Montana Code Annotated 2019

TITLE 30. TRADE AND COMMERCE

CHAPTER 14. UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES AND CONSUMER PROTECTION

Part 21. Regulation of Debt Settlement Providers

Remedies

30-14-2104. Remedies. (1) The attorney general or the county attorney of any county in which a debt settlement provider is doing business or a debtor resides may bring an action for a violation of 30-14-2102 or 30-14-2103. Upon finding that a person has violated or is violating a provision of 30-14-2102 or 30-14-2103, a court may make any necessary order or judgment, including an injunction, restitution, and an award of reasonable attorney fees and costs for the investigation and litigation of the violations.

(2) The attorney general or county attorney may accept an assurance of discontinuance of any method, act, or practice that is in violation of the provisions of 30-14-2102 or 30-14-2103 from any person alleged to be engaged in the unlawful act. The assurance may include a stipulation for the voluntary payment of the costs of investigation or of an amount to be held in escrow pending the outcome of any action or as restitution for any aggrieved person, or both. The court may award to the state a civil penalty not exceeding $10,000 for any violation of an assurance of discontinuance. Any matter closed by the acceptance of an assurance may be reopened at any time.

(3) A violation of a provision of 30-14-2102 or 30-14-2103 is a violation of 30-14-103, and a debtor is entitled to any remedy available under the provisions of Title 30, chapter 14, part 1, or other applicable state law.

History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 338, L. 2009.