State & Federal Employment Law Updates

Are We Obligated to Give Employees Time off from Work to Vote?

California, Federal Updates, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]Federal law does not require giving employees time off to vote, but a majority of states and some local ordinances mandate voting leave time, especially when an employee’s work hours do not permit sufficient time to vote during …

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URGENT CA: California Now Requires Reporting of Pay Data by Race and Gender for 2021

California, Federal Updates, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]In an effort to address race and gender-based pay gaps, on September 30, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 973 (SB 973) into law. Here is what you need to know:   SB 973 requires that California employers with …

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Monthly Compliance Calendar Alert – Keep Your Company Compliant in October: Updating Policies

Employee Management, Federal Updates, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″]If you are in HR, you’re no stranger to compliance management, forms, and deadlines—though keeping them all in order may be a different story. We want to be sure you are equipped with the right information to keep everything on …

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URGENT CA: California Family Rights Act Expanded

California, Federal Updates, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″]On Thursday, September 17th, 2020, Governor Newsom signed legislation that will greatly expand the California Family Rights Act in a manner that will impact both small and large California employers. The CFRA requires covered employers to provide up to 12 …

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CA: Supplemental Paid Sick Leave for California Employees Passed Into Law

California, COVID-19/Coronavirus, Federal Updates, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]On Wednesday, September 9, 2020, Governor Newsom signed AB 1867 into law providing supplemental paid leave for California employees and codified provisions of Executive Order N-51-20 that had already provided paid sick leave for “food sector workers.”  California employers must take …

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Assembly Bill 685 Changes Employer Notification Requirements on COVID-19 and Enhances Cal OSHA Enforcement Abilities

Employee Management, Federal Updates, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]On September 17, 2020, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (“AB”) 685, which requires employers to provide written notifications to employees within one business day of receiving notice of potential exposure to coronavirus (“COVID-19”).  AB 685 also authorizes the Division of Occupational …

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Monthly Compliance Calendar Alert – Keep Your Company Compliant in September: Drugs and Alcohol, Inspections and Searches on Company Property

Employee Management, Federal Updates, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″]If you are in HR, you are no stranger to compliance management, forms, and deadlines—though keeping them all in order may be a different story. We want to be sure you are equipped with the right information to keep everything …

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Safety/Injury Illness Prevention Program

Employee Management, Federal Updates, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.5″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″]As businesses reopen or bring more of their workforce back online, the law requires that employers have plans in place to assure a safe worksite. This includes an updated Safety/Injury Illness Prevention Program that specifically addresses COVID-19 safety concerns. OSHA …

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Monthly Compliance Calendar Alert – Keep Your Company Compliant in August: Termination, Corrective or Disciplinary Action, and Off-boarding Process

Employee Management, Federal Updates, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″]If you are in HR, you’re no stranger to compliance management, forms, and deadlines—though keeping them all in order may be a different story. We want to be sure you are equipped with the right information to keep everything on …

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NLRB Modifies Standard for Addressing Offensive Outbursts in the Course of Protected Activity

Discrimination & Harassment, Employee Management, Federal Updates, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]Washington D.C. – In a decision issued in General Motors LLC, 14-CA-197985 369 NLRB No. 127 (2020), the National Labor Relations Board modified the standard for determining whether employees have been lawfully disciplined or discharged after making abusive or offensive statements—including …

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New Return-to-Work Guidelines for Employees with Covid-19

COVID-19/Coronavirus, Employee Management, Federal Updates, Safety, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ admin_label=”Text”]Discontinuing Home Isolation for Persons with COVID-19 The CDC has laid out revised recommendations regarding when and how employees may return to work following testing positive for Covid-19.  The approach is for ending isolation and precautions for persons with …

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Monthly Compliance Calendar Alert – Keep Your Company Compliant in July: COVID-19 Return to Work Safety and Workers’ Compensation

COVID-19/Coronavirus, Employee Benefits, Employee Management, Federal Updates, Forms and Policies, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″]If you’re in HR, you’re no stranger to compliance management, forms, and deadlines—though keeping them all in order may be a different story. We want to be sure you’re equipped with the right information to keep everything on track throughout …

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June 2020 Important Employment Updates!

