UA Local 32 PIPE PAC Sponsored by UA Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 32: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failure to timely file expenditure reports. (EY24 DEC24)

Case

#164858

Respondent

UA Local 32 PIPE PAC

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 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 describes the required contents of campaign finance reports filed with the Public Disclosure Commission. 

Background & Findings 

• The Respondent is a registered political committee that was participating in the 2024 election under the Full Reporting option.  
• The complaint alleges the Respondent failed to timely file 21-day and 7-day post-general Reports.
• In response to the complaint the Respondent reviewed materials provided by the PDC and took steps to prevent future occurrences of late reporting.
• On February 17, 2025, Kurt Swanson, on behalf of the Respondent signed a statement of understanding acknowledging that the reports in question were filed late to resolve the case. 
• The Respondent did receive a previous reminder and warning of PDC requirements for the 2024 calendar year. 

Summary and Resolution

You completed a 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 file timely C-4 (expenditure) Reports during the 2024 calendar year; the signed 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 Statement of Understanding 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

January 08, 2025

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 164858 UA Local 32 PIPE PAC Complaint.pdf
• 164858 UA Local PIPE PAC Sponsered by UA Plumber and Pipefitters Local 32 Response.pdf
• 164858 UA Local 32 PIPE PAC Resoultion Letter.pdf
• 164858 UA Local 32 PIPE PAC Statement of Undersatanding.pdf