PDC adopts rule to publish complaint materials on its website instead of notifying selected local media

The commission voted to adopt a proposed amendment to the Fair Campaign Practices Code that replaces a staff obligation to notify selected local news media with a requirement to publish complaint and response materials on the PDC website. Staff framed the change as an administrative modernization that reflects how the public now accesses enforcement information.

Sean Flynn, the staff presenter, described the complaint publication process and explained the proposal "just to put it on the website" to conform to current communication practices. Commissioners questioned whether removing direct media notification could reduce visibility for some cases; staff and public commenters noted media can subscribe to the PDC notification system and that a press release could still be issued in higher‑impact matters. After discussion the commission adopted the rule as proposed and set the effective date as the day after the general election to comply with the Administrative Procedures Act's election‑season restrictions.