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 8, 2019 MD SB 737 Amends Long Gun License Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
April 5, 2019 MD HB 298 Establishes Oyster Sanctuaries Veto Override Passed - House (96 - 43)
April 5, 2019 MD SB 285 Prohibits Use of Foam Containers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
April 3, 2019 MD HB 1169 Prohibits Smoking Under the Age of 21 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (101 - 35)
April 2, 2019 MD SB 516 Establishes Renewable Energy Standards and Plan Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
April 2, 2019 MD HB 1169 Prohibits Smoking Under the Age of 21 Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
April 1, 2019 MD SB 516 Establishes Renewable Energy Standards and Plan Bill Passed - House (95 - 41)
March 31, 2019 MD HB 994 Prohibits Employment Discrimination Based On an Applicants Criminal History Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 14)
March 31, 2019 MD HB 994 Prohibits Employment Discrimination Based On an Applicants Criminal History Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 40)
March 29, 2019 MD SB 128 Authorizes Regulation of School Calendars Veto Override Passed - House (93 - 43)
March 28, 2019 MD HB 166 Increases State Minimum Wage Veto Override Passed - House (96 - 43)
March 28, 2019 MD SB 128 Authorizes Regulation of School Calendars Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
March 28, 2019 MD SB 793 Establishes a University Police Department at Johns Hopkins University Bill Passed - House (94 - 42)
March 27, 2019 MD SB 1030 Appropriates Funds for Public Schools Bill Passed - House (114 - 20)
March 26, 2019 MD HB 298 Establishes Oyster Sanctuaries Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
March 18, 2019 MD HB 786 Amends Hunting Rifle and Shotgun Regulations Bill Passed - House (90 - 49)
March 14, 2019 MD HB 166 Increases State Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
March 13, 2019 MD SB 196 Authorizes Designation for Unspecified Gender on Licenses and ID Cards Bill Passed - House (89 - 49)
March 7, 2019 MD HB 399 Establishes End of Life Option Act Bill Passed - House (74 - 66)
March 5, 2019 MD SB 285 Prohibits Use of Foam Containers Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
March 1, 2019 MD HB 166 Increases State Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (96 - 44)
Feb. 22, 2019 MD SB 196 Authorizes Designation for Unspecified Gender on Licenses and ID Cards Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
Feb. 12, 2019 MD SB 128 Authorizes Regulation of School Calendars Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
April 9, 2018 MD HB 16 Establishes Communication Campaign for Near Completers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 48)
April 7, 2018 MD HB 993 Requires Risk Management in the Investment of System Assets Concurrence Vote Passed - House (92 - 44)
April 5, 2018 MD SB 639 Establishes Disciplinary Hearing Procedures for Public School Employees Veto Override Passed - House (89 - 49)
April 5, 2018 MD HB 1782 Establishes Individual Market Stabilization within Healthcare Concurrence Vote Passed - House (89 - 48)
April 5, 2018 MD HB 819 Amends Handgun Permit Rules and Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (98 - 31)
April 3, 2018 MD SB 101 Amends Certain Definitions and Regulations for Crimes of Violence Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 7)
April 3, 2018 MD HB 1302 Authorizes Extreme Risk Protective Order Concurrence Vote Passed - House (93 - 46)
April 3, 2018 MD HB 447 Establishes Pretrial Services Program Grant Fund Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
April 2, 2018 MD SB 1068 Establishes Financial Consumer Protection Act of 2018 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 12)
April 2, 2018 MD HB 1539 Establishes General Contractor Liability for Unpaid Wages Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
April 2, 2018 MD HB 1243 Authorizes Workers to Sue for Unpaid Wages Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12)
March 30, 2018 MD SB 654 Requires Extension of Union Contracts Bill Passed - House (89 - 47)
March 30, 2018 MD HB 908 Requires Insurance Companies to Cover Fertility Treatments for Cancer Patients Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
March 28, 2018 MD HB 829 Establishes No-Excuse Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
March 28, 2018 MD SB 1048 Authorizes Automatic Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
March 28, 2018 MD SB 900 Amends Rules and Regulations to the Gaming Industry Bill Passed - House (87 - 45)
March 27, 2018 MD HB 420 Authorizes Certain In-State Students to Receive Financial Aid Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
