Haugan, Richard: Alleged Violations RCW 42.17A.205, 220, 235, 240 & 320 for changing to mini rpting, failure to open acct for campaign, accepting over-lmt contribs, failure to disclose contribs & expends, failure to provide full spnsr id (OCT23,EY23)

Case

#144521

Respondent

Richard Haugan

Complainant

Robert S Russell

Description

The PDC investigated the allegations, and pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(f) we entered a Statement of Understanding (SOU) with Mr. Haugan.  PDC staff is in receipt of the signed SOU, and the payment of the $300 civil penalty assessed in this matter, per WAC 390-37-143 (Brief Enforcement Penalty Schedule).  This resolves the violation of RCW 42.17A.205, WAC 390-16-105 and WAC 390-16-125 by converting to the Mini Reporting option when the campaign was not eligible; and RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 by failing to timely and correctly file campaign reports (C-3 and C-4 reports) disclosing contributions and expenditures undertaken by the Campaign in the 2023 election.

Additionally, per WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), Mr. Haugan was issued a formal written warning concerning RCW 42.17A.220(1) for failure to establish a depository account solely for campaign purposes; and RCW 42.17A.320 for failure to provide complete sponsor identification on political advertising.  If similar violations of PDC laws or rules occur in the future, the Commission will consider this formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action.

PDC staff also reminded Mr. Haugan that contributors are not “anonymous” or “unidentified” if their name is known or if their identity can be deduced or ascertained by available information.  When any identifying information is known about the contributor, the campaign is responsible for gathering all necessary information about the contributor so that accurate tracking and reporting of the contribution may occur.

Staff expects Mr. Haugan to comply with all campaign laws, rules and PDC guidance in the future.  The PDC has dismissed this matter following RCW 42.17A.755(1) and will not take any further enforcement action.

Disposition

Resolved through Statement of Understanding (SOU)

Date Opened

November 02, 2023

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.220, RCW 42.17A.320, WAC 390-16-105, WAC 390-16-125

Documents

• 144521 Haugan_Richard Initial Hearing Results Letter (Haugan).pdf
• 144521 Haugan Richard Complaint.pdf
• SOU - 144521 - Richard Haugan.pdf
• 144521 Haugen_Richard Response.pdf
• 144521 Haugan_Richard Complaint Return Letter (combined).pdf

Penalties