How do I file a public records request in Texas?
1. Statute. Texas Public Information Act (PIA), Gov. Code Ch. 552. Administered with oversight from the Texas Attorney General's Open Records Division.
2. Who Can Request. Any person; no Texas residency required (§ 552.221).
3. Form of Request. Must be in writing—mail, fax, email to designated address, or in person. Must reasonably identify records sought.
4. Agency Response Deadline. "Promptly" produce information (§ 552.221). If the agency seeks to withhold, it must request an AG opinion within 10 business days (§ 552.301) and notify the requester. The AG then issues an open-records letter ruling within 45 working days.
5. Fees. Set by Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Ch. 70—approximately $0.10 per standard copy, plus labor charges for requests exceeding 50 pages or requiring programming. Agency must give a written cost estimate if charges exceed $40.
6. Exemptions. § 552.101-.158: confidential by law, litigation, competitive bidding, attorney-client privilege, personnel, law enforcement, audit working papers, drivers license info, dates of birth, employee home addresses.
7. Redaction. Agency may redact exempt portions and release the rest; certain categories (Social Security numbers, DLNs) may be redacted without an AG ruling under § 552.024 and § 552.130.
8. Denial & Appeal. Agency cannot withhold without an AG ruling (unless previously determined). Requester may also seek AG decision review.
9. Court Action. Mandamus suit in district court under § 552.321; AG or county/district attorney may also sue. Declaratory judgment available.
10. Penalties. Criminal misdemeanor for officials who willfully destroy or withhold records (§ 552.351-.353). Prevailing party may recover attorney fees (§ 552.323).
This is legal information, not legal advice.
- Agency misses the 10-business-day AG opinion deadline and still refuses to produce
- AG letter ruling sides with the agency and you want to challenge it
- Records involve official misconduct or you need expedited mandamus relief
- Tex. Gov. Code Ch. 552 (Texas Public Information Act)
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.