Montana Title 81. Livestock § 81-23-103. General powers of department and board

(1) Except for milk produced from a small dairy as defined in 81-21-101, the board shall supervise, regulate, and control the milk industry of this state, including the production, processing, storage, distribution, and sale of milk sold for consumption in this state. The board shall conduct hearings and make determinations under this chapter and under board rules and orders promulgated pursuant to this chapter. This chapter does not affect the status, force, or operation of any provision of public health laws, county board of health rules, or municipal ordinances for the promotion or protection of the public health.

(2) The department may cooperate with the department of public health and human services, a county or city board of health, or the department of agriculture in enforcing this chapter.

(3) The department shall assist the board by investigating all matters pertaining to the production, processing, storage, distribution, and sale of milk in this state and by bringing proceedings to enforce the orders of the board. The department, in exercising its enforcement duties, may subpoena milk dealers, their records, books, and accounts, and any other person from whom information may be desired or considered necessary to carry out the purposes and intent of this chapter. The department may take depositions of witnesses who are sick or absent from the state or who cannot otherwise appear in person before the department at its offices. The department shall give at least 10 days' notice to the proposed witness.

(4) The department shall provide staff to the board as provided in 2-15-121 to assist in technical, enforcement, and regulatory activities.