Kneller, Sarah: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.235 for failure to timely and accurately file contributions and expenditures (June 2018)

Case

#37221

Respondent

Sarah Kneller

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed by Glen Morgan on June 21, 2018. The complaint alleged that Sarah Kneller may have violated RCW 42.17A.235 for failure to timely and accurately file contributions and expenditures.

Sarah Kneller was a first-time candidate for public office in 2017. In addition, sufficient evidence was provided to PDC staff to demonstrate that there was a good-faith effort made on behalf of the Campaign to communicate with staff in order to electronically file reports, and resolve the software discrepancies that were encountered.

Based on our findings, staff has determined that in this instance, the failure to timely file the C-3 and C-4 reports during the 2017 election campaign as a first-time candidate does not support a finding of a material violation warranting further investigation. PDC staff is reminding Sarah Kneller about the importance of the timely disclosure of all contribution and expenditure activities, and to maintain thorough records of technical issues so as to accurately distinguish between when a report is late as the result of software errors or due to noncompliance within the campaign.

The PDC has closed the matter, and will not be conducting a more formal investigation into the complaint or pursuing further enforcement action in this case.

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

June 26, 2018

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235