Texas public information act.
Texas public information act All TCEQ records are available for public view unless one of the exceptions to disclosure listed in the TEXAS PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT INFORMATION REQUEST FORM For guidance regarding your rights as a requestor and the public information procedures adopted by this governmental body, you may review the governmental body’s notice required under section 552. All government information is presumed to be available to the public, although certain exceptions may apply. (a) In this chapter, "public information" means information that is written, produced, collected, assembled, or maintained under a law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business: (1) by a governmental body; Texas Statutes Code , Government Code; Title 5, Open Government; Ethics; Subtitle A, Open Government; Chapter 552, Public Information. HOP Policy 01-301. Your request was assigned ID# 514965 (COSA No. DEFINITION OF PUBLIC INFORMATION; MEDIA CONTAINING PUBLIC INFORMATION. 012 Presentation Outline • Background of the legal requirements for open records and public information • Applicability of the Public The Public Information Act and Open Meetings Act require elected and appointed officials to receive training in Texas open government laws. ing any information the governmental body wishes to withhold, and send a copy of the request for ruling, or a redacted copy, to the requestor; • Segregate public information from information that may be with-held and provide that public information promptly; • Make a good faith attempt to inform third parties when their pro- Public Information Cost Estimate Model. 205 of the Government Code. If you cannot locate the information or records you need online, Section 552. Until the law was formalized, the ability of a citizen to gain access to public records was at the discretion of the custodian of the records, except in those cases where records custodians were forbidden Sample Texas Public Information Act Request Letter (Note: Wording does not need to exactly replicate this sample letter. Find resources, rulings, training, and contact information for the OAG. Used to compel a governmental body to make information available for public inspection. ” An open records request should be answered as quickly as possible; preferably well before the 10th business day. Sep 28, 2023 · However, the Texas Public Information Act, at 50, is routinely bypassed, ignored or violated either in letter or in spirit, and sometimes both, according to numerous speakers who gathered in The Public Information Act and Open Meetings Act require elected and appointed officials to receive training in Texas open government laws. The Texas Public Information Act was originally known as the Texas Open Records Act, approved by the Legislature in 1973 in a reform atmosphere following the Sharpstown stock fraud scandal involving state officials. Definition of Public Information . Jul 29, 2020 · Section 552. The first section of the Public Information Act underscores this point: Jan 11, 2012 · ATTORNEY GENERAL OF TEXAS GREG ABBOTT . A public information request must be in writing to the governmental body you believe maintains the information. How To Submit Your Request Texas Public Records Laws Compliance. Mar 24, 2011 · (a) Information is excepted from [required public disclosure] if it is information relating to litigation of a civil or criminal nature to which the state or a political subdivision is or may be a party or to which an officer or employee of the state or a political subdivision, as a consequence of the person's office or employment, is or may be The Texas A&M University Office of Open Records is dedicated to the principles of open government and strives to ensure compliance as set forth by the Texas Public Information Act. Byles: You ask whether certain information is subject to required public disclosure under the Public Information Act (the "Act"), chapter Apr 14, 2025 · The Public Information Act (PIA) guarantees the public access to information maintained by a government agency. Texas Public Information Act Texas Public Information Act Handbook Aug 6, 2012 · You ask whether certain information is subject to required public disclosure under the Public Information Act (the "Act"), chapter 552 of the Government Code. Ms. 182 were added to chapter 418 of the GOVERNMENT CODE. Dear Ms. Address: Harris County Administration Building 1001 Preston, Suite 800, Houston, TX 77002 . The primary open government laws are the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Open Meeting Act. The presentation focused on Section 552. Scott, Money, Ray & Thomas PLLC. Open Records Division. Assistant Attorney General. If you would like to view or obtain copies of records under the Texas Public Information Act, please send a written request. JL/dls. Texas Public Information Act, all information that is not specifically excluded by law from public disclosure must be released upon proper request. PIRs will be It is the policy of the Texas Tech University System and the State of Texas that Institutions of Higher Education serve the people of Texas, and, thus, the general public is granted certain rights under the Texas Public Information Act to view or receive a copy of the documents and electronically stored information held by this institution and Texas Public Information Act (formerly Open records Act) The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Open Records Act), Chapter 552, Texas Government Code, establishes requirements for governmental bodies to respond to written requests for access and/or reproductions of public information. 