Montana Code Annotated
Part 9. Operation and Regulation
32-2-951. Definitions -- reproductions of mutual association records -- admissibility in evidence -- cost recovery

32-2-951. Definitions -- reproductions of mutual association records -- admissibility in evidence -- cost recovery. (1) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(a) "Electronic storage" or "electronically stored" means the recording, storage, retention, maintenance, and reproduction of documents using microfiche, data processing, computers, or other electronic process that correctly and legibly stores and reproduces documents.
(b) "Mutual association records" includes any document, paper, letter, book, map, photograph, sound or video recording, magnetic tape, electronic storage medium, or other information-recording medium used in a mutual association's normal course of business.
(2) (a) A photographic, photostatic, miniature photographic copy, or reproduction of any kind, including electronic or computer-generated data that has been electronically stored and is capable of being converted into written form, must be considered an original record for all purposes and must be treated as an original record in all courts and administrative agencies for the purposes of admissibility in evidence.
(b) A facsimile, exemplification, or certified copy of any reproduction referred to in subsection (2)(a) must, for all purposes, be considered a facsimile, exemplification, or certified copy of the original record.
(3) Except as provided in subsection (7), mutual associations are authorized to make, at any time, photographic or photostatic copies or microfilm reproductions of any records or documents, including photographic enlargements and prints of microfilms, to be preserved, stored, used, and employed in carrying out business.
(4) In an action or proceeding in which mutual association records may be called in question or be demanded of a mutual association or any officer or employee of a mutual association, a showing that the records have been destroyed in the regular course of business is a sufficient excuse for the failure to produce the records.
(5) Upon the showing required in subsection (4), secondary evidence of the form, text, and contents of the original records, including photostatic, photographic, or microfilm reproductions, photographic enlargements, and prints of microfilm reproductions, when made in the regular course of business, is admissible in evidence in any court of competent jurisdiction or in any administrative proceeding.
(6) Any photostatic, photographic, or microfilm reproductions, including enlargements of the microfilm reproductions, made in the regular course of business of any original files, records, books, cards, tickets, deposit slips, or memoranda that were in existence on July 1, 1951, are admissible in evidence as proof of the form, text, and content of the originals that were destroyed in the regular course of business.
(7) A mutual association may, as a condition of providing mutual association records to a third party in response to a subpoena or another legal procedure or request, charge and collect the actual costs incurred in locating, reproducing, and providing the mutual association records.
History: En. Sec. 84, Ch. 431, L. 2021.

Structure Montana Code Annotated