75-20-404. Enforcement of chapter by residents. - Montana Statutes

     75-20-404. Enforcement of chapter by residents. (1) A resident of this state with knowledge that a requirement of this chapter or a rule adopted under it is not being enforced by a public officer or employee whose duty it is to enforce the requirement or rule may bring the failure to enforce to the attention of the public officer or employee by a written statement under oath that must state the specific facts of the failure to enforce the requirement or rule. Knowingly making false statements or charges in the affidavit subjects the affiant to penalties prescribed under the law of perjury.
     (2) If the public officer or employee neglects or refuses for an unreasonable time after receipt of the statement to enforce the requirement or rule, the resident may bring an action of mandamus in the district court of the first judicial district of this state, in and for the county of Lewis and Clark. If the court finds that a requirement of this chapter or a rule adopted under it is not being enforced, the court may order the public officer or employee whose duty it is to enforce the requirement or rule to perform the officer's or employee's duties. If the public officer or public employee fails to do so, the public officer or employee must be held in contempt of court and is subject to the penalties provided by law.

     History: En. Sec. 19, Ch. 327, L. 1973; amd. Sec. 19, Ch. 494, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 70-819(1), (2); amd. Sec. 2507, Ch. 56, L. 2009.