Section 2: Public Information Act
Anchor: #b040005Overview
The Public Information Act, formerly known as the Open Records Act, is located in Chapter 552 of the Government Code and provides a mechanism for citizens to inspect or copy government records. The Act also allows for requesting permission to withhold information contained in governmental records from the public in certain instances, such as documents related to litigation. Governmental entities must respond "promptly" to information requests.
Immediately date stamp all written requests for information. Contact the district open records coordinator as soon as possible for guidance.
The district open records coordinator is responsible for coordinating all requests for information and is also responsible for coordinating with the Office of General Counsel (OGC) for any information that may need to be protected from disclosure.
The district open records coordinator should send the Construction Division, Contract Letting and Contractor Prequalification Branch (CST-CLCP) a copy of information requests forwarded to OGC. The district open records coordinator and CST-CLCP will work with OGC to submit a request for ruling from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) on an exception to the release of information.
Electronic information requests sent directly to an individual departmental employee’s e-mail address are not considered open record requests. However, a copy of this type of e-mail should be forwarded to the district open records coordinator.