Tutorials
The Texas Public Information Act
The Texas Public Information Act (“Act”), Chapter 552, Texas Government Code, gives you the right to request access to government information. The Act is triggered when a person submits a written request to a governmental body. The request must ask for records or information already in existence. The Act does not require a governmental body to create new information, to do legal research, or to answer questions.
Making a Request to the City of Dallas
The request must be in writing and must be addressed to the City of Dallas .
• A request may be sent by mail, facsimile, e-mail, or delivered in person. A request sent by facsimile or e-mail must be sent to the proper custodian of the information.
• If you know the city department that maintains the information that you are seeking, you should address your request to the that department’s director. Department addresses are available from the city’s home page. You may also refer to the alphabetical list of city Services.
• If you do not know what department maintains the information that you are seeking, you may address your request to the City Secretary’s Office.
Make your request as clear and specific as possible so that the city can accurately identify and locate the items that you are requesting. If your request is unclear or very broad, the city may ask you to more clearly identify or narrow your request.
If you wish access to records of all official actions taken by the city council, such as approval of ordinances, resolutions, minutes of city council meetings, contracts, licenses and leases, you may contact the City Secretary’s Office.
Charges for Information
You may ask to inspect information, get copies of information, or both.
• If your request is for copies of information, then the city may charge for the copies.
• If your request is only for an opportunity to inspect information, then usually the city may not charge you. Under limited circumstances, however, the city may impose a charge for access to information.
If your request to produce information will result in a charge of over $40.00, the city will provide you with a written itemized statement that details all estimated charges that will be imposed. You must respond to this written estimate of charges within 10 business days or your request will be considered withdrawn.
If your request to produce the information will result in a charge of over $100.00, the city may require a bond, prepayment, or deposit before any work will begin.
All charges imposed for copies of or access to information comply with the Texas Building and Procurement Commission Rules.
Exceptions to the Act
The city believes in open government and strives to fulfill all open records requests. Although most government information is available to you, some exceptions exist. If an exception might apply and the city wishes to withhold the information, then the city generally must, within ten business days of receiving the open records request, refer the matter to the Office of the Attorney General for a ruling on whether an exception applies. If the Office of the Attorney General rules that an exception applies, the city will not release the information.
Rights of Requestors
You have the right to:
• Receive treatment equal to all other requestors.
• Receive requested information promptly. If the city cannot produce the requested information within ten business days, you will receive correspondence setting a date and time when the information will be available to you.
• Receive a statement of estimated charges when charges exceed $40.00 in advance of work being started.
• Choose whether to inspect the requested information, receive copies of the requested information, or both.
• Be notified when the city asks the Office of the Attorney General for a ruling on whether the information may or must be withheld from disclosure.
• Lodge a complaint about charges for public records with the Texas Building and Procurement Commission.
• Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General Hotline or the county attorney or criminal district attorney regarding any alleged violation of the Act.
Public Information Handbook
The Public Information Handbook is available online at the Office of the Attorney General’s website.