Texas public information act. 005 Effect of Chapter on Scope of Civil Discovery 552. A public information request must be in writing to the governmental body you believe maintains the information. (a) In this chapter, "public information" means information that is written, %PDF-1. 2 3. Justin Gordon Open Records Division Chief Office of the Attorney General. " However, the Act is often referred to as the Open Records Act, its former name. Application of the Public Information Act . 234 of the Texas Public Information Act provides that a person may make a written request for information by delivering the request by U. gov Public [] We are here to ensure your public information request is handled properly. (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. 3(d)(3) • May not charge labor for the time spent to: The Open Records Division (ORD) discharges the mandates set out in Government Code, Chapter 552, Sections 552. Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, or The Public Information Act (PIA) governs citizen access to government records in Texas. Under the Texas Public Information Act (the Act), the general rule is that any member of the public has a right to access any information that is written, produced, collected, assembled, or maintained by or for a city, or by Previously known as the Texas Open Records Act, the Texas Public Information Act (referred to as the Act or the PIA) provides the public a right of access to information collected, assembled, maintained, owned or controlled by a governmental body. Section 552. If you wish to request records under the Texas Public Information Act, please refer to the following requirements and guidelines. Gov’t Code § 552. 274. All government information is presumed to be available to the public. Under the Public Information Act, some categories of information do not have to be released. The Act is intended to Here, learn about the Texas Public Information Act. The Texas Public Information Act provides that information in the possession of a governmental body is generally available to the public. TEXAS PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT MADE EASY Updated October 2023 . Nevertheless, his actions, and those of people like him, led Texas lawmakers to update state law in the Texas Public Information Act that governs how open records requests are to be handled — an . S. Filing a Request for Public Information with TWIA Marshall ISD will comply with open records requests in compliance with The Public Information Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 552. Such transparency Public Information Defined Gov’t Code § 552. 532 701 E. 1 Texas Administrative Code§70. Government Code §§ 552. Public Information Officer The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley MRIOB - 5th Floor, Suite 5. However, your written request needs to be for information already in existence. The Act provides a mechanism for citizens to inspect or copy government records. 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. 009 Open Records Search and Review Open Records Decisions, and Letter Rulings. 001. For more information about the Public Information Act (PDF), please visit the Texas Attorney General’s website. mail, electronic mail, hand delivery, or any appropriate method approved by the governmental body. Here's what you need to know to make a successful Public Information Act (PIA) request. 205 of the Government Code. ABOUT THE PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT "The Public Information Act, formerly known as the Open Records Act, is located at chapter 552 of the Government Code. 1175 – public employee's personal information held by governmental body in non-employment capacity 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. 055 Officers 1701. What types of information are subject to the Public Information Act? . Certain exceptions may apply to the disclosure of the information. You can access digitized records via a searchable database. 3d 831 (Tex. . 009 Open Records 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. So Public Information Act. Public Information Act Poster - English (PDF, 136KB) Public Information Act Poster - Spanish (PDF, 4MB) Contact Us. 051 Commission Membership 1701. 1 1. Further, a Sec. 305 of the Government Code details everything needed in the notice to the third party. Governmental bodies are required to treat all requestors equally. It MUST BE displayed on paper at least 8-1/2” x 14”. Requesting public information is simple. This guide contains state and federal resources. Expressway 83 McAllen Texas 78501 Email: publicinformation@utrgv. 007 Voluntary Disclosure of Certain Information When Disclosure Not Required 552. Presentation Outline • Background • Applicability • Procedures • Attorney General’s Role • Deadlines • Enforcement & Penalties. The Texas Public Information Act (”TPIA”) gives the public the right to request access to information maintained by Harris County Hospital District d/b/a Harris Health (“Harris Health”). 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. Refreshed: 2023-08-19 Texas Public Information Act Made Easy This “made easy” article provides answers in easy to understand language to the most frequently asked questions regarding the Public Information (a-2)AAThe definition of "public information" provided by Subsection (a) applies to and includes any electronic communication created, transmitted, received, or maintained on any device if the Texas Public Information Act: An Overview. Submit your request via the following mailing contact information or email address: Parkland Health Attention: Public Information Officer 5200 Harry Hines Blvd. Each taxable entity formed as a corporation, limited liability company (LLC), limited partnership, professional association and financial institution that is organized in Texas or has nexus in Texas must file Form 05-102, Texas Franchise Tax Public Information Report annually to satisfy their filing requirements. Policy; Construction (a) Under the fundamental philosophy of the American Refer to the Public Information Act Handbook for a discussion of mandatory and permissive exceptions. It applies to all Texas governmental bodies, and covers Texas Statutes Title 5, Open Government; Ethics; Subtitle A, Open Government; Chapter 552, Public Information. This law gives you the right to inspect or copy government records. 