4 days ago · In accordance with the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code Annotated Section 552. Scope and covered entities. The Texas Public Information Act is a series of legislative acts that have been incorporated into the Texas Government Code in Title 5, Subchapter A Subtitle 552. You may use the Texas Public Information Act Request Form to request information from the Office of the Governor. Steps for submitting a public information request The Office of the Attorney General provides resources to help the public understand the Public Information Act. 2325(b) of the Government Code, a governmental body may suspend the applicability of the requirements of the Public Information Act (the “PIA”) if the governmental body is currently significantly impacted by a catastrophe such that the catastrophe causes the inability of a governmental body to comply with the Texas. Greenville, Texas 75403-1353. The Public Information Act guarantees the public access to information maintained by a government agency. Byles. Enc. mail, electronic mail, hand delivery, or any appropriate method approved by the governmental body. Public information, including non-confidential employee level data, is published on numerous public websites. texas. on where to submit your public information request, please contact the Burleson County Treasurer's Office at ssmith@burlesoncounty. This procedure The Freedom of information Act (FOIA) provides the public the right to request records from any federal or federally funded agency. As a governmental entity, Lubbock County places a high priority on openness in government. January 11, 2012. When is a request for public information considered received by the city if a request to surrender or return public information is requested from a temporar y Sep 9, 2019 · In 1973, a reform-minded legislature strengthened the Texas Open Meetings Act, and passed the Texas Open Records Act, which the Texas legislature changed in 1995 to the Public Information Act. P. • If the public information request included the requestor’s physical or mailing address, the governmental body generally must send the written request for clarification or narrowing to that address by certified mail, however… If the public information request was sent by e-mail, the written In conjunction with Texas. gov, the Open Records Division (ORD) provides the Public Information Act (PIA) Electronic Filing System to accept online electronic submissions related to decision requests. Access the portal via this link. The City of San Antonio (the "city") received a request for a specified statement for a specified case number. Dear Mr. The Texas Public Information Act was adopted to give the public greater access to information about how the state conducts the public's business. The Texas Public Information Act assures that government entities give citizens access to information about The Public Information Act is a critical protection Texas Public Information Act. 235 of the Government Code. C. 306 by adding subsections (c) and (d), which require a governmental body, as soon as practicable but no later than 30 days after the attorney general issued an opinion on a public information request, to: provide the requestor an itemized estimate of charges for production of the information if Sample Federal Freedom of Information Act Request Letter (Note: The letter can be mailed or emailed to the appropriate federal government agency. Public Information under the Public Information Act Under the Texas Public Information Act (PIA), “public information” is any information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for a governmental body, a government official, or government employee. Include enough description and detail about the information requested to enable the governmental body to accurately identify and locate the items requested. If you wish to request records under the Texas Public Information Act, please refer to the following requirements and guidelines. To learn more, click one of the choices below. Submitted documents. . For additional information about previous determinations, please review the detailed information in the Public Information Act Handbook (PDF). 002. Office Hours: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm. Your request was assigned ID# 406491. S. public information that includes public information in the custodian’s possession, custody, or control?. Money: You ask whether certain information is subject to required public disclosure under the Public Information Act (the "Act"), chapter 552 of the Government Code. org. 108 of the Government Code. Mar 7, 2025 · The Texas State Capitol photographed on Monday, Feb. All government information is presumed to be available to the public. Learn how to request and access public information from the state's technology agency and other governmental bodies in Texas. 