49-2-511. Dismissal after informal proceedings -- filing of objections -- procedures -- action in district court. - Montana Statutes

     49-2-511. Dismissal after informal proceedings -- filing of objections -- procedures -- action in district court. (1) If the department, after the informal investigation, issues a notice of dismissal under 49-2-501(5) or 49-2-504(7)(b), a charging party may file objections to the dismissal with the commission. The objections must be filed with the commission within 14 days after the issuance of the notice of dismissal.
     (2) (a) The commission shall consider the objection in an informal hearing and review the department's findings for an abuse of discretion.
     (b) If the commission overrules the objection, it shall issue its order affirming the department's notice of dismissal.
     (c) If the commission sustains the objection, it shall reopen the case by remanding it to the department.
     (3) (a) Within 90 days after the department has issued a notice of dismissal pursuant to 49-2-501(5) or 49-2-504(7)(b) or within 90 days after the commission has issued an order affirming the department's notice of dismissal pursuant to subsection (2)(b) of this section, the charging party may commence a civil action for appropriate relief on the merits of the case in the district court in the district in which the alleged violation occurred. If the charging party fails to commence the civil action in the district court within 90 days after the final agency decision has been issued, the claim is barred. The court may provide the same relief as described in 49-2-506. In addition, the court may in its discretion allow the prevailing party reasonable attorney fees and costs.
     (b) Within 30 days after the commission issues an order affirming the department's notice of dismissal pursuant to subsection (2)(b), a party may petition a district court for judicial review of the final agency decision as provided in 2-4-604.

     History: En. Sec. 6, Ch. 28, L. 2007.