We Want Accountability PAC (2): Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.240, .255 or .260 by failing to describe expenditures, disclose independent expenditures (radio ads), the candidates supported or opposed & radio stations. (EY '21; Oct '21)

Case

#100399

Respondent

We Want Accountability PAC

Complainant

Lillian "Randy" Slovic

Description

The complaints alleged We Want Accountability PAC may have violated RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to include required language in radio advertisements and RCW 42.17A.240, .255 or .260 by failing to provide the required expenditure description on Full Summary Contributions and Expenditures (C-4) reports. During its investigation, PDC staff included an alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.350 for failing to disclose the Top 5 contributors during its radio ads and RCW 42.17A.305 by failing to timely file an Independent Expenditure (C-6) report disclosing Committee expenditures made during the 2021 Election for electioneering communications.

On December 23, 2021, the PDC received a completed Statement of Understanding (SOU) from the Committee acknowledging violations of RCW 42.17A.305 by failing to timely file an Independent Expenditure (C-6) report disclosing Committee expenditures made during the 2021 Election for electioneering communications and RCW 42.17A.320 and RCW 42.17A.350 by failing to include the required "Notice to Voter" language for independent expenditure radio advertisements and failing to disclose the Top 5 contributors in its radio ads. The Committee paid a $300 civil penalty in accordance with WAC 390-37-143 (Brief Enforcement Penalty Schedule), which resolves the issue. 

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), We Want Accountability PAC will receive a formal written warning concerning a violation RCW 42.17A.240 by failing to timely and accurately disclose the expenditure descriptions on Full Summary Contributions and Expenditures (C-4) reports. Staff expects the Committee will, in the future, timely and accurately disclose expenditures as required by law. 

The Commission will consider this formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules. The PDC will not be conducting a more formal investigation into these allegations or take any further enforcement action in this matter. Based on this information, the PDC has dismissed the case against We Want Accountability PAC, in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1) and WAC 390-37-070. 

Disposition

Resolved through Statement of Understanding

Date Opened

November 02, 2021

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.240, RCW 42.17A.255, RCW 42.17A.260

Penalties

Total penalties: $300

Balance Due: $0

We Want Accountability PAC (2)

Penalty
$300 (Statement of Understanding)
Payments
$300 on 12/23/2021 (PAID)

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