CA AB1929

Exempts ballot marking systems from the definition of "voting system" and defines them as mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic systems used solely to mark ballots for special absentee voters with no connection to voting systems.

Requires Secretary of State to study and adopt regulations governing ballot marking systems, establish approval procedures, and prohibit use of any ballot marking system until approved by the Secretary of State.

Mandates vendors deposit approved source code and build instructions into escrow facilities within 10 business days of Secretary of State approval for both voting systems and ballot marking systems.

Establishes procedures for ballot marking system approval including public hearings, examination by the Secretary of State, and vendor notification requirements for defects, faults, or failures within 30 calendar days.

Authorizes Secretary of State to impose civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation for unauthorized hardware or software changes and up to $50,000 per violation for known but undisclosed defects, plus daily penalties of $1,000 and potential refunds to local agencies.

Prohibits ballot marking systems from using remote servers for marking voter selections, storing voter identifiable selections on remote servers, or tabulating votes.