The bill mandates the implementation of cast vote records for all federal elections in Montana, ensuring that the cast vote record function is activated during these elections. It stipulates that the records must be securely retained for seven years and outlines that they are not considered public records, with specific exceptions for counties that exclusively hand count ballots. Additionally, the Secretary of State is required to provide public access to court findings related to this section, charging a fee for copies that reflects the cost of obtaining and distributing these documents.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a grant program administered by the Secretary of State to assist counties in purchasing the necessary computer and software to comply with the new requirements. Counties must first seek funding through the Help America Vote Act subgrant before applying for supplemental funds from the grant program. The bill includes an appropriation of $239,220 from the general fund for the biennium starting July 1, 2023, to support this grant program. It also includes provisions for annual reporting on the status of the grant program and sets a termination date for the grant program on June 30, 2025.