Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'ports of entry'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance May 21st, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Both of you are excused.
  • of Houston.
  • Many of the entry-level firefighters are in their 20s, which means a 40-year career on the fire line,
  • I'm kind of on both sides of this deal.
  • So an oyster is the pearl of the eye of the beholder here. The recycling of...
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several house bills, notably those concerning environmental conservation, tax incentives for local businesses, and public safety. Key discussions revolved around HB3486, which introduces a sales and use tax incentive for restaurants purchasing Texas farm-raised oysters. Testimonies highlighted the importance of supporting local oyster farming to mitigate the decline of natural oyster reefs, and several witnesses praised the initiative for its potential environmental benefits. HB2688 also received attention, where representatives emphasized its role in enhancing public safety through improved support for police officers, echoing the community's need for stable recruitment and retention strategies in law enforcement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources (Part I) May 21st, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And obviously, the Texas Gulf Coast is a key flyway, and a lot of that is because of the amount of farming
  • I am also here on behalf of a consortium of animal advocates.
  • of private land.
  • We're on the same side of a lot of issues a lot of the time. We do need wind...
  • It relates to the rights and liabilities of the owner of the surface estate of the tract of land on which
Summary: The committee meeting covered several significant bills with a focus on environmental concerns and public health implications. Notably, House Bill 2440 was discussed, which aims to prevent state agencies from restricting vehicle ownership based on energy sources, ensuring Texans can choose the vehicles that suit their needs. Representative Curry presented the bill, emphasizing the need for consumer choice and the protection of personal freedoms in transportation policies. The bill left the floor pending after no public testimony was provided.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of the Texas Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
  • of my question.
  • That's the one that's kind of top of mind right now.
  • want in terms of the review of that information.
  • of women...
Summary: The committee meeting covered a wide range of legislative proposals, with significant focus on addressing child welfare, language access, and transparency in funding for children's advocacy centers. Representative Richardson presented HB5136, aimed at strengthening governance and accountability in child advocacy centers, reflecting concerns over transparency due to recent scandals. The bill was discussed extensively as members expressed the need for better oversight in organizations receiving public funding. Additionally, HB4838 was championed for enhancing language access in emergency services, with witnesses emphasizing its critical importance for non-English speakers during crises. Overall, strong engagement from both representatives and the public was evident, with passionate testimonies highlighting the necessity of these legislative measures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) May 5th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Currently, 29% of...
  • What is the impact of the passage of this particular bill?
  • Even in the out years of implementation of this bill.
  • I'm president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, and I'm testifying in strong support of HB
  • I'm the Assistant Director of the Center of Health Communications for the University of Texas at Austin
Summary: The committee meeting saw the discussion of several significant bills aimed at reducing the tax burden on small businesses and addressing public services in municipalities. Notably, Senate Bill 2907, introduced by Senator West, proposes to exempt perishable inventory and pharmaceutical goods from property taxes. This bill received robust support during public testimony, with various stakeholders emphasizing its potential to lower food prices and improve business conditions. Similarly, Senate Bill 1331 addressed the protective measures for smaller municipalities facing threats from petitions to remove municipal services, aiming to reduce the requisite population threshold for such actions. The lively discussions underscored the committee's commitment to supporting local communities and businesses in a challenging economic climate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part II) May 5th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • families to face the risk of displacement in the middle of the school semester.
  • city of Austin.
  • streams of M&O and INS.
  • The expansion of the district is necessary to accommodate the annexation of five additional tracts of
  • land, totaling 145 acres, within the limits of the city of Mustang Ridge and the city of Creedmoor in
Summary: The meeting of the committee included vigorous discussions on various bills, particularly Senate Bills aimed at creating municipal management districts and local improvement initiatives. Senate Bill 3048, presented by Senator Birdwell, was notably passed with unanimous support, establishing a management framework for a 448-acre community called Blue Bonnet Hills. Concurrently, attention was drawn to SB2559, which received public testimony related to development moratoriums that have affected local businesses, emphasizing the need for legislative safeguards against prolonged restrictions on development projects. The session concluded with plans to continue deliberating on various local bills aiming to amend district management provisions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Hall, Hinojosa of Nueces, Hinojosa of Hidalgo, Huffman, Hughes
  • ...of the 89th Legislature to convene in the city of Austin
  • of state government.
  • state to be affixed at my office in the city of Austin, Texas, on the 15th day of August 2025.
  • the districts for the election of members of the United States House of Representatives.