March 26, 2018 MD SB 859 Establishes State Parental Leave Bill Passed - House (96 - 41)
March 26, 2018 MD SB 654 Requires Extension of Union Contracts Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
March 22, 2018 MD HB 1017 Requires Equal Access to Collective Bargaining New Employee Programs Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
March 22, 2018 MD HB 532 Establishes Election Day Voter Registration and Same-Day Voting Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
March 21, 2018 MD SB 646 Establishes a Maryland Estate Tax Bill Passed - House (90 - 49)
March 19, 2018 MD SB 877 Authorizes Corporate Tax Incentives Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 12)
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 15, 2018 MD HB 908 Requires Insurance Companies to Cover Fertility Treatments for Cancer Patients Bill Passed - House (133 - 2)
March 12, 2018 MD HB 811 Authorizes Collective Bargaining New Employee Processing Bill Passed - House (84 - 49)
March 12, 2018 MD SB 122 Amends Criminal Law Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 8)
March 8, 2018 MD HB 532 Establishes Election Day Voter Registration and Same-Day Voting Bill Passed - House (91 - 46)
March 8, 2018 MD HB 109 Establishes a Community Development Program Act Bill Passed - House (88 - 48)
March 5, 2018 MD SB 256 Requires Presidential Candidates to Disclose Tax Returns Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 17)
Feb. 12, 2018 MD SB 138 Requires Governor to Include Maryland as a Member of US Climate Alliance Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 10)
Feb. 1, 2018 MD SB 120 Authorizes Mutual-Consent Divorce for Parents without Year Separation Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
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)
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)
March 27, 2017 MD HB 1325 Prohibits Fracking Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 10)
March 24, 2017 MD HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
March 24, 2017 MD SB 1081 Establishes Funds to Support Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
March 10, 2017 MD HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Bill Passed - House (91 - 46)
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)
April 11, 2016 MD SB 1112 Establishes Tax Credit for Certain Aerospace Businesses Bill Passed - House (76 - 57)
April 9, 2016 MD HB 1003 Prohibits Wage Discrimination on Basis of Gender Identity Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 33)
April 8, 2016 MD HB 1013 Establishes Transportation Project Scoring System Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
April 8, 2016 MD SB 1112 Establishes Tax Credit for Certain Aerospace Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
April 7, 2016 MD HB 1013 Establishes Transportation Project Scoring System Veto Override Passed - House (88 - 52)
April 7, 2016 MD HB 172 Amends School Board Nominating Commission Veto Override Passed - House (90 - 50)
April 7, 2016 MD HB 1003 Prohibits Wage Discrimination on Basis of Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
April 6, 2016 MD SB 921 Increases Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
April 5, 2016 MD HB 580 Requires Employers to Provide Paid Sick Leave Bill Passed - House (84 - 54)
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)
March 30, 2016 MD SB 323 Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (97 - 39)
March 23, 2016 MD SB 1159 Amends Baltimore Board of Liquor License Commissioners Appointment Regulations Bill Passed - House (90 - 46)
March 21, 2016 MD HB 1016 Amends Certain Law Enforcement Procedures Bill Passed - House (92 - 44)
March 21, 2016 MD HB 1007 Establishes Electronic Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (93 - 43)
March 21, 2016 MD HB 1106 Increases Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards Bill Passed - House (92 - 43)
March 19, 2016 MD HB 1013 Establishes Transportation Project Scoring System Bill Passed - House (84 - 51)
March 17, 2016 MD SB 49 Amends the State Song Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
March 16, 2016 MD SB 706 Establishes Education Credit Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 19)
March 12, 2016 MD HB 1002 Prohibits Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (81 - 54)
March 9, 2016 MD SB 198 Prohibits Certain Pesticides Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
March 3, 2016 MD HB 274 Repeals Witness Requirement for Uncontested Divorces Bill Passed - House (94 - 45)
Feb. 9, 2016 MD HB 980 Authorizes Felons to Vote While on Parole Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 528 Amends Asset Forfeiture Regulations Veto Override Passed - House (89 - 52)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 517 Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia Veto Override Passed - House (86 - 55)
