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
Nov. 5, 2013 WI AB 297 Amends Laws Concerning the Use of Race-Based Nicknames, Logos, Mascots, and Team Names Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
Oct. 15, 2013 WI AB 297 Amends Laws Concerning the Use of Race-Based Nicknames, Logos, Mascots, and Team Names Bill Passed - House (52 - 41)
Oct. 8, 2013 National H J Res 84 Head Start Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 Joint Resolution Passed - House (248 - 168)
Sept. 12, 2013 CA AB 375 Amends Teacher Dismissal Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 22)
Sept. 12, 2013 CA AB 375 Amends Teacher Dismissal Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
Sept. 11, 2013 CA AB 484 Amends State School Testing Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 22)
Sept. 10, 2013 CA AB 484 Amends State School Testing Programs Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
July 23, 2013 NC SB 337 Establishes the North Carolina Charter School Advisory Board Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 11)
July 23, 2013 NC SB 337 Establishes the North Carolina Charter School Advisory Board Conference Report Adopted - House (88 - 22)
July 16, 2013 NC HB 250 Amends Charter School Laws Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 9)
July 16, 2013 NC HB 250 Amends Charter School Laws Conference Report Adopted - House (68 - 47)
July 3, 2013 CA AB 1266 Amends Sex-Segregated School Programs and Activities Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
July 2, 2013 NC SB 132 Requires Certain Reproductive Health and Safety Education for Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 12)
July 2, 2013 OR HB 2456 Appropriates Increased Tax Funds to Schools and Health Services Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 15)
July 1, 2013 OR SB 215 Authorizes Schools to Use Native American Mascots Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
June 28, 2013 OR SB 215 Authorizes Schools to Use Native American Mascots by Agreement Bill Passed - House (41 - 19)
June 27, 2013 NC SB 132 Requires Certain Reproductive Health and Safety Education for Schools Bill Passed - House (69 - 42)
June 18, 2013 ME LD 1540 Amends Public School Assessment System Bill Passed - House (80 - 55)
June 18, 2013 ME LD 1540 Amends Public School Assessment System "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 14)
June 10, 2013 AZ HB 2399 Authorizes School Boards to Increase Property Taxes to Pay for Bonds Bill Passed - House (31 - 26)
May 29, 2013 MI HB 4228 2013-2014 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 12)
May 29, 2013 CA AB 375 Amends Teacher Dismissal Requirements Bill Passed - House (64 - 11)
May 28, 2013 MI HB 4228 2013-2014 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (65 - 43)
May 22, 2013 IL HB 2675 Expands Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 21)
May 22, 2013 TX HB 1009 Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
May 19, 2013 MN HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 26)
May 18, 2013 MN HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (78 - 56)
May 16, 2013 CA SB 552 Authorizes a Violence Awareness Component of School Curriculum Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
May 14, 2013 MO SB 125 Amends State Intervention Process For Unaccredited Schools Bill Passed - House (107 - 49)
May 9, 2013 AL HB 658 Amends The School "Accountability Act" Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 41)
May 9, 2013 AL HB 658 Amends The School "Accountability Act" Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
May 9, 2013 TX SB 376 Establishes a Free Breakfast Program for Students Bill Passed - House (73 - 58)
May 9, 2013 CA AB 1266 Amends Sex-Segregated School Programs and Activities Bill Passed - House (46 - 25)
May 7, 2013 NC SB 337 Establishes an Independent Charter School Board Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
May 6, 2013 MO HB 34 Expands Prevailing Wage Requirements for Public Works Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - House (93 - 64)
May 6, 2013 MN HF 826 Requires Schools to Establish Bullying Policies Bill Passed - House (72 - 57)
May 6, 2013 TX HB 1009 Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools Bill Passed - House (123 - 22)
May 2, 2013 ND HB 1319 Amends School Funding Laws Conference Report Adopted - House (49 - 42)
