Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 32. FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

CHAPTER 3. CREDIT UNIONS

Part 3. Organization, Membership, and Dissolution

Liquidation

32-3-321. Liquidation. (1) A credit union may elect to dissolve voluntarily and liquidate its affairs in the manner prescribed in this section.

(2) The board of directors shall adopt a resolution recommending the credit union be dissolved voluntarily and directing that the question of liquidation be submitted to the members.

(3) Within 14 days after the board of directors decides to submit the question of liquidation to the members, the presiding officer of the board shall notify the department of administration in writing, setting forth the reasons for the proposed action and a plan for liquidation. Within 14 days after the members act on the question of liquidation, the presiding officer of the board shall notify the department in writing as to whether or not the members approved the proposed liquidation.

(4) Depending on the credit union's circumstances, a proposed liquidation plan may or may not require the suspension of payment on shares, withdrawal of shares, transfer of shares to loans and interest, investments of any kind, loans, or other similar financial transactions. On approval of the proposal by the members, all business transactions must be permanently discontinued. Necessary expenses of operation must continue to be paid on authorization of the liquidating agent or committee during the period of liquidation.

(5) For a credit union to enter voluntary liquidation, approval by a majority of the members in writing or by a two-thirds majority of the members present at a regular or special meeting of the members is required. If authorization for liquidation is to be obtained at a meeting of the members, notice in writing must be given to each member at least 14 days prior to the meeting.

(6) If liquidation is approved, the board of directors shall appoint a liquidating agent or committee for the purpose of conserving and collecting assets, closing the affairs of the credit union, and distributing the assets as required by this chapter.

(7) A liquidating credit union shall continue in existence for the purpose of discharging its debts, collecting and distributing its assets, and doing all acts required in order to wind up its business. The liquidating credit union may sue and be sued for the purpose of enforcing debts and obligations until its affairs are fully adjusted.

(8) The liquidating agent or committee shall distribute the assets of the credit union or the proceeds of any disposition of the assets in the sequence described in 32-3-205(6).

(9) As soon as the liquidating agent or committee determines that all assets from which there is a reasonable expectancy of realization have been liquidated and distributed as set forth in this section, the liquidating agent or committee shall execute a certificate of dissolution on a form prescribed by the department. The form, together with all pertinent records of the liquidating credit union, must be filed with the department and the secretary of state. Upon filing with both entities, the credit union is dissolved.

(10) If the department determines that the liquidating agent or committee has failed to make reasonable progress in the liquidating of the credit union's affairs and distribution of its assets or has violated a provision of this chapter, the department may issue a cease and desist order against the liquidating agent or committee and appoint a new liquidating agent to complete the liquidation under the department's direction and control. The department shall fill any vacancy caused by the resignation, death, illness, removal, desertion, or incapacity to function of the liquidating agent.

History: En. 14-665 by Sec. 65, Ch. 38, L. 1975; amd. Sec. 33, Ch. 71, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 14-665; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 274, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 91, Ch. 483, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 18, Ch. 237, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 317, L. 2015.