Acton Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Acton, Montana government websites.
About Acton, Montana
Regular Meetings
Public Sessions
The governing body of Acton, Montana, is the Acton City Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large for a term length of four years. Elections are held during the general election cycle, which occurs every two years, allowing for staggered terms among council members. The local council holds regular meetings that are open to the public. Meeting schedules are available through the local government office.
In addition to municipal police services, residents are also served by the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, which provides law enforcement for the unincorporated areas of the county and assists with broader criminal investigations. The Yellowstone County Detention Facility is the county jail, where individuals arrested in the area are held. Individuals can request information from the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, which maintains full criminal records. For more extensive searches, the Montana Department of Justice operates the state criminal repository, providing access to statewide criminal history records. Residents are encouraged to reach out to these offices directly for guidance on the process and any applicable fees. The judicial system in Acton is served by the Yellowstone County District Court, which handles a variety of civil and criminal cases. The courthouse, located in Billings, Montana, is approximately twenty miles from Acton, making it accessible for residents needing to appear in court or access court records. Those seeking to obtain court records can use the online case lookup portal provided by the court or make in-person requests at the courthouse. Vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, are available through the Yellowstone County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services provides access to state-level vital statistics. Property records can be obtained from the Yellowstone Montana Department of Revenue's Office and the Recorder's Office, with online portals helping with easier access for property inquiries. Under the Montana Right to Know law (Constitution Art. II §9), public records requests should be responded to within a reasonable time frame, typically within a few business days, for public access the local government.
Law Enforcement
Beyond the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office that serves Acton, municipal police departments operate within their own city boundaries across the county. The Billings Police Department handles law enforcement for the county's largest city, while the Laurel Police Department covers that municipality. These agencies focus on local crime prevention and community policing within their jurisdictions. When major crimes or regional safety issues arise, the departments coordinate with the Sheriff's Office to ensure coverage throughout the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Yellowstone County Detention Facility in Billings is the primary jail for Yellowstone County. All individuals arrested in the area, including those from Acton, go through the booking process at this facility. The public can search for current detainees using the facility's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation requires advance scheduling, and visitors must follow strict guidelines established by the detention center. Montana's bond and bail process allows for cash bonds or arrangements through licensed bondsmen, and information on recent arrests is available through the Sheriff's Office.
Arrest Records
The Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the entire county, including the Acton area. Residents and attorneys can request these records by following procedures outlined in the Montana Public Records Act. A typical arrest record contains the individual's personal information, details surrounding the arrest, charges filed, and booking data.
Court Records
The Yellowstone County Courthouse, located at 217 N 27th St, Billings, MT 59101, handles all court related matters for Acton residents. Civil and criminal cases are heard here, along with probate and family law proceedings. Anyone seeking court records, including case filings, judgments, and transcripts, can contact the Yellowstone County Clerk of Court at (406) 256-2740 or visit the courthouse in person.
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Yellowstone County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can run a background check through the Montana Department of Justice, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Montana Department of Justice offers additional resources for accessing criminal records, so that residents have access to background information.
Public Records Access
Public records for Acton flow through the Yellowstone County Clerk and Recorder's Office. This office maintains vital records, property deeds, marriage licenses, and other essential documents related to the community and its residents. The office is located at 217 N 27th St, Billings, MT 59101, and can be reached at (406) 256-2740. Online records are accessible at the Yellowstone County website: https://www.co.yellowstone.mt.gov/clerk/
Vital Records
The Yellowstone County Clerk and Recorder's Office is the primary source for vital records in Acton. This includes birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records. Residents can request copies of these documents by visiting the office in person, by mail, or through Yellowstone County's online portal. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. To 5 p.m, and fees may apply for record requests.
Business & Licensing Records
The business community in Acton is overseen by the Yellowstone County Clerk and Recorder's Office, which maintains a registry of local businesses along with their associated licenses and permits. This information can be accessed through Yellowstone County's website or by contacting the office directly. The Acton Chamber of Commerce is a hub for commercial activities in the area, providing resources and support to local businesses.
Economy & Demographics
Acton's economy is largely driven by agriculture, with a focus on livestock production and crop farming. The town is also home to several small businesses, including retail shops, service providers, and local eateries. Economic data and business licensing information can be obtained from the Yellowstone County Clerk and Recorder's Office, as well as the Acton Chamber of Commerce. The town's economy is further supported by its proximity to the larger city of Billings, which is a regional hub for commerce and industry.