Employee Benefits, Employee Management, Federal Updates, Forms and Policies, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

Here is an important look-back of June’s “Greatest Hits” of Employment Updates: California Mask Mandate (CA Mask Mandate)· Movement surrounding the topic of Juneteenth becoming a recognized holiday Supreme Court Makes Discrimination against LGBTQ Individuals Unconstitutional Guardian HR Covid-19 Safety Training Courses now available online at www.app.guardian-hr.com: COVID-19: Navigating Employee Issues COVID-19: Workplace Safety for …

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U.S. Supreme Court Makes Discrimination Against LGBTQ Unconstitutional

Employee Benefits, Employee Management, Federal Updates, Forms and Policies, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text] Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia is a consolidated case dealing with discrimination of employees due to sexual orientation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The case was consolidated with Altitude Express Inc. v. Zarda, a similar case of apparent discrimination due to sexual orientation, but which had created …

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2020 Federal and State Minimum Wage Rates

Employee Benefits, Employee Management, Employment Law & HR Topics, Federal Updates, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text] To help ensure that the minimum wage keeps pace with the rising cost of living, many states and municipalities adjust (or will adjust) their minimum wage rates annually. The following state and local changes go into effect on January 1st, 2020. Below you will find our compiled state, local, and federal minimum …

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Employee Garnishments and Changes Due to Covid-19

COVID-19/Coronavirus, Employee Benefits, Employee Management, Employment Law & HR Topics, Federal Updates, Forms and Policies, Leaves of Absence, Safety, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text] Three Steps to Avoid Default Judgments Whether in-person or remotely, employers may want to have their garnishment teams consider three steps right now that may defeat aggressive collections lawyers who seek to obtain a default judgment. First, while some garnishments may slow to a trickle or stop altogether, it may be prudent …

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Monthly Compliance Calendar Alert – Keep Your Company Compliant in June: Hours, Classifications, and Payment of Wages

COVID-19/Coronavirus, Employee Benefits, Employee Management, Employment Law & HR Topics, Federal Updates, Forms and Policies, Leaves of Absence, Safety, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.5″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” …

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URGENT: Guardian HR’s Simple Guide to Determine if your Business is Ready to Open

California, COVID-19/Coronavirus, Employee Benefits, Employee Management, Employment Law & HR Topics, Federal Updates, Forms and Policies, Leaves of Absence, Safety, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

Guardian HR recommends you follow these steps to analyze whether or not your company is prepared to open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides continuing to follow the recommendations issued by state and local health departments when determining the most appropriate actions to take, you should pay particular attention to the five steps listed below: Consider …

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URGENT: COVID-19 Return to Work Checklist Supplement

California, COVID-19/Coronavirus, Employee Benefits, Employee Management, Employment Law & HR Topics, Federal Updates, Forms and Policies, Leaves of Absence, Safety, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

This alert is a supplement designed to be a part of our previous COVID-19 Return to Work Checklist LAWlert: The health and economic conditions created by the COVID-19 crisis have caused unprecedented disruption in the workforce. Now, as some employers begin to bring employees back to work, they are faced with a new set of challenges. …

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URGENT: Agency Guidance – IRS Notices Announce Increased Flexibility for Certain Plans

California, COVID-19/Coronavirus, Employee Benefits, Employee Management, Employment Law & HR Topics, Federal Updates, Forms and Policies, Leaves of Absence, Safety, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

Issue Date: May 13, 2020 Our partners at Benefit Comply has put together some crucial information on the IRS’s national response to the 2019 Coronavirus outbreak. The first notice increases “flexibility with respect to mid-year elections under a §125 cafeteria plan during the calendar year 2020 related to employer-sponsored health coverage, health Flexible Spending Arrangements …

URGENT: Agency Guidance – IRS Notices Announce Increased Flexibility for Certain Plans Read More »

URGENT CA: Comparison COVID-19 Paid Leave

California, COVID-19/Coronavirus, Employee Benefits, Employee Management, Employment Law & HR Topics, Federal Updates, Forms and Policies, Leaves of Absence, Safety, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

[et_pb_section][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text] In the face of the COVID-19, Guardian HR wants to keep employers aware of available California leave benefits. What employees are entitled to may be confusing. Below you will find an overview of the different types of CA paid leave and our comparison guidance sheet to determine which paid leave best works for …

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URGENT CA: COVID-19 Worker’s Compensation

