70-9-601. Disposal of property unclaimed within 180 days -- notice -- maintenance of records. (1) A retail launderer or dry cleaner may dispose of an article, garment, or piece of clothing left with the launderer or dry cleaner for cleaning, laundering, repairing, or other service that is not redeemed by the customer within 180 days. A retail launderer or dry cleaner is not responsible or liable for an article, garment, or piece of clothing disposed of pursuant to this section.

(2) A retail launderer or dry cleaner subject to this section shall post a notice describing the provisions of this section in a conspicuous place on the premises of the retail launderer or dry cleaner. The notice must be substantially the same as the following language: "As provided in section 70-9-601, MCA, an article, garment, or piece of clothing accepted for cleaning, laundering, repairing, or other service by a launderer or dry cleaner must be claimed within 180 days after the date the item was received for service. If an article is not claimed within 180 days, the item may be disposed of by the launderer or dry cleaner."

(3) For any item that is disposed of as provided in this section, the retail launderer or dry cleaner shall maintain copies of all service tickets or other records showing the date the item was received and the date and manner of disposition. The records must be maintained for 1 year following disposal.

(4) Any balance in excess of the charges for cleaning, laundering, repairing, or other service arising from the sale of an item unclaimed by the owner must be paid to the general fund of the county in which the sale took place.