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- Beehler, Pat: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.635 for indirectly lobbying the legislature outside of authorized channels and .640 for failure to report a grass roots lobbying campaign (EY 19; Sep 19)
Beehler, Pat: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.635 for indirectly lobbying the legislature outside of authorized channels and .640 for failure to report a grass roots lobbying campaign (EY 19; Sep 19)
Case
#58013
Respondent
Pat Beehler
Complainant
Cody Hart
Description
The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint Cody Hart filed on September 30, 2019. The complaint alleged that Pat Beehler (Respondent), a public employee for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), may have violated RCW 42.17A.635 for indirectly lobbying the legislature outside of authorized channels and RCW 42.17A.640 for failure to report a grass roots lobbying campaign.
PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the responses provided by the Respondent; and the applicable PDC reports filed by the Respondent, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.
Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, indirectly lobbying the legislature outside of the proper official channels and in the proper performance of official duties does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation.
Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), Pat Beehler will receive a formal written warning concerning indirectly lobbying the legislature outside of the proper official channels and in the proper performance of official duties. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that Pat Beehler will not authorize the expenditure of public funds, whether direct or indirect, to lobby the legislature outside of the proper official channels and in proper performance of his official duties as a public employee. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.
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 Written Warning
Date Opened
September 30, 2019
Areas of Law
RCW 42.17A.635, RCW 42.17A.640
Documents
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