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HomeMy WebLinkAbout141-SL Kronosi t } PHONE: 717 - 783 -1610 STATE ETHICS COMMISSION TOLL FREE: 1- 800 -932 -0936 FINANCE BUILDING 613 NORTH STREET, ROOM 309 HARRISBURG, RA 17120 -0400 In Re: Kronos, File Docket: 18 -015 -L Respondent X-ref: Order No. 141 -SL Date Decided: 517119 Date Mailed: 5115119 Before: Nicholas A. Colafella, Chair Mark R. Corrigan, Vice Chair Roger Nick Melanie DePalma Monique Myatt Galloway Michael A. Schwartz Shelley Y. Simms FACSIMILE: 717- 787 -0806 WEESITE: www.etbics.i)a.gov This is a final adjudication of the State Ethics Commission as to the alleged delinquency and/or deficiency of expense re ort s) required to be filed pursuant to Pennsylvania's lobbying disclosure law, 65 Pa.C.S.§ 13A01 et seq., hereinafter referred to as the "Lobbying Disclosure Law." The Investigative Division initiated these proceedings by filing with the State Ethics Commission and serving upon Respondent Kronos (hereinafter also referred to as "Respondent ") a Notice of Alleged Noncompliance. Respondent did not file an Answer, Appeal, or other Requestfor Hearing. A Stipulation of Findings and a ConsentA .9reement were subsequently submitted by the parties to the Commission for consideration. The Stipulated Findings are set forth as the Findings in this Order. The Consent Agreement has been approved. Effective January 1, 2017, the Pennsylvania Department of State ( "Department of State ") increased the thresholds under 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A06 for re Wstration under 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A04 and the threshold for reporting under 65 Pa.C.S. 13A05(d) from $2,500.00 to $3,000.00. In 2018 the Lobbying Disclosure Law was amended by Act 2 of 2018, and as of April 16, 2018, the Department of State will not accept paper registrations or expense reports. ALLEGED NONCOMPLIANCE: That Respondent, in its capacity as a principal registered with the Department of State pursuant to the Lobbying Disclosure Law (65 Pa.C.S. § 13A01 et se g.), neggli ently failed to timely file a quarterly expense report pursuant to 65 Pa. § 13A0 for the second (2nd) quarter of 2018; and pursuant to the Lobbyying Disclosure Law, failed to properly file a principal registration pursuant to 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A04. II. FINDINGS: Respondent is Kronos ( "Respondent ") and is a registered principal as that term is defined by the Lobbying Disclosure Law, Act 134 of 2006, 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A01 et sue. Respondent initially registered as a principal with the Department of State on Kronos, 18 -015 -L a-a October 31, 2011, for the registration period January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2012. b. Respondent's registration statement indicates that lobbying commenced on July 1, [2011]. 2. Respondent filed a principal registration statement with the Department of State for the registration period January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2018. a. By registering with the Department of State, Respondent consented to receive service of notices, other official mailings, or process at the address listed on the registration statement. b. Respondent was assigned the principal registration number "P31979." C. In filing its principal registration, Respondent identified its registered mailing address as: 297 Billerica Road Chelmsford, MA 01824 3, The Lobbying Disclosure Law, specifically 65 Pa: C.S. § 13A04, states the following regarding the registration of an entity as a principal: § 13A04. Registration a. General rule. -- Unless excluded under section 13A06 (relating to exemption from registration and reporting), a lobbyist, lobbying firm or a principal must register with the department electronically using the computerized filing system developed by the department that is consistent with the purposes of this chapter within ten days of acting in any capacity as a lobbyist, lobbying firm or principal. Registration shall be biennial and shall begin January 1, 2007. b. Principals and lobbying firms.- - 1. A principal or lobbying firm required to register under subsection (a) shall file a single Nistration statement setting forth the following information with the department: i. Name of the business. ii. Permanent address. iii. Daytime telephone number. iv. E -mail address of the authorized representative employee or agent, if available. V. Nature of business. vi. Name, registration number and acronym of any affiliated political action committees. vii. Name and permanent business address of each individual who will for economic Kronos, 18 -015 -L Page 3 consideration engage in lobbying on behalf of the principal or lobbying firm. viii. Registration number when available. ix. Name of the authorized representative, employee or agent. d. Amendments. -- If there is a change of information required for the registration statement under subsection (b) 1) or (2) or (c), an amended registration sta�ement shall be filed with the department electronically using the computerized filing system developed by the deppartment that is consistent with the purpose of tF�is chapter within 14 days after the change occurs. 