Requesting Records & Information

Exercising Your Right To Know

The city secretary is responsible for responding to public information requests, applying the laws and regulations of the Texas Public Information Act, to ensure that all records in the possession of and pertaining to the operation of the governmental body, are available to the public.

How the Law Works

The Texas Public Information Act gives the public 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 the governmental body to create new information, to do legal research, or to answer questions. In preparing a request, a person may want to ask the governmental body what information is available.

Note: Although the Texas Public Information Act makes most government information available to the public, some exceptions exist. If an exception might apply and the governmental body wishes to withhold the information, the governmental body generally must, within 10 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. For more information on the Texas Public Information Act, please visit the Texas Attorney General Website.

Related Resources