May 2, 2013 FL HB 7009 Amends Teacher Evaluations and Charter School Provisions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 42)
May 1, 2013 FL HB 7009 Amends Teacher Evaluations and Charter School Provisions Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
May 1, 2013 IL SB 1739 Expands State Casino Development Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 20)
May 1, 2013 MI HB 4388 Establishes School Attendence Requirements for Family Independence Assistance Bill Passed - House (78 - 32)
April 30, 2013 FL HB 867 Authorizes Parent Involvement in School Turnaround Decisions Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 20)
April 29, 2013 MO HB 34 Expands Prevailing Wage Requirements for Public Works Projects Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
April 26, 2013 IN HB 1427 Amends Public School Evaluation System Conference Report Adopted - House (53 - 45)
April 26, 2013 IN HB 1427 Amends Public School Evaluation System Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 15)
April 25, 2013 MN HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 28)
April 25, 2013 NC SB 243 Requires New Instructions in Public School Curriculum Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 7)
April 24, 2013 MT SB 81 Establishes Tax Deductions for Donations to Educational Charities Bill Passed - House (54 - 45)
April 23, 2013 OK HB 1358 Amends Public School Grading System Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
April 23, 2013 OK HB 1658 Amends Public School Grading System Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
April 23, 2013 MN HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Bill Passed - House (83 - 50)
April 23, 2013 NV AB 230 Amends State Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
April 22, 2013 IN HB 1357 Amends Licensing Requirements for Superintendents Concurrence Vote Passed - House (55 - 40)
April 22, 2013 OR HB 3014 Requires Allotted Time for the Pledge of Allegiance in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (42 - 16)
April 18, 2013 TN HB 702 Increases the Appeal Time Period for Establishing Charter Schools Bill Passed - House (62 - 30)
April 17, 2013 MT SB 175 Increases Public Education Funding Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)
April 17, 2013 IL HB 2675 Expands Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (66 - 52)
April 15, 2013 WA SB 5329 Requires Superintendent to Take Action in Certain Schools Bill Passed - House (68 - 29)
April 10, 2013 IN HB 1357 Amends Licensing Requirements for Superintendents Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 25)
April 10, 2013 IN HB 1003 Expands School Scholarship Program Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
April 10, 2013 OR SB 215 Authorizes Schools to Use Native American Mascots Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
April 6, 2013 MD HB 1107 Amends Prince George's County School System Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 47)
April 4, 2013 FL HB 867 Authorizes Parent Involvement in School Turnaround Decisions Bill Passed - House (68 - 51)
April 4, 2013 AK HB 162 Amends Teacher Tenure Policy Bill Passed - House (28 - 10)
April 3, 2013 MS SB 2659 Establishes a Grant for School Resource Officers in Schools Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 36)
April 3, 2013 ID H 221 Amends Public Charter School Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 22)
April 3, 2013 AR HB 1938 Prohibits the Closure of Schools Based on Student Enrollment for 2 Years Bill Failed - House (46 - 26)
April 2, 2013 MS SB 2199 Requires Appointed Superintendents Conference Report Rejected - House (52 - 66)
March 28, 2013 ID H 221 Amends Public Charter School Laws Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
March 26, 2013 IA SF 423 Amends Education Provisions Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
March 22, 2013 MD HB 860 Authorizes Construction and Renovation of Public Schools Bill Passed - House (107 - 30)
March 18, 2013 CO HB 1081 Expands Sexual Education Curriculum Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
March 14, 2013 OK HB 1940 Authorizes Students to Express Religious Viewpoints in Schools Bill Passed - House (79 - 13)
March 13, 2013 WA HB 1817 Authorizes Undocumented Students to Apply for State Financial Aid Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