2. When there is a change in information required for the registration statement under subsection (b) 3), an amended registration statement shall be iled with the department electronically using the computerized filing system developed by the department that is consistent with the purpose of this chapter within 14 days of the end of the year in which the change occurs. 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A04(a), (b)(1), (d). 4. In addition to the Lobbying Disclosure Law, the duly promulgated Regulations provide further information in relation to registration periods and reporting periods: § 51.3. Registration periods and reporting periods. Registration under section 13A04 of the act (relating to registration) shall be biennial. The first registration F eriod which commenced January 1, 2007, continues hrough December 31, 2008. Subsequent registrations shall commence on January 1 of each odd numbered year. 51 Pa. Code § 51.3(a). Section 13A05 of the Lobbying Disclosure Law sets forth, in part, the following requirements for the contents of quarterly reporting forms filed by principals: § 13A05. Reporting (a) General rule. -- A registered princi al shall, subject to the penalties under 18 Pa.C.S. 4904 (relating to unsworn falsification to authorities), file quarterly expense reports with the department electronically using the computerized filing system developed by the department that is consistent with the purpose of this chapter no later than 30 days after the last day of the quarter. Kronos, 18 -015 -L aagge4 (b) Content. -- (1) Each expense report must list the names and registration numbers when available of all lobbyists by whom lobbying is conducted on behalf of the principal and the general subject matter or issue being lobbied. (2) Each expense report shall include the total costs of all lobbying for the period. The total shall include all office expenses, personnel expenses, expenditures related to gifts, hospitality, transportation and lodging to State officials or employees, and any other lobbying costs. The total amount reported under this paragraph shall be allocated in its entirety among the following categories: The costs for gifts, hospitality, transportation and lodging given to or provided to State officials or employees or their immediate families. The costs for direct communication. The costs for indirect communication. (iv) Expenses required to be reported under this subsection shall be allocated to one of the three categories listed under this section and shall not be included in more than one category. 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A05(a), (b)(1) -(2). 6. In addition to the Lobbying Disclosure Law, the duly promulgated Regulations provide further instructions in relation to registration periods and reporting periods: § 51.3. Registration periods and reporting periods. (b) Reporting under section 13A05 of the act (relating to reporting shall be uarterly within each calendar year: for January through March; April through June; July through September; and October through December. Quarterly expense reports shall be filed on or before the 30th day after the quarterly reporting period ends. 51 Pa. Code § 51.3(b). 7. As a registered principal, Respondent is required to electronically file with the bDepartment of State either a quarterly expense report or a statement of failure to meet the reporting threshold for each quarter it has been registered as a principal, by no later than the 30th day after each quarterly reporting period has ended. 65 Pa. C.S. § 13A05(a), (d); 51 Pa. Code § 55.1(d)]. Kronos, 18- 015 -L a�5 Section 13A05 of the Lobbying Disclosure Law additionally sets forth the threshold with regard to reporting expenditures: (d) Thresholds for reporting. -- An expense report required under this section shall be filed electronically using the computerized filing system developed by the department that is consistent with the purpose of this chapter when total expenses for lobbying exceed J$3,000] for a registered principal in a reporting period. n a reporting period in which total expenses are [$3,000] or less, a statement to that effect shall be filed electronically using the computerized filing system developed by the department that is consistent with the purpose of this chapter. 