Sec. 127.302. RISK-LIMITING AUDIT. (a) Not later than 24 hours after all ballots have been counted in an election, the general custodian of election records shall conduct a risk-limiting audit for a selected statewide race or measure.

(b) The secretary of state shall select, in accordance with rules adopted by the secretary, the precincts to be counted and the office or proposition to be counted.

(c) The general custodian of election records shall complete the audit not later than 24 hours before the time for conducting the canvass of the election.

(d) The general custodian of election records shall post a notice of the date, hour, and place of the audit in the custodian's office and on the county's Internet website, if the county maintains a website.

(e) A watcher may be present for the audit if appointed by a candidate in the election. A watcher must deliver a certificate of appointment to the general custodian of election records at the time the watcher reports for service. The certificate must be in writing and must include:

(1) the printed name and signature of the watcher;

(2) the election subject to the audit; and

(3) the printed name and signature of the candidate making the appointment.

(f) The secretary of state may appoint personnel to assist with the audit, including applicable voting system technicians or representatives and persons who have assisted with the design and implementation of the audit.

Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 573 (S.B. 598), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.