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- Washington Association of Realtors: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to disclose sponsor identification on digital political advertising (EY 19; Jul 19)
Washington Association of Realtors: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to disclose sponsor identification on digital political advertising (EY 19; Jul 19)
Case
#55221
Respondent
Washington Association of Realtors
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 Association of Realtors (WA Assn. of Realtors), a membership organization and lobbyist employer 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 in a related case by WA Realtors PAC, PDC Case #55218; 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. The WA Assn. of Realtors did not sponsor the advertisements although they were identified as one of the top three contributors in the sponsor identification.
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
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