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
April 2, 2013 MD SB 183 Authorizes Tax Credits for Certain Film Production Activities Bill Passed - House (108 - 31)
March 20, 2013 MD SB 30 Prohibits Smoking in Vehicles Containing Children Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
April 6, 2013 MD HB 1107 Amends Prince George's County School System Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 47)
March 11, 2013 MD SB 279 Amends Early Voting Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
April 8, 2013 MD HB 224 Amends Voting Procedures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (99 - 40)
April 8, 2013 MD HB 224 Amends Voting Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
April 8, 2013 MD SB 422 Requires Public School Teachers to Pay Labor Union Fees Bill Passed - House (99 - 41)
April 4, 2013 MD SB 422 Requires Public School Teachers to Pay Labor Union Fees Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
Jan. 29, 2014 MD SB 134 Amends the Maryland Health Insurance Plan Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 7)
Jan. 28, 2014 MD SB 134 Amends the Maryland Health Insurance Plan Bill Passed - House (94 - 42)
Feb. 5, 2014 MD SB 75 Prohibits the Sale of Alcoholic Products with Alcohol Content Above 95 Percent Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 10)
Feb. 6, 2014 MD SB 263 Amends Baltimore's Needle and Syringe Exchange Program Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 6)
March 27, 2014 MD SB 212 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (82 - 57)
March 4, 2014 MD SB 212 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
April 7, 2014 MD HB 295 Increases the Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (87 - 47)
April 5, 2014 MD HB 295 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
March 7, 2014 MD HB 295 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (89 - 46)
April 5, 2014 MD SB 364 Reduces Penalties for Possession of Marijuana Bill Passed - House (78 - 55)
March 14, 2014 MD SB 364 Reduces Penalties for Possession of Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 8)
March 7, 2014 MD HB 354 Amends the Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Program Bill Passed - House (84 - 51)
April 1, 2014 MD SB 336 Establishes Certain Areas as State Wildlands Bill Passed - House (106 - 29)
March 20, 2014 MD HB 739 Amends Estate Tax Laws Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 10)
April 5, 2014 MD HB 1168 Prohibits the Construction of a Wind-Powered Generating Station Concurrence Vote Passed - House (100 - 24)
April 5, 2014 MD HB 1168 Prohibits the Construction of a Wind-Powered Generating Station Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
March 31, 2014 MD SB 973 Establishes an Automated Assessment System for Pretrial Releases Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 9)
April 5, 2014 MD SB 170 2014-2015 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (98 - 37)
April 5, 2014 MD SB 172 Authorizes Eminent Domain Against Certain Film Production Entitites Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 38)
March 27, 2014 MD SB 172 Authorizes Eminent Domain Against Certain Film Production Entities Bill Passed - House (96 - 42)
April 5, 2014 MD SB 170 2014-2015 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 7)
April 5, 2014 MD SB 172 Authorizes Eminent Domain Against Certain Film Production Entitites Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 6)
April 2, 2014 MD HB 727 Expands Prevailing Wage Requirements for Certain School Projects Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
March 17, 2014 MD HB 727 Expands Prevailing Wage Requirements for Certain School Projects Bill Passed - House (90 - 46)
March 16, 2015 MD SB 340 Expands Voting Rights of Convicted Felons Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
April 8, 2015 MD SB 190 Amends Taxable Price for Sale or Use of Accommodations Bill Passed - House (84 - 56)
March 24, 2015 MD SB 190 Amends Taxable Price for Sale or Use of Accommodations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
March 24, 2015 MD SB 416 Requires Health Insurers to Cover In Vitro Fertilization for Same-Sex Couples Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 10)
March 19, 2015 MD HB 124 Authorizes Expungement of Certain Crimes Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
April 8, 2015 MD SB 743 Authorizes New Birth Certificates for Sex Changes Bill Passed - House (91 - 49)
March 24, 2015 MD SB 743 Authorizes New Birth Certificates for Sex Changes Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
March 24, 2015 MD SB 458 Increases Liabilities for Hydraulic Fracturing Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
March 23, 2015 MD HB 121 Amends Mandatory Sentences for Certain Drug Offenses Bill Passed - House (85 - 55)
April 13, 2015 MD SB 183 Amends Funding for the Geographic Cost of Education Index Bill Passed - House (88 - 51)
April 13, 2015 MD SB 183 Amends Funding for the Geographic Cost of Education Index Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
April 13, 2015 MD HB 70 2015-2016 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (33 - 13)