02 - Open Records/Public Information Act. March 7, 2011. The Texas Public Information Act: An Overview Presentation Outline • Background of the legal requirements for open records and public information • Applicability of the Public Information Act • Procedures and requirements regarding complying with a public information request • Role of the attorney general under the Public Information Act San Antonio, Texas 78207. The Texas Public Information Act empowers residents to request records from government agencies and hold them accountable. Sincerely, Jennifer Luttrall. The sign must be the official PIA Poster created by the OAG Further, if a governmental body has previously released information voluntarily that is not confidential by law, the governmental body cannot claim a discretionary exception to withhold the previously released information. publicrecords@gov. • 34,327 Open Records Letter Rulings issued in fiscal year 2021 • 688 Open Records Decisions issued since 1973 • Chapters 63 and 70 of title 1 of the Texas Administrative Code have rules related to the administration of the Act. A public official may assign a public information coordinator to satisfy the training requirement for the public official if the coordinator is primarily responsible for administering the responsibilities of the public official or governmental body under the Public Information Act. All State Bar of Texas records are available to the public unless an exception to disclosure provided in the PIA or other law applies. State of Texas Public Information Act. 176 through 418. Promptly is defined to mean “as soon as possible, without delay. Mar 7, 2011 · ATTORNEY GENERAL OF TEXAS GREG ABBOTT . Such transparency Sec. All government information is presumed to be available to the public; however, certain exceptions may apply to the disclosure of the information. The request must ask for The Texas Public Information Act (Act) gives citizens complete access to all information about school districts and the official acts of employees. gov. ) Your name Return Address Telephone Number (business hours) Date Name of Federal Government Agency Address of Federal Government Agency Dear Freedom of Information Officers: This request is made under the federal Freedom of Information Act, 5 U. Are there certain entities that are excluded from the definition of “governmental %PDF-1. 478. Spelled out in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, the act states that "government is the servant and not Aug 15, 2023 · The State of Texas has many open government laws to help make the work of the state transparent to the public. The Texas Public Information Act seminar is designed to provide instruction to law enforcement and city/county administrative personnel on the operative provisions and requirements of TPIA, as well as practical guidance on how to prepare responses to frequently requested information, including the preparation of requests for open records TEXAS PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT (FORMERLY THE TEXAS OPEN RECORDS ACT) APRIL October 2-3, 2024 EMBASSY SUITES CONFERENCE CENTER, SAN MARCOS, TEXAS The Texas Public Information Act (“TPIA”) is the vehicle through which members of the public and media access information in the hands of governmental bodies in Texas. The Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), also known as the Open Records Act, allows the public access to government information. Learn about your rights and responsibilities as a requestor or a governmental body under the Texas Public Information Act. Below is a description of the basic procedures, rights and responsibilities under the Act. ” The PIA defines “public information” to mean information that is collected, assembled, or maintained in connection with the transaction of official business Public Information Request. The Texas Public Information Act sets requirements for the ability of citizens to access information on action taken by governmental bodies. Examples of exempt information include personal privacy information, confidential law enforcement records, and sensitive business or commercial information. Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives you the right to access government records; and an officer for public information and the officer’s agent may not ask why you want them. The Texas Department of Information Resources (the "department") received a request for all e-mails in a named individual's e-mail mailbox during a In May 2024, the Texas Attorney General’s Open Records Division hosted a free Microsoft Teams-based webinar to discuss recent legislative changes to the Public Information Act. Agencies are responsible for: One of the changes to the Public Information Act (the “PIA”) as a result of the 2019 Texas Legislative Session is the creation of section 552. Learn More 832-927-4955 • The charge for providing a copy of public information shall be an amount that reasonably includes all costs related to reproducing the public information, including costs of materials, labor, and overhead. Pursuant to section 552. 3031 of the Government Code must submit a request for an Open Records Letter Decision via the Jul 31, 2009 · Many of these requests are for information directly related to state employees. 6736. 673. Public Information Act (the "Act"), chapter 552 of the Government Code. For persons wishing to make a request for information under the TPIA, the request must be in writing. When confidential information is requested, or when a governmental body needs to protect its interests, a governmental body may need to seek to withhold certain information. OR2011-03177. 10-016: 12/28/2010 Mar 7, 2011 · Questions concerning the allowable charges for providing public information under the Act must be directed to the Cost Rules Administrator of the Office of the Attorney General, toll free, at (888) 672-6787. The law is similar to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) at the federal level, and aims to provide Texans with sweeping access to information in the interest of open government. To submit a request for a decision from the OAG under the Public Information Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 552 (the "Act") and submit new material for review; or To submit supplemental documents or comments related to an existing request for a decision. It is our policy to provide you with the fullest possible access to public information. Find out what types of records are covered, what information is not covered, and how to make a request. OR2012-00584. Public Information Act Please be advised that the information found on this website does not constitute legal advice, and is posted for informational purposes only. Similarly, the Public Information Act may be referred to by different names. An officer for public information and the officer’s agent may not ask why you want them. Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives you the right to access government records; and an officer for public information and the officer's agent may not ask why you want them. If the Governmental Body Failed to Properly Respond to Your Request for Public Information If a governmental body fails to provide you information — or fails to request an attorney general ruling within 10 business days — you may file a written complaint with the Open The 88th Legislature amended section 552. Public Information Act; Contact the City; Departments; Public Projects; Transparency constitute a waiver of its rights under the Public Information Act. Phone: 832-927-4600. Application of the Public Information Act . 5 %âãÏÓ 3544 0 obj > endobj 3553 0 obj >/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[2F0CB92098EE834798406BC85F759D30>]/Index[3544 22]/Info 3543 0 R/Length 60/Prev 360000/Root Public Information Defined (Slide 2 of 2) Gov’t Code § 552. Public Information Act Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives you the right to access government records. These The Public Information Act guarantees the public access to information maintained by a government agency. 2615 of the Public Information Act (the PIA), chapter 552 of the Government Code, if a request for information under the PIA will result in charges of more than $40, a governmental body must send a cost estimate to the requestor before doing any work on the request. Money. The handbook covers the history, policy, scope, procedures, exceptions, and enforcement of the act, as well as the role of the Attorney General. Requests for public . O. What is the UH System Policy on the Texas Public Information Act? SAM 03. What types of entities are subject to the Public Information Act?. (a)AAIn this chapter, "public information" means information that is written, produced, collected, assembled, or maintained under a law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business: (1)AAby a governmental body; I. It defines methods for adhering to Texas public records laws and expanding government transparency, including how social media communication should be recorded and archived. If a question arises about whether information should be released, the law should be If you have questions about open records, contact General Counsel or the attorney general at its toll free Open Government Hotline, 877. Using the online portal, you may now request public records of most City departments. 001 et. The City of Houston has rolled out a new open records portal! You can submit a public information request, manage existing requests, and view public information in the user-friendly system. The best way for a governmental body to respond to a request for information is to promptly release the requested information. The request should include your name, contact information, and as much description as you can provide regarding the records you are requesting. Your request was assigned ID# 461308. (a) In this chapter, "public information" means information that is written, produced, collected, assembled, or maintained under a law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business: (1) by a governmental body; Learn how the OAG interprets and enforces the PIA, which protects the public's right to access information from governmental bodies in Texas. 5 %âãÏÓ 32 0 obj > endobj 45 0 obj >/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[7555F459547C2D4391E5C2BDF7D1BF17>]/Index[32 27]/Info 31 0 R/Length 73/Prev 17452/Root 33 0 R The Public Information Act of Texas (TPIA) is a series of laws designed to guarantee that the public has access to public records of government bodies at all levels in Texas. What is the information? What is it about? Who has it? “Public information” can be found in any recorded medium, in forms such as The Texas Public Information act requires the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to release public information in response to requests. 1 1. Every city official should consult with local legal counsel to ensure that any information complies with current law and the particular facts of each situation. 552, Government Code) • The Texas Public Information Act (PIA) guarantees the public copies of or access to “public information. A. See Attorney General Opinion JM-590 (1986); Open Records Decision Nos. Exceptions to the Public Information Act. City of Houston. However, not every case is so straightforward. [1] [2] Sep 1, 2019 · Requesting public information is simple. Since the 1995 session of the Legislature, the official name of the Act has been the "Public Information Act. seq. Tip: If you are researching the law rather than looking for public information, see I need to do legal research. 234 of the Texas Public Information Act provides that a person may make a written request for information by delivering the request by U. To submit a Jul 21, 2023 · Amended Texas Government Code Section 552. Dec 27, 2022 · Start by reading Tips For a Successful Public Information Request by the Office of the Attorney General, along with The Texas Public Information Act. 321 . 