Texas public information act exceptions The 1973 Texas Legislature adopted the Open Records Act, now known as the Public Information Act (Act). The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to implement this policy. 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. Box 1353. 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 Under the Public Information Act, some categories of information do not have to be released. A requestor must show that the governmental body is ‘unwilling’ to supply public information. the requested information is not subject to one of the Act’s exceptions? . All government information is presumed to be available to the public; however, certain exceptions may apply to the disclosure of the information. 27 54. 6. Attorney General's Charges for Public Information Presentation (545KB) Public Information Act Cost Rules 101 (819KB) Copy rates 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. If an exception might apply and the governmental body wishes to withhold the information, the governmental body generally must, within ten business days of receiving the open records request, refer the matter to the OAG for a ruling on whether an exception applies. 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. Most of these exemptions have specific application forms that can be found through the exemption forms link in the resource list • 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. Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, 2010 WL 4910163, at *5 (“[b]ecause the PIA is modeled on the FOIA, federal precedent is persuasive, particularly where the statutory provisions mirror one (a) Information is excepted from the requirements of Section 552. The sign must be the official PIA Poster created by the OAG REQUEST FOR INFORMATION The public can: Request copies of information Request to inspect information on-site The public can’t: Request the governmental body to create new documents, answer questions, or to perform legal research Governmental bodies must: Display a sign (https://www. TEX. March 7, 2011. Dear Mr. Can a city withhold information that is the subject of a previous The Texas Public Information Act is a series of laws designed to guarantee that the public has access to public records of government bodies. Let the OAG know if some information is being released. These Public Information Defined (Slide 2 of 2) Gov’t Code § 552. The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas provides a helpful sample request letter. The Administrative Procedure Act, the Texas Public Information Act, and the Texas Open Meetings Act govern operations across state government. 1 Texas Homeland Security Act Various governmental records related to emergency response and preventing, detecting or The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552) gives the public the right to request access to government information. Outside of limited exceptions for confidentiality, this includes the public availability of both criminal Two of the hearsay exceptions that occur most regularly in the administrative proceeding context are the public records exception and the business records exception. 111 (exception for agency memoranda). Review our Public Information Act Handbook (PDF) for more information on exceptions to disclosure. General Counsel. is pleased to announce their seminar on the: texas public information act (formerly the texas open records act) november 9-10, 2022. Box 13326 . Public Information Act. Yes, there are specific exemptions for certain types of public records in Texas. Sep 28, 2023 · In 2019, longtime El Paso journalist Bob Moore used the Texas Public Information Act to obtain records from the Weslaco Police Department concerning the death of a 16-year-old Guatemalan boy while Texas Public Information Act assures that government entities give citizens access to information about what public servants are doing on their behalf—information they need to gain a more complete understanding of how their government works and hold their public officials accountable. The Public Information Act (PIA) requires governmental bodies to prominently display a public information sign. . During each legislative session, changes are made to these acts to improve efficiency, address changes in technology, provide greater transparency, and encourage public trust by improving accountability. 101 of the Government Code provides that information is excepted from required disclosure under Section 552. These exemptions are outlined in the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) and include records related to ongoing criminal investigations, attorney-client communications, and personal information such as social security The Texas freedom of information act, foia is a law that allows citizens partial or full access to government public records. 221(a). 2d 546, 550 (Tex. at § 552. There are about 50 different exceptions to the law, many of which are designed to protect privacy, public safety, and the integrity of governmental operations. If you have questions about this notice or release of information under the Act, please refer to the Public Information Handbook published by the Office of the Attorney General, or contact the attorney general’s Open Government Hotline at (512) 478-OPEN (6736) or toll-free at (877) 673-6839 (877-OPEN TEX). agent may not ask why you want them. seminar announcement . gov/opengover nment/governmental-bodies 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. Exceptions to the Public Information Act. 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]. The Public Information Act. all information contained in this flyer is the sole property of bannon & associates . 