Adams County Democrats: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235 for failure to report contributions and expenditures since 2009, and RCW 42.17A.205 for failure to update committee registration since 2009 (EY 17; Nov 17)

Case

#27161

Respondent

Adams County Democrats

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed on November 1, 2017. The complaint alleged that Adams County Democrats, a bona fide county party committee, may have violated: (1) RCW 42.17A.235 for failure to timely and accurately file Monetary Contribution reports (C-3 reports) and Summary Full Campaign Contribution and Expenditure reports (C-4 reports); or WAC 390-16-115(4) for failure to timely file a Committee Registration (C-1pc report) registering under the “Mini Reporting” option for calendar years 2009 to 2017; and (2) RCW 42.17A.205 by failing to timely file an amended C-1pc within ten days disclosing any material change in the committee information. 

Adams County Democrats have been registered under the “Mini Reporting” option since at least 2004. Although the committee submitted the C-1pc reports referenced above between six months and more than five years late, they did not exceed the reporting threshold for the “Mini Reporting” option and a search of the PDC website confirms that no contributions from Adams County Democrats were made during the last five years. In addition, the C-1pc submitted for calendar year 2019 was the only amendment filed disclosing material changes.

Based on these findings staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to timely file the C-1pc for calendar years 2014 to 2019, choosing the “Mini Reporting” option by no later than January 31 of each corresponding year, failure to file C-3 and C-4 reports before submitting an updated C-1pc for each year, and failure to timely file an amended C-1pc disclosing material changes, does not amount to an actual violation warranting further investigation or enforcement action.

PDC staff reminded Adams County Democrats about the importance of the timely filing of the C-1pc in each calendar year if the committee intends to use the “Mini Reporting” option and the importance of filing an amended C-1pc disclosing material changes.

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.205, RCW 42.17A.235

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