Summary: This meeting of the Texas Senate during the second called special session focused on a variety of pressing legislative issues. Notably, the session included discussions on multiple Senate Bills including SB2, concerning disaster preparedness measures, and SB3, which aimed to improve early warning systems in flood-prone areas. The Governor's announcement to convene the special session triggered robust debates, particularly regarding the incorporation of stricter regulations on hemp products and funding allocation for disaster relief. The members of the Senate participated actively, with motions proposed for immediate hearings on several bills following their introduction, emphasizing the urgency of the issues at hand. The dynamics were marked by a sense of collaboration among members while grappling with complex topics affecting their constituents.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate SessionReading and Referral of Bills Feb 7th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • the union of one man and one woman.
  • the definition of a public institution of higher education to Education.
  • a Tier 2 form listing hazardous chemicals that is in the possession of a political subdivision of this
  • Marriage in this state consists only of the union of one man
  • the offense of fraudulent use or possession of credit card or debit card information.
Bills: SJR1, SJR2, SJR5, SJR33, SJR34, SJR35, SJR37, SJR38, SJR39, SCR12, SB4, SB40, SB701, SB702, SB703, SB704, SB705, SB706, SB707, SB708, SB709, SB710, SB711, SB712, SB713, SB714, SB715, SB716, SB717, SB718, SB719, SB720, SB721, SB722, SB723, SB724, SB725, SB726, SB727, SB728, SB729, SB730, SB731, SB732, SB733, SB734, SB735, SB736, SB737, SB738, SB739, SB740, SB741, SB742, SB743, SB744, SB745, SB746, SB747, SB748, SB749, SB750, SB751, SB752, SB753, SB754, SB755, SB756, SB757, SB758, SB759, SB760, SB761, SB762, SB763, SB764, SB765, SB766, SB767, SB768, SB769, SB770, SB771, SB772, SB773, SB774, SB775, SB776, SB777, SB778, SB779, SB780, SB781, SB782, SB783, SB784, SB785, SB786, SB787, SB788, SB789, SB790, SB791, SB792, SB793, SB794, SB795, SB796, SB797, SB798, SB799, SB800, SB801, SB802, SB803, SB804, SB805, SB806, SB807, SB808, SB809, SB810, SB811, SB812, SB813, SB814, SB815, SB816, SB817, SB818, SB819, SB820, SB821, SB822, SB823, SB824, SB825, SJR1, SJR2, SJR5, SJR33, SJR34, SJR35, SJR37, SJR38, SJR39, SCR12, SB4, SB40, SB701, SB702, SB703, SB704, SB705, SB706, SB707, SB708, SB709, SB710, SB711, SB712, SB713, SB714, SB715, SB716, SB717, SB718, SB719, SB720, SB721, SB722, SB723, SB724, SB725, SB726, SB727, SB728, SB729, SB730, SB731, SB732, SB733, SB734, SB735, SB736, SB737, SB738, SB739, SB740, SB741, SB742, SB743, SB744, SB745, SB746, SB747, SB748, SB749, SB750, SB751, SB752, SB753, SB754, SB755, SB756, SB757, SB758, SB759, SB760, SB761, SB762, SB763, SB764, SB765, SB766, SB767, SB768, SB769, SB770, SB771, SB772, SB773, SB774, SB775, SB776, SB777, SB778, SB779, SB780, SB781, SB782, SB783, SB784, SB785, SB786, SB787, SB788, SB789, SB790, SB791, SB792, SB793, SB794, SB795, SB796, SB797, SB798, SB799, SB800, SB801, SB802, SB803, SB804, SB805, SB806, SB807, SB808, SB809, SB810, SB811, SB812, SB813, SB814, SB815, SB816, SB817, SB818, SB819, SB820, SB821, SB822, SB823, SB824, SB825
Summary: The meeting was characterized by a thorough examination of various bills, including SB806, which focuses on providing virtual education as an alternative to expulsion for public school students. The discussions revealed contrasting opinions with some members raising concerns about the implications of such measures on accountability and educational integrity. Additionally, the committee addressed SB815, which relates to the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, underscoring the increasing integration of technology in legislative frameworks, prompting discussions on privacy and ethical considerations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Feb 25th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Port of Freeport commissioners, let's celebrate their 100th
  • We have maintenance with the Port of Freeport, exporting
  • During the interim, my entire staff had the opportunity of visiting the Port Freeport, and we were blown
  • away by the sheer volume of goods coming in and out of the port.
