32-5-103. Engaging in business of making consumer loans restricted. (1) Except as provided in subsection (5), a person may not engage in the business of making consumer loans or advances of money on credit in any amount and contract for, charge, or receive directly or indirectly on or in connection with any loan or advance any charges, whether for interest, compensation, consideration, or expense, except as provided in and authorized by this chapter. A person engaged in business as a licensed pawnbroker may not become a licensee under this chapter. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to any exempted person.
     (2) A licensee may sell its business and assets to a bank, building and loan association, savings and loan association, trust company, credit union, credit association, development credit corporation, or bank holding company organized pursuant to state or federal statutory authority and subject to supervision, control, or regulation by an agency of the state of Montana or an agency of the federal government. All contracts for loans and all other contracts entered into by the licensee pursuant to the provisions of this chapter that are sold and transferred to an acquiring organization continue to be governed by the provisions of this chapter.
     (3) The provisions of subsection (1) apply to any person who seeks to evade its applications by any device, subterfuge, or pretense.
     (4) Any act by a licensee in the making of a contract or in the collection of a loan made under the contract that violates the provisions of this chapter is void. The licensee has no right to collect, receive, or retain any principal, interest, or charges.
     (5) A consumer loan licensee or a person who seeks a regulated lender exemption under 31-1-112 as a consumer loan licensee shall fully comply with this chapter. A regulated lender as defined in 31-1-111, other than a consumer loan licensee, or a lender who complies with the provisions of Title 31, chapter 1, part 1, is not required to comply with this chapter.

     History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 283, L. 1959; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 233, L. 1971; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 172, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 47-204; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 216, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 424, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 103, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 140, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 168, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 406, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 18, L. 1993; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 374, L. 1997.