Meridian Citizens for Education Committee: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235, .240, and WAC 390-16-125 for failure to timely and accurately report contributions and expenditures and exceeding mini limits (EY24 OCT24)

Case

#161843

Respondent

Meridian Citizens for Education Committee

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

The complaint alleged that Meridian Citizens for Education Committee, a political committee, may have violated RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 and WAC 390-16-125 by accepting contributions in excess of the $500 per donor aggregate amount, thereby exceeding the “mini reporting” limits without registering and timely filing Monetary Contribution reports (C-3 reports) and Summary Full Campaign Contribution and Expenditure reports (C-4 reports), disclosing contributions and expenditures undertaken by the committee, under the “full reporting” option.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations and evidence submitted; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response(s) provided by 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.

Based on our findings, staff has determined that, in this instance, the acceptance of monetary contributions above the $500 per donor aggregate limit while registered under the “mini reporting” option does not support a finding of a violation that warrants further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, Meridian Citizens for Education Committee will receive a formal written warning concerning its failure to comply with the “mini reporting” limits. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that Meridian Citizens for Education Committee strictly adhere to the contribution and expenditure limits while registered under mini reporting or to timely request to switch to the “full reporting” option and timely file all required reports of 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.

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

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

November 06, 2024

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240, WAC 390-16-125