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 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 - Senate (30 - 16)
Jan. 21, 2016 MD SB 517 Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
Jan. 20, 2016 MD HB 980 Authorizes Felons to Vote While on Parole Veto Override Passed - House (85 - 56)
April 13, 2015 MD HB 70 2015-2016 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (33 - 13)
Date No. Title Outcome
4/08 SB 737 Amends Long Gun License Regulations Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
4/05 HB 298 Establishes Oyster Sanctuaries Veto Override Passed - House (96 - 43)
4/05 SB 285 Prohibits Use of Foam Containers Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
4/03 HB 1169 Prohibits Smoking Under the Age of 21 Concurrence Vote Passed - House (101 - 35)
4/02 SB 516 Establishes Renewable Energy Standards and Plan Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (31 - 15)
4/02 HB 1169 Prohibits Smoking Under the Age of 21 Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
4/01 SB 516 Establishes Renewable Energy Standards and Plan Bill Passed - House (95 - 41)
3/31 HB 994 Prohibits Employment Discrimination Based On an Applicants Criminal History Conference Report Adopted - Senate (30 - 14)
3/31 HB 994 Prohibits Employment Discrimination Based On an Applicants Criminal History Conference Report Adopted - House (97 - 40)
3/29 SB 128 Authorizes Regulation of School Calendars Veto Override Passed - House (93 - 43)
3/28 HB 166 Increases State Minimum Wage Veto Override Passed - House (96 - 43)
3/28 SB 128 Authorizes Regulation of School Calendars Veto Override Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
3/28 SB 793 Establishes a University Police Department at Johns Hopkins University Bill Passed - House (94 - 42)
3/27 SB 1030 Appropriates Funds for Public Schools Bill Passed - House (114 - 20)
3/26 HB 298 Establishes Oyster Sanctuaries Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
3/18 HB 786 Amends Hunting Rifle and Shotgun Regulations Bill Passed - House (90 - 49)
3/14 HB 166 Increases State Minimum Wage Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
3/13 SB 196 Authorizes Designation for Unspecified Gender on Licenses and ID Cards Bill Passed - House (89 - 49)
3/07 HB 399 Establishes End of Life Option Act Bill Passed - House (74 - 66)
3/05 SB 285 Prohibits Use of Foam Containers Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 13)
3/01 HB 166 Increases State Minimum Wage Bill Passed - House (96 - 44)
2/22 SB 196 Authorizes Designation for Unspecified Gender on Licenses and ID Cards Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
2/12 SB 128 Authorizes Regulation of School Calendars Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
4/09 HB 16 Establishes Communication Campaign for Near Completers Concurrence Vote Passed - House (90 - 48)
4/07 HB 993 Requires Risk Management in the Investment of System Assets Concurrence Vote Passed - House (92 - 44)
4/05 SB 639 Establishes Disciplinary Hearing Procedures for Public School Employees Veto Override Passed - House (89 - 49)
4/05 HB 1782 Establishes Individual Market Stabilization within Healthcare Concurrence Vote Passed - House (89 - 48)
4/05 HB 819 Amends Handgun Permit Rules and Regulations Concurrence Vote Passed - House (98 - 31)
4/03 SB 101 Amends Certain Definitions and Regulations for Crimes of Violence Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (38 - 7)
4/03 HB 1302 Authorizes Extreme Risk Protective Order Concurrence Vote Passed - House (93 - 46)
4/03 HB 447 Establishes Pretrial Services Program Grant Fund Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 11)
4/02 SB 1068 Establishes Financial Consumer Protection Act of 2018 Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (33 - 12)
4/02 HB 1539 Establishes General Contractor Liability for Unpaid Wages Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
4/02 HB 1243 Authorizes Workers to Sue for Unpaid Wages Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 12)
3/30 SB 654 Requires Extension of Union Contracts Bill Passed - House (89 - 47)
3/30 HB 908 Requires Insurance Companies to Cover Fertility Treatments for Cancer Patients Bill Passed - Senate (46 - 0)
3/28 HB 829 Establishes No-Excuse Absentee Voting Bill Passed - Senate (35 - 11)
3/28 SB 1048 Authorizes Automatic Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (93 - 46)
3/28 SB 900 Amends Rules and Regulations to the Gaming Industry Bill Passed - House (87 - 45)
3/27 HB 420 Authorizes Certain In-State Students to Receive Financial Aid Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 16)
3/26 SB 859 Establishes State Parental Leave Bill Passed - House (96 - 41)