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A05(d). Section 13A03 of the Lobbying Disclosure Law defines the following terms: "Lobbying_" An effort to influence legislative action or administrative action in this Commonwealth. The term includes: 1 direct or indirect communication; 2 office expenses; and 3 providing any gift, hospitality, transportation or lodging to a State official or employee for the purpose of advancing the interest of the lobbyist or principal. "Legislative action." An action taken by a State official or employee involving the preparation, research, drafting, introduction, consideration, modification, amendment, approval, passage, enactment, tabling, postponement, defeat or rejection of: III legislation; 2 legislative motions; 3 a veto by the Governor; or 4 confirmation of appointments by the Governor or appointments to public boards or commissions by a member of the General Assembly. "Legislation." Bills, resolutions, amendments and nominations pending or proposed in either the Senate or the House of Representat -ves. The term includes any other matter which may become the subject of action by either chamber of the General Assembly. "Direct communication." An effort, whether written, oral or by any other medium, made by a lobbyist or principal, directed to a State official or employee, the purpose or foreseeable effect of which is to influence legislative action or administrative action. The term may include personnel expenses and office expenses. Kronos, 18 -015 -L aFag-6 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A03. 10. As a registered principal, Respondent is required to electronically file with the DDepartment of State either a quarterly expense report or a statement of failure to meet the reporting threshold for each quarter it has been registered as a principal, by no later than the 30th day after each quarterly reporting period has ended. 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A05(a), (d); 51 Pa. Code § 55.1(d)]. a. Respondent filed a quarterly expense report for the first (15t) quarter of 2018 on April 5, 2018. b. Respondent did not file a second (2nd) quarter 2018 expense report by July 30, 2018. 11. The Regulations promulgated under the Lobbying Disclosure Law specifically provide the following in relation to a delinquent filing: § 51.4. Delinquency. (a) A registration statement or report required to be filed under section 13A04 or 13A05 of the act (relating to registration; and reporting) is delinquent if not received by the Department on the date due as follows: (1) Hard copy filings must be received by 5 p.m. in the office. For quarterly expense reports, from 5 p.m. until 12 a.m. midnight, a hard copy filing may be filed with the Department's designee. The filing location and the Department's designee will be on the Department's web site. Hard copy filings are no longer allowed pursuant to Act 2018 -2 (H.B.1175), § 2, approved February 14, 2018, eff. April [15], 2018. (2) Electronic filings may be filed until 12 a.m. midnight. (b) A failure to timely file a registration statement, a quarterly expense report, a separate expense report, a notice of termination or an amendment to one of these filings constitutes a failure to register or report as required by the act; delinquency continues until the filing is received by the Department in proper form. 51 Pa. Code § 51.4(a) --(b). 12. [In relation] to the filing requirements of quarterly expense reports, the Regulations read, in part: § 55.1. Quarterly expense reports. (a) A quarterly expense report is required to be filed asset forth in this section when the total lobbying expenses of Kronos, 18 -015 -L a7 a registered principal, registered lobbying firm or registered lobbyist lobbyin on the principal's behalf, together, exceed [$3,000 in a uarterly reporting period. The threshold of [$3,000] includes any economic consideration paid by a principal to a lobbying firm or lobbyist for lobbying. Individuals exempt under section 13A06 of the act (relating to exemption from registration and reporting) need not register or report. (b) For a quarterly reporting period in which the total lobbying expenses of a registered principal, registered lobbying firm or registered lobbyist lobbying on the principal's behalf, together, are [$3,000 or less, a statement to that effect shall be filed with the Department by checking the appropriate block on the quarterly expense report form. (d) The principal shall file a quarterly expense report or statement of failure to meet the reporting threshold on or before the 30th day after the quarterly reporting period ends. (g) A quarterly xpense report of a principal required to be registered y under the act must include at least the following information: (3) The total costs of all lobbying for the period. The total must include all office expenses, personnel expenses, expenditures related to gifts, hospitality, transportation and lodging to State officials or employees, and any other lobbying costs. (i) The total amount reported under this paragraph shall be allocated in its entirety among the following categories: (A) The costs for gifts, hospitality, transportation and lodgin given to or provided to State officials or employees or their immediate families. (B) The costs for direct communication. (C) The costs for indirect communication. (ii) Registrants shall use a good faith effort to allocate expenses required to be reported under this subsection to one of the three Kronos, 18 -015 -L Page categories listed herein. A given expense may not be included in more than one category.... 