Service Employees International Union 775 Quality Care Committee: Alleged Violations of RCW 42.17A.235 & .240 for failure to timely and accurately disclose contributions & expenditures (EY25 APR25)

Case

#170419

Respondent

SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION 775 QUALITY CARE PAC

Complainant

Conner Edwards

Description

The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) completed its review of the complaint filed by Conner Edwards on April 1, 2025. The complaint alleged violations of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 for failure to timely and accurately disclose expenditures on C-4 reports.

The Committee acted in good faith by submitting the amendment to the February 2025 C-4 report to include the February 28, 2025, expenditure omitted from the original submission. PDC staff appreciates the Committee’s proactive approach to ensure compliance with its reporting obligations and its prompt attention. However, it is staff’s opinion that because the Committee does not have contribution limits, the $200 limit cited in RCW 42.17A.235(10)(c) applies to the Committee instead, and therefore the Committee does not qualify for the “safe harbor” provisions of subsection (10). Timely disclosure by the recipient of the expenditure in question, though, mitigates the potential harm to the public from the delay in reporting by the Committee.

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 purposes 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.

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

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, the Committee is receiving a formal written warning concerning the Committee’s failure to timely disclose of all expenditures. The formal written warning will include staff’s expectation that the Committee timely files 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.

Disposition

Case Closed with Written Warning

Date Opened

April 14, 2025

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.235, RCW 42.17A.240

Documents

• 170419 Service Employees International Union 775 Quality Care PAC.pdf
• 170419 Service Employees International Union 775 Quality Care PAC Response.pdf
• 170419 Service Employees International Union 775 Quality Care Committee Warning.pdf