Washington Association of Vehicle Subagents (WAVS): Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures. (EY24 DEC24)

Case

#163983

Respondent

Washington Association of Vehicle Subagents (WAVS)

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaints filed by Conner Edwards on November 5, 2024, and December 13, 2024. The complaints alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failure to timely and accurately file expenditure reports.

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 describes the required contents of campaign finance reports filed with the Public Disclosure Commission.

Background & Findings

Washington Association of Vehicle Subagents is a political action committee participating in the 2024 election under the Full Reporting option.
The complaint alleges failure to timely file 21-day, 7-day pre-primary and 21-day post-general C-4 (expenditure) Reports, and failure to timely file C-3 (contribution) Reports, as well as failure to disclose subvendor detail.
The Respondent failed to timely file numerous C-4 (expenditure) and C-3 (contribution) Reports throughout the 2024 calendar year and did not disclose required subvendor detail on expenditure reports.
Responding to the complaint, the treasurer conveyed that the person previously in charge of filing PDC reports left the organization abruptly. The newly appointed treasurer tried to learn PDC rules and regulations by taking online classes provided by the PDC and absorb as much as they could from the PDC website.
The Respondent indicated that they modified their internal process in an effort to ensure compliance with PDC filing requirements for future reporting.
On March 11, 2025, Diane Skocilich, on behalf of the Respondent, signed a statement of understanding acknowledging violations.
The Respondent does not have previous violations of PDC requirements.

Summary and Resolution

You completed a Statement of Understanding (SOU) in accordance with WAC 390-37-143 (Brief Enforcement Penalty Schedule), acknowledging violations of RCW 42.17A.235 and RCW 42.17A.240 for failing to file timely C-4 (expenditure) Reports during the 2024 calendar year; the signed Statement of Understanding resolves the allegations listed in this case.

Based on the guidance provided to PDC staff by the Commission at its January 23, 2025, meeting, this matter is being resolved through a Statement of Understanding 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 election 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

Resolved through Statement of Understanding (SOU)

Date Opened

December 18, 2024

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240