6 %âãÏÓ 18943 0 obj >stream hÞœYËŽ%5 ý•üAçáW$Ć%›Ñˆ b Ä ± ÄcÁßãkŸ¤/ªævßlº=• Ç>>vª› a¥–æÏY¸Ý ò Ò «•N V/c¤5 5 The Public Information Act guarantees the public access to information maintained by a government agency. Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives you the right to access government records; and an oficer for public information and the oficer’s agent may not 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 Public Information Defined. Pursuant to section 552. AADEFINITION OF PUBLIC INFORMATION; MEDIA CONTAINING PUBLIC INFORMATION. Adams, J. resources on the Public Information Act. Should the office determine that your request will be in excess of $40 a cost estimate will be provided to you. 009; section 552. It is our policy to provide you with the fullest possible access to public information. 2015), changed the interpretation of the Texas Public Information Act (the “Act”), Tex. 003 Definitions 552. 002 Definition of Public Information 552. 001 Definitions 1701. ” The Texas Public Information Act sets requirements for the ability of citizens to access information on action taken by governmental bodies. 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. public information in his/her possession, custody, or control to the city not later than the 10th day after the officer for public information or the officer’s agent request the public information to be surrender or returned. We realize that as the state’s technology agency, we have information that may be of value to other agencies, government entities, educational institutions, and the general public. 001-. The Texas Public Information Act, or PIA, generally gives individuals a right of access to university records. Please Note: Broad requests, requests for documents older than three (3) years and requests for emails (due to the volume of emails received daily) require a significant amount of staff time and may result in estimated charges that may %PDF-1. Open Records Decisions are formal opinions relating to the Public Information Act (formerly the Open Records Act). Anderson; The city's charges for public information are set by the Texas Attorney General's Office and are found at 1 Texas Administrative Code §§ 70. 002. Public Information Act Cost Rules 101 Copies or inspection? • Requestor’s choice How does the information exist? • Paper records, electronic records, or both Before You Calculate Costs. texas. Similarly, the Public Information Act may be referred to by different names. The PIR is due on the annual franchise tax Every governmental body must prominently display an Open Records Poster that complies with rules set by the Office of the Attorney General. 002 Application of Sunset Act 1701. Texas Counties. Economic Development Handbook. Governmental bodies are also required to notify requestors if a ruling request is submitted to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). Background of the legal requirements for open records and public It is mandatory for a governmental body to withhold confidential information from public disclosure. 056 Grounds for Removal Welcome to the Office of the Attorney General's (the "OAG") Public Information Act Electronic Filing System. DEFINITION OF PUBLIC INFORMATION; MEDIA CONTAINING PUBLIC INFORMATION. 053 Membership and Employee Restrictions 1701. General Background • Attorney General Abbott:“A democracy depends on fully informed citizens and they in turn depend upon a government that is open and accessible. Since the 1995 session of the Legislature, the official name of the Act has been the "Public Information Act. Consequences for Missing Deadlines The Texas Public Information Act Texas Municipal League. 008 Information for Legislative Purposes 552. 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. Karen E. These decisions usually address novel or problematic legal questions and are signed by the Attorney General. Learn how to report alleged violations here. To assist governmental bodies in writing cost estimates that comply with section Texas Public Information Act (Ch. Public Information Act. This “made easy” article provides answers in easy to understand language to the most frequently asked questions regarding the Public Information Act. 006 Effect of Chapter on Withholding Public Information 552. mail, hand delivery, or electronic submission through the TDCJ website. 003 Application of Chapter 1701. How to File a TPIA Request. 205; and sections 552. What types of entities are subject to the Public Information Act?. 024 – public employee’s personal information held by governmental body in its capacity as employer; Section 552. Dallas, TX 75235-or-piarequest@phhs. There is a presumption that all governmental records are available to the public, unless otherwise exempt by the PIA or other law. 002(a) “Public information” means information that is written, produced, collected, assembled, or maintained under a law or ordinance or in The Texas Public Information Act sets requirements for the ability of citizens to access information on action taken by governmental bodies. 052 Eligibility of Public Members 1701. A governmental body is not required to You can request information by e-mail, U. However, a governmental body has discretion to withhold other requested information. 004 Reference to Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education 1701. Public Information Act (PIA) Notices. O. The request is considered received on the date the public information is surrendered or returned to the city. Under the Texas Public Information Act (the Act), the general rule is that any member of the public has a right to access any information that is collected, assembled, or maintained by or for a city. 104’s disclosure Public Information Requests & Policies Kathleen Cordova, General Counsel Public Information Officer Public Information Officer Texas Veterans Commission P. 552. In a questionand- - answer format, this article provides guidance to 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 Report. Sec. Open Records Decisions may be cited as precedent in briefing to the Open Records Division. 