CITIZENS FOR BETTER GOVERNMENT BY IAFF LOCAL 726: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures (EY24 JUL24)

Case

#157524

Respondent

CITIZENS FOR BETTER GOVERNMENT BY IAFF LOCAL 726

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

This case alleged a violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures, specifically a C-4 report for April of 2024. 

PDC staff reviewed the allegations and evidence submitted; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by Citizens for Better Government by IAFF Local 726 (the “Respondent”); the applicable PDC reports filed by the Respondent; and other relevant information to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

PDC Case 163710 was resolved with an amended formal Warning Letter as issued in PDC Case 157524 (see attached).

In PDC Case 157524, Citizens for Better Government by IAFF Local 726 completed a Statement of Understanding (SOU) and paid a $150 civil penalty on October 22, 2024 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 timely file three C-4 reports disclosing a total of $34,726 in election-related expenditures for election year 2024. The $150 penalty assessed resolves these late C-4 reports.

In PDC Cases 157524 and 163964 and pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), Citizens for Better Government by IAFF Local 726 also received a formal written warning concerning their failure to timely file all other late reports for election year 2024. The formal written warning included staff’s expectation that Citizens for Better Government IAFF Local 726 timely file all future required reports of deposits, 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.

PDC staff reminded Citizens for Better Government by IAFF Local 726 about the importance of ensuring their internal calendar accurately reflects the due dates for PDC reports and operates in a manner that facilitates timely filings.

Based on this information, the PDC finds that no further action is warranted and has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Resolved through Statement of Understanding (SOU)

Date Opened

July 31, 2024

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 157524 & 163964 Citz for Better Govt by IAFF Local 726 SOU_Warning Letter.pdf
• 157524 Citizens for Better Government by IAFF Local 726 Complaint.pdf
• 157524 Citizens for Better Government by IAFF Local 726 Response.pdf
• 157524 Citz for Better Govt by IAFF Local 726_SOU Signed.pdf
• 157524 Citz for Better Govt by IAFF Local 726 SOU_Warning Letter.pdf

Penalties