Elections & Voter Records
Voters in Acton are served by the Yellowstone County Election Department, located at 217 North 27th Street, Room 107, Billings, MT 59101, phone (406) 256-2781, website https://www.yellowstonecountymt.gov/government/election/. Montana residents can register to vote online through the Montana Secretary of State at https://sosmt.gov/elections/vote/, by mail using a voter registration form, or in person at the Yellowstone County election office or any Montana Department of Motor Vehicles office.
Registration requires proof of Montana residency and must be completed by noon the day before Election Day, though Montana allows same-day voter registration at polling places with proper identification (Montana driver's license, tribal ID, or two forms showing current address). Because Acton is an unincorporated community with no municipal government, residents don't vote in city council or mayoral elections. Instead, they participate in county, state, and federal elections. Yellowstone County voters elect three County Commissioners (one elected every two years to staggered six-year terms), County Sheriff, County Attorney, Clerk and Recorder, Treasurer, Assessor, and other constitutional officers. Residents can locate their assigned polling place using the Montana Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo/ or by contacting the Yellowstone County election department. In the November 2024 general election, Yellowstone County reported approximately 64% voter turnout, with over 84,000 ballots cast out of roughly 132,000 registered voters, reflecting strong engagement in the presidential race. For the November 3, 2026 general election, voters in the area will decide several key races: Montana does not have a U.S. Senate seat up in 2026, but voters will elect one U.S. Representative from Montana's 2nd Congressional District (which includes Yellowstone County); state legislative races for Montana House District 57 and Montana Senate District 29 (depending on redistricting); Yellowstone County Commission, Sheriff, and other county offices; and various judicial retention votes. Montana election records that are publicly accessible include voter registration lists (available for purchase by campaigns and political committees), campaign finance reports viewable at https://campaignfinance.mt.gov/, candidate filings and ballot measures available through the Secretary of State, and precinct-level election results published by the Yellowstone County election department. Montana offers absentee voting for any registered voter without requiring an excuse. Absentee ballot requests can be submitted online at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo/, by mail, or in person, and ballots are mailed beginning 30 days before each election. Absentee ballots must be returned by mail (postmarked by Election Day) or deposited at designated drop boxes or the election office by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Montana law (MCA 13-13-212) allows voters to track their absentee ballot status online to confirm receipt and counting. Early in-person voting is available at the Yellowstone County Election Office beginning 30 days before each election during regular business hours.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10, Yellowstone County and Montana provide excellent online access to court records, property data, business filings, and election information, with GIS mapping and inmate search tools, though vital records require state-level processing with fees
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Acton, Yellowstone County, Montana?
Public schools in Acton, Yellowstone County, Montana are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the Montana Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2 What are the crime statistics for Acton, Yellowstone County, Montana?
Crime data for Acton, Yellowstone County, Montana is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Acton, Yellowstone County, Montana Library?
The Acton Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Yellowstone County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
4 Where is the Acton, Yellowstone County, Montana Public Library located?
The Acton Public Library serves residents of Acton and the surrounding Yellowstone County area in Montana. Contact the library or visit the Yellowstone County library system website for current address, hours, and services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Acton, Yellowstone County, Montana?
Fingerprinting services for Acton, Montana residents are available through the local police department and authorized providers in Yellowstone County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Acton, Yellowstone County, Montana, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Acton, Yellowstone County, Montana including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Montana Department of Public Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Yellowstone County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
7 How do I register to vote in Acton, Montana?
To register to vote in Acton, Montana, residents can register online through the Montana Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Yellowstone County elections office. Montana requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Montana Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Acton, contact the Yellowstone County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Acton, Montana?
Property records for Acton, Montana are maintained by the Yellowstone Montana Department of Revenue's Office and the Yellowstone County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Yellowstone County, including parcels in Acton. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Yellowstone County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Montana counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Yellowstone County offices at the county courthouse. The Yellowstone County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Acton, Montana?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Acton, Montana residents are available through both county and state offices. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Vital Records, located in Helena, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Montana. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Yellowstone County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Yellowstone County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
10 How do I find business license records in Acton, Montana?
Business licensing for Acton, Montana operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Acton town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Acton limits. Yellowstone County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Montana businesses must register with the Montana Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Montana Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Montana licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Acton, contact the Acton clerk's office and the Yellowstone County economic development office.
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