30-10-913. Injunctions and other remedies -- limitations on actions -- criminal sanctions. (1) If it appears to the state auditor that a person has engaged or is about to engage in an act or practice constituting a violation of any provision of this part, the state auditor may:

(a) issue an order directing the person to cease and desist from committing or continuing the act or practice until a hearing can be held pursuant to Title 2, chapter 4, part 6; or

(b) without issuing an order to cease and desist, bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin any acts or practices and to enforce compliance with this part or any rule or order adopted or issued pursuant to this part. Upon a proper showing, a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or writ of mandamus must be granted and a receiver or conservator may be appointed for the defendant or the defendant's assets. The state auditor may not be required to post a bond.

(2) A final judgment or decree under subsection (1)(b) determining that a person has violated this part in an action brought by the state auditor for the violation, other than a consent judgment or decree entered before trial, is prima facie evidence against that person in any action maintained pursuant to 30-10-915.

(3) The state auditor may, after giving reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing pursuant to Title 2, chapter 4, part 6, impose a fine not to exceed $10,000 for each violation upon a person found to have engaged in an act or practice constituting a violation of any provision of this part or any rule or order adopted or issued pursuant to this part. The fine is in addition to all other penalties imposed by the laws of this state and must be collected by the state auditor in the name of the state of Montana and deposited in the general fund. Imposition of any fine under this subsection is an order from which an appeal may be taken pursuant to Title 2, chapter 4, part 6. If a person fails to pay a fine referred to in this subsection, the amount of the fine is a lien upon all of the assets and property of the person in this state and may be recovered by suit by the state auditor and deposited in the general fund. Failure of the person to pay a fine also constitutes a forfeiture of the right to do business in this state under this part.

(4) An administrative or civil action may not be maintained by the state auditor under this section to enforce a liability founded on a violation of this part or any rule or order adopted or issued pursuant to this part unless it is brought within 2 years after discovery by the state auditor of the facts constituting the violation.

(5) Any person who purposely or knowingly violates any provision of this part or who purposely or knowingly violates any rule or order adopted or issued pursuant to this part shall upon conviction be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for a term of not more than 10 years, or both. An indictment or information may not be returned under this part more than 8 years after the alleged violation. However, the time limitation period may be extended to allow commencement of a prosecution within 1 year after the date the state auditor or other prosecuting officer becomes aware of the violation on which the action is based.

(6) The state auditor may refer evidence concerning violations of this part or of any rule or order adopted or issued pursuant to this part to the attorney general or proper county attorney, who may, with or without the referral, institute the appropriate criminal proceedings under this part.

(7) Nothing in this part limits the power of the state to punish a person for any conduct that constitutes a crime.

History: En. Sec. 13, Ch. 348, L. 1997.