March 12, 2013 OK HB 1062 Authorizes School Employees to Carry Handguns on School Property Bill Passed - House (68 - 23)
March 8, 2013 WA HB 1283 Amends School Age Requirements Bill Passed - House (74 - 23)
March 6, 2013 WA SB 5328 Establishes a Grading System for Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
March 6, 2013 OK SB 1001 Authorizes Parents to Petition for Certain School Actions Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 12)
March 5, 2013 KY SB 176 Authorizes Low-Achieving Schools to Become Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
March 5, 2013 ID HB 206 Appropriates Funding for Charter Schools Bill Passed - House (42 - 27)
March 4, 2013 SD HB 1087 Authorizes School Sentinel Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - House (40 - 19)
Feb. 28, 2013 AL HB 84 Authorizes Schools to Apply for Waivers from State Laws Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 11)
Feb. 28, 2013 MO HB 388 Requires School Ratings Based on Student Performance Bill Passed - House (128 - 23)
Feb. 28, 2013 MO HB 34 Authorizes School Districts To Opt Out of Prevailing Wage Requirement Bill Passed - House (89 - 59)
Feb. 27, 2013 SD HB 1087 Authorizes School Sentinel Programs Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
Feb. 27, 2013 MT HB 384 Authorizes Students to Bring Firearms to School Bill Failed - House (45 - 53)
Feb. 26, 2013 ID S 1089 Amends Early Teacher Retirement Program Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
Feb. 25, 2013 ND HB 1215 Authorizes Concealed Weapons in Schools Bill Passed - House (60 - 33)
Feb. 23, 2013 MT SB 175 Increases Public Education Funding Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
Feb. 22, 2013 NM HB 300 Authorizes Extended School Absences for Pregnant Teens Bill Passed - House (56 - 12)
Feb. 21, 2013 IN HB 1003 Expands School Scholarship Program Bill Passed - House (57 - 36)
Feb. 21, 2013 CO HB 1081 Expands Sexual Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
Feb. 20, 2013 VA SB 1324 Establishes Education Institution and Board Bill Passed - House (64 - 34)
Feb. 20, 2013 ND SB 2267 Appropriates Funding for School Safety Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
Feb. 20, 2013 NH HB 370 Repeals the Education Tax Credit Program Bill Passed - House (188 - 151)
Feb. 20, 2013 VT H 265 Amends Education Property Tax Rates for Fiscal Year 2014 Bill Passed - House (96 - 45)
Feb. 16, 2013 MT SB 81 Establishes Tax Deductions for Donations to Educational Charities Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
Feb. 14, 2013 AL HB 84 Authorizes Schools to Apply for Waivers from State Laws Bill Passed - House (65 - 37)
Feb. 14, 2013 IA SF 161 Establishes the School Budget Growth for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 22)
Date No. Title Outcome
11/05 AB 297 Amends Laws Concerning the Use of Race-Based Nicknames, Logos, Mascots, and Team Names Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 16)
10/15 AB 297 Amends Laws Concerning the Use of Race-Based Nicknames, Logos, Mascots, and Team Names Bill Passed - House (52 - 41)
10/08 H J Res 84 Head Start Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014 Joint Resolution Passed - House (248 - 168)
9/12 AB 375 Amends Teacher Dismissal Requirements Concurrence Vote Passed - House (52 - 22)
9/12 AB 375 Amends Teacher Dismissal Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 13)
9/11 AB 484 Amends State School Testing Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - House (54 - 22)
9/10 AB 484 Amends State School Testing Programs Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 7)
7/23 SB 337 Establishes the North Carolina Charter School Advisory Board Conference Report Adopted - Senate (37 - 11)
7/23 SB 337 Establishes the North Carolina Charter School Advisory Board Conference Report Adopted - House (88 - 22)
7/16 HB 250 Amends Charter School Laws Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 9)
7/16 HB 250 Amends Charter School Laws Conference Report Adopted - House (68 - 47)
7/03 AB 1266 Amends Sex-Segregated School Programs and Activities Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 9)
7/02 SB 132 Requires Certain Reproductive Health and Safety Education for Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 12)