054 Terms 1701. For medical records requests, please click here. A Guide to Becoming a City Official. Generally, information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for TWIA is public information unless it is excepted from disclosure by the Texas Public Information Act or is considered to be confidential by constitutional or statutory law, or by judicial decision. Public information may be requested from the Marshall Independent School District by the public during the District’s The Texas Supreme Court’s decision in Boeing Company v. The resources listed below are not 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. For more information about the Texas Public Information Act or open records requests, you may wish to refer to the Attorney General’s Public Information Handbook. Are there certain entities that are Texas Public Information Act Made Easy . Open Records Questions are issues related to the Public Information Act the Open Records Division (ORD) plans to address in formal Open Records Decisions. 009 Open Records The Texas Public Information Act is actually known in law as the Texas Government Code Chapter 552 and this protects the right of citizens to see the public records kept by the Texas courts, from plea details to arrest warrants and more. (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; Staff can answer questions about charges relating to the Public Information Act. 12. Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives you the right to access government records. For a complete listing of the rights of requestors and the responsibility of governmental bodies under this legislation, click here. All government information is presumed to be available to the public; however, certain exceptions may apply to the disclosure of the information. If you cannot locate the information or records you need online, Section 552. 6 %âãÏÓ 18943 0 obj >stream hÞœYËŽ%5 ý•üAçáW$Ć%›Ñˆ b Ä ± ÄcÁßãkŸ¤/ªævßlº=• Ç>>vª› a¥–æÏY¸Ý ò Ò «•N V/c¤5 5 The Texas Public Information Act assures that government entities give citizens access to information about the business government officials are conducting on their The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is responsible for the integrity of the public information process under the Public Information Act (PIA) and the PIA authorizes the OAG to interpret its 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 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. Search Open Records Decisions Search Open Records Letter Rulings Review Open Records Questions. An officer for public information and the officer’s agent may not ask why THE PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT. Who can use this system? To submit a request for a decision from the OAG under the Public Information Act, Texas Government Code The information is subject to one of the following sections, and the governmental body provides the required form: Section 552. 001 Policy 552. These sections provide advice and direction to governmental bodies and requestors regarding charges for public information. Everyone has the fundamental right to know what his or her elected representatives and governmental bodies are doing. University records may exist in practically any medium, including hardcopy and electronic form. View the PDF here. 004 Preservation of Information 552. When the governmental body requests a ruling, it The Texas Public Information Act at a Glance . 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. I. Contact Us. When making a request for public information, please keep in mind that some information may accrue a cost to process. withhold government records from the public. The Act applies to all city records, regardless of format. 353, by reading the plain language of the Act to permit private entities doing business with governmental entities to invoke Section 552. edu Phone: (956) 665-2452 Texas Public Information Act CUD is committed to transparency and the concept of open government. org. Public Information Requests. This is the OFFICIAL SIGN provided for your convenience. 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 552. " Texas Government Code Chapter 552 Section 552. 261 through 552. ” The PIA defines “public information” to mean information that is collected, assembled, or maintained in connection with the transaction of official business The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552) gives the public the right to request access to government information. D. Box 12277 Austin, Texas 78711-2277 Fax: (512) 463-0663 Email: pia@tvc. Thompson, Suite 300 Conroe, TX 77301 with Attn: Open Records. Also, at the same time, the governmental body needs to request a ruling from the Open Records Division (ORD). 002(a) “Public Information” means information that is collected, assembled, or maintained under a law or ordinance or in connection with the 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 For a brief summary of the Texas Public Information Act CLICK HERE For the complete text (343 pages) of the 2022 Texas Public Information Handbook CLICK HERE To make an open records request to the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office, please send your request by email to [email protected] or mail to 501 N. 552, Government Code) • The Texas Public Information Act (PIA) guarantees the public copies of or access to “public information. 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 552. Paxton, 466 S. 1-. These decisions usually address novel or If a request for information implicates a third party’s interests, the governmental body needs to inform the third party. Public Information Act Officer Texas Tech University System Box 42021 Lubbock, TX 79409-2021. " (Texas Attorney General website). Open government laws like the Public Information Act and the Open Texas Public Information Act Information Request Form. Such transparency provides Texans with a more complete understanding of how their government works, and, when 1701. 1 2. The purpose of the Act is to maintain the people's control "over the instruments they have created. W. tby bvsq lyye mhmikia ogzs oook nrdht oriucc fig qgov