No on Tacoma Measure 1: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.205, .235, .240 & .270 by failing to timely & accurately register as a political committee & report contributions (including earmarked and/or in-kind) & expenditures. (EY ’23; Oct ’23)

Case

#143846

Respondent

No on Tacoma Measure 1

Complainant

Tacoma for All

Description

The complaint alleged that No on Tacoma Measure 1, a local ballot measure committee, may have violated RCW 42.17A.205, .235, .240 & .270 in 2023 by failing to timely register as a political committee, and timely report 1) contributions received from National Association of Realtors and Washington Realtors; 2) in-kind contribution(s) of staff time from Tacoma-Pierce County Association of Realtors; and 3) earmarked contributions from Tacoma-Pierce County Association of Realtors.

Based on the attached findings, the resolution in PDC Case 143847, and pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), No on Tacoma Measure 1 (the “Respondent”) received a formal written warning concerning their failure to 1) timely and accurately disclose all pledges; and 2) timely disclose Last-Minute Contributions received prior to an election. PDC staff expect the Respondent to timely disclose all pledges and Last-Minute Contributions in the future. The Commission will consider this formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or rules.

PDC staff is also reminded the Respondent about the importance of 1) providing sufficient expenditure details on C-4 reports including, but not limited to, vendor address, the number of mailers and ads, where they appeared, and when; and 2) timely amending C-4 reports within 21 days of original reports, whenever possible. PDC staff expect that, in the future, the Respondent will include such details on, and timely amend, C-4 reports in accordance with PDC laws, rules, and guidance.

For the reasons indicated in the attached letter, the allegation concerning earmarked contributions was dismissed.

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

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

October 23, 2023

Areas of Law*

RCW 29B.25.020/42.17A.205, RCW 29B.25.090/42.17A.235, RCW 29B.25.100/42.17A.240, RCW 29B.25.150/42.17A.270

*On January 1, 2026, RCW 42.17A was recodified to RCW 29B