Press Release

Commissioner Downing Announces $5 Million in Additional Payments to Montana Consumers Following State Farm’s Review of Certain Loss of Use and Third-Party Liability Claims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Mont.—Troy Downing, the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI), is pleased to report that State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. (State Farm) has reviewed an additional 18,000 claims after being fined $4 million in a CSI administrative action for unfair claims settlement practices. These reviews resulted in an additional $5.2 … Read more

CSI Works to Improve Revocation and Surrender ProcessFor Montana Bail Bonds Professionals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Mont.— Commissioner Troy Downing is pleased to announce a significant update to the revocation and surrender process for bail agents across Montana. This new procedure introduces a single, standardized surrender form to be used statewide, now available through the CSI website portal HERE. The CSI is working with detention centers and … Read more

Montana is Open for Innovation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Mont.—Troy Downing, the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI), announced that the CSI has approved its first innovation waiver. The State Auditor announced that it granted the first waiver to Montana State Fund. Montana State Fund (MSF) applied for a waiver of certain regulatory requirements to facilitate implementing a program … Read more

Wildfire Season is Here: Commissioner Downing Reminds Montanans how to Protect Property and File and Insurance Claim

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana – On Wednesday July 10, 2024, the Horse Gulch Wildfire grew rapidly near Canyon Ferry Lake and claimed the life of a wildland firefighter pilot, Juliana Turchetti. “Our deepest condolences go out to this brave pilot, her family, and friends during this difficult time,” said Commissioner Troy Downing. “We are … Read more

Montana: 1 OF 4 States Helping Securities Fraud Victims with the CSI Restitution Fund, Honoring the Late Lynne Egan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana – In 2023, consumers reported losing more than $4.6 billion to investment scams nationwide, according to the Federal Trade Commission. To date, national data indicates investment-related fraud in 2024 is among the fastest-growing types in the United States. Unfortunately, once money is scammed it is often gone for good. For … Read more

Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) Seeking to Help VBIT Crypto-Mining Scam Victims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Montanans who invested in VBit Technologies, Advanced Mining, VBit Mining, and VBit DC Corp (collectively referred to as VBit) cryptocurrency-mining machines are asked to contact the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) by July 8, 2024. As early as 2021, VBit began marketing to and contracting with Montanans for the sale … Read more

In Gallatin County, Four Men Charged with Engaging in Conspiracy to Defraud Investors, Farmers, and the State of Montana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Commissioner of Securities Insurance (CSI) and Gallatin County Attorney charged four men with engaging in a conspiracy to defraud investors, farmers, and the State of Montana through various means, including a Ponzi scheme.  “As the Gallatin County Attorney, I want to thank Commissioner Downing for his diligent efforts investigating fraud within … Read more

Belgrade Plumber Receives Suspended Prison Sentence for Insurance Fraud to Begin House Arrest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana – A CSI investigation revealed that in January 2022, Mr. Dennis Hurlbert, owner of Belgrade Plumbing and Heating, presented a Certificate of Liability Insurance to a would-be employer. The certificate indicated Mr. Hurlbert had effective general liability, automobile liability, and workers’ compensation insurance. The certificate was a falsified document, confirmed … Read more

CARB’s Clean Air Act Authorization Request

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Hon. Michael S. Regan, AdministratorU.S. Environmental Protection Agency1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW; 1101-AWashington, D.C. 20460 Re: CARB’s Clean Air Act Authorization Request [Docket ID Number: EPA-HQ-OAR-2023-0574] Dear Administrator Regan:I am writing to request that the EPA reject the above authorization request, which would permit the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to circumvent federal … Read more

Guilty Verdict for Butte Bail Bondsman and Bounty Hunter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana –Bondsman Jay Steven Hubber and bounty-hunting partner, Nicholas John Jaeger, were found guilty of aggravated burglary and deliberate homicide (Hubber by accountability) this past Thursday. The shooting death of William Harris occurred after Hubber and Jaeger charged into Harris’ home unlawfully looking for David Sandoval (the bail jumper). During a … Read more