April 13, 2015 MD HB 70 2015-2016 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (90 - 49)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 528 Amends Asset Forfeiture Regulations Veto Override Passed - House (89 - 52)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 528 Amends Asset Forfeiture Regulations Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 190 Amends Taxable Price for Sale or Use of Accommodations Veto Override Passed - House (89 - 52)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 190 Amends Taxable Price for Sale or Use of Accommodations Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 517 Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia Veto Override Passed - House (86 - 55)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 517 Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
March 3, 2016 MD HB 274 Repeals Witness Requirement for Uncontested Divorces Bill Passed - House (94 - 45)
March 12, 2016 MD HB 1002 Prohibits Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (81 - 54)
March 16, 2016 MD SB 706 Establishes Education Credit Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 19)
March 17, 2016 MD SB 49 Amends the State Song Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
March 9, 2016 MD SB 198 Prohibits Certain Pesticides Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
March 19, 2016 MD HB 1013 Establishes Transportation Project Scoring System Bill Passed - House (84 - 51)
March 21, 2016 MD HB 1016 Amends Certain Law Enforcement Procedures Bill Passed - House (92 - 44)
March 21, 2016 MD HB 1106 Increases Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards Bill Passed - House (92 - 43)
March 23, 2016 MD SB 1159 Amends Baltimore Board of Liquor License Commissioners Appointment Regulations Bill Passed - House (90 - 46)
Feb. 9, 2016 MD HB 980 Authorizes Felons to Vote While on Parole Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
Jan. 20, 2016 MD HB 980 Authorizes Felons to Vote While on Parole Veto Override Passed - House (85 - 56)
March 30, 2016 MD SB 323 Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (97 - 39)
March 31, 2016 MD SB 1052 Establishes Consolidated University of Maryland Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
March 30, 2016 MD SB 1052 Establishes Consolidated University of Maryland Bill Passed - House (92 - 44)
April 7, 2016 MD HB 172 Amends School Board Nominating Commission Veto Override Passed - House (90 - 50)
April 5, 2016 MD HB 580 Requires Employers to Provide Paid Sick Leave Bill Passed - House (84 - 54)
April 6, 2016 MD SB 921 Increases Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
April 9, 2016 MD HB 1003 Prohibits Wage Discrimination on Basis of Gender Identity Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 33)
April 7, 2016 MD HB 1003 Prohibits Wage Discrimination on Basis of Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
April 11, 2016 MD SB 1112 Establishes Tax Credit for Certain Aerospace Businesses Bill Passed - House (76 - 57)
April 8, 2016 MD SB 1112 Establishes Tax Credit for Certain Aerospace Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
March 21, 2016 MD HB 1007 Establishes Electronic Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (93 - 43)
April 8, 2016 MD HB 1013 Establishes Transportation Project Scoring System Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
April 7, 2016 MD HB 1013 Establishes Transportation Project Scoring System Veto Override Passed - House (88 - 52)
Feb. 10, 2017 MD SJ 5 Authorizes State Attorney General to Sue Federal Government Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
Feb. 2, 2017 MD HB 1106 Increases Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
Jan. 31, 2017 MD HB 1106 Increases Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards Veto Override Passed - House (88 - 51)
March 27, 2017 MD HB 1325 Prohibits Fracking Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 10)
March 24, 2017 MD SB 1081 Establishes Funds to Support Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
April 7, 2017 MD HB 631 Prohibits Unwarranted Price Hikes on Generic Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 7)
April 6, 2017 MD HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
April 6, 2017 MD HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Veto Override Passed - House (90 - 50)
March 24, 2017 MD HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
March 10, 2017 MD HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Bill Passed - House (91 - 46)
April 5, 2017 MD HB 1 Requires Certain Employers to Provide Paid Sick Leave Concurrence Vote Passed - House (87 - 53)
April 3, 2017 MD HB 1 Requires Certain Employers to Provide Paid Sick Leave Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
Feb. 1, 2018 MD SB 120 Authorizes Mutual-Consent Divorce for Parents without Year Separation Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
March 5, 2018 MD SB 256 Requires Presidential Candidates to Disclose Tax Returns Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 17)
March 28, 2018 MD SB 1048 Authorizes Automatic Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
March 16, 2018 MD SB 1048 Authorizes Automatic Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
March 16, 2018 MD SB 790 Repeals State Song Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 13)
March 15, 2018 MD HB 888 Prohibits Certain Firearms Accessories Bill Passed - House (128 - 7)
March 19, 2018 MD SB 877 Authorizes Corporate Tax Incentives Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 12)
March 30, 2018 MD SB 654 Requires Extension of Union Contracts Bill Passed - House (89 - 47)
