40th Legislative District Democrats: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 for failure to report contributions and expenditures for 2017 (EY 17; Nov 17)

Case

#27160

Respondent

40th Legislative District Democrats

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

The complaint alleged that the 40th Legislative District Democrats, a bona fide legislative district committee, may have violated: (1) RCW 42.17A.235 for failure to timely file Monetary Contribution reports (C-3 reports) and Summary Full Campaign Contribution and Expenditure reports (C-4 reports), disclosing contributions and expenditures undertaken by the Campaign during calendar year 2017; or (2) WAC 390-16-115(4) for failure to timely file a Committee Registration (C-1pc report) registering under the “Mini Reporting” option for calendar year 2017.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response(s) provided by Laura Ewan on behalf of her client the 40th Legislative District Democrats (40th LD Dems) and by former Committee Chair, Tara Nelson; and the applicable PDC reports filed by Respondent, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

The 40th Legislative District Democrats have used the “Full Reporting” option in previous years and submitted C-3 and C-4 reports disclosing campaign activities. Although the 40th LD Dems submitted the C-1pc ten months late, they did not exceed the reporting thresholds for the “Mini Reporting” option and a search of the PDC website confirms that no contributions from the 40th LD Dems were made during calendar year 2017.

Based on these findings staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to timely file the C-1pc for calendar year 2017, choosing the “Mini Reporting” option by no later than January 31, 2017 and failure to file C-3 and C-4 reports before submitting an updated C-1pc, does not amount to an actual violation warranting further investigation.

PDC staff reminded the 40th Legislative District Democrats about the importance of timely filing of the C-1pc in each calendar year if the committee intends to use the “Mini Reporting” option, and the timely filings of all future PDC reports in accordance with the statutes and 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 Reminder

Date Opened

November 06, 2017

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235

Documents

• 27160 40th Leg Dist Democrats Complaint.pdf
• 27160 40th Legislative District Democrats Response.pdf
• 27160 40th Legislative District Democrats Reminder Letter.pdf