Lund, Ben: Alleged Violations of RCW 42.17A.320 for lack of sponsor id on advertisement (EY23, Dec23)

Case

#146290

Respondent

Ben Lund

Complainant

Ryan Davey

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review of the complaint filed December 6, 2023. The complaint alleged an advertisement in the Spokane Valley Current lacked proper sponsor identification, and the entity sponsoring the advertisement may need to register with the Public Disclosure Commission as a Political Action Committee (PAC).

Because Ben Lund is an individual using their own funds, they are not required to register as a PAC.
Ben Lund was not required to report the advertisement as an independent expenditure because the amount was less than $1,000.
Ben Lund also acknowledged they have reviewed PDC reporting requirements for both sponsor identification and independent expenditures.

Based on our findings, staff has determined that, in this instance, the failure include sponsor identification does not amount to a finding of a violation that warrants further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, Ben Lund will receive a formal written warning concerning the failure to include sponsor identification on political advertising. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation Ben Lund, in the future, provide required sponsor identification on any political advertising. The Commission will consider the formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action if there are future violations of PDC laws or 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

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

December 18, 2023

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.320