002(a- 1), (a- 2) Information is in connection with the transaction of official business if the information is created by, transmitted to, Nov 8, 2021 · Prior to 2020, the easiest way for companies to prevent the disclosure of company information held by a governmental body was to claim the “competition or bidding exception” found in Section 552. Administrative Code, Title 1, Chapter 63, Public Information Subchapter B, Review of Public Information Redactions. gov Section 552. . So what does this mean? The Texas Public Information Act assures that government entities give citizens access to information about the business government officials are conducting on their behalf—information that enables (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: See full list on comptroller. O. The information is subject to: 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 Public Information Act. OR2006-12565. Definition of Public Information . 101 – Information confidential by law • 552. (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; ATTORNEY GENERAL OF TEXAS GREG ABBOTT October 24, 2006. Indeed many recent requests for attorney general review take no position or assert no exception. See Attorney General Opinion JM-590 (1986); Open Records Decision Nos. (9) Public Records of Vital Statistics. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it does cover the confidential items found in the documents most commonly requested from the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. 301(e), a governmental body must submit to this office within fifteen business days of receiving the request (1) general written comments stating the reasons why the stated exceptions apply that would allow the information to be withheld, (2) a copy of the written request for information, (3) a signed statement or sufficient Here is a brief listing of the types of information protected from disclosure by the Texas Public Information Act or other laws and statutes. Other exemptions may also apply depending on the type of record and the circumstances surrounding its release. 655 (1997), 567 (1990), 561 (1990), 516 (1989). Box 13564, Austin, TX 78711. This Jul 31, 2009 · Certain employee information is confidential under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552). AADEFINITION OF PUBLIC INFORMATION; MEDIA CONTAINING PUBLIC INFORMATION. Stephanie Berry. Exceptions may apply to the disclosure of certain information. Requests for information may be mailed or dropped Ownership of Public Information 552. 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. In most cases, the City is obligated by law to request a determination from the Office of the Attorney General of Texas whether information is subject to an applicable exception to the Act before withholding the requested information. 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. Public Information Act Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives you the right to access government records. I placed this correspondence in the mail on [Date]. By mail to: P. Exceptions to disclosure fall into two general categories: 1) mandatory exceptions that make information confidential and require a governmental body to withhold information, and 2) Public Information Request. The Texas Public Information Act protects certain information from public release. Exceptions to your request If information you have requested may be confidential pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, Eanes ISD’s Open Records department must take one or more of the following actions: Under the Public Information Act, some categories of information do not have to be released. go v %PDF-1. Certain exceptions may apply to the disclosure of the information. It is mandatory for a governmental body to withhold confidential information from public disclosure. The request should include your name, contact information, and as much description as you can provide regarding the records you are requesting. Public Utility Commission of Texas . Byles: You ask whether certain information is subject to required public disclosure under the Public Information Act (the "Act"), chapter Open Records Policy. 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. Read more about the Public Information Act. 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. Proper Request (Example 1 of 4) This is not a proper body camera request – missing . See id. Sec. OR2021-16568A . Spelled out in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, the act states that "government is the servant and not Hanks Texas Newspaper, Inc. Although most governmental information is public, certain information is made confidential Sec. 264 PK !·xmIe = [Content_Types]. Your request must be in writing. Section 552. In this context, ‘refuse’ means ‘show or express a positive unwillingness to do or comply with. A copy of the request is attached as Exhibit A. date, time, location, and subject name. OR2011-03177. TMB receives a large number of public information requests for: complaint information and investigative files, disciplinary hearing materials, and; licensure application files. 264 Copy of Public Information Requested by Member of Legislature 552. Exemption 4: Trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is confidential or privileged. 022(a)(2) through 552. 15th Street, Suite 1300, Austin, Texas Jan 11, 2012 · ATTORNEY GENERAL OF TEXAS GREG ABBOTT . W. Denton, Texas 76201. 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. Agencies are responsible for: Agencies are responsible for: Notifying the Comptroller’s office if agency employees qualify for the personal safety exception . Ms. 2. 14 22. 1000 Throckmorton Street, 3 rd Floor. Most city attorneys will assume these are public records. Key Exceptions to Disclosure • 552. Scott, Money, Ray & Thomas PLLC. 022(a) relating to the receipt or expenditure of public or other funds for a parade, concert, or other entertainment event paid for in whole or part with public funds • Note: other information subject to section 552. 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 • Information subject to section 552. All State Bar of Texas records are available to the public unless an exception to disclosure provided in the PIA or other law applies. embassy suites conference center, san marcos, texas The Texas Public Information Act gives you the right to access government records and government officials may not ask why you want them. 525 (1989) (stating that Public Information Act's exceptions do not, as a general rule, apply to information made public by other statutes). 