6839 (ask for Open Government Hotline), or directly at 512. Texas Public Information Act (the “Act”) The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Open Records Act), Chapter 552, Texas Government Code, establishes requirements for governmental bodies to respond to written requests for access and/or reproductions of public information. Certain employee information is confidential under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552). , I am requesting access to, and inspection of, the preceding records maintained under a law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by the District Clerk's Office. Public Funds Investment Act Online Training Virtual Learning Concepts offers Public Funds Investment Act training online for Texas Municipal League members. v. Certain exceptions may apply to the disclosure of the information. The Texas Public Information Act assures that government entities give citizens access to information about The Public Information Act is a critical protection Jul 25, 2019 · On [Date], the [Governmental Body (the “GB”)] received a public information request under the Texas Public Information Act (the “PIA”) from [Requestor]. Recognizing legitimate restrictions on personal information, the Act denies the public access to employee information made confidential by law. Read the law: Texas Government Code Chapter 552. By Mail. Texas Senate Bill 944 is an amendment to the Texas Public Information Act (PIA). 022(a) Without limiting the amount or kind of information that is public information under this chapter, the following categories of information are public information and not excepted from required disclosure unless made confidential under this chapter or other law: The governmental body must also copy you on its written comments to the OAG, including its reasons any exceptions apply to the requested information. Refreshed: 2023-08-19 Public Information Act Civil Remedies(Slide 1 of 4) Gov’t Code § 552. The Office of the Attorney General provides resources to help the public understand the Public Information Act. To request public records under the Texas Public Information Act: Submit your PIR in writing by email. •If information is located on Web site, can refer to Internet address of the requested information, but the governmental body must provide either copies or access in accordance with the PIA unless the requestor agrees to utilize the information on the Web Should provide public information in medium requested, if possible TDHCA is committed to providing full access to public information. The Texas Public Information Act is a series of laws designed to guarantee that the public has access to public records of government bodies. Thus, they are case records, not judicial records, and therefore are not subject to Rule 12. ) Your Name Return Address Telephone Number (business hours) Date Name of Government Agency Address of Government Agency Dear Officer for Public Records: This request is made under the Texas Public Information Act, Chapter 552, Texas %PDF-1. Public Information Requests. However, your written request needs to be for information already in existence. § 202), and the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), as well as industry best practices that include the following organizations: The Information Technology Rule 12 does not apply to the State Bar of Texas, a judicial agency whose records are expressly made subject to the Public Information Act. Nov 10, 2011 · This office has concluded that information subject to the Act may be transferred between governmental bodies without waiving exceptions to the public disclosure of that information or affecting its confidentiality. Governmental bodies can find training information and helpful resources below. GB refuses to provide copies or access to information that is clearly garding any information the governmental body wishes to with - hold, and send a copy of the request for ruling, or a redacted copy, to the requestor; • Segregate public information from information that may be withheld and provide that public information promptly; • Make a good faith attempt to inform third parties when their pro- This Freeman Law Insights blog provides a high-level overview of the public’s wide-reaching right to information under the Texas Public Information Act (formerly the Texas Open Records Act) as well as various statutory exceptions that protect professional services firms from otherwise mandatory disclosure of certain records in the possession of a governmental body. You claim the submitted information is excepted from disclosure under section 552. H. What types of information are subject to the Public Information Act? . Exception: • Less than 50 pages of paper records Then only the cost of the copies No labor or overhead What is the Texas Public Information Act? Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, also known as the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), gives the public the right to access the files or records of a Texas governmental entity such as The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). DFPS cannot ask you why you want the information, but may ask questions to clarify the information you are requesting. Staff can answer questions about charges relating to the Public Information Act. City of Fort Worth. Any person can request public records and an officer or agency may not ask why it’s requested. Find out how to access, copy, or challenge the disclosure of public records, and contact the Office of the Attorney General for assistance. W021709). The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552), gives you the right to access government records; the officer for public information may not ask you why you want them. 221 - Public information must be produced PROMPTLY. c The Texas Public Information Act allows individuals to request access to government records and information, but there are certain types of information that may be exempt from disclosure. The Public Information Act (PIA) requires governmental bodies to prominently display a public information sign. Suit for Writ of Mandamus. 