Texas public information act. 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. 055 Officers 1701. For a complete listing of the rights of requestors and the responsibility of governmental bodies under this legislation, click here. 261 through 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. ” 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. 12. Open Records Decisions are formal opinions relating to the Public Information Act (formerly the Open Records Act). Gov’t Code § 552. 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. 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. These decisions usually address novel or problematic legal questions and are signed by the Attorney General. " (Texas Attorney General website). 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. gov Public [] We are here to ensure your public information request is handled properly. If you wish to request records under the Texas Public Information Act, please refer to the following requirements and guidelines. This “made easy” article provides answers in easy to understand language to the most frequently asked questions regarding the Public Information Act. 2015), changed the interpretation of the Texas Public Information Act (the “Act”), Tex. What types of information are subject to the Public Information Act? . If you cannot locate the information or records you need online, Section 552. Justin Gordon Open Records Division Chief Office of the Attorney General. DEFINITION OF PUBLIC INFORMATION; MEDIA CONTAINING PUBLIC INFORMATION. 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. This guide contains state and federal resources. Learn how to report alleged violations here. There is a presumption that all governmental records are available to the public, unless otherwise exempt by the PIA or other law. Background of the legal requirements for open records and public It is mandatory for a governmental body to withhold confidential information from public disclosure. 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. 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. withhold government records from the public. 1 2. Consequences for Missing Deadlines The Texas Public Information Act Texas Municipal League. However, your written request needs to be for information already in existence. The request is considered received on the date the public information is surrendered or returned to the city. Such transparency Public Information Defined Gov’t Code § 552. 008 Information for Legislative Purposes 552. How to File a TPIA Request. Such transparency provides Texans with a more complete understanding of how their government works, and, when 1701. Thompson, Suite 300 Conroe, TX 77301 with Attn: Open Records. 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. mail, hand delivery, or electronic submission through the TDCJ website. W. All government information is presumed to be available to the public; however, certain exceptions may apply to the disclosure of the information. mail, electronic mail, hand delivery, or any appropriate method approved by the governmental body. 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. 3d 831 (Tex. Everyone has the fundamental right to know what his or her elected representatives and governmental bodies are doing. This is the OFFICIAL SIGN provided for your convenience. Also, at the same time, the governmental body needs to request a ruling from the Open Records Division (ORD). (a) In this chapter, "public information" means information that is written, %PDF-1. S. Are there certain entities that are Texas Public Information Act Made Easy . Public Information Requests. So Public Information Act. 054 Terms 1701. When making a request for public information, please keep in mind that some information may accrue a cost to process. All government information is presumed to be available to the public. 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. 2 3. For more information about the Public Information Act (PDF), please visit the Texas Attorney General’s website. Governmental bodies are also required to notify requestors if a ruling request is submitted to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). Box 12277 Austin, Texas 78711-2277 Fax: (512) 463-0663 Email: pia@tvc. You can access digitized records via a searchable database. To assist governmental bodies in writing cost estimates that comply with section Texas Public Information Act (Ch. These sections provide advice and direction to governmental bodies and requestors regarding charges for public information. When the governmental body requests a ruling, it The Texas Public Information Act at a Glance . Public Information Act Poster - English (PDF, 136KB) Public Information Act Poster - Spanish (PDF, 4MB) Contact Us. 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. 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. 353, by reading the plain language of the Act to permit private entities doing business with governmental entities to invoke Section 552. org. What types of entities are subject to the Public Information Act?. AADEFINITION OF PUBLIC INFORMATION; MEDIA CONTAINING PUBLIC INFORMATION. View the PDF here. 004 Reference to Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education 1701. However, a governmental body has discretion to withhold other requested information. It MUST BE displayed on paper at least 8-1/2” x 14”. It applies to all Texas governmental bodies, and covers Texas Statutes Title 5, Open Government; Ethics; Subtitle A, Open Government; Chapter 552, Public Information. Governmental bodies are required to treat all requestors equally. 003 Application of Chapter 1701. University records may exist in practically any medium, including hardcopy and electronic form. 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. 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”). A public information request must be in writing to the governmental body you believe maintains the information. Public Information Act Officer Texas Tech University System Box 42021 Lubbock, TX 79409-2021. Should the office determine that your request will be in excess of $40 a cost estimate will be provided to you. 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. 