Washington State Machinist Council (MNPL): Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.205, .235, & .240 for failure to timely amend C-1pc to reflect sponsored name, & to timely & accurately report contributions and expenditures (EY24 SEP24)

Case

#161710

Respondent

WASHINGTON STATE MACHINISTS COUNCIL (MNPL)

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaint filed by Conner Edwards on December 11, 2024. The complaint(s) alleged violations of: RCW 42.17A.235, .240 & .205 for failure to timely amend C1pc to reflect sponsored name, and 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.
• RCW 42.17A.205(5) requires that the "name" of a sponsored committee must include the name of the entity who is the sponsor of the committee.

Background & Findings 

• The complaint alleged failure to timely file the 21-day and 7-day pre-general C-4 (expenditure) Reports.
• The committee was filing on a monthly reporting schedule.
• The Respondent acknowledged filing reports late and is committed to filing timely in the future. 
• The Respondent disagreed with allegation of failure to amend their C1pc to reflect the sponsor’s name but updated the registration to increase transparency.
• The Respondent does have a previous reminder and warning of PDC requirements in previous election cycles.

Summary and Resolution

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 failing to timely file C-4 (expenditure) reports during 2024 calendar year. The signed no penalty Statement of Understanding resolves the allegations listed in this case.=

Having reviewed the complaint and the supporting evidence, PDC staff has determined that the committee 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 resolved with a warning 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 2024 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.    

Based on this information, the PDC has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1). 

Disposition

Resolved through Statement of Understanding (SOU)

Date Opened

November 04, 2024

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.205, RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 161710 Washington State Machinists Council Resolution Letter.pdf
• 161710 Washington State Machinists Statement of Understanding.pdf
• 161710 Washington State Machinists Council (MNPL) Complaint.pdf