30-14-2101. Definitions. As used in this part, the following definitions apply:

(1) (a) ”Debt settlement provider” means any person or entity engaging in or holding itself out as engaging in the business of debt settlement for compensation that does not in the usual and regular course of business hold, receive, or disburse a debtor’s funds in connection with debt settlement services.

(b) The term does not include any of the following:

(i) attorneys, escrow agents, accountants, broker dealers in securities, or investment advisors in securities, when acting in the ordinary practice of their professions;

(ii) any bank, agent of a bank, trust company, savings and loan association, savings bank, credit union, crop credit association, development credit corporation, industrial development corporation, title insurance company, or insurance company operating or organized under the laws of this state, another state, or the United States, or any other person authorized to make loans under Montana law;

(iii) persons who perform credit services for their employer while receiving a regular salary or wage when the employer is not engaged in the business of debt settlement;

(iv) public officers while acting in their official capacities and persons acting under court order;

(v) any person while performing services incidental to the dissolution, winding up, or liquidating of a partnership, corporation, or other business enterprise; or

(vi) any for-profit or nonprofit entity that is subject to the provisions of Title 30, chapter 14, part 20, the Montana Consumer Debt Management Services Act.

(2) ”Debt settlement service” is the negotiation, adjustment, or settlement of a consumer’s debt without holding, receiving, or disbursing the debtor’s funds.

(3) ”Principal amount of the debt” means the total amount of debt of an individual at the time the individual is accepted into a debt settlement program.