51 Pa. Code § 55.1(a), (b), (d), (g)(3)(i) -(ii). 13. By Warning Notice letter dated September 12, 2018, Respondent was served with notice in accordance with Section 13A09 of the Lobbying Disclosure Law and Section 63.4(1) of the Lobbying Disclosure Regulations of the specific allegations: that Respondent failed to file a quarterly expense report for the second (2nd) quarter of 2018 and failed to properly register with the Department of tate when Respondent failed to include the name and e-mail of Respondent's authorized representative, employee, or agent on the registration. a. Said Warning Notice was mailed to: Kronos 297 Billerica Road Chelmsford, MA 01824 b. This is the same address as listed on Respondent's principal registration statement. C. By submitting the principal registration statement, Respondent consented to receipt of service of notices, other official mailings or process, at the address listed on the registration statement. See, Paragraph 2(a) above). 14. Said Warning Notice letter set forth the nature of the alleged noncompliance and the administrative and criminal penalties for failing to file. 15. Said Warning Notice letter provided Respondent an opportunity o cure the alleged noncompliance and avoid the institution of these proceedings as to alleged noncompliance by filing a quarterly expense report for the time period covering the second (2nd) quarter of 2018 and amending its registration to include the name and e -mail address of an authorized representative, employee, or agent, with the Department of State within thirty (30) days from the mailing date of the Warning Notice letter. 16. The Chief of the Division of Campaign Finance and Lobbying Disclosure for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania — Department of State conducted a search of the Department of State's records, and, as of November 1, 2018, no second (2nd) quarter 2018 expense report was found to have been filed with the Department of State for Kronos. 17. The Lobbying Disclosure Law provides for civil and criminal penalties for failing to comply with the registration statement filin' and quarterly expense reporting requirements thereof. Specifically, the Lobbying Disclosure Law provides that: Negligent failure to register or report as required by this chapter is punishable by an administrative penalty not exceeding the following: �i) For the first ten late days, $50 for each late day. ii) For each late day after the first ten late days through the 20 late day, $100 for each late day. (iii) For each late day after the first 20 late days, $200 for Kronos, 18 -015 -L Page ge9 each late day. 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A09(c)(1). b. The total amount of the administrative penalty that may be levied after hearing by a majority vote of all of the Commission Members shall not be limited by any other provision of law. 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A09(c)(2). C. Any person that fails to com 'ply with the requirements of the Lobbying Disclosure Law, after notice at noncompliance and after a hearing if one is requested, may be prohibited from lobbying for economic consideration for up to five (5) years [in accordance with 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A09(e)(4)1. 65 Pa.C.S. §§ 13A09(d), (e)(4). d. A person that intentionally fails to register or report as required by the law commits a misdemeanor of the second degree. 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A09(e)(1). e. A registrant who files a report under the law with knowledge that the report contains a false statement or is incomplete commits a misdemeanor of the second degree. 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A09(e)(2). f. Except as set forth in paragraph (d) or (e) above, a person that intentionally violates [the Lobbying Disclosure Law] commits a misdemeanor of the third degree. In addition to any other penalties imposed under [the Lobbying Disclosure Law], the court may impose a fine not to exceed $25,000 against a principal who is found guilty under [Section 13A09(e)(3) of the Lobbying Disclosure Law]. g. In addition to any criminal penalties imposed under [the Lobbying Disclosure Law]: the Commission may prohibit a person from lobbying for economic consideration for up to five years for conduct which constitutes an offense under [Section 13A09(e) of the Lobbying Disclosure Law]. Criminal prosecution or conviction is not required for imposition of [such prohibition]. The Commission shall not impose (fsuch prohibition] unless the person has been afforded the opportunity for a nearing, which shall be conducted by the Commission in accordance with sections 11 07 14) and 1108(e) of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. §1107(14)and-1108(e)]. 