Bart Yeates: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to accurately file expenditures reports. (EY23 AUG24)

Case

#168953

Respondent

Bart Yeates

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaint filed by Conner Edwards on August 21, 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 

  • Bart Yeates was a candidate for School Director for Quincy SD 114 filing under the Full Reporting option for the 2023 election.
  • The complaint alleged negative cash on hand balance and failure to disclose required expenditure detail for political advertising.
  • The Respondent notified staff the negative balance was caused by the campaign being self-funded. The monetary expenditures reported by the campaign were actually in-kind contributions from the candidate.
  • The Respondent received a previous warning for filing 2023 campaign reports late. 
  • The  PDC strongly encourages the Respondent to amend the report to accurately disclose the in-kind contributions. 

Summary and Resolution

Having reviewed the complaint and the supporting evidence, PDC staff has determined that the candidate 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 dismissed 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 2023 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.    

Disposition

Dismissed by Executive Director

Date Opened

March 19, 2025

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

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