104 – Information related to bidding Public Information Request Form 552. To request public records under the Texas Public Information Act: Submit your PIR in writing by email. Since that date, we have received new information that affects the facts on which this ruling was based. " However, the Act is often referred to as the Open Records Act, its former name. You may read the Texas Public Information Act online. OR2011-01080. Texas Public Information Act. GOV’T CODE § 552. 101. Purpose of Texas Public Information Act Texas Government Code Section 552. For more information regarding these exceptions, please refer to Texas Government Code Section 552, Subchapter C. Fourt: You ask whether certain information is subject to required public disclosure under the Public Information Act (the "Act"), chapter 552 of the The Public Information Act. What is public information? Gov’t Code § 552. Rights and Responsibilities of the Public . Fourt Assistant District Attorney Tarrant County 401 West Belknap Fort Worth, Texas 76196-0201. However, a governmental body can redact without requesting a ruling if: The governmental body has a previous determination for that information. ’ Thus . January 11, 2012. texasattorn eygeneral. The exceptions, many of which have been added by legislators since the 1973 enactment of the law, include competitive bid information, trade secrets, birth Mar 7, 2011 · ATTORNEY GENERAL OF TEXAS GREG ABBOTT . September 25, 2009. bannon & associates. City of Fort Worth. Box 13564. , 652 S. 9. Submit a request You can submit an open records request by mail, fax, in person or using our FYI Open Records Tool. All information pertaining to case number 2024-1458, including any 911 audio or body camera videos. With this tool you can make requests and track Nov 21, 2024 · Over the years, the Texas Public Information Act has been eroded through a suite of statutory changes and controversial court decisions. Although the Act makes most government information available to the public, some exceptions exist. Under the Public Information Act, some categories of information do not have to be released. 002(a) “Public Information” means information that is All government information is presumed to be available to the public, although exceptions may apply to the disclosure of some information. Texas Government Code, Chapter 522, gives you the right to access government records; an officer for public information and the officer’s agent may not ask why you want them. Fort Worth, Texas 76102. 264 Under the Public Information Act, some categories of information do not have to be released. Brent A. The governmental body must also copy you on its written comments to the OAG, including its reasons any exceptions apply to the requested information. Adopted by the 63rd Texas Legislature and signed by governor in mid-1973, TORA established a policy framework anchored in the idea that “all informa-tion held by governmental bodies is open unless the information falls within one of the act’s Explain how information is related to a pending criminal investigation or prosecution. P. 265 building. xml ¢ ( Ì›Ër›0 †÷ é;0l;6ææ¤ 8Yô²ê%3I @ ÙЂР%±ß¾ ì„dì`Gb~mâ 8G `} |¸¸Z—…sOk‘WláúÓ™ëP–TiÎV 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]. Certain exceptions may apply to the public information that includes public information in the custodian’s possession, custody, or control?. The Act gives the public the right to request access to information held by governmental bodies and also sets out procedures for responding to these requests. 022 may be withheld under section 552. It may be on paper or film or in electronic communications. Mauzy: You ask whether certain information is subject to required public disclosure under the Public Information Act (the "Act"), chapter 552 of Texas Public Information Act assures that government entities give citizens access to information about what public servants are doing on their behalf—information they need to gain a more complete understanding of how their government works and hold their public The Texas Public Information Act protects certain information from public release. OR2009-13559. It is a discretionary exception. 101 Information Confidential by Law 552. Mr. You have the right to: Prompt access to information that is not confidential or otherwise protected. Texas Open Records Act (TORA), later reworked to be the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA). DEFINITION OF PUBLIC INFORMATION; MEDIA CONTAINING PUBLIC INFORMATION. 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. Austin, Texas 78711 . 104 of the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA). The law also details the specific instances when a governmental body can withhold government records from the public. Public Records Exception The public records exception to the hearsay rule is vital because state agency records are almost always implicated in case hearings before SOAH. All government information is presumed to be available to the exas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives you the right to access government records; and an officer for public information and the officer’s . Most information generated or retained by a governmental entity is public information under the Public Information Act (PIA). The TPIA fails to meet expectations, in large part, because of If a fee is not prescribed by law or regulation, the fee will be the actual cost of preparing the records. 3. Cherl K. 002. City of Denton. 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. Exemption 3: Information that is prohibited from disclosure by another federal law. However, in 1999, the Seventy-sixth Legislature enacted Senate Bill 785, which among other things, amended section 11 to read as follows: The following information lists the laws most often referenced in Memorandum Rulings and provides an explanation and background on these PIA exceptions. 104 if a governmental body meets its burden of proof Post Of fice Bo x 12548 Austin, , T exas 7 2 8 5 7 4 1 8- 1 5 2 43 6 1 - 1( ) 2 0• 0 www • exast . 