March 26, 2018 MD SB 654 Requires Extension of Union Contracts Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
March 12, 2018 MD SB 122 Amends Criminal Law Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 8)
March 30, 2018 MD HB 908 Requires Insurance Companies to Cover Fertility Treatments for Cancer Patients Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
March 15, 2018 MD HB 908 Requires Insurance Companies to Cover Fertility Treatments for Cancer Patients Bill Passed - House (133 - 2)
April 2, 2018 MD HB 1243 Authorizes Workers to Sue for Unpaid Wages Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/02 SB 183 Authorizes Tax Credits for Certain Film Production Activities Bill Passed - House (108 - 31)
3/20 SB 30 Prohibits Smoking in Vehicles Containing Children Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 20)
4/06 HB 1107 Amends Prince George's County School System Laws Concurrence Vote Passed - House (79 - 47)
3/11 SB 279 Amends Early Voting Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 12)
4/08 HB 224 Amends Voting Procedures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (99 - 40)
4/08 HB 224 Amends Voting Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 11)
4/08 SB 422 Requires Public School Teachers to Pay Labor Union Fees Bill Passed - House (99 - 41)
4/04 SB 422 Requires Public School Teachers to Pay Labor Union Fees Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
1/29 SB 134 Amends the Maryland Health Insurance Plan Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (34 - 7)
1/28 SB 134 Amends the Maryland Health Insurance Plan Bill Passed - House (94 - 42)
2/05 SB 75 Prohibits the Sale of Alcoholic Products with Alcohol Content Above 95 Percent Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 10)
2/06 SB 263 Amends Baltimore's Needle and Syringe Exchange Program Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 6)
3/27 SB 212 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity Bill Passed - House (82 - 57)
3/04 SB 212 Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
4/07 HB 295 Increases the Minimum Wage Concurrence Vote Passed - House (87 - 47)
4/05 HB 295 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
3/07 HB 295 Increases the Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (89 - 46)
4/05 SB 364 Reduces Penalties for Possession of Marijuana Bill Passed - House (78 - 55)
3/14 SB 364 Reduces Penalties for Possession of Marijuana Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 8)
3/07 HB 354 Amends the Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Program Bill Passed - House (84 - 51)
4/01 SB 336 Establishes Certain Areas as State Wildlands Bill Passed - House (106 - 29)
3/20 HB 739 Amends Estate Tax Laws Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 10)
4/05 HB 1168 Prohibits the Construction of a Wind-Powered Generating Station Concurrence Vote Passed - House (100 - 24)
4/05 HB 1168 Prohibits the Construction of a Wind-Powered Generating Station Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
3/31 SB 973 Establishes an Automated Assessment System for Pretrial Releases Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 9)
4/05 SB 170 2014-2015 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (98 - 37)
4/05 SB 172 Authorizes Eminent Domain Against Certain Film Production Entitites Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 38)
3/27 SB 172 Authorizes Eminent Domain Against Certain Film Production Entities Bill Passed - House (96 - 42)
4/05 SB 170 2014-2015 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (40 - 7)
4/05 SB 172 Authorizes Eminent Domain Against Certain Film Production Entitites Conference Report Adopted - Senate (41 - 6)
4/02 HB 727 Expands Prevailing Wage Requirements for Certain School Projects Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
3/17 HB 727 Expands Prevailing Wage Requirements for Certain School Projects Bill Passed - House (90 - 46)
3/16 SB 340 Expands Voting Rights of Convicted Felons Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
4/08 SB 190 Amends Taxable Price for Sale or Use of Accommodations Bill Passed - House (84 - 56)
3/24 SB 190 Amends Taxable Price for Sale or Use of Accommodations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
3/24 SB 416 Requires Health Insurers to Cover In Vitro Fertilization for Same-Sex Couples Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 10)
3/19 HB 124 Authorizes Expungement of Certain Crimes Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
4/08 SB 743 Authorizes New Birth Certificates for Sex Changes Bill Passed - House (91 - 49)
3/24 SB 743 Authorizes New Birth Certificates for Sex Changes Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 16)
3/24 SB 458 Increases Liabilities for Hydraulic Fracturing Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
3/23 HB 121 Amends Mandatory Sentences for Certain Drug Offenses Bill Passed - House (85 - 55)
4/13 SB 183 Amends Funding for the Geographic Cost of Education Index Bill Passed - House (88 - 51)
4/13 SB 183 Amends Funding for the Geographic Cost of Education Index Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
4/13 HB 70 2015-2016 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (33 - 13)
4/13 HB 70 2015-2016 Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (90 - 49)
1/21 SB 528 Amends Asset Forfeiture Regulations Veto Override Passed - House (89 - 52)
