Scott Henden: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failure to timely and accurately report expenditures (EY24 AUG24)

Case

#158537

Respondent

Scott Henden

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaint filed by Conner Edwards on August 5, 2024. The complaint alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures.
Applicable Laws and Rules

• RCW 42.17A.235 describes the required filing deadlines for disclosure of campaign finance activities including monetary contributions.

• RCW 42.17A.240 requires committees to file accurate campaign finance reports with the Public Disclosure Commission.

Background and Findings

• Scott Henden was a write-in candidate for County Commissioner in Kitsap County in the 2024 election, declaring for office on July 16, 2024. He received at least 1 percent of the vote in the primary election, which allowed him to advance to the general election as a named candidate on the ballot.
• On Aug. 5, 2024, the Respondent filed a C-3 disclosing a June 3, 2024, deposit of $7,000 in personal funds. On September 16, 2024, the campaign corrected its reporting to clarify that the deposit had happened on July 3, not June 3.
• Given the date of his declaration, the Respondent did not have a reporting requirement for the period covered in the 21-day pre-primary C-4. 
• The campaign filed the 7-day pre-primary C-4 six days late but prior to the election.
• On that report, the Respondent failed to provide complete expenditure details for signs. The campaign later amended to provide quantities and explained that the signs were in-kind contributions from a previous campaign. 
• The Respondent has no prior violation of RCW 42.17A.235 or RCW 42.17A.240. 
• The Respondent lost the general election.

Summary and Resolution

Having reviewed the complaint and the supporting evidence, PDC staff has determined that there is evidence of a violation of RCW 42.17A. Based on the guidance provided to PDC staff by the Commission at the January 23, 2025, Commission meeting, this matter is being dismissed in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1). 

Any allegations regarding reporting by you for calendar year 2024 that are not otherwise addressed are hereby dismissed. You are required to comply with all PDC requirements in the future, and failure to do so could lead to enforcement action. 
 

Disposition

Dismissed by Executive Director

Date Opened

August 23, 2024

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 158537 Scott Henden Complaint.pdf
• 158537 Scott Henden Initial Hearing Notice.pdf
• 158537 Scott Henden Resolution Letter.pdf