Lopez Island Parks & Recreation Formation Committee: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely file expenditures reports. (EY25 JAN25)

Case

#165546

Respondent

Lopez Island Parks & Recreation Formation Committee

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaint filed by Conner Edwards on November 6, 2024. The complaint 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 

•  Lopez Island Parks and Recreation Formation Committee is a political action committee first registering under the Full Reporting option for the April 2025 special election
• On March 7, 2025, the committee worked with PDC staff to amend their registration to participating in the 2025 general election
• The complaint alleges failure to timely file C-4 (expenditure) Reports for exceeding the $750 threshold for aggregate activity and for failure to file 21-day Pre Primary C-4 Report for the April 2025 special election
• On October 3, 2024, the Respondent filed C-3 (contribution) Reports exceeding $750 of aggregate activity, triggering a C-4 (expenditure) Report due on November 10, 2024, covering July 9, 2024, through October 31, 2024. 
• Once contacted the Respondent indicated that they were new to PDC rules and regulations. The committee worked with PDC staff to file the C-4 Reports in order to get into compliance. 
• The allegations of failure to file the 21-day C-4 Reports is dismissed. The levy was not on the April ballot. 
• The Respondent does not have any previous 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. In this instance, failure to timely file C-4 (expenditure) Reports 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 file 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

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

January 17, 2025

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.225, RCW 42.17A.230

Documents

• 165546 Lopez Island Parks & Recreation Formation Committee Complaint.pdf
• 165546 Lopez Island Parks & Recreation Formation Committee Response.pdf
• 165546 Lopez Island Parks _ Recreation Formation Committee Complaint (2).pdf
• 165546 Lopez Island Parks & Recreation Formation Committee Resolution Letter.pdf