1/21 SB 528 Amends Asset Forfeiture Regulations Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
1/21 SB 190 Amends Taxable Price for Sale or Use of Accommodations Veto Override Passed - House (89 - 52)
1/21 SB 190 Amends Taxable Price for Sale or Use of Accommodations Veto Override Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
1/21 SB 517 Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia Veto Override Passed - House (86 - 55)
1/21 SB 517 Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
3/03 HB 274 Repeals Witness Requirement for Uncontested Divorces Bill Passed - House (94 - 45)
3/12 HB 1002 Prohibits Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (81 - 54)
3/16 SB 706 Establishes Education Credit Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 19)
3/17 SB 49 Amends the State Song Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
3/09 SB 198 Prohibits Certain Pesticides Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
3/19 HB 1013 Establishes Transportation Project Scoring System Bill Passed - House (84 - 51)
3/21 HB 1016 Amends Certain Law Enforcement Procedures Bill Passed - House (92 - 44)
3/21 HB 1106 Increases Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards Bill Passed - House (92 - 43)
3/23 SB 1159 Amends Baltimore Board of Liquor License Commissioners Appointment Regulations Bill Passed - House (90 - 46)
2/09 HB 980 Authorizes Felons to Vote While on Parole Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
1/20 HB 980 Authorizes Felons to Vote While on Parole Veto Override Passed - House (85 - 56)
3/30 SB 323 Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (97 - 39)
3/31 SB 1052 Establishes Consolidated University of Maryland Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
3/30 SB 1052 Establishes Consolidated University of Maryland Bill Passed - House (92 - 44)
4/07 HB 172 Amends School Board Nominating Commission Veto Override Passed - House (90 - 50)
4/05 HB 580 Requires Employers to Provide Paid Sick Leave Bill Passed - House (84 - 54)
4/06 SB 921 Increases Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
4/09 HB 1003 Prohibits Wage Discrimination on Basis of Gender Identity Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 33)
4/07 HB 1003 Prohibits Wage Discrimination on Basis of Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
4/11 SB 1112 Establishes Tax Credit for Certain Aerospace Businesses Bill Passed - House (76 - 57)
4/08 SB 1112 Establishes Tax Credit for Certain Aerospace Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
3/21 HB 1007 Establishes Electronic Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (93 - 43)
4/08 HB 1013 Establishes Transportation Project Scoring System Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
4/07 HB 1013 Establishes Transportation Project Scoring System Veto Override Passed - House (88 - 52)
2/10 SJ 5 Authorizes State Attorney General to Sue Federal Government Joint Resolution Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
2/02 HB 1106 Increases Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
1/31 HB 1106 Increases Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards Veto Override Passed - House (88 - 51)
3/27 HB 1325 Prohibits Fracking Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 10)
3/24 SB 1081 Establishes Funds to Support Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
4/07 HB 631 Prohibits Unwarranted Price Hikes on Generic Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 7)
4/06 HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
4/06 HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Veto Override Passed - House (90 - 50)
3/24 HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
3/10 HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Bill Passed - House (91 - 46)
4/05 HB 1 Requires Certain Employers to Provide Paid Sick Leave Concurrence Vote Passed - House (87 - 53)
4/03 HB 1 Requires Certain Employers to Provide Paid Sick Leave Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
2/01 SB 120 Authorizes Mutual-Consent Divorce for Parents without Year Separation Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
3/05 SB 256 Requires Presidential Candidates to Disclose Tax Returns Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 17)
3/28 SB 1048 Authorizes Automatic Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
3/16 SB 1048 Authorizes Automatic Voter Registration Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
3/16 SB 790 Repeals State Song Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 13)
3/15 HB 888 Prohibits Certain Firearms Accessories Bill Passed - House (128 - 7)
3/19 SB 877 Authorizes Corporate Tax Incentives Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 12)
3/30 SB 654 Requires Extension of Union Contracts Bill Passed - House (89 - 47)
3/26 SB 654 Requires Extension of Union Contracts Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
3/12 SB 122 Amends Criminal Law Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 8)
3/30 HB 908 Requires Insurance Companies to Cover Fertility Treatments for Cancer Patients Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
3/15 HB 908 Requires Insurance Companies to Cover Fertility Treatments for Cancer Patients Bill Passed - House (133 - 2)
4/02 HB 1243 Authorizes Workers to Sue for Unpaid Wages Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12)

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