For expiration of this section, see Subsection (g).
Sec. 65.017.  VIDEO RECORDING OF BALLOT COUNTING AND PROCESSING.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (d), the secretary of state shall establish a pilot program requiring a county to use a video recording device to record:
(1)  all areas containing voted ballots in:
(A)  each central counting station in the manner required by Section 127.1232; or
(B)  if the county has not established a central counting station, not less than 20 percent of precincts in the county; and
(2)  ballot counting activity performed by the early voting ballot board after the polls close on election day, including the processing of:
(A)  early voting ballots voted by mail;
(B)  early voting ballots voted by mail that have had a defect corrected under Section 87.0411; and
(C)  provisional ballots.
(b)  The secretary of state shall select six counties to take part in the pilot program, including:
(1)  two counties with a population of more than 100,000 and not more than 500,000;
(2)  two counties with a population of not less than 50,000 and not more than 100,000; and
(3)  two counties with a population of not more than 5,000.
(c)  The secretary of state shall adopt procedures to implement this section, including procedures to determine which counties may participate in the pilot program under this section.
(d)  The procedures adopted under Subsection (c) may not violate the requirements of Section 61.014.
(e)  The secretary of state shall operate the pilot program established under this section until January 1, 2025.
(f)  Not later than January 1, 2025, the secretary of state shall file a report with the legislature. The report must state:
(1)  which counties participated in the pilot program;
(2)  the number of precincts and central counting stations that recorded video;
(3)  any best practices for placement and use of the video recording devices, including:
(A)  best angles for visibility;
(B)  best distance between device and counting station; and
(C)  best devices for clarity;
(4)  the cost and availability of broadband Internet connectivity required to implement the program; and
(5)  any other information and recommendations considered necessary by the secretary of state.
(g)  This section expires January 1, 2025.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1112 (H.B. 246), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.