7/02 HB 2456 Appropriates Increased Tax Funds to Schools and Health Services Bill Failed - Senate (15 - 15)
7/01 SB 215 Authorizes Schools to Use Native American Mascots Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (25 - 5)
6/28 SB 215 Authorizes Schools to Use Native American Mascots by Agreement Bill Passed - House (41 - 19)
6/27 SB 132 Requires Certain Reproductive Health and Safety Education for Schools Bill Passed - House (69 - 42)
6/18 LD 1540 Amends Public School Assessment System Bill Passed - House (80 - 55)
6/18 LD 1540 Amends Public School Assessment System "Ought to Pass" Report Adopted - Senate (21 - 14)
6/10 HB 2399 Authorizes School Boards to Increase Property Taxes to Pay for Bonds Bill Passed - House (31 - 26)
5/29 HB 4228 2013-2014 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (25 - 12)
5/29 AB 375 Amends Teacher Dismissal Requirements Bill Passed - House (64 - 11)
5/28 HB 4228 2013-2014 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (65 - 43)
5/22 HB 2675 Expands Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 21)
5/22 HB 1009 Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 4)
5/19 HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 26)
5/18 HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (78 - 56)
5/16 SB 552 Authorizes a Violence Awareness Component of School Curriculum Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 7)
5/14 SB 125 Amends State Intervention Process For Unaccredited Schools Bill Passed - House (107 - 49)
5/09 HB 658 Amends The School "Accountability Act" Concurrence Vote Passed - House (61 - 41)
5/09 HB 658 Amends The School "Accountability Act" Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 12)
5/09 SB 376 Establishes a Free Breakfast Program for Students Bill Passed - House (73 - 58)
5/09 AB 1266 Amends Sex-Segregated School Programs and Activities Bill Passed - House (46 - 25)
5/07 SB 337 Establishes an Independent Charter School Board Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
5/06 HB 34 Expands Prevailing Wage Requirements for Public Works Projects Concurrence Vote Passed - House (93 - 64)
5/06 HF 826 Requires Schools to Establish Bullying Policies Bill Passed - House (72 - 57)
5/06 HB 1009 Establishes "School Marshal" as a New Category of Law Enforcement for Schools Bill Passed - House (123 - 22)
5/02 HB 1319 Amends School Funding Laws Conference Report Adopted - House (49 - 42)
5/02 HB 7009 Amends Teacher Evaluations and Charter School Provisions Concurrence Vote Passed - House (76 - 42)
5/01 HB 7009 Amends Teacher Evaluations and Charter School Provisions Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 7)
5/01 SB 1739 Expands State Casino Development Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 20)
5/01 HB 4388 Establishes School Attendence Requirements for Family Independence Assistance Bill Passed - House (78 - 32)
4/30 HB 867 Authorizes Parent Involvement in School Turnaround Decisions Bill Failed - Senate (20 - 20)
4/29 HB 34 Expands Prevailing Wage Requirements for Public Works Projects Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 10)
4/26 HB 1427 Amends Public School Evaluation System Conference Report Adopted - House (53 - 45)
4/26 HB 1427 Amends Public School Evaluation System Conference Report Adopted - Senate (34 - 15)
4/25 HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 28)
4/25 SB 243 Requires New Instructions in Public School Curriculum Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 7)
4/24 SB 81 Establishes Tax Deductions for Donations to Educational Charities Bill Passed - House (54 - 45)
4/23 HB 1358 Amends Public School Grading System Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
4/23 HB 1658 Amends Public School Grading System Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
4/23 HF 630 2013-2015 Biennium K-12 Education Budget Bill Passed - House (83 - 50)
4/23 AB 230 Amends State Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (26 - 15)
4/22 HB 1357 Amends Licensing Requirements for Superintendents Concurrence Vote Passed - House (55 - 40)
4/22 HB 3014 Requires Allotted Time for the Pledge of Allegiance in Public Schools Bill Passed - House (42 - 16)
4/18 HB 702 Increases the Appeal Time Period for Establishing Charter Schools Bill Passed - House (62 - 30)
4/17 SB 175 Increases Public Education Funding Bill Passed - House (58 - 41)
