PDC rejects Yakima County assessor candidate's bid to withhold digital-asset disclosures

The Washington State Public Disclosure Commission on July 30 denied a reporting-modification request from Keith Efler, a candidate for Yakima County assessor, that sought to exempt disclosure of reportable digital assets on his Personal Financial Affairs Statement (F-1).

PDC staff said Efler had filed an F-1 covering May 8, 2025 through May 7, 2026 and requested exemption only for reportable digital assets, citing safety concerns. Staff reported Efler had disclosed other reportable information and stated the assets had no connection to Yakima County duties if elected. Jennifer Hansen told the commission Efler had expressed concern that use of the term "digital assets" on the public filing could place him at risk.

Efler, who testified by telephone, said his concern was that public disclosure could expose him and his family to physical harm and referenced news reports and international actors who had targeted individuals. "It's something that if someone knows you have it, you're at decent risk of physical harm," Efler said. He also told the commission he had not received direct threats and that some of his assets were held in a 401(k) and not readily accessible.

Chair Jay Leach said the commission required a statutory showing that had not been made and denied the request, explaining that accepting such an argument broadly would eliminate the F-1 requirement for many filers. "I'm going to deny your request," Leach said on the record. The denial leaves Efler subject to standard F-1 disclosure requirements; the commission did not impose a penalty in this modification proceeding.