30-10-304. Investigations and subpoenas. (1) The commissioner may:

(a) make public or private investigations or examinations within or outside this state as the commissioner considers necessary to determine whether any registration should be granted, denied, or revoked or whether any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of parts 1 through 3 of this chapter or any rule or order under this chapter or to aid in the enforcement of parts 1 through 3 of this chapter or in the prescribing of rules and forms under this chapter;

(b) require or permit any person to file a statement in writing, under oath or otherwise as the commissioner may determine, as to all the facts and circumstances concerning the matter to be investigated; and

(c) publish information concerning any violation of parts 1 through 3 of this chapter or any rule or order under this chapter.

(2) (a) For the purpose of any investigation or proceeding under parts 1 through 3 of this chapter, the commissioner or any officer designated by the commissioner may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, agreements, or other documents or records that the commissioner considers relevant or material to the inquiry.

(b) The commissioner may issue and apply to enforce subpoenas in this state at the request of a securities agency or administrator of another state if the activities constituting an alleged violation for which the information is sought would be a violation of the Securities Act of Montana if the activities had occurred in this state.

(3) In case of contumacy by or refusal to obey a subpoena issued to any person, any court of competent jurisdiction, upon application by the commissioner, may issue to that person an order requiring the person to appear before the commissioner or the officer designated by the commissioner to produce documentary evidence if ordered or to give evidence concerning the matter under investigation or in question. Any failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt of court.

(4) A person is not excused from attending and testifying or from producing any document or record before the commissioner or in obedience to the subpoena of the commissioner or any officer designated by the commissioner, or in any proceeding instituted by the commissioner, on the ground that the testimony or evidence, documentary or otherwise, required of the person may tend to incriminate or subject the person to a penalty or forfeiture. However, testimony or evidence that is compelled following a claim of privilege against self-incrimination or any information directly or indirectly derived from the testimony or evidence may not be used against the witness in any criminal case. This section does not prohibit the commissioner from granting immunity from prosecution for or on account of any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which a witness is compelled to testify if the commissioner determines, in the commissioner's sole discretion, that the ends of justice would be served. Immunity may not extend to prosecution or punishment for false statements given pursuant to the subpoena.

(5) The office of the securities commissioner is a criminal justice agency as defined in 44-5-103.

History: En. Sec. 19, Ch. 251, L. 1961; R.C.M. 1947, 15-2019; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 577, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 10, Ch. 272, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 107, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 540, L. 1993.