North Thurston Citizens for Schools: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to accurately report contributions. (EY28 APR25)

Case

#170468

Respondent

North Thurston Citizens for Schools

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

The complaint alleged a violation of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to accurately disclose contributions on reports filed in 2024 and 2025 for election year 2028. Specifically, the complaint alleged that North Thurston Citizens for Schools (the “Respondent”) failed to accurately report the following information: 1) income received on December 6, 2024, from a “Penny Auction” drawing; 2) the names and addresses of the vendors from which individuals purchased the in-kind contributions they made to the Respondent for the purposes of the Penny Auction; and 3) required contributor details on reports, including contributor name and address, occupation, and employer name and address.

Based on the attached findings and pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), the Respondent received a formal written warning concerning their failure to timely and accurately disclose monetary and in-kind contributions. PDC staff expect the committee to timely and accurately report all 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 also reminded the committee about the importance of amending reports within 21 days of the original filing, whenever possible, in accordance with PDC laws, rules and guidance.

The allegation that the Respondent's fundraiser was not a “gambling operation” as defined by the WA State Gambling Commission (WSGC) is a matter that must be determined by WSGC and does not fall under the purview or jurisdiction of the PDC. The Respondent was encouraged to follow up with the WSGC to ensure the committee is aware of their current requirements under RCW 9.46.

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

April 15, 2025

Areas of Law*

RCW 29B.25.090/42.17A.235, RCW 29B.25.100/42.17A.240

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