18. Respondent's second (2 "d) quarter 2018 Expense Report was filed with the Department of State on December 7, 2018. 19. Respondent's second (2nd) quarter 2018 Expense Report was 130 days delinquent (July 31, 2018 — December 7, 2018). 20. Respondent has timely filed its third (3rd) quarter 2018 Expense Report with the Department of State. Ill. DISCUSSION: In the instant matter, the alleged noncompliance is that Respondent, as a principal registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State ( "Department of State ") pursuant to the Lobbying Disclosure Law, negligently failed to timely file a quarterly expense report Fileto 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A05 for the second quarter of 2018 and also failed to properly file a principal registration pursuant to 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A04. As noted above, the parties have submitted a Consent Agreement and Stipulation of Kronos, 18 -015 -L p g TO Findings. Per the Consent Agreement of the parties, the Investigative Division has exercised its prosecutorial discretion to nol pros the allegation under Section 13A04 of the Lobbying Disclosure Law. Based upon the nol pros, we need not address the allegation under Section 13A04 which is no longer before us. The parties' Stipulated Findings are set forth above as the Findings of this Commission. We shall now summarize the relevant facts as contained therein. Respondent initially registered as a principal with the Department of State on October 31, 2011, for the registration period January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2012. Respondent's registration statement indicated that lobbying commenced on July 1, 2011. Respondent registered as a principal with the Department of State for the registration period January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2018. Respondent was assigned the principal registration number "P31979." Pursuant to Section 13A05 of the Lobbying Disclosure Law, 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A05, and Section 51.3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Regulations, 51 Pa. Code § 51.3, expense reports are filed on a quarterly basis. When a registered principal's total expenses for lobbying exceed $3,000 for a reporting periodlquarter, the principal is required to file a quarterly expense report with the Department of State by no later than 30 days after the last day of such quarter. For a reporting period in which total expenses are $3,000 or less, a statement to that effect must be filed with the Department of State by the principal b checking the appropriate block on the quarterly expense report form. 51 Pa. Code 6 55.1(b). Thus, a registered principal must file either a quarterly expense report or a statement of failure to meet the reporting threshold by no later than the 30th day after each quarterly reporting period ends. 551 Pa. Code § 55.11(d). Having registered for the registration period January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2018, Respondent was required to file either a quarterly expense report or a statement of failure to meet the reporting threshold for the second quarter of 2018. Respondent failed to file either. Failure to timely meet the aforesaid filing requirement constitutes a failure to report as required by the Lobbying Disclosure Law, and the delinquency continues until the filing is received by the Department of State in proper form. 51 Pa. Code § 51.4(b). By Warning Notice letter dated September 12, 2018, Respondent was served with notice of the alleged noncompliance in accordance with Section 63.4(1) of the Lobbying Disclosure Regulations, 51 Pa. Code § 63.4(1). The Warning Notice letter provided Respondent an opportunity to cure the alleged noncompliance and avoid the institution of these proceedings by filing a quarterly expense report for the second quarter of 2018 with the Department of State within thirty (30) days of the mailing date of the Warning Notice letter. As of November 1, 2018, no second quarter 2018 expense report was found to have been filed with the Department of State for Respondent. On December 7, 2018, Respondent submitted a quarterly expense report for the second quarter of 2018. Negligent failure to register or report as required by the Lobbying