  • I know there are many ports in Texas that are doing a great job, including the Port of Corpus Christi
Summary: The meeting was marked by significant resolutions recognizing various contributions to Texas and celebrating community initiatives. Key discussions included the adoption of resolutions commemorating Texas Hispanic Judges Day and highlighting the 100th anniversary of Memorial Park. Senators expressed appreciation for the judges' dedication and legacy, with notable mentions of individual judges and their impact on the community and legal landscape in Texas. The Senate also honored students and organizations contributing positively to their communities, showcasing the interconnectedness of public service and the legislative process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session May 28th, 2025 at 10:05 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • of America.
  • all of us.
  • Bell of Montgomery for a recognition of his service to the United States of America.
  • Bell of Montgomery for a recognition of his service to the United States of America.
  • They are very sensitive to any kind of vibration of the earth and of the plates.
Bills: SB15, SB646, SB800, SB790, SB748, SB571, SB1957, SB1923, SB1896, SB1760, SB1335, SB2368, SB2477, SB2587, SB2986, SB2965, SB1563, SB1467, SB1164, SB1137, SB614, SB705, SB918, SB955, SB869, SB850, SB863, SB1055, SB2206, SB457, SB2337, SB1610, SB1362, SB926, SB1494, SB251, SB456, SB500, SB1307, SB2615, SB2995, SB2321, SB2972, SB973, SB865, SB506, SB1522, SB1558, SB510, SB667, SB763, SB2073, SB1858, SB1660, SB2900, SB1433, SB1540, SB1964, SB1300, SB1644, SB2217, SB2373, SB2431, SB1758, SB974, SB2480, SB3039, SB3047, SB2781, SB826, SB766, SB527, SB1946, SB2885, SB1243, SB2610, SB857, SB2501, SB66, SB268, SB331, SB1302, SB519, SB2807, SB13, SB7, SB1718, SB1567, SB1233, SB413, SB2177, SB30, SB2024, SJR1, SCR27, SB2018, SB1580, SB2121, SB1049, SB1266, SB1400, SB1596, SB2753, SB2221, SB1719, SCR9, SB204, SB437, SB568, SB612, SB672, SB710, SB823, SB876, SB904, SB905, SB968, SB1084, SB1207, SB1230, SB1313, SB1504, SB1790, SB2232, SB2366, SB2367, SB2398, SB2515, SB2520, SB2589, SB2786, SB2790, SB3048, SB3050, SB3052, SB3053, SB3056, SB3029, SCR3, SCR18, SCR30, HCR146, HCR148, HCR149, HCR153, HCR155, HCR157, HB5560, HB762, HB1584, HB107, HB114, HB138, HB4386, HB2495, HB581, HB3348, HB5323, HB4341, HB6, HB2712, HB171, HB3153, HB143, HB2688, HB3464, HB449, HB3486, HB4263, HB2, HB1522, HB24, HB1237, HB2637, HB3126, HB3233, HB4310, HB3487, HCR9, HB5331, HB1397, HB163, HB3250, HB3071, HB3463, HB5033, HB35, HB3824, HB216, HB4226, HB3512, HB18, HB5154, HB103, HB851, HB647, HB4520, HB3016, HB2313, HB2818, HB2851, HB4486, HB4264, HB1500, HB5081, HB2974, HB2080, HB4384, HB5659, HB493, HB4903, HB2516, HB4488, HB4530, HB3689, HB145, HB43, HB5247, HB2221, HB5671, HB700, HB3711, HB120, SB17, SB1637, SB1833, SB2155, SB21, SB2778, SB379
Summary: The meeting featured a comprehensive discussion involving several bills primarily focused on education, mental health, and public safety. Notable was the passage of SB204, which establishes a parental rights handbook that consolidates various rights pertaining to education and training for school district trustees. The bill was passed unanimously, highlighting strong bipartisan support for parental engagement in education. Additionally, the committee discussed SB2277, which allocates funding to assist local law enforcement with violent crime rates, indicative of a heightened concern over public safety. Amendments and testimonies highlighted the various stakeholders' views, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in legislative measures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 5th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Houston Water also supports the Port of Houston, which is
  • My name is Larry Kelly, and I serve my community as Port Director at the Port of Port Arthur, located
  • Of the Texas Ports Association.
  • They ultimately move through one of the ports.
