Darlene Miller

The complaint alleged the 44th Legislative District Democrats may have violated RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for (1) by failing to timely and accurately file Monetary Contributions reports (C-3 reports) and Summary Full Campaign Contributions and Expenditures reports (C-4 reports), disclosing contributions and expenditures undertaken by the Committee and (2) failing to timely and accurately disclose debt.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; and the response provided by Darlene Miller, treasurer, to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Based on these findings, and that: (1) many of the late reports included limited financial activity; and (2) the Committee timely filed 21-Day and 7-day Pre-General election reports in 2016 and 2017 during critical periods before and after the elections, staff has determined that in this instance, the failure to timely file reports of contributions and expenditures does not amount to an actual violation warranting further investigation.

However, pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(b), the 44th Legislative District Democrats will receive a formal written warning concerning the failure to timely disclosure all contributions and expenditures and disclose debts and obligations.

The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that the 44th Legislative District Democrats timely file all future required reports of contributions and expenditures and disclose debts and obligations. 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).