COVID-19/Coronavirus, Employee Benefits, Employee Management, Employment Law & HR Topics, Federal Updates, Forms and Policies, Leaves of Absence, Safety, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order (EO) creating a rebuttable presumption of worker’s compensation coverage for employees who were directed to work outside the home from March 17 until approximately July 5 and have tested positive for COVID-19. Specifically, the order: Applies to any employee who reported to work outside of the home at the direction …

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URGENT: EEOC Won’t Collect Employer EEO-1 Data in 2020 Due to Coronavirus

COVID-19/Coronavirus, Employee Benefits, Employee Management, Employment Law & HR Topics, Federal Updates, Forms and Policies, Leaves of Absence, Safety, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced on May 7 that it will delay until March 2021 collection of EEO-1 Component 1 information—which asks for the number of employees who work for a covered business sorted by job category, race, ethnicity and gender. “The EEOC recognizes the impact that the current public health emergency is …

URGENT: EEOC Won’t Collect Employer EEO-1 Data in 2020 Due to Coronavirus Read More »

Monthly Compliance Calendar Alert – Keep Your Company Compliant in May: Hiring, and Returning to Work

COVID-19/Coronavirus, Employee Benefits, Employee Management, Employment Law & HR Topics, Federal Updates, Forms and Policies, Leaves of Absence, Safety, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

If you’re in HR, you’re no stranger to compliance management, forms, and deadlines—though keeping them all in order may be a different story. We want to be sure you’re equipped with the right information to keep everything on track year after year, from ACA to FLSA. That’s why we put together the HR compliance calendar …

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URGENT: Mandatory COVID-19 Poster

COVID-19/Coronavirus, Employee Benefits, Employee Management, Employment Law & HR Topics, Federal Updates, Forms and Policies, Leaves of Absence, Safety, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

As part of the Family First Coronavirus Recovery Act (FFCRA), employees at small businesses may be entitled to a number of new benefits for sick and family leave. To make sure employees understand their options, employers are required to post notice of the requirements. The Department of Labor requires all employers with less than 500 …

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URGENT: EEOC Issued New Guidance

COVID-19/Coronavirus, Employee Benefits, Employee Management, Employment Law & HR Topics, Federal Updates, Forms and Policies, Leaves of Absence, Safety, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

Effective, April 23, 2020, the EEOC issued new guidance to employers that permits mandatory testing of employees for the presence of the COVID-19 virus prior to entering the workplace. The EEOC issued the guidance on its FAQ, What You Should Know About COVID-19 ant the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws. In question …

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URGENT: COVID-19 Return to Work Checklist

COVID-19/Coronavirus, Employee Benefits, Employee Management, Employment Law & HR Topics, Federal Updates, Forms and Policies, Leaves of Absence, Safety, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

This guidance is intended for planning purposes. Employers and workers should use this planning guidance to help minimize risk levels in workplace settings and to determine any appropriate control measures to implement. Posting and Policies Post the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) poster in a visible place. Where employees will remain working from home, …

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URGENT: San Francisco Public Health Emergency Leave (PHEL)

California, COVID-19/Coronavirus, Employee Benefits, Employee Management, Employment Law & HR Topics, Federal Updates, Forms and Policies, Leaves of Absence, Safety, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

Companies with 500 or more employees worldwide, with a presence in San Francisco, must provide 80 hours of PHEL to full-time employees and the average number of hours worked over a two-week period for part-time employees (average over the last 6 months ending 2/25). Sick Leave is available for immediate use and may be taken …

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URGENT: OSHA Poster for Reducing Workplace Exposure to Coronavirus

COVID-19/Coronavirus, Employee Management, Employment Law & HR Topics, Federal Updates, Forms and Policies, Safety, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

OSHA has issued a new poster listing steps all workplaces can take to reduce the risk of exposure to coronavirus. The poster highlights 10 infection prevention measures every employer can implement to protect workers’ safety and health during the coronavirus pandemic. Safety measures include encouraging sick workers to stay home; establishing flexible worksites and staggered …

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Monthly Compliance Calendar Alert – Keep Your Company Compliant in April: Time-Off from Work, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

COVID-19/Coronavirus, Employee Management, Employment Law & HR Topics, Federal Updates, Forms and Policies, Safety, State & Federal Employment Law Updates / By

If you’re in HR, you’re no stranger to compliance management, forms, and deadlines—though keeping them all in order may be a different story. We want to be sure you’re equipped with the right information to keep everything on track year after year, from ACA to FLSA. That’s why we put together the HR compliance calendar …

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