Moms for Seattle: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.255, .305 for failure to file a C-6 report that meets electioneering communication requirements. (AUG 2019)

Case

#56008

Respondent

Moms for Seattle

Complainant

Tarn Ohana

Description

On August 1, 2019, the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) received a complaint alleging that the Moms for Seattle (Committee), may have violated RCW 42.17A.255 and .305 for failure to file a C-6 report that meets electioneering communication requirements. 

PDC staff reviewed the allegations/complaint and found the Committee originally filed a C-6 report on July 16, 2019, wherein it did not fully describe/include the identity of the sub-vendor digital platforms for the digital ads as required by RCW 42.17A.305(1)(c). However, on the same day, the Committee also filed a C-4 report and amended the same report to include sub-vendor information related to the digital ads at issue in this matter. 

On September 10, 2019 and October 10, 2019, the Committee amended its C-4 and C-6 reports, respectively, to facilitate additional transparency. 

Based on these findings staff determined that, in this instance, the failure to fully describe and/or include sub-vendor platforms for the digital ads in the original C-6, did not amount to a violation warranting further investigation.  

Staff reminded the Committee about the importance of fully and accurately describing expenditures regarding digital ads in the future, specifically to include the names of the sub-vendor digital information. 

Based on this information, PDC staff dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1). 

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

August 12, 2019

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.305

Documents

• 56008 Moms for Seattle Response.pdf
• 56008 Moms for Seattle Complaint Return Letter.pdf
• 56008 Moms for Seattle Complaint.pdf