Disclosure Law is punishable by an administrative penalty as follows: (1) for the first ten late da s, $50.00 for each late da ; (2) for each late day after the first ten late days through the �oth late day, $100 for eac� late day; and (3) for each late day after the first 20 late days, $200 for each late day. 65 Pa-C.S. § 13A09(c)(1). Kronos, 18 -015 -L a�f1 Having highlighted the Stipulated Findings and issues before us, we shall now apply the Lobbying Disclosure Law to determine the proper disposition of this case. The parties' Consent Agreement sets forth a proposed resolution of the allegations as follows: 3. The Investigative Division will recommend the following conclusions in relation to the above deficiencies: a. That Respondent, in its capacity as a Principal registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State pursuant to the Pennsylvania Lobbying Disclosure Law 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A01 et seq.), failed to timely fie a Quarterly Ex ense Report pursuant to 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A05, for the second (2nd) quarter of 2018; b. The Investigative Division has elected to nolle pros the second allegation regarding the failure to properly identify an authorized representative's name and email on its registration. C. That the transgressions of the Lobbying Disclosure Law outlined in paragraph (a) above are deemed to be negligent in nature; d. For the purposes of this Consent Agreement, Respondent was deficient in filing ifs second (2nd) quarter of 2018 Expense Report by a total of 107 [sic] days, calculated as set forth below: i. On September 12, 2018, a Warning Notice regarding the delinquent quarterly expense report was sent to Respondent via First Class United States Mail; ii. Respondent did not file the outstanding Quarterly Expense Report for the second (2nd) quarter of 2018 within the stated cure period; iii. Respondent has properly filed all outstanding Expense Reports. The delinquent period for purposes of this Consent Agreement is calculated from the first date the second (2nd) quarter of 2018 Expense Report was delinquent Jul 31, 2018) until the date Respondent filed its second (2nd) quarter 2018 Expense Report (December 7, 2018). 4. Respondent agrees to pay the sum of $12,041.25 in settlement of this matter to be paid as follows: Kronos, 18 -015 -L aP g�2 a. In regard to Respondent's failure to file a timely second (2nd) quarter 2018 expense report, and pursuant to Section 13A09 c)(1) of the Lobbying Disclosure Law, 65 Pa. S. § 13A09(c)(1), Respondent agrees to pay an administrative penalty in the amount of $50.00 per day for the first ten days, $100.00 per day for each day after the first ten late days through the 20th late day, $200.00 per day for the next 7 days, and $88.75 for the remaining 103 late days during the delinquent period as outlined above for a total amount of $12,041.25, which shall be made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and forwarded to the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission within 30 days of the adjudication in this matter. 5. The Investigative Division will recommend that the State Ethics Commission take no further action in this matter, impose no further sanctions, and make no specific recommendations to any law enforcement or other authority to take action in this matter as to either Respondent, or any individual or representative of Respondent. Such, however, does not prohibit the Commission from initiating appropriate enforcement actions in the event of Respondent's failure to comply with this agreement or the Commission's Order or cooperating with any other authority who may so choose to review this matter further. Consent Agreement, at 1 -2. In considering the Consent Agreement and Stipulation of Findings, we agree with the parties that Respondent as a re istered principal failed to timely file a quarterly expense report with the Department of State for the second quarter of 2018 as required by Section 13A05 of the Lobbying Disclosure Law. Accordingly, we hold that Respondent as a registered principal failed to timely file a quarterly expense report with the Department of State for the second quarter of 2018 as required by Section 13A05 of the Lobbying Disclosure Law. We accept the recommendation of the parties for a determination that the transgression of the Lobbying Disclosure Law outlined immediately above is deemed to be negligent in nature. The parties have agreed that Respondent was 130 days delinquent in filing its quarterly expense report for the second quarter of 2018. As part of the Consent Agreement, Respondent agreed to pay an administrative penalty in the total amount of $12,041.25 (10 days x $50.00 + 10 days x $100.00 + 7 days x $200.00 + 103 days x $88.75 = $12,041.25), payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and