527 Specifies if a Health Board or Licensing Authority Suspends the Process of Renewal Applications All Current Licenses and Certifications will be Automatically Extended Until the End of the Suspension Bill Passed - House (37 - 18)
April 28, 2025 LA HB 431 Limits the Ability for Individuals to Recover Damages for Injuries Sustained in Accidents for Which They Are Mostly at Fault Bill Passed - House (67 - 26)
April 28, 2025 LA HB 291 Extends the Filing Deadline for Wrongful Death Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (90 - 6)
April 28, 2025 CO HB 25-1123 Authorizes Mediation Between Unit Owners and Homeowners Associations Bill Passed - House (43 - 22)
April 28, 2025 CA AB 867 Prohibits Cat Declawing Statewide Bill Passed - House (72 - 0)
April 28, 2025 LA HB 34 Authorizes Any Party in a Lawsuit that Stems From an Auto Accident to Introduce Evidence Related to Medical Expenses Bill Passed - House (69 - 26)
April 28, 2025 LA HB 435 Establishes a Ceiling of $5 Million for the Amount Individuals can be Awarded in Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (63 - 23)
Date No. Title Outcome
6/17 LD 1189 Authorizes an Attorney for the State to Determine Whether to Charge Certain Class E Crimes as Civil Violations "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
6/17 HB 612 Requires Counties and Cities to have Criminal History Record Checks for Applicants Offered a Position that Requires the Applicant to Work with Children in Any Capacity Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
6/17 S 3967 Authorizes Legal Immunity for Sex Workers Bill Passed - House (138 - 0)
6/17 LD 1189 Authorizes an Attorney for the State to Determine Whether to Charge Certain Class E Crimes as Civil Violations "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (77 - 70)
6/17 HB 142 Prohibits Private Individuals from Arresting Someone Accused of a Felony by Another State Without a Warrant Bill Passed - House (24 - 12)
6/12 S 54 Repeals the "Voluntary Intoxication" Loophole Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
6/11 SB 1121 Prohibits Publicly Sharing Information to Encourage Harassment, Injury, or Stalking of Victims Bill Passed - House (54 - 2)
6/11 S J Res 54 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of certain defense articles and services. Motion Rejected - Senate (39 - 56)
6/11 S J Res 53 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Qatar of certain defense articles and services. Motion Rejected - Senate (39 - 56)
6/11 S 3967 Authorizes Legal Immunity for Sex Workers Bill Passed - Senate (59 - 0)
6/10 HB 496 Establishes Protections for Policyholders Against Any Rate Increases Tied to a Lapse in Auto Coverage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (96 - 1)
6/10 LD 259 Establishes the Criminal Records Review Commission "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - House (78 - 68)
6/09 LD 259 Establishes the Criminal Records Review Commission "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (19 - 15)
6/08 HB 496 Establishes Protections for Policyholders Against Any Rate Increases Tied to a Lapse in Auto Coverage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 3)
6/03 SB 874 Amends the Name in Oregon Medical Practice Act to be "Traditional Eastern Medicine" Instead of "Oriental Medicine" Bill Passed - House (47 - 4)
6/02 AB 381 Expands Protections and Penalties Related to Animal Cruelty and Rescue Situations Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 7)
6/02 SB 245 Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to Certify that a Defendant Successfully Participated in Certain Programs Prior to their Release Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 9)
6/01 SB 328 Specifies that the Transaction of any Business Within the State Submits any Person to the Jurisdiction of the Courts of Illinois Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (37 - 19)
5/31 SB 328 Specifies that the Transaction of any Business Within the State Submits any Person to the Jurisdiction of the Courts of Illinois Bill Passed - House (77 - 40)
5/30 LB 298 Increases Legislative Supervision Over Divisions Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 2)
5/30 HB 7042 Authorizes Lawsuits Against the Firearm Industry Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
5/29 SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (28 - 3)
5/27 HB 436 Prohibits Unauthorized Immigrants from Receiving General Damages Stemming from Auto Accidents Concurrence Vote Passed - House (74 - 24)
5/27 HB 431 Limits the Ability for Individuals to Recover Damages for Injuries Sustained in Accidents for Which They Are Mostly at Fault Concurrence Vote Passed - House (75 - 22)
5/26 SB 60 Expands Criminal and Civil Penalties for Crimes Against Older or Vulnerable Persons Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 0)
5/22 HB 57 Establishes Bail Standards for Serious and Violent Offenses "Ought to Pass as Amended" Report Adopted - Senate (16 - 8)
5/22 HB 1460 Authorizes Removal of Certain Criminal Justice Fees and Court Waivers Bill Passed - House (84 - 3)
5/21 AB 411 Establishes Legal Protections for Prescribers of Abortion Drugs like Mifepristone, Misoprostol Bill Passed - Senate (13 - 8)
5/21 SB 648 Amends Recording Requirements for Certain Instruments Concerning Real Property Bill Passed - House (140 - 1)
5/21 HB 431 Limits the Ability for Individuals to Recover Damages for Injuries Sustained in Accidents for Which They Are Mostly at Fault Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
5/21 HB 436 Prohibits Unauthorized Immigrants from Receiving General Damages Stemming from Auto Accidents Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 10)
5/21 HB 450 Repeals the Housley Presumption that says Courts Should Assume a Plaintiff's Injuries Resulted from the Accident in Question Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 9)
5/21 LB 298 Increases Legislative Supervision Over Divisions Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 3)
5/20 SB 9 Amends Bail Programs and the Release of Defendants to Require Notification of Victims Bill Passed - House (118 - 25)
5/20 SB 1191 Authorizes Individuals to Inform Others of Their Rights Bill Passed - House (32 - 19)
5/20 SB 258 Expands the Statute of Limitations for Civil Actions against Criminal Sexual Conduct Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
5/20 SB 257 Expands the Statute of Limitations for Civil Action Against Criminal Sexual Conduct Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
5/20 SB 260 Specifies that Public Universities, Colleges, and School Districts May be Held Liable for Criminal Sexual Conduct of an Employee or Agent Committed During the Course of Employment or Service Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
5/20 S 856 Increases State Prison Oversight Bill Passed - Senate (40 - 21)
5/20 HB 154 Authorizes Immunity to Nonprofit Organizations Who Distribute New Secure Gun Storage and Safety Devices Bill Passed - House (31 - 7)
5/20 SB 259 Exempts Claims for Damages Resulting from Criminal Sexual Conduct from the Statute of Limitations on Claims Made Against the State Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
5/20 SB 261 Exempts Claims for Damages Resulting from Criminal Sexual Conduct from the Statute of Limitations on Claims Made Against the State of Michigan Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 9)
5/15 SB 3 Increases Certain Service Fees at License Offices Bill Passed - House (131 - 18)
5/14 HB 202 Extends Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (73 - 28)
5/14 HB 202 Extends Immunity for Law Enforcement Officers Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 6)
5/14 SB 1446 Establishes Increased Fines for Roaming Dogs Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 2)
5/14 HR 2243 Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) Reform Act Bill Passed - House (229 - 193)
5/14 SB 2 Establishes Artificial Intelligence Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 4)
5/13 PN 25-50 Nomination of Reed Rubinstein to be Legal Adviser of the Department of State Nomination Confirmed - Senate (52 - 46)
5/13 HB 2134 Authorizes Tenants to Terminate Lease Early Following Landlord's Notice of Nonrenewal Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 3)
5/12 HF 639 Limits Carbon Sequestration Pipelines Ability to Use Eminent Domain Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 22)
5/12 PN 25-50 Nomination of Reed Rubinstein to be Legal Adviser of the Department of State Cloture Invoked - Senate (52 - 45)
5/07 HB 1200 Authorizes Recreational Cannabis Use for Adults Ages 21 and Older Bill Passed - House (102 - 101)
5/06 HB 2611 Establishes a Class 4 Felony for Assaults which Include 2 or More Accomplices Concurrence Vote Passed - House (35 - 19)
5/06 SB 25-304 Establishes the Colorado Sexual Assault Forensic Medical Evidence Review Board Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 1)
5/06 HB 2611 Establishes a Class 4 Felony for Assaults which Include 2 or More Accomplices Bill Passed - Senate (18 - 10)
5/06 SB 25-288 Defines AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Materials to be Included in State Child Pornography Laws Bill Passed - House (43 - 22)
5/06 SB 25-304 Establishes the Colorado Sexual Assault Forensic Medical Evidence Review Board Bill Passed - House (61 - 4)
5/01 HB 2824 Authorizes State Legislators the Power to Hold an Individual in Contempt Concurrence Vote Passed - House (31 - 26)
5/01 HB 1217 Prohibits Public Drag Performances Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 8)
5/01 HB 4339 Prohibits Sanctuary City Policies and Requires Local-Federal Immigration Enforcement Cooperation Bill Passed - House (58 - 48)
5/01 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 - House (76 - 3)
4/30 HB 7042 Authorizes Lawsuits Against the Firearm Industry Bill Passed - House (100 - 46)
4/29 HB 2076 Amends Statutes Related to Life Insurance Policies to Redefine the Term "Illustration" Concurrence Vote Passed - House (41 - 14)
4/29 SB 1372 Requires Individuals Who Submit Public Records Requests to Affirm That the Public Record is Not Being Used for Commercial Purposes When They Submit Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (24 - 5)
4/29 HB 2451 Amends the Rules for Administrative Hearings to Allow for One Uncontested Change by an Administrative Law Judge Concurrence Vote Passed - House (53 - 2)
4/29 SB 1604 Requires Individuals Charged with a Crime and Found to be Dangerous and Incompetent to Stand Trial to be Placed in a Licensed Secure Facility if a State Mental Health Facility is Not Feasible Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 3)
4/28 SB 1443 Establishes Specific Regulations for Compensatory Damages Bill Passed - House (33 - 23)
4/28 SB 1527 Specifies if a Health Board or Licensing Authority Suspends the Process of Renewal Applications All Current Licenses and Certifications will be Automatically Extended Until the End of the Suspension Bill Passed - House (37 - 18)
4/28 HB 431 Limits the Ability for Individuals to Recover Damages for Injuries Sustained in Accidents for Which They Are Mostly at Fault Bill Passed - House (67 - 26)
4/28 HB 291 Extends the Filing Deadline for Wrongful Death Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (90 - 6)
4/28 HB 25-1123 Authorizes Mediation Between Unit Owners and Homeowners Associations Bill Passed - House (43 - 22)
4/28 AB 867 Prohibits Cat Declawing Statewide Bill Passed - House (72 - 0)
4/28 HB 34 Authorizes Any Party in a Lawsuit that Stems From an Auto Accident to Introduce Evidence Related to Medical Expenses Bill Passed - House (69 - 26)
4/28 HB 435 Establishes a Ceiling of $5 Million for the Amount Individuals can be Awarded in Lawsuits Bill Passed - House (63 - 23)

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