Washington Realtors Political Action Committee (2): Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to disclose sponsor identification on digital political advertising (EY 19; July 19)

Case

#55218

Respondent

Washington Realtors Political Action Committee

Complainant

Guy Thompson

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed on July 17, 2019. Your complaint alleged that the Washington Realtors Political Action Committee (WA Realtors PAC), a continuing political committee registered for calendar year 2019, may have violated RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to include sponsor identification on digital political advertising done in support of People for Nadine Woodward, a 2019 candidate for Spokane mayor.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by Mark Lamb on behalf of his client WA Realtors PAC; and the applicable PDC reports filed by Respondent, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

It appears that the online advertisements presented in support of the People for Nadine Woodward 2019 campaign were sponsored by WA Realtors PAC and that the advertisements contained sponsor identification required by RCW 42.17.320 and WAC 390-18-030 and were accessible through one click on the ad.

Based on these findings staff has determined that, in this instance, no evidence supports a finding of a violation warranting further investigation.

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 No Evidence of Violations

Date Opened

July 25, 2019

Areas of Law

Areas of law not found

Documents

• 55218 Washington Realtors PAC Complaint Return.pdf
• 55218 Washington Realtors Political Action Committee (2) Response.pdf
• 55218 Washington Realtors Political Action Committee (2) Complaint.pdf