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. Here's what you need to know to make a successful Public Information Act (PIA) request. 004 Preservation of Information 552. 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. Section 552. 002 Application of Sunset Act 1701. 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. 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. The Texas Public Information Act provides that information in the possession of a governmental body is generally available to the public. 104’s disclosure Public Information Requests & Policies Kathleen Cordova, General Counsel Public Information Officer Public Information Officer Texas Veterans Commission P. Under the Public Information Act, some categories of information do not have to be released. Open Records Questions are issues related to the Public Information Act the Open Records Division (ORD) plans to address in formal Open Records Decisions. The purpose of the Act is to maintain the people's control "over the instruments they have created. Public Information Officer The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley MRIOB - 5th Floor, Suite 5. 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. 053 Membership and Employee Restrictions 1701. 1 Texas Administrative Code§70. 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. texas. Since the 1995 session of the Legislature, the official name of the Act has been the "Public Information Act. 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 . A governmental body is not required to You can request information by e-mail, U. 009; section 552. Public Information Act (PIA) Notices. Sec. An officer for public information and the officer’s agent may not ask why THE PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT. Contact Us. 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. 001 Policy 552. (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. 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. Pursuant to section 552. The Act applies to all city records, regardless of format. 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. Karen E. D. Application of the Public Information Act . Adams, J. 009 Open Records Search and Review Open Records Decisions, and Letter Rulings. 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. The Act provides a mechanism for citizens to inspect or copy government records. ” The Texas Public Information Act sets requirements for the ability of citizens to access information on action taken by governmental bodies. 002 Definition of Public Information 552. Expressway 83 McAllen Texas 78501 Email: publicinformation@utrgv. 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. 006 Effect of Chapter on Withholding Public Information 552. 205 of the Government Code. 001. Further, a Sec. 532 701 E. 274. " However, the Act is often referred to as the Open Records Act, its former name. 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. 552. 005 Effect of Chapter on Scope of Civil Discovery 552. Presentation Outline • Background • Applicability • Procedures • Attorney General’s Role • Deadlines • Enforcement & Penalties. A Guide to Becoming a City Official. Submit your request via the following mailing contact information or email address: Parkland Health Attention: Public Information Officer 5200 Harry Hines Blvd. resources on the Public Information Act. 205; and sections 552. 552, Government Code) • The Texas Public Information Act (PIA) guarantees the public copies of or access to “public information. 024 – public employee’s personal information held by governmental body in its capacity as employer; Section 552. Open Records Decisions may be cited as precedent in briefing to the Open Records Division. TEXAS PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT MADE EASY Updated October 2023 . edu Phone: (956) 665-2452 Texas Public Information Act CUD is committed to transparency and the concept of open government. 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. I. 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. 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. 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. 003 Definitions 552. Open government laws like the Public Information Act and the Open Texas Public Information Act Information Request Form. O. 056 Grounds for Removal Welcome to the Office of the Attorney General's (the "OAG") Public Information Act Electronic Filing System. 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. 001 Definitions 1701. 007 Voluntary Disclosure of Certain Information When Disclosure Not Required 552. " Texas Government Code Chapter 552 Section 552. . Paxton, 466 S. Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, gives you the right to access government records. 052 Eligibility of Public Members 1701. For medical records requests, please click here. Requesting public information is simple. 1-. Government Code §§ 552. Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, or The Public Information Act (PIA) governs citizen access to government records in Texas. Search Open Records Decisions Search Open Records Letter Rulings Review Open Records Questions. 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-. This law gives you the right to inspect or copy government records. 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. The Texas Public Information Act, or PIA, generally gives individuals a right of access to university records. 051 Commission Membership 1701. 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. 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. The Act is intended to Here, learn about the Texas 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; Staff can answer questions about charges relating to the Public Information Act. 1 1. 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. Certain exceptions may apply to the disclosure of the information. It is our policy to provide you with the fullest possible access to public information. 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. Economic Development Handbook. Similarly, the Public Information Act may be referred to by different names. Texas Counties. 305 of the Government Code details everything needed in the notice to the third party. Dallas, TX 75235-or-piarequest@phhs. ntwd dvklqpz rxlcc isspak von jihkx dfdbo gfppoiu djjpy imuueer