Systems Group Corporation of Washington DBA Sporting Systems: Alleged violation of RCW 24.17A for failure to register as a political committee, report independent expenditures or electioneering communications and identify sponsor. (EY 18 Sep 18)

Case

#41287

Respondent

Systems Group Corporation of Washington DBA Sporting Systems

Complainant

Michael Maddux

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed by Michael Maddux on September 26, 2018. The Complaint alleged that Systems Group Corporation of Washington DBA Sporting Systems (SGCWDSS), may have violated RCW 42.17A by failing to register and report as a political committee disclosing contribution and expenditure activities in opposition to Initiative 1639, a statewide ballot proposition, and failure to include the sponsor identification on political advertising in opposition to I1639. 

PDC staff reviewed the allegations listed in the complaint to determine whether a formal investigation or enforcement action is warranted. Staff reviewed all the exhibits submitted with the complaint, and the response letter received via email from Daniel Mitchell with the SGCWDSS.

Staff’s review found that SGCWDSS did not solicit or accept contributions from the public in order to make the expenditures in opposition to I-1639, and there was no expectation of receiving any contributions from the public. Therefore, SGCWDSS was not a political committee. In addition, as noted above SGCWDSS made several in-kind contributions to the Committee, so the expenditures were not independent expenditures required to have been disclosed on a C-6 report. 
PDC staff found no evidence of a material violation that would require conducting a more formal investigation into your complaint or pursuing enforcement action in this instance. 
Staff has reminded SGCWDSS of the importance of including the complete sponsor identification, including the sponsor’s complete mailing address on all political advertising undertaken in future years, should SGCWDSS decide to oppose or support a ballot initiative or candidate for public office. 
Based on the above, the PDC has dismissed your complaint in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1)

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

October 03, 2018

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.205

Documents

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