CENTRALLY COUNTED OPTICAL SCAN BALLOTS.

(a) In an election using centrally counted optical scan ballots, the undervotes and overvotes on those ballots shall be tallied, tabulated, and reported by race and by election precinct in the form and manner prescribed by the secretary of state.

(b) An authority operating a central counting station under this chapter may only purchase or use a ballot scan system if the system is only capable of using a data transfer media device that:

(1) once a cast vote record is written, is incapable of being modified without automatic:

(A) detection of the modification; and

(B) rejection of the cast vote record; and

(2) does not allow for the process under Subdivision (1) to be overridden or circumvented.

(c) An authority that purchases system components in order to comply with this section is eligible to have 100 percent of the cost of those system components reimbursed.

(d) Subsection (b) applies starting on the earlier of:

(1) the date on which the state certifies the first centrally counted optical ballot scan system under this section; or

(2) September 1, 2026.

(e) This subsection and Subsection (d) expire October 1, 2026.