  • Clearly, investing in our ports not only addresses the unique needs of each port but also drives substantial
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on water management issues related to the ongoing drought in Texas, particularly concerning the need for new water sources such as seawater desalination. Testimonies highlighted the critical status of local water supplies and the urgency of projects designed to secure future water availability. A noteworthy discussion revolved around the upcoming Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus and desalination plant in Corpus Christi, which is aiming to become Texas's first municipally owned facility of its kind. Various stakeholders emphasized the importance of timely state support and funding in expediting these projects to mitigate water shortages and their potential economic impacts on the region.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce Mar 18th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And that covers their entire use of the right-of-way.
  • You don't pay for use of the right-of-way.
  • We charge for use of the right-of-way, not necessarily tied to physical occupation of the right-of-way
  • So, all of that, of course, is publicly disclosed, too.
  • of Texas, and we are in favor of SB1036.
Summary: The committee meeting was marked by a series of discussions regarding several bills aimed at improving local regulations, particularly around food service operations. Members discussed the challenges of regulatory inconsistencies affecting restaurants and the food industry, emphasizing how Senate Bill 1008 could alleviate some financial burdens. Various stakeholders, including representatives from the Texas Restaurant Association, testified in support of this bill, highlighting the need for clearer and more predictable regulations. The discussions included provisions that would cap local permit fees, preventing duplicate charges that hinder small businesses' operations. Notably, there was strong bipartisan support demonstrated as numerous bills were reported favorably with unanimous votes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • President, of the University of Texas.
  • of Texas.
  • of I-35.
  • Out of all of them that apply?
  • of stats.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several significant bills including HB271, HB3326, HB4066, and HB2853. Notably, Representative Tenderholt raised concerns about the substantial increase in student fees proposed in HB2853, emphasizing that the increase could impact low-income students disproportionately. Discussions also revolved around the administrative corrections needed for HB271, where it was confirmed that the committee substitute was adopted before reporting favorably. The atmosphere of the meeting was engaged, with various representatives expressing their views and offering insights into the implications of the proposed legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Regardless of the size of the school or the size of the campus, it impacts everyone.
  • Despite the presence of thousands of certified school counselors in Texas, there are not enough of them
  • of every size, and we're in strong support of HB1188.
  • I mean, just look at the stats: 42.8% of Americans are obese, and 7 out of 10 of the leading...
  • Many of our students, because of their age range, may have been out of school...
Summary: The committee meeting featured a comprehensive discussion primarily focused on HB1188, which seeks to establish an early connection for families of children diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities to local IDD authorities. Multiple testimonies highlighted the urgent need for such a system, emphasizing how it could transform the experience of families by providing critical information and resources at the moment of diagnosis rather than at a later age. Representative Emanuel passionately presented the bill, underlining its potential to make a significant positive impact in the lives of families across Texas. Additionally, there were discussions regarding other bills related to education and child services, including HB123 and HB2310, with emphasis on the importance of early intervention and support for young children with disabilities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of students.
  • program and the University of Houston School of Optometry.
  • Lori Lachance on behalf of the Texas School of Nursing Nurses Organization and yourself testifying for
  • students that could benefit, which is a large number of students given the size of Texas.
  • It does a lot of data collection, which we don't currently have in terms of who the children are that
Summary: The committee meeting focused on discussions surrounding several bills aimed at improving vision care for students in Texas. Chairman Dutton introduced HB2967, which aims to enhance vision screenings in public and private schools and ensure that students identified with vision problems receive necessary resources like eyeglasses. Testimonies from educators highlighted the connection between vision issues and learning difficulties, emphasizing that many children struggle academically due to unaddressed vision disorders. Public testimony revealed the pressing need for a more robust system to not only identify but also aid students with vision impairments, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The committee engaged in an in-depth discussion about the importance of timely interventions and adequate support mechanisms to ensure equal educational opportunities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Apr 15th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of mine.
  • So it kind of sounds like a little bit of parts of

  • of the Board of Directors of the Texas School Safety Center.
  • of.
  • Many of those end in favor of the school district.
Summary: The meeting convened with a focus on educational legislation, with discussions spanning several key bills concerning mental health support for students, school safety measures, and the involvement of students in school governance. House Bill 1441, aimed at enhancing training for school resource officers on mental health awareness, received notable attention. Advocates highlighted the importance of equipping officers with the skills to address grief and trauma, thereby fostering a supportive environment for students. The bill was backed by testimonies from stakeholders emphasizing the critical need for proactive measures in schools to prevent crises and support students in need. Another significant piece of legislation was House Bill 3672, introduced by Chairman Ashby, focused on creating grant programs for extracurricular community education, providing essential resources for youth development and engagement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part II) Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The expression of hatred is one of our First Amendment

  • This is UT's own flowchart of how to handle these types of complaints.
