WA HB1030

County auditors must conduct either a limited hand-count audit of randomly selected precincts/batches or a risk-limiting audit prior to election certification, replacing previous multiple audit method options

Limited hand-count audits must include at least one precinct or two batches per ballot scanner, be completed within 72 hours of election day, and results reported to the Secretary of State within three business days

Risk-limiting audits use statistical methods to confirm election outcomes to a defined confidence level, with three types authorized: ballot comparison, ballot polling, and batch comparison audits

Duplicated ballots (created when originals are damaged/unreadable) must be audited by comparing them to original ballots before certification, with original and duplicate ballots assigned matching control numbers for tracking

Secretary of State gains expanded rulemaking authority over post-election audit procedures, including standards for random sample selection, audit expansion when discrepancies are found, and procedures for resolving failed audits