32-5-402. Investigations by department -- subpoenas -- oaths -- examination of witnesses and evidence. (1) The department may at any time investigate any transaction with borrowers and may examine the books, accounts, and records to discover violations of this chapter by:

(a) a licensee; or

(b) a person who the department has reason to believe is violating or is about to violate this chapter.

(2) The department or the department's authorized representatives must be given free access to the offices and places of business and files of all licensees. The department may investigate any matter, upon complaint or otherwise, if it appears that a person has engaged in or offered to engage in any act or practice that is in violation of any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted or order issued by the department pursuant to this chapter.

(3) The department may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents, papers, books, records, and other evidence before it in any matter over which it has jurisdiction, control, or supervision pertaining to this chapter. The department may administer oaths and affirmations to a person whose testimony is required.

(4) If a person refuses to obey a subpoena or to give testimony or produce evidence as required by the subpoena, a judge of the district court of Lewis and Clark County or the county in which the licensed premises are located may, upon application and proof of the refusal, issue a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum for the witness to appear before the department to give testimony and produce evidence as may be required. The clerk of court shall then issue the subpoena, as directed, under the seal of the court, requiring the person to whom it is directed to appear at the time and place designated in the subpoena.

(5) If a person served with a subpoena refuses to obey the subpoena or to give testimony or produce evidence as required by the subpoena, the department may proceed under the contempt provisions of Title 3, chapter 1, part 5.

(6) Failure to comply with the requirements of a court-ordered subpoena is punishable pursuant to 45-7-309.

History: En. Sec. 15, Ch. 283, L. 1959; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 233, L. 1971; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 172, L. 1975; amd. Sec. 114, Ch. 431, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 47-215; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 216, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 8, Ch. 424, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 140, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 16, Ch. 372, L. 2007; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 23, L. 2015.