Flores, Maria: Alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failure to timely & accurately file reports disclosing contributions & expenditures. (EY '23; Oct '23)

Case

#144731

Respondent

Maria R. Flores

Complainant

Barbara Amidon, and Conner Edwards

Description

This case alleged a violation of RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failure to timely & accurately file reports disclosing contributions & expenditures, specifically an in-kind contribution from Thurston County Democrats for a flyer/mailer and the campaign's 7-day pre-General C-4 report.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations and evidence submitted; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the responses provided by Maria Flores (the “Respondent”); the applicable PDC reports filed by the Respondent; and other relevant information to determine whether the record supports a finding of one or more violations.

Based on the attached findings, and the completion of a Statement of Understanding as discussed below, staff has determined that, in this instance, failure to timely file two C-4 reports and four C-3 reports does not amount to a violation that warrants further investigation.

On January 29, 2024, Maria Flores completed a Statement of Understanding (SOU) and paid a $150 civil penalty in accordance with WAC 390-37-143 (Brief Enforcement Penalty Schedule), acknowledging two violations of RCW 42.17A. 235 & .240 for failure to timely and accurately disclose the candidate committee’s contributions and expenditures on Campaign Summary Receipts & Expenditures reports (C-4 reports) during election year 2023. The SOU specifically addressed the following late reporting: 1) a C-4 report that covered the 21-day and 7-day pre-Primary reporting periods; and 2) a 7-day pre-General C-4 report. The $150 penalty assessed resolves the allegations listed in your complaints.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), Maria Flores received a formal written warning concerning her failure to timely file Cash Receipts, Monetary Contributions reports (C-3 reports). The formal written warning will include PDC staff’s expectation that she timely report contributions in the future. The Commission will consider this formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are further violations of PDC laws or rules.

PDC staff also reminded Maria Flores about the importance of 1) including complete descriptions for expenditures and in-kind contributions on C-4 reports; and 2) submitting amended reports within 21 days of the original reports, whenever possible, in the future, in accordance with PDC laws and rules.

Based on this information, the PDC finds that no further action is warranted and has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Resolved through Statement of Understanding (SOU)

Date Opened

November 06, 2023

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

Penalties

Total penalties: $150

Balance Due: $0

Flores, Maria

Penalty

$150 (Statement of Understanding)

Payments

$150 on 01/29/2024 (PAID - SOU)