Justin Paulsen: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately file expenditure reports. (EY24 JAN25)

Case

#166530

Respondent

Justin Paulsen

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaint filed by Conner Edwards on February 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 

• The Respondent filed timely throughout the election cycle.
• The campaign submitted an amended 7-day C-4 (expenditure) Report on December 10, 2024, disclosing $5,700 of previously unreported political mailings. 
• The treasurer updated expenditure detail to include quantities of political advertisements.
• 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. Failure to accurately file C-4 (expenditure) Reports does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation in this instance.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, you are receiving a formal written warning concerning failure to timely and accurately disclose of all expenditures. PDC staff expects you to timely and accurately 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).

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

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

February 06, 2025

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 166350 Justin Paulsen Complaint.pdf
• 166530 Justin Paulsen Resolution Letter.pdf