Washington Health Care Association PAC: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.420 for exceeding contribution limitations within 21 days of an election (EY 18, Oct 19)

Case

#59218

Respondent

Washington Health Care Association PAC

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

The complaint alleged the Washington Health Care Association PAC (PAC), a Continuing Political Committee associated with the Washington Health Care Association (Association), may have violated RCW 42.17A.420 for accepting contributions exceeding $5,000 from a single source within twenty-one days of the November 6, 2018 general election.

The three contributions were received by the Association between October 4 and 11, 2018, but not deposited or transferred into the PAC bank account until November 1, 2018. The PAC is affiliated with the Association, as well as being administered and controlled by the Association, so the contributions were technically received prior to the $5,000 contribution limitation period that is within 21 days of a general election, and for the 2018 general election began on October 16, 2018.   

Based on these findings, staff has determined that, in this instance, failing to make deposits within five business days of receipt does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation.  

PDC staff is reminding the Washington Health Care Association PAC any political contributions received, even if combined with Association fees, must be reported and deposited into the PAC as required in 42.17A.220. 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 Reminder

Date Opened

October 25, 2019

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.420

Documents

• PDC Case 59218 Washington Health Care Association PAC closed with reminder.pdf
• 59218 WA Health Care Assoc PAC Complaint Response.pdf
• 59218 WA Health Care Assoc PAC Complaint.pdf