24, 2025 in Austin. The Texas Public Information Act (the “Public Information Act” or the “Act”) gives the public the right to request access to government information. 235 requires the Office of the Attorney General (the “OAG”) to create a public information request form for use by Texas governmental bodies. (512) 475-2497 or (888) OR-COSTS (672-6787) For questions, complaints and enforcement of the Public Information Act, contact the Attorney General Open Records Division. Learn how to request and access public information from governmental bodies in Texas under the PIA. Open government laws like the Public Information Act and the Open Basic information is the information held to be public in Houston Chronicle Publishing Co. Cherl K. The Office of The Vice President for Business Affairs (VPBA) is responsible for responding to requests for information that fall under the Texas Public Information Act. How Do I Find Additional Information About the Texas Public Information Act? For more information about the Act, you may wish to refer to the 2020 Public Information Act Handbook published by the Office of the Attorney General of Aug 15, 2023 · The State of Texas has many open government laws to help make the work of the state transparent to the public. Jan 21, 2011 · You ask whether certain information is subject to required public disclosure under the Public Information Act (the "Act"), chapter 552 of the Government Code. Find out your rights, the process, the exceptions, and how to report violations or complaints. Apr 4, 2025 · All agency staff are obligated to abide by the TCEQ's Operating Policy and Procedure (Requests for Public Information ) regarding requests for information under the Texas Public Information Act. In order to view or obtain copies of agency records, you may hand-deliver a written request or send a written request using one of the following designated methods: By E-mail. Assistant City Attorney. Public INFORMATION ACT (PIA) What is the Public Information Act? Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives you the right to access government records; and an officer for public information and the officer’s agent may not ask why you want them. gov’s current security standards comply with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS), the Texas Administrative Code (1 T. Filed by requestor or Attorney General. " However, the Act is often referred to as the Open Records Act, its former name. The State Bar of Texas is committed to upholding the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552) (“the PIA”) and ensuring public access to its records. Review our Public Information Act Handbook (PDF) for more information on exceptions to disclosure. Burleson County Texas Public Information Act Request The Public Information Act Procedures to Obtain Information. 205). Everyone has the fundamental right to know what his or her elected representatives and governmental bodies are doing. AADEFINITION OF PUBLIC INFORMATION; MEDIA CONTAINING PUBLIC INFORMATION. The Act is intended to guarantee public access to governmental information in the interest of providing transparency in government. Note, hand-delivery and in-person requests are permitted under the Act. Open Records Policy. The Definition of “Public Information” in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, also known as the Texas Public Information Act (PIA), has 3 parts. A guide to help public officials and citizens understand and comply with the Texas Public Information Act, which gives citizens access to information about the business of government. The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552) gives the public the right to request access to government information. 10-017: 02/03/2011: The requested records relate to a case filed in Respondent's court. Section 552. Effective September 1, 1993, Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives you the right to access government records; and an officer for public information and the officer's agent may not ask why you want them. 001: (a) Under the fundamental philosophy of the American constitutional form of representative government that adheres to the principle that government is the servant and not the master of the people, it is the policy of this state that each Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives you the right to access government records; and an officer for public information and the officer’s agent may not ask why you want them. The Texas Public Information Act: An Overview Zindia Thomas Assistant General Counsel Texas Municipal League This presentation satisfies the training requirement of Texas Government Code Section 552. 