Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Filing Compliance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
PDC finds Lawson failed to file required C4s; $600 fine with $300 suspended if reports filed
Summary
The commission found Leon A. Lawson failed to timely file required C4 reports for the 2024 primary, assessed a $600 base penalty and suspended $300 contingent on filing the missing reports and paying the remaining $300 within 30 days.
PDC compliance officer Tanya Mercer presented staff’s enforcement memorandum alleging Leon A. Lawson, a 2024 gubernatorial candidate, failed to timely file multiple C4 reports (May, 21-day, 7-day, and post-election) and did not respond to repeated staff notices and complaints. Mercer said the respondent was notified of missing reports multiple times and that PDC staff opened a case after receiving repeated complaints.
Commissioners noted the respondent did not attend the hearing. Staff characterized the combined missed reports as a first-offense pattern and recommended a base penalty under the WAC schedule. The presiding officer applied mitigation, noting the respondent’s lack of prior violations for these specific statutes, and announced an assessment of $600 with $300 suspended; the suspension is contingent on the respondent filing the missing reports within 30 days and paying $300 within that period.
Mercer explained the schedule of required reports under the full-reporting option and the agency’s outreach history: "Between 07/15/2024, and 09/11/2024, PDC staff sent 8 email communications reminding Mr. Lawson that the 21 day, 7 day, and post election reports were either due or missing." Commissioners agreed the disposition should require the missing filings and payment to avoid referral to collections or further enforcement steps.
