Building a Stronger Washington Sponsored by Western States Regional Council of Carpenters: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely report contributions and expenditures (EY24 NOV24)

Case

#164506

Respondent

Building a Stronger Washington

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

Building a Stronger Washington Sponsored by Western States Regional Council of Carpenters is a political action committee participating in the 2024 election under the Full Reporting option. 

The complaint alleges the Respondent failed to file two C-3 reports timely totaling $35,624. 

The Respondent filed a 21-day C-4 (expenditure) Report disclosing $34,999 and $625 of contributions but did not file corresponding C-3 (contribution) Reports indicating who contributed the funds.  

Once filed, the contribution reports disclosed $625 of non-itemized contributions and $34,999 from Western State Regional Council of Carpenters, the sponsor of the committee.  

In response to the complaint the committee expressed that it was their first time filing in the State of Washington and they were unfamiliar with the filing requirements. They mistakenly believed that the deposits were adequately disclosed on the C4 since that report also disclosed all contributions received and expenditures made. The committee is now aware of the filing requirements and will file accordingly. 

The Respondent does not have any previous violations of PDC requirements. 

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 timely C-3 (contribution) Reports in this instance does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation. 

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, you are receiving a formal written warning concerning failure to timely disclosure of all contribution and expenditures. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that you timely files all future required reports of contributions and expenditures. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules. 

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

January 02, 2025

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 164506 Building a Stronger Washington Sponsored by Western States Regional Council of Carpenters Response.pdf
• 164506 Building a Stronger Washington Sponsored by Western States Resolution Letter.pdf
• 164506 Building a Stronger Washington Complaint.pdf