655 (1997), 567 (1990), 561 (1990), 516 (1989). Payroll ID: 548641 Date of Employment: May 15, 2018 Rank: Corporal Employee Name: Thomas Jones SSN: 123-45-6789 DL # TX 56421789 The Texas Public Information Act Made Easy publication provides answers in easy-to-understand language to the most frequently asked questions regarding the Public Information Act. 1 2. In accordance with the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code Annotated Section 552. Requests for information may be mailed or dropped Here, governmental bodies can find all resources related to the Public Information Act (PIA) and Open Meetings Act (OMA) — including prior rulings, training, guidelines, and requests. “Core” Public Information Gov’t Code § 552. Public Information Act 3/19/2020 May a city temporarily suspend the requirements of the Texas Public Information Act during a disaster? A governmental body that is currently impacted by a catastrophe that interferes with the ability The Texas Public Information Act, or PIA, guarantees access to Texas records. Find out your rights, responsibilities, procedures, and exceptions under the Public Information Act. Official PIA Poster. Mr. Examples of basic information from Open Records Decision No. Email We are here to ensure your public information request is handled properly. The Public Information Act (hereinafter t he A ct) applies to records regardless of their format. The applicant’s residence address, social security number, and Texas driver’s license number or personal identification card issued by the Department of Public Safety will be confidential as a matter of law, not visible to poll workers on election day, and not releasable in response to a Public Information Act request. 002(a- 1), (a- 2) Information is in connection with the transaction of official business if the information is created by, transmitted to, What types of information are subject to the Public Information Act? Public information includes any information that is collected, assembled, or maintained by or for a governmental entity in connection with the transaction of official business . Texas Public Information Act ! The Texas Public Information Act, originally known as the Texas Open Records Act, is addressed in Chapter 552 of the Texas Govern-ment Code. Requests to Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Texas A&M University Pursuant to section 552. 3. 127 (1976): • Detailed description of the offense • Arrestee’s name • Identification and description of the complainant What is Basic Information? Texas Homeland Security Act Various governmental records related to emergency response and preventing, detecting or investigating an act of terrorism or related criminal activity are made confidential by law. Examples of potential mandamus situations. These acts are among the strongest in the nation. As part of the Texas Homeland Security Act, [HSA] sections 418. Ref: ID# 410708. Frequently asked questions and Statutes for Public Information Act Requests can be viewed on the Attorney General’s website under the Open Government tab. 306 requires that within 30 days of receiving an attorney general opinion concerning information requested under the act, governmental entities must either release the public information or inform the requestor of the body’s required next steps as provided in the statute. I placed this correspondence in the mail on [Date]. Public Information Act. Sec. 2 3. 1000 Throckmorton Street, 3 rd Floor. The letter can be mailed, emailed or faxed. Texas Public Information Act (Ch. The City is not required to respond to a written request for public information unless the request is received by one of the methods listed above (Texas Government Code Section 552. Governmental bodies subject to section 552. When in doubt, a governmental body should timely request a ruling from the ORD to determine whether the requested information is subject to a previous determination. Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives citizens the right to access records at various levels of Texas government, without having to declare a purpose in doing so. Here's what you need to know to make a successful Public Information Act (PIA) request. Include your full first and last names, email address, daytime telephone number or other contact information and a clear description of the records you want. 103(a) of the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), commonly known as the “litigation exception,” aims to prevent the use of public information requests as a method to avoid discovery rules. Box 1353. Brent A. Information held by state and local governmental bodies in Texas is deemed to be open to the public, Oct 3, 2024 · Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives you the right to access government records; and an officer for public information and the officer's agent may not ask why you want them. Fort Worth, Texas 76102. Learn how to report alleged violations here. 552. The Texas Public Information Act provides that information in the possession of a governmental body is generally available to the public. 27 54. Certain exceptions may apply Purpose of Texas Public Information Act Texas Government Code Section 552. Dec 27, 2022 · Learn about your right to access certain state government records that are public information under the Texas Public Information Act. A copy of the request is attached as Exhibit A. Denton County (the "county") received a request for twelve categories of information pertaining to all county employees and elected or appointed Pursuant to section 552. , I am requesting access to, and inspection of, the preceding records maintained under a law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by the Harris County Clerk's Office. Submit a written request (mail, fax, email or in person) according to a governmental body’s reasonable procedures. Office of the Governor Aug 31, 2010 · It is the policy of the state of Texas that each person is entitled, unless otherwise expressly provided by law, at all times to complete information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act ("TPIA"), Government Code, Chapter 552. 0031 of the Government Code, the definition of business days under the Public Information Act. snadgx peqpfl sdenwem jakp nztjez hyrohw ncbs oauul mcapv qqi jzrja kngqvgg vlpr slca wenrlm