forwarded to this Commission within thirty days of the adjudication in this matter. We determine that the Consent Agreement submitted by the parties sets forth a proper disposition for this case, based upon our review as reflected in the above analysis and the totality of the facts and circumstances. Accordingly, we approve the Consent Agreement that has been submitted by the parties. Kronos, 18 -015 -L a�e T3 This Commission hereby levies one administrative penalty against Respondent Kronos in the total amount of $12,041.25 for its delinquent quarterly expense report for the second quarter of 2018, calculated as follows: $50.00 per day for the first ten days its second quarter 2018 expense report was delinquent, plus $100.00 per day for the next ten days its second quarter 2018 expense report was delinquent, plus $200 per day for the next seven days its second quarter 2018 expense re ort was delinquent, plus $88.75 per day for the remaining 103 days its second quarter 208 expense report was delinquent (10 days x $50.00 + 10 days x $100.00 + 7 days x $200.00 + 103 days x $88.75 = $12,041.25). To the extent it has not already done so, Respondent Kronos is directed to pay the aforesaid administrative penalty in the total amount of $12,041.25 to be made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and forwarded to this Commission by no later than the thirtieth (30th) day after the mailing date of this adjudication and Order. Noncompliance will result in the institution of an order enforcement action. IV. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW: 1. As a principal registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State ( "Department of State ") under principal registration number "P31979," Kronos has been subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13A05 of Pennsylvania's lobbying disclosure law ( "Lobbying Disclosure Law "), 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A05. 2. Kronos, in its capacity as a principal registered with the Department of State under principal registration number "P31979," failed to timely file a quarterly expense report with the Department of State for the second quarter of 2018 as required by Section 13A05 of the Lobbying Disclosure Law, 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A05. 3. The transgression of the Lobbying Disclosure Law outlined in paragraph 2 immediately above is deemed to a negligent in nature. 4. The prerequisite service of a warning notice in accordance with Section 63.4(1) of the Lobbying Disclosure Regulations, 51 Pa. Code § 63.4(1), was satisfied. 5. Based upon the totality of the circumstances in this case, the imposition of an administrative penalty in the total amount of $12,041.25 is warranted (10 days x $50.00 + 10 days x $100.00 + 7 days x $200.00 + 103 days x $88.75 = $12,041.25). In Re: Kronos, Respondent File Docket: 18 -015 -L Date Decided: 517119 Date Mailed: 5115119 ORDER NO. 141 -SL 1. Kronos, in its capacity as a principal registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State ( "Department of State ") under principal registration number "P31979," failed to timely file a quarterly expense report with the Department of State for the second quarter of 2018 as required by Section 13A05 of Pennsylvania's lobbying disclosure law ( "Lobbying Disclosure Law "), 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A05. 2. The transgression of the Lobbying Disclosure Law outlined in paragraph 1 immediately above is deemed to a negligent in nature. 3. Pursuant to Section 13A09(c) of the Lobbyin.9 Disclosure Law, 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A09(c), and the Consent Agreement of the parties, this Commission hereby levies one administrative penalty against Kronos in the total amount of $12,041.25, calculated as follows: $50.00 per day for the first ten days its second quarter 2018 expense report was delinquent, plus $100.00 per day for the next ten days its second quarter 2018 expense report was delinquent, plus $200 per day for the next seven days its second quarter 2018 expense report was delinquent, plus $88.75 per day for the remaining 103 days its second quarter 2018 expense report was delinquent (10 days x $50.00 + 10 days x $100.00 + 7 days x $200.00 + 103 days x $88.75 = $12,041.25). 4. To the extent it has not already done so, Kronos is ordered to pay the aforesaid administrative penalty in the total amount of $12,041.25 to be made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and forwarded to the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission by no later than the thirtieth (30th) day after the mailing date of this Order. 5. Noncompliance with Paragraph 4 of this Order will result in the Commission initiating appropriate enforcement action(s). BY JHE COMMISSION, Nicholas A. ColafelE_,Chair