39-71-521. Burden of proof -- insurance coverage. (1) In a proceeding brought by the department or an employer to resolve the issue of the existence of workers' compensation insurance coverage for that employer, the initial burden of proof is on the department to demonstrate that:

(a) the employer is required to have workers' compensation insurance coverage; and

(b) either:

(i) the database of the recognized agent providing proof of coverage indicates that no coverage is reported by an insurer to cover the employer's Montana operations; or

(ii) the department confirms with the insurer that reported coverage for the employer that the policy previously covering the employer's Montana operations has been canceled by that insurer.

(2) The burden then shifts to the employer to demonstrate that the employer is not required either to have workers' compensation insurance coverage or to produce a valid workers' compensation insurance policy covering the employer's Montana operations during the period of time in question. A valid workers' compensation insurance policy is one acknowledged by the insurer to be valid or adjudged to be valid by a court of competent jurisdiction.