31-1-726. Investigations by department -- subpoenas -- oaths -- examination of witnesses and evidence. (1) The department may investigate any matter, upon complaint or otherwise, if it appears that a person has engaged in or offered to engage in any act or practice that is in violation of any provision of this part or any rule adopted or order issued by the department pursuant to this part.
(2) The department may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents, papers, books, records, and other evidence before it in any matter over which it has jurisdiction, control, or supervision pertaining to this part. The department may administer oaths and affirmations to a person whose testimony is required.
(3) If a person refuses to obey a subpoena or to give testimony or produce evidence as required by the subpoena, a judge of the district court in the county in which the licensed premises or the person's principal place of business is located or where the person resides may, upon application and proof of the refusal, issue a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum for the witness to appear before the department to give testimony and produce evidence as may be required. The clerk of court shall then issue the subpoena, as directed, under the seal of the court, requiring the person to whom it is directed to appear at the time and place designated in the subpoena.
(4) If a person served with a subpoena refuses to obey the subpoena or to give testimony or produce evidence as required by the subpoena, the department may proceed under the contempt provisions of Title 3, chapter 1, part 5.
(5) Failure to comply with a court-ordered subpoena is punishable pursuant to 45-7-309.
History: En. Sec. 13, Ch. 451, L. 2007; amd. Sec. 12, Ch. 535, L. 2021.
Structure Montana Code Annotated
Title 31. Credit Transactions and Relationships
Chapter 1. Credit Transactions
Part 7. Montana Deferred Deposit Loan Act
31-1-702. Purpose -- rules -- fees
31-1-705. License -- application requirements -- business locations
31-1-707. Denial of license and license renewal
31-1-708. and 31-1-709 reserved
31-1-712. Notice of violation -- administrative hearing -- penalties -- liability
31-1-713. Department obligations -- complaints
31-1-714. Information and annual reports
31-1-715. Loan requirements -- right of rescission -- arbitration -- completion of transaction
31-1-716. through 31-1-720 reserved
31-1-721. Required disclosures -- loan agreement
31-1-722. Prohibited and permitted fees -- attorney fees and costs
31-1-727. Cease and desist orders
31-1-728. Injunctions -- receivers
31-1-729. Violation of specified federal laws -- rulemaking authority