39th District Democratic Party Organization: Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.205, 235 & .240 and WAC 390-16-125 for exceeding mini limits, failure to timely register as full reporting & failure to disclose contributions & expenditures (FEB'24, CY'23)

Case

#149545

Respondent

39th District Democratic Party Organization

Complainant

Glen Morgan

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) has completed its review and assessment of the complaint filed February 26, 2024. The complaint alleged the 39th Legislative District Democrats - Exempt Account, a political committee, may have violated RCW 42.17A.205, .235 and .240 and WAC 390-16-125 for acceptance of a contribution exceeding the $500 limit for committees registered under the “Mini Reporting” Option without registering and reporting contributions and expenditures.

PDC staff reviewed the allegations; the applicable statutes, rules, and reporting requirements; the response provided by Ministerial Treasurer, Eric Halvorson on behalf of 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.

It appears that although the $2,000 contribution made by the Washington State Democratic Central Committee was reported significantly late, the Respondent received it after switching to the “Full Reporting” Option and that the funds were timely deposited. Further, the late reporting was limited to contributions only. Staff found no evidence that the errors were intentional or done to confuse or mislead the public.

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, the circumstances do not support a finding of a violation that warrants further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, the 39th Legislative District Democrats will receive a formal written warning concerning the requirements under RCW 42.17A.235 and .240. Staff expects the committee, moving forward, to timely and accurately file all future required reports of contributions. If violations of PDC laws or rules occur in the future, the Commission will consider this formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action.

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

March 04, 2024

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.205, RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240, WAC 390-16-125