Pro-Choice Washington: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failure to timely and accurately disclose expenditures on reports (EY24 OCT24)

Case

#161357

Respondent

PRO-CHOICE WASHINGTON PAC

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaint filed by Conner Edwards on October 16, 2024. The complaint(s) 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 requires committees to file accurate campaign finance reports with the Public Disclosure Commission.

 Background & Findings 

• The complaint alleged failure to timely file the 7-day pre-general C-4 (expenditure) Report.
• The committee was incorrectly filing on a monthly reporting schedule.
• The individual who is responsible for filing reports indicated that they believed they were filing correctly.  They were instructed how to update their filing software and are confident that they will be able to file correctly in the future.
• The Respondent does have a previous reminder for failure to timely file Reports during the 2024 election cycle.

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 timely file C-4 (expenditure) Reports does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation.

 You completed a no penalty Statement of Understanding (SOU) in accordance with WAC 390-37-143 (Brief Enforcement Penalty Schedule), acknowledging violations of RCW 42.17A.235 and RCW 42.17A.240 for: (1) failing to timely file C-4 (expenditure) reports during 2024 calendar year. The signed Statement of Understanding resolves the allegations listed in this case.

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 calendar year that are not otherwise addressed are hereby dismissed

Disposition

Resolved through Statement of Understanding (SOU)

Date Opened

October 29, 2024

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 161357 Pro-Choice Washington No Penalty SOU Reolution Letter.pdf
• Signed 161357 PRO-CHOICE Washington PAC No Penalty Statement of Understanding.pdf
• 161357 PRO-CHOICE Washington PAC Complaint.pdf