4/17 HB 2675 Expands Sex Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (66 - 52)
4/15 SB 5329 Requires Superintendent to Take Action in Certain Schools Bill Passed - House (68 - 29)
4/10 HB 1357 Amends Licensing Requirements for Superintendents Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 25)
4/10 HB 1003 Expands School Scholarship Program Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 23)
4/10 SB 215 Authorizes Schools to Use Native American Mascots Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 4)
4/06 HB 1107 Amends Prince George's County School System Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 47)
4/04 HB 867 Authorizes Parent Involvement in School Turnaround Decisions Bill Passed - House (68 - 51)
4/04 HB 162 Amends Teacher Tenure Policy Bill Passed - House (28 - 10)
4/03 SB 2659 Establishes a Grant for School Resource Officers in Schools Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 36)
4/03 H 221 Amends Public Charter School Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (45 - 22)
4/03 HB 1938 Prohibits the Closure of Schools Based on Student Enrollment for 2 Years Bill Failed - House (46 - 26)
4/02 SB 2199 Requires Appointed Superintendents Conference Report Rejected - House (52 - 66)
3/28 H 221 Amends Public Charter School Laws Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 7)
3/26 SF 423 Amends Education Provisions Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
3/22 HB 860 Authorizes Construction and Renovation of Public Schools Bill Passed - House (107 - 30)
3/18 HB 1081 Expands Sexual Education Curriculum Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 15)
3/14 HB 1940 Authorizes Students to Express Religious Viewpoints in Schools Bill Passed - House (79 - 13)
3/13 HB 1817 Authorizes Undocumented Students to Apply for State Financial Aid Bill Passed - House (77 - 20)
3/12 HB 1062 Authorizes School Employees to Carry Handguns on School Property Bill Passed - House (68 - 23)
3/08 HB 1283 Amends School Age Requirements Bill Passed - House (74 - 23)
3/06 SB 5328 Establishes a Grading System for Schools Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 23)
3/06 SB 1001 Authorizes Parents to Petition for Certain School Actions Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 12)
3/05 SB 176 Authorizes Low-Achieving Schools to Become Charter Schools Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 15)
3/05 HB 206 Appropriates Funding for Charter Schools Bill Passed - House (42 - 27)
3/04 HB 1087 Authorizes School Sentinel Programs Concurrence Vote Passed - House (40 - 19)
2/28 HB 84 Authorizes Schools to Apply for Waivers from State Laws Conference Report Adopted - Senate (22 - 11)
2/28 HB 388 Requires School Ratings Based on Student Performance Bill Passed - House (128 - 23)
2/28 HB 34 Authorizes School Districts To Opt Out of Prevailing Wage Requirement Bill Passed - House (89 - 59)
2/27 HB 1087 Authorizes School Sentinel Programs Bill Passed - Senate (21 - 14)
2/27 HB 384 Authorizes Students to Bring Firearms to School Bill Failed - House (45 - 53)
2/26 S 1089 Amends Early Teacher Retirement Program Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 6)
2/25 HB 1215 Authorizes Concealed Weapons in Schools Bill Passed - House (60 - 33)
2/23 SB 175 Increases Public Education Funding Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 17)
2/22 HB 300 Authorizes Extended School Absences for Pregnant Teens Bill Passed - House (56 - 12)
2/21 HB 1003 Expands School Scholarship Program Bill Passed - House (57 - 36)
2/21 HB 1081 Expands Sexual Education Curriculum Bill Passed - House (37 - 28)
2/20 SB 1324 Establishes Education Institution and Board Bill Passed - House (64 - 34)
2/20 SB 2267 Appropriates Funding for School Safety Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
2/20 HB 370 Repeals the Education Tax Credit Program Bill Passed - House (188 - 151)
2/20 H 265 Amends Education Property Tax Rates for Fiscal Year 2014 Bill Passed - House (96 - 45)
2/16 SB 81 Establishes Tax Deductions for Donations to Educational Charities Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 20)
2/14 HB 84 Authorizes Schools to Apply for Waivers from State Laws Bill Passed - House (65 - 37)
2/14 SF 161 Establishes the School Budget Growth for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 22)

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