kittitas County Democrats: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failure to timely disclose expenditures on reports (EY24 OCT24)

Case

#161724

Respondent

KITTITAS COUNTY DEMOCRATS

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaint filed by Conner Edwards on October 1, 2024. The complaint alleged violations of: RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failure to timely and accurately file expenditure reports and carryforward discrepancy between calendar years.

Applicable Laws & Rules

• RCW 42.17A.235 describes the required filing deadlines for disclosure of campaign finance activities including monetary contributions.
• RCW 42.17A.240 requires committees to file accurate campaign finance reports with the Public Disclosure Commission.

Background & Findings 

• The Respondent filed on a monthly schedule.
• Expenditure detail did not indicate participating in the 2024 election cycle.
• The carryforward discrepancy was minor and did not harm public interest.
• The committee has all new officers as of December of 2024. The new chair conveyed his intention to ensure correct reporting moving forward.
• The Respondent does not have previous warnings/violations of PDC requirements. 

Summary and Resolution

Based on our findings, staff has determined that, in this instance, any violation that may have occurred was minor and has been cured. After consideration of the circumstances, further proceedings would not serve the purposes of this chapter. Under WAC 390-37- 060, the executive director, at any time prior to consideration by the commission, may dismiss a complaint which on its face, or as shown by investigation, provides reason to believe that a violation has occurred, but also shows that the respondent is in substantial compliance with the relevant statutes or rules, or shows that formal enforcement action is not warranted. Failure to accurately disclose expenditure reports and carryforward balance does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation.

Having reviewed the complaint and the supporting evidence, PDC staff has determined that the committee appears to have violated RCW 42.17A. Based on the guidance provided to PDC staff by the Commission at its January 23, 2025, meeting, this matter is being resolved with a warning in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1) and WAC 390-37-060(1)(d) due to current caseloads. 

Any allegations regarding reporting by you for the 2024 campaign that are not otherwise addressed are also hereby dismissed. 

You are required to comply with all PDC requirements in the future. Failure to do so could lead to further enforcement action.   

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

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

November 04, 2024

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 161724 Kittitas County Democrats Complaint.pdf
• 161724 164506 Kittitas County Democrats Resolution Letter.pdf