Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 17 - ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Chapter 17.24 - RECLAMATION
Subchapter 17.24.12 - Strip and Underground Mine Reclamation Act: Special Departmental Procedures and Program
Rule 17.24.1248 - RESTRICTIONS ON EMPLOYEE FINANCIAL INTERESTS: DEFINITIONS

(1) "Coal mining operation" means the business of developing, producing, preparing or loading bituminous coal, subbituminous coal, anthracite, or lignite, or of reclaiming the areas upon which such operations occur.

(2) "Direct financial interest" means ownership or part ownership by an employee of lands, stocks, bonds, debentures, warrants, partnership shares, or other holdings and also means any other arrangement where the employee may benefit from his or her holding in or salary from coal mining operations. Direct financial interests include employment, pensions, creditor, real property and other financial relationships.

(3) "Indirect financial interest" means the same financial relationships as for direct ownership, except that the employee reaps the benefits of such interests, including interests held by his or her spouse, minor child and other relatives, including in-laws, residing in the employee's home. The employee does not have an indirect financial interest if there is no relationship between the employee's functions or duties and the coal mining operation in which the spouse, minor children or other resident relatives hold a financial interest.

(4) "Prohibited financial interest" means any direct or indirect financial interest in any coal mining operation.