102 Confidentiality of Certain Personnel Information exas 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. Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives you the right to access government records. Sep 25, 2009 · ATTORNEY GENERAL OF TEXAS GREG ABBOTT . Learn what is covered under the Texas freedom of information act, the records exempt from foia in Texas, how to file an Texas foia request and the cost and lenght of time it takes to process a foia request in Texas. Additional information is also available in the Public Information Handbook (PDF). texas. 262 Rules of the Attorney General 552. Jan 21, 2011 · ATTORNEY GENERAL OF TEXAS GREG ABBOTT . PIRs will be A. 263 Bond for Payment of Costs or Cash Prepayment for Preparation of Copy of Public Information 552. 2021-16568 (2021) on June 22, 2021. “Public information” means information “that is written, produced, collected, Apr 14, 2025 · Some information is deemed confidential under the Texas Public Information Act. 012 Presentation Outline • Background of the legal requirements for open records and public information • Applicability of the Public See Open Records Decision No. January 21, 2011. Austin, Texas 78711-3564. Greenville, Texas 75403-1353. If you would like to view or obtain copies of records under the Texas Public Information Act, please send a written request. • The PIA provides that certain categories of information are subject to exception from public disclosure. Public Information Office; Texas Department of Information Resources; Please submit your request: Via DIR's Public Information Management and Tracking System. All government information is presumed to be available to the public. Note: This is still a proper request for public information for the non-body camera information that is responsive. 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 Right to Access Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives citizens the right to access governmental records. Exemption 2: Information related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency. Public Information refers to information collected, assembled, produced or maintained in the course of transacting public business. Exceptions to disclosure fall into two general categories: 1) mandatory exceptions that make information confidential and require a governmental body to withhold information, and 2) 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 for materials, labor, and overhead. Information covered by this exception does not necessarily need to be in the the institution’s designated Public Information Act officer/coordinator, because fax and email requests are not officially considered requests under the PIA unless they are received by the designated public information officer. Official PIA Poster. Texas Department of Information Resources. Subchapter C of the Texas Government Code, Chapter 552 - Public Information, lists the exceptions. exas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives you the right to access government records; and an officer for public information and the . 021, where the information is made confidential by law, either constitutional, statutory, or by judicial decision. For example, law enforcement and healthcare records may be exempt from disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act. attorn eygeneral. Mar 8, 2023 · Texas Government Code Chapter 552, known as the Texas Public Information Act, requires that the public have access to all information that is written, produced, assembled, or maintained in connection with the works of government agencies. 114 – student records Public Information Act The Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives everyone the right to access government records without needing to provide a reason. Exceptions to disclosure fall into two general categories: 1) mandatory exceptions that make information confidential and require a governmental body to withhold information, and 2) discretionary exceptions • Originally Adopted as the Open Records Act in 1973 • Found in Chapter 552 of the Government Code • 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 2 Texas Public Information Act foift. However, a governmental body has discretion to withhold other requested information. 106 (exception for certain legislative documents) and section 552. Assistant City Attorney. Money. Governmental bodies shall Jan 18, 2022 · Public Information Coordinator . 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. While the Texas Public Information Act generally promotes transparency, it includes several exceptions that allow governmental bodies to withhold certain information from the public. 234 Method of Making Written Request for Public Information 552. -Austin 1983, writ ref’d). Open Records Texas A&M University-Central Texas is dedicated to the principles of open government and strives to ensure compliance as set forth by the Texas Public Information Act. In person at: 300 W. How to Request Records in Texas. About open records Office of the General Counsel: Open Records. Renee Mauzy. org GUIDE TO TEXAS OPEN RECORDS AND OPEN MEETINGS LAWS 3 Exceptions to the Public Information Act. Ashley D. Some information is not open to the public. 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. Please click on the tabs below for additional information about requesting open records from TMB. Sep 9, 2019 · Courts may look to the federal courts' construction of the Freedom of Information Act for guidance in interpreting the Texas Public Information Act. T. Requirements of the Act The Public Information Act requires the “officer for public information of a governmental body”3 to “promptly produce public information” upon request. Open government laws like the Public Information Act and the Open 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. %PDF-1. What is the information? What is it about? Who has it? “Public information” can be found in any recorded medium, in forms such as Jul 29, 2020 · Section 552. 