Generate a legally formatted public records request in seconds. Identify the right agency, get the correct address, and track your 10-business-day deadline automatically.
Be specific — document types, date ranges, department names, and named individuals improve accuracy.
Not sure? Pick the most likely agency — the letter will ask them to forward it if needed.
The agency must respond or request an extension within 10 business days (Tex. Gov't Code § 552.228). Weekends and official Texas holidays are excluded.
Fill in the form and click "Generate Request" to create your TPIA letter.
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The Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), found in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, gives every person — including non-citizens and non-residents — the right to access records created or maintained by Texas governmental bodies.
This includes cities, counties, school districts, state agencies, river authorities, hospital districts, and more. If a government body created or paid for the records, or if a private contractor holds records in connection with a government contract, those records are presumed to be public.
Key principle: The default is disclosure. The burden is on the government to prove why a record should be withheld — not on you to prove why you deserve it.
Your request goes to the governmental body that created or maintains the records. If you're unsure, send the request to the most likely agency and ask them to forward it.
There is no required form. Your request must be in writing (email is acceptable) and clearly describe the records you seek. You do NOT need to:
Send the request to the agency's public information officer (PIO). Most agencies list this contact on their website. The 10-business-day clock starts when the PIO receives the request.
Count 10 business days from submission. Exclude weekends and official Texas state holidays. If you don't hear back, send a written follow-up referencing the original request date.
Warning: Submit requests to the PIO — not the mayor, superintendent, or a department head. Only the PIO's receipt starts the clock. An email to the wrong person may delay your request.
Public information is available to any person. The government must produce it promptly.
The governmental body shall promptly produce public information. If unable to produce within 10 business days, they must certify a date by which they will.
If a governmental body believes information is excepted from disclosure, it must ask the AG for a ruling within 10 business days of receiving the request.
You can file suit if an agency refuses to supply information not excepted from disclosure, or doesn't seek an AG ruling in time.
It is a criminal offense to destroy, alter, or conceal public information after receiving a request. This is a Class A misdemeanor.
These are legitimate reasons agencies may withhold records. They must cite the specific statute and, in most cases, seek an AG ruling.
Information made confidential by state or federal law — such as medical records, juvenile court records, and Social Security numbers.
Records of an ongoing investigation or prosecution may be withheld. Once the case is closed, most records become available.
Applies to third-party trade secrets submitted to an agency. The third party must affirmatively assert this exception.
Internal memoranda reflecting opinions, not facts. Does not apply to factual information, final decisions, or completed actions.
Home addresses, phone numbers, and family information of peace officers and certain officials may be withheld to protect safety.
Remember: Exceptions must be invoked promptly. If an agency fails to request an AG ruling within 10 business days, they waive their right to withhold — even if a valid exception would otherwise apply.
An agency denying your request must notify you in writing and cite the specific legal exception they are claiming. Verbal denials don't start any clock.
The agency should send you a copy of any AG ruling request they file. If they don't, request it — it's a public record.
You have the right to submit comments explaining why the information should be released. Send them to: Open Records Division, Office of the Texas Attorney General, P.O. Box 12548, Austin, TX 78711-2548.
The agency has a reasonable time (usually 10 days) to comply. If they don't, file a mandamus action in district court in the county where the agency is located.
You can file an Open Records complaint with the Texas AG's office at texasattorneygeneral.gov. The AG can investigate agencies that repeatedly fail to comply.
When an agency believes it can withhold records, they must send a letter to the Texas AG's Open Records Division within 10 business days. Here's what happens:
Tip: AG rulings become precedent. If the same agency receives a similar future request, they must follow the earlier ruling.