  • Texas School of Law.
  • There is Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and in fact, the Office of Civil Rights of the Department
  • It would be a shame for this institution, a central component of the fabric of the city of Austin and
Summary: During this meeting of the Senate Education Committee, multiple bills were discussed, focusing on educational policies and procedures. Notably, Senate Bill 1241 was introduced by Senator Middleton, which proposed a committee substitute for establishing standardized college entrance exams accepted by Texas public universities. The committee engaged in significant dialogue about the necessity of addressing concerns surrounding exam equivalency standards, and the need for a data-driven approach to admissions decisions. Various committee members voiced their support for the enhancements proposed in the substitute, leading to its unanimous adoption and favorable recommendation to the full Senate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • as central to the mission of institutions of higher education.
  • I also would just point to the sort of overbreadth of the idea of terrorist activity being extra problematic
  • all of y'all.
  • None of the offices or the staff were aware of number nine that I brought up, which is claims of Jews
  • of fear of SB 17.
Summary: During the committee meeting, key issues surrounding higher education legislation were discussed, focusing on several significant bills. Notably, discussions revolved around SB2233, which mandates public institutions in Texas to prohibit non-immigrant visa holders from supporting terrorist activities. This bill raised concerns regarding free speech and potential overreach in monitoring students and faculty, with various testimonies highlighting its implications for academic freedom. The bill faced opposition from various civil rights organizations and law students who emphasized that such measures could create a chilling effect on political expression and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. In contrast, SB735 on Holocaust education received strong support, aiming to improve educational resources and awareness amid rising anti-Semitism, with calls for comprehensive training for educators. Other bills discussed included SB2683, which restricts institutional benefits from foreign entities considered to pose a national security risk, further emphasizing the tension between security concerns and academic freedom.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Apr 30th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • kicking a piece of property out of their current development.
  • We have a couple of wells that are in Sparta, and then south of us, some of these shallower wells, they're
  • Two, that the owners of a majority of the acreage of

  • Of those, many of them are.
  • of me.
Summary: The recent committee meeting showcased significant discussions around various groundwater management bills, emphasizing legislative accountability and environmental conservation efforts. Notably, HB4896 was presented, which aims to streamline the designation of brackish groundwater production zones, facilitating better management of Texas' water resources. Testimonies from multiple stakeholders underscored the necessity for transparency in groundwater conservation districts and the importance of adapting to climate impacts. Additionally, House Bill 4212 aimed to enhance interagency communication pertaining to land and water conservation, further stressing a collaborative approach to resource management.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce (Part II) May 1st, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • of course.
  • I'm the president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business.
  • Let me just kind of give you the history of it, but first of all, what the purpose of it is.
  • But also, there is the issue of cash, of course, now.
  • State has a list of voters and all that kind of stuff.
Summary: The committee meeting focused heavily on the discussion surrounding HB149, an act aimed at establishing a comprehensive framework for the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in Texas. The bill seeks to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed in a manner that is both innovative and responsible, addressing potential harms while protecting individual rights and privacy. Chairman Schwartner led the conversations, emphasizing the importance of balancing regulatory measures with the need for technological advancement. Several stakeholders, including legal experts and industry representatives, provided testimony in support of the bill, praising its potential to position Texas as a leader in AI governance. Public testimony reflected a mixture of support and caution, with some witnesses advocating for greater accountability and regulatory oversight to mitigate risks associated with AI systems.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County and Regional Government Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • of a crime.
  • Before, it is not a crime to cross a port of entry or to
  • Other localities paid out settlements ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars
  • of Texas.
  • I'm tired of it. I'm tired of you.
Summary: The meeting revolved around the discussions of several key bills, particularly focusing on HB5580, which mandates local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Many witnesses, including community organizers and legal advocates, voiced strong opposition to this bill, claiming it would perpetuate racial profiling, undermine community trust in law enforcement, and create a climate of fear among immigrant families. Testimonies highlighted that such legislation often leads to decreased reporting of crimes and increased tensions between law enforcement and the community. Controversy brewed over claims that the bill would divert resources from pressing local safety needs to federal immigration priorities, which many argue should not be the responsibility of local agencies. The chair expressed appreciation for the input but left HB5580 pending, indicating further deliberation is needed.

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