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 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 . To obtain documents, you must submit a written request (by email, public information portal, fax, mail, or in person) that includes enough information and detail about the information requested to enable the City to accurately identify and locate the items requested. 101 of the Government Code Texas law allows for a number of exemptions for charitable organizations and businesses. Please refer to the Comptroller's publication Texas Property Tax Exemptions (PDF) for more information about these exemptions. The TPIA fails to meet expectations, in large part, because of Jul 31, 2009 · Certain employee information is confidential under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552). Berry: You ask whether certain information is subject to required public disclosure under the Public Information Act (the "Act"), chapter 552 of the Government Code. Post Of fice Bo x 12548 Austin, , T exas 7 2 8 5 7 4 1 8- 1 5 2 43 6 1 - 1( ) 2 0• 0 www • exast . Augustus: This office issued Open Records Letter No. To help familiarize governmental bodies and members of the public with these changes, the Office of the Attorney General (the “OAG”) is providing the following list of significant or broadly applicable amendments to Texas public information law. Since the 1995 session of the Legislature, the official name of the Act has been the "Public Information Act. 108(a)(1) is not applicable to information subject to sections 552. The Public Information Act (hereinafter t he A ct) applies to records regardless of their format. More information about charges for public information can be found in the Texas Attorney General’s Public Information Act Handbook. RRC The Public Information Act. Aug 9, 2022 · When a public information request implicates drafts of a government document, governmental bodies generally rely on two exceptions in the Texas Public Information Act as a basis for withholding the information—section 552. Exceptions to disclosure into fall two general categories: 1) mandatory exceptions that make information confidential and require a governmental body to withhold information, and 2) discretionary exceptions that allow but do not 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. ORD-288 (1981). official acts of public officials and employees . The Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) 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. A record of a birth, death, or marriage, if reported to a public office in accordance with a legal duty. The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552) gives you the right to access government records; and you may not be asked why you want them Texas Government Code, Chapter 552 (the Texas Public Information Act), gives you the right to access government records and government officials may not ask why you want them. Texas Government Code Chapter 552. 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. Sep 1, 2023 · The Texas Legislative Session resulted in several amendments to the Public Information Act (the “Act”), chapter 552 of the Government Code. These types of information are listed as exceptions in the Texas Public Information Act. (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; Feb 12, 2025 · 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 Similarly, the Public Information Act may be referred to by different names. If a requestor files a request for review, the OAG will notify you and require you to respond. That information will be withheld from any Public Information Act Response. 552. Mar 24, 2011 · Under section 552. The City Secretary is the designated officer to handle open records requests. Employees are not granted a special right of access to their personnel file if the information is covered by other exceptions. (b) This chapter shall be liberally construed in favor of granting a request for information. 021 (Availability of Public Information) 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 a Yes, there are some exemptions to the redaction and confidentiality procedures for certain types of public records in Texas. Usually, a governmental body must seek a ruling from the Open Records Division before it can redact information from requested documents. All TCEQ records are available for public view unless one of the exceptions to disclosure listed in the Public Information Act applies. ” Key points: The Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) sets out an aspirational framework, but the law falls short of its ideal in practice. 103 –Information related to litigation • 552. 261 Charge for Providing Copies of Public Information 552. Some types of information that may be kept confidential include: Dec 27, 2022 · The Public Information Act is a law that gives individuals access to inspect or copy government records. (10) Absence of a Public Record. 022(a)(18), including court -filed documents subject to section • “[T]he Act’s waiver of immunity for mandamus relief requires the City to have ‘refuse[d] to supply public information. 235 Public Information Request Form 552. ” TDHCA is committed to providing full access to public information. Dear Ms. 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. App. Jan 20, 2025 · Refer to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press’ Open Government Guide: Texas for more information about the exemptions under the Texas Public Information Act. Apr 4, 2025 · Exceptions to the Public Information Act. 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. This includes information in any form – including paper, electronic or video. 215 East McKinney. An officer for public information and the officer’s agent may not ask why you want them. go v The Texas Public Information Act – Common Exceptions 552. But today, only governmental bodies are permitted to Also call dlled discretionary exceptions Exceptions to disclosure that protect the governmental body’s interests. Byles. officer’s agent may not ask why you want them. (B) the opponent fails to demonstrate that the source of information or other circumstances indicate a lack of trustworthiness. By fax to: (512) 475-4759. OR2012-00584. dtvwv izhtc fmmnga owyx jthc leekzq rawrqxee vynmgs kzme xnea fcekp jyyvo mrjlrn rqvus ljnvb