2004 Public Information Handbook
Dear Fellow Texans:
The public's right to know is vital to an accountable, citizen-centered government. Simply put,
we are entitled to be fully informed, with an open and accessible government, at all levels, in
virtually all circumstances.
Government is not created independent of the people. Rather, it is founded on the people's
authority and exists for their benefit. That ideal is reinforced in the Texas Public Information
Act, which says that the people "do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good
for the people to know and what is not good for them to know." Instead, people have the right to
know what their government is doing.
Every citizen is entitled to a prompt and appropriate response to an open records request. To
help make sure of that, my office has prepared this Public Information Act Handbook, including
updates reflecting actions of the 78th Texas Legislature. It is an effective tool for everyone who
wants a better understanding of the law and how to comply with it.
A familiarity with this handbook will assist in complying with the Public Information Act and
should reduce the potential for enforcement actions for noncompliance.
Our task is clear: To make sure that all requests and responses made under the Public
Information Act comply with the law. We look forward to working with you to ensure that task
is accomplished.
Sincerely,
Greg Abbott
Attorney General of Texas
2004 Public Information Handbook
A Preface to the Public Information Handbook
PART ONE: How the Public Information Act Works
PART TWO: Exceptions to Disclosure
PART THREE: Text of the Texas Public Information Act
Appendix A: Rule 12 of Texas Rules of Judicial Administration
Appendix B: Public Information Act Deadlines for Governmental Bodies
Appendix C: Notice Statement to Persons Whose Proprietary Information Is Requested
Appendix D: Public Access Option Form
Revised: March 15 2004
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