3/26 SB 654 Requires Extension of Union Contracts Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
3/22 HB 1017 Requires Equal Access to Collective Bargaining New Employee Programs Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
3/22 HB 532 Establishes Election Day Voter Registration and Same-Day Voting Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
3/21 SB 646 Establishes a Maryland Estate Tax Bill Passed - House (90 - 49)
3/19 SB 877 Authorizes Corporate Tax Incentives Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 12)
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)
3/15 HB 908 Requires Insurance Companies to Cover Fertility Treatments for Cancer Patients Bill Passed - House (133 - 2)
3/12 HB 811 Authorizes Collective Bargaining New Employee Processing Bill Passed - House (84 - 49)
3/12 SB 122 Amends Criminal Law Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 8)
3/08 HB 532 Establishes Election Day Voter Registration and Same-Day Voting Bill Passed - House (91 - 46)
3/08 HB 109 Establishes a Community Development Program Act Bill Passed - House (88 - 48)
3/05 SB 256 Requires Presidential Candidates to Disclose Tax Returns Bill Passed - Senate (28 - 17)
2/12 SB 138 Requires Governor to Include Maryland as a Member of US Climate Alliance Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 10)
2/01 SB 120 Authorizes Mutual-Consent Divorce for Parents without Year Separation Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 14)
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)
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)
3/27 HB 1325 Prohibits Fracking Bill Passed - Senate (36 - 10)
3/24 HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
3/24 SB 1081 Establishes Funds to Support Family Planning Services Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 15)
3/10 HB 978 Requires Improvement and Accountability Programs for Public Schools Bill Passed - House (91 - 46)
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)
4/11 SB 1112 Establishes Tax Credit for Certain Aerospace Businesses Bill Passed - House (76 - 57)
4/09 HB 1003 Prohibits Wage Discrimination on Basis of Gender Identity Concurrence Vote Passed - House (103 - 33)
4/08 HB 1013 Establishes Transportation Project Scoring System Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
4/08 SB 1112 Establishes Tax Credit for Certain Aerospace Businesses Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 13)
4/07 HB 1013 Establishes Transportation Project Scoring System Veto Override Passed - House (88 - 52)
4/07 HB 172 Amends School Board Nominating Commission Veto Override Passed - House (90 - 50)
4/07 HB 1003 Prohibits Wage Discrimination on Basis of Gender Identity Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
4/06 SB 921 Increases Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 14)
4/05 HB 580 Requires Employers to Provide Paid Sick Leave Bill Passed - House (84 - 54)
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)
3/30 SB 323 Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bill Passed - House (97 - 39)
3/23 SB 1159 Amends Baltimore Board of Liquor License Commissioners Appointment Regulations Bill Passed - House (90 - 46)
3/21 HB 1016 Amends Certain Law Enforcement Procedures Bill Passed - House (92 - 44)
3/21 HB 1007 Establishes Electronic Voter Registration Bill Passed - House (93 - 43)
3/21 HB 1106 Increases Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards Bill Passed - House (92 - 43)
3/19 HB 1013 Establishes Transportation Project Scoring System Bill Passed - House (84 - 51)
3/17 SB 49 Amends the State Song Bill Passed - Senate (38 - 8)
3/16 SB 706 Establishes Education Credit Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 19)
3/12 HB 1002 Prohibits Firearms on College Campuses Bill Passed - House (81 - 54)
3/09 SB 198 Prohibits Certain Pesticides Bill Passed - Senate (32 - 14)
3/03 HB 274 Repeals Witness Requirement for Uncontested Divorces Bill Passed - House (94 - 45)
2/09 HB 980 Authorizes Felons to Vote While on Parole Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 18)
1/21 SB 528 Amends Asset Forfeiture Regulations Veto Override Passed - House (89 - 52)
1/21 SB 517 Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia Veto Override Passed - House (86 - 55)
1/21 SB 190 Amends Taxable Price for Sale or Use of Accommodations 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 - Senate (30 - 16)
1/21 SB 517 Authorizes Marijuana Paraphernalia Veto Override Passed - Senate (29 - 17)
1/20 HB 980 Authorizes Felons to Vote While on Parole Veto Override Passed - House (85 - 56)
4/13 HB 70 2015-2016 Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (33 - 13)

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