Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 17. STATE FINANCE

CHAPTER 4. DEBT COLLECTION

Part 1. Debt Collection Service

Circumstances When Department Shall Assist

17-4-104. Circumstances when department shall assist. Subject to and in accordance with rules adopted by the department, the department shall render assistance in the collection of accounts owing to any state agency if all of the following procedures have been completed to the department's satisfaction:

(1) A state agency shall make all reasonable efforts to collect money owed to it and shall determine that the money and any interest or penalties are uncollectible in accordance with criteria for uncollectibility formulated by that agency.

(2) Once a state agency has determined that an account owed to it is uncollectible, it shall certify to the department the amount of the money, interest, and penalties, as accurately as can be determined. The department may require the agency to submit all relevant evidence and other information regarding the debt and may examine the records of any other state agency that may be pertinent in determining the uncollectibility of the debt, unless examination is specifically prohibited by law.

(3) If the department finds that the debt is uncollectible in accordance with the criteria for uncollectibility of money due that state agency, the department shall direct the agency to write off the debt on its accounts and transfer the debt to the department.

(4) Debts described in 17-4-105(4) need not be determined uncollectible for purposes of this section.

History: En. 84-7104 by Sec. 4, Ch. 118, L. 1974; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 248, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 84-7104; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 419, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 14, Ch. 325, L. 1995.