Citizens Concerned About Responsible Education (CCARE): Alleged violation of RCW 41.17A.240, 320 & .350 by failing to disclose expenditures and sponsor address and Top 3/5 contributors on political advertising opposing a levy. (EY '22; Apr '22)

Case

#107275

Respondent

Citizens Concerned About Responsible Education (CCARE)

Complainant

Korista Smith Barney & Dawn Peschek

Description

The complaints alleged Citizens Concerned About Responsible Education (CCARE), a ballot-measure committee, violated RCW 42.17A.320 and .350 by failing to include full sponsor identification and top five contributors on mailers. In review of the Committee’s reports, PDC staff added alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.240 for failing to timely disclose expenditures on Full Summary Contributions and Expenditures (C-4) reports. 

On June 17, 2022 the PDC received a completed Statement of Understanding (SOU) acknowledging a violation of RCW 42.17A.240 for failing to timely disclose expenditures on C-4 reports made during the 2022 Election.

CCARE paid a $150 civil penalty in accordance with WAC 390-37-143 (Brief Enforcement Penalty Schedule), which resolves the reporting issue. 

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), CCARE was issued a formal written warning concerning violations of RCW 42.17A.320 and .350 by failing to include full sponsor identification and top contributors on mailers. Staff expects CCARE will, in the future, include sponsor identification and contributors on political advertising as required by law. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules. 

The PDC will not be conducting a more formal investigation into these allegations or take any further enforcement action in this matter. Based on this information, the PDC has dismissed the case in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1) and WAC 390-37-070.

Disposition

Resolved through Statement of Understanding (SOU)

Date Opened

April 19, 2022

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.240, RCW 42.17A.320, RCW 42.17A.350

Documents

Penalties

Total penalties: $150

Balance Due: $0

Citizens Concerned About Responsible Education (CCARE)

Penalty
$150 (SOU)
Payments
$150 on 06/15/2022 (PAID)

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