Washington State Appeals Court Upholds Fine for Donor Non-Disclosure

The Washington State 2nd Division Court of Appeals has affirmed a fine of $319,281 against an anti-GMO group, saying that a lack of intent does not constitute a defense for withholding the public disclosure of donor names.

From CapitalPress.com :

“In a 2-1 ruling, the court rejected Food Democracy Now’s argument that it shouldn’t have been convicted because it didn’t intentionally hide the donations. Writing for the majority, Judge Rich Melnick said the law doesn’t make an exception for unintentionally concealing the source of campaign contributions.

The fine stemmed from Initiative 522. The measure would have required food and beverage makers to label products with GMO ingredients. The initiative, which narrowly failed, provoked the most-expensive election campaign ever in Washington.”

As a result of this ruling, a previously overturned $18 million fine against the Grocer’s Manufacturer’s Association for the same violation is being reconsidered, as the turning point in that case was a cited lack of intent on the part of the GMA.

The 2nd Division Court of Appeals Opinion on the Food Democracy Now case can be found HERE

Questions?
For more information on access to the Washington State Appellate Courts, or if you have any questions about our other products and services, please contact us at 866-643-7084 or customerservice@courttrax.com

More From Our Blog

Close up photo of an Notary Public embossing.
Friday July 22, 2022

Congress Moving Forward Authorizing Nationwide Remote Online Notarization Services

This week the House Energy and Commerce Committee introduced the RON Act H.R. 3962. If passed, […]

Read More

Thursday June 9, 2022

Congress Moving Forward on Data Privacy

In a significant step forward yesterday, members of Congress released The American Data Privacy and Protection […]

Read More

Tuesday May 17, 2022

“Break the Gridlock”: Alta Advocacy Summit Is This Week!

From the American Land Title Association: “This week The American Land Title Association ALTA conference in […]

Read More