Bruce White: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235, .240 & .320 for failure to disclose timely & accurately contributions & expenditures on reports & for failure to provide complete sponsor identification on political advertising (EY25, May 25)

Based on our findings, staff has determined that, in this instance, any violation that may have occurred was minor and has been cured. After consideration of the circumstances, further proceedings would not serve the purpose of this chapter. Under WAC 390-37- 060, the executive director, at any time prior to consideration by the commission, may dismiss a complaint which on its face, or as shown by investigation, provides reason to believe that a violation has occurred, but also shows that the respondent is in substantial compliance with the relevant statutes or rules, or shows that formal enforcement action is not warranted. The failure to file the C-3 and C-4 reports timely does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), you are receiving a formal written warning concerning failure to timely disclose all contributions and expenditures. PDC staff expects you to timely file all future required reports of contributions and expenditures. 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 reminding you about the importance of including full sponsor identification on all political advertisements in the future. As soon as the website is searchable to the public it must include full sponsor identification as required in RCW 42.17A.320.

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