Outwest Printing: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to provide Sponsor ID on political advertising. (EY'21 Oct.21)

Case

#100231

Respondent

Outwest Printing

Complainant

Kevin Reniche

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed on October 21, 2021. The complaint alleged that Outwest Printing, a print shop doing business in Washington and Oregon, may have violated RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to include sponsor identification on political advertisement that identified seven local candidates running in the 2021 election.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; and the response provided by Debbie Ross on behalf of the Respondent, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

It appears that the Respondent, Outwest Printing, had no prior knowledge of the PDC’s sponsor identification requirements on written political advertisements because they had not done political advertisements before. During the investigation, staff found no evidence the Respondent intentionally omitted the sponsor identification in order to conceal the sponsor from the public. In addition, the Respondent attempted to correct the lack of sponsor ID by posting a statement in the same written publication prior to the date of the general election identifying Outwest Printing as the sponsor of the ads appearing in the prior two weeks.

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to include sponsor identification on written political advertisements does not amount to a finding of a violation that warrants further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, Outwest Printing will receive a formal written warning concerning failure to include sponsor identification on political advertisement they sponsored. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that Outwest Printing include sponsor identification on all written political advertisement paid for or sponsored by them in future years. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.

Based on this information, the PDC finds that no further action is warranted and has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

October 28, 2021

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.320

Documents

• 100231 Outwest Printing Response.pdf
• 100231 Outwest Printing Warning Letter - Respondent.pdf
• 100231 Outwest Printing Warning Letter - Complainant.pdf
• 100231 Outwest Printing Complaint.pdf