FEC Fines LNC $11,350

Case Number: ADR 1272 Source: RAD 26L-10

Case Name: Libertarian National Committee, Inc.

NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT

This matter was initiated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC or the Commission) pursuant to information ascertained in the normal course of carrying out its supervisory responsibilities. Following review of the matter, and in an effort to promote compliance with the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended, (FECA) and resolve this matter, the Commission entered into negotiations with Oliver Hall, Esq., representing Libertarian National Committee, Inc., and Doug Knebel, in the official capacity of Treasurer (the Committee or Respondents). It is understood that this settlement will have no precedential value relative to any other matters coming before the Commission.

Negotiations between the Commission and Respondents addressed the issues raised in this referral. The parties agree to resolve the matter according to the following terms:

1. The Commission enters into this settlement as part of its responsibility for administering the FECA, and in an effort to promote compliance on the part of Respondents. The Commission’s use of alternative dispute resolution procedures (ADR) is guided by “The Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996,” 5 U.S.C. § 572 and is an extension of 52 U.S.C. § 30109.
2. Respondents voluntarily enter into this settlement with the Commission.
3. The Reports Analysis Division (RAD) referred Respondents for failing to disclose all financial activity on their 2024 October Monthly Report. On December 31, 2024, the Committee filed an Amended 2024 October Monthly Report, which disclosed $181,665 in additional receipts and $234,900 in additional debts owed to the Committee during the period.
4. Treasurers of political committees are required to disclose all financial activity, including all
   receipts and the amount and nature of outstanding debts and obligations owed by or to the political committee. 52 U.S.C. § 30104(a)(1), (b)(2), (b)(8); 11 C.F.R. §§ 104.1, 104.3(a), 104.3(d).
5. Respondents acknowledge, as stated in a Form 99 (Miscellaneous Electronic Submission) filed on May 13, 2025, that they failed to disclose all financial activity on their original October 2024 Monthly Report. Respondents further state that the amendment was submitted promptly after identifying the incomplete disclosure and that a new treasurer has been appointed.

ADR 1272 (RAD 26L-10)

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6. Respondents, in an effort to avoid similar errors in the future, agree to:
7. certify that a representative of the Committee participated in an FEC conference, webinar, or other program developed in consultation with the FEC’s Information Division within twelve (12) months of the effective date of this settlement; and
8. pay a civil penalty of $11,350 within thirty (30) days of the effective date of this settlement.
9. Respondents agree that all information provided to resolve this matter is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge and that they sign this settlement under penalty of perjury pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1746.
10. The parties agree that if Respondents fail to comply with the terms of this settlement, the Commission may undertake civil action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to secure compliance. Unpaid civil money penalties are subject to the Debt Collection Act of 1982 as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (DCIA), 31 U.S.C. § 3701 et seq. The Commission will transfer debt to the United States Department of the Treasury (Treasury) for collection.
11. This settlement shall become effective on the date signed by all parties and approved by the Commission. Respondents shall comply with the terms of this settlement as set forth above and shall certify compliance with the above settlement terms in writing to the Alternative Dispute Resolution Office on or before the date each term becomes due.
12. This Negotiated Settlement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties on ADR 1272 (RAD 26L-10), and resolves those issues identified above. No other statement, promise or agreement, either written or oral, made by either party, not included herein, shall be enforceable.

FOR THE COMMISSION: