Press Release

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

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

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

Be on the lookout for phony promises of easy profits fromrising prices in gold, silver, or other precious metals. Helena, Montana—The Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) warns Montanans to beware of precious metals scams that are designed to drain retirement funds. These metals include gold, silver, palladium, and platinum. Scammers notify you about tricky … Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana—The Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) is hosting 16 investor protection events across western Montana this March. The events are part of the Protecting the Big Sky tour—a series of educational presentations to inform adults and seniors about common investment scams, and how to detect and prevent financial exploitation. In … Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana—With love in the air and the recent FBI warning, the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) emphasizes the importance of Montanans to be on the watch for romance scams—or confidence scams—and recognizing the warning signs. On the rise nationally, romance scams target our neighbors and loved ones of all ages. … Read more

TradeStation settles allegations of selling unregistered securities in crypto-interest earning program FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana, February 7, 2024–The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance joined a task force of 26 state securities regulators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to announce a $3 million settlement in principle with TradeStation Crypto, Inc. over … Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The parties agreed that certain auto accident claimants were inappropriately denied payment. Helena, MT, February 6, 2024—Troy Downing, the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI), announced today a settlement with State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. (State Farm), wherein State Farm agrees to pay a $2 million fine and to be … Read more

Helena, Mont.- In 2021, Commissioner Downing requested legislation which was introduced by Senator Hertz to oversee Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). The bill became law and requires PBMs to be licensed and provide an annual transparency report to CSI. PBMs are paid by the health plan to create a formulary, which is a list of drugs that … Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana – Commissioner Troy Downing and the Montana Land Board voted to approve the purchase of the Lower Yellowstone River Project and the North Wildcat Coulee Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The 328-acre property is located approximately two miles upstream of the Far West Fishing Access Site and consists primarily of riparian … Read more