Open Records How-To: 8 Steps to Request Government Records

EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS THIS HOLIDAY!!! Here’s the video everyone has been waiting for: The step by step how-to for requesting public information. Let us know in the comments who you sent your request to! This video has general application to most places, but it is specific to the Texas Public Information Act.

** Example Open Records Submission Emails **

City of Leon Valley = [email protected]
Texas Department of Public Safety = [email protected]
Houston Police Department = [email protected]
Brazoria County = [email protected]
Texas A&M University = [email protected]
Katy ISD = [email protected]
Deer Park Police = [email protected]

If you have any questions, post them in the comments or email me at [email protected]


** Template 1: Lawsuit Settlement Agreements **

Dear Officer for Public Information or Agent of the Officer for Public Information:

This written request is application to access public information. Justin Pulliam helped me with this request.

I respectfully request a copy of all settlement agreements to which the [city] is party. Consider the time period from January 1, [2010] to July 4, 2019.

The acceptable format to receive the requested information is native electronic format or PDF via email. Since the disclosure of the requested information is primarily in the interest of the general public, I request a waiver of all fees. I am not an agent of another.

I expect the officer for public information and the agents of the officer for public information to perform their mandatory duty to promptly provide a copy of the requested information, without unreasonable delay.

Sincerely,

#####################################


** Template 2: Email Communications **

Dear Officer for Public Information or Agent of the Officer for Public Information:

This written request is application to access public information. Justin Pulliam helped me with this request.

I respectfully request a copy of all emails (including attachments) sent by the [chief of police]. Consider the time period from June 24, 2019 to July 4, 2019.

The acceptable format to receive the requested information is native electronic format or PDF via email. Since the disclosure of the requested information is primarily in the interest of the general public, I request a waiver of all fees. I am not an agent of another.

I expect the officer for public information and the agents of the officer for public information to perform their mandatory duty to promptly provide a copy of the requested information, without unreasonable delay.

Sincerely,

#####################################


Our ability to obtain information from the clenched fists of government hangs by a thread. Please join me in the fight to advance the public’s right to access information held by the government.

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