Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.255 for failure to report independent expenditures, and RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to disclose sponsor identificaiton (EY 20; August 20)

Case

#74490

Respondent

Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad

Complainant

Johnny Alvarado

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed on August 2, 2020. The complaint alleged that Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad (PVJR), a lobbyist employer during calendar year 2020, may have violated: (1) RCW 42.17A.255 for failure to report the value of independent expenditures for political advertising; and (2) RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to disclose sponsor identification on political advertising.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by President Eric Temple, on behalf of PVJR (the “Respondent); and the applicable PDC reports filed by the Respondent, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

It appears that the posts referenced in the complaint did not meet the statutory definition of political advertisement and therefore did not require PVJR to include sponsor identification. In addition, staff did not find evidence that the posts were independent expenditures reportable under RCW 42.17A.255.

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, no evidence supports a finding of a violation that warrants 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

August 03, 2020

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.255

Documents

• 74490 Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad Complaint.pdf
• 74490 Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad Response.pdf
• 74490 Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad Complaint Return.pdf