The Texas Government Code at 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 this information. All government information is presumed to be available to the public. However, certain exceptions may apply to the disclosure of the information. Governmental bodies shall promptly release any requested information that is (1) not confidential by law, either constitutional, statutory, or by judicial decision, or (2) any information for which an exception to disclosure has not been sought.
The Public Information Act is somewhat lenient in what it considers public information; however; the “Act” does not require nor does time permit this office to do general research, so please be very specific in your request. Due to time constraints and the routine day-to-day functions of our office, we may be unable to produce the record you have requested immediately. If such is the case, you will be notified by phone, or in writing of the time you may pick up your documentation and the cost for reproducing this information. (A fee schedule, which was adopted by the City Council listing charges for various services, is available for inspection upon request). While it is the intent of this office to furnish requested data in a straightforward manner, occasionally a requested item may not be considered a matter of public record and may contain confidential information protected under the act. In these instances, we will seek the advice of the TX Attorney General and will notify you of any delay in processing your request. To avoid delays in receiving requested information, you may sign the waiver included in the online form, which will permit us to redact information that is confidential pursuant to the Texas Open Records Act. You can sign for this Waiver by typing or entering your name in the signature block provided.