Getting Public Records
Gov't Code 552.221 — promptly, 10 business days, and no questions why
Under Texas's Public Information Act, the officer for public information of a governmental body produces public information promptly, meaning as soon as possible under the circumstances, within a reasonable time and without delay. A written request goes by mail, e-mail or hand delivery, or by fax or an online form where the body has said on its sign or website that it accepts them.
| The situation | What the act sets |
|---|---|
| The situationThe information cannot be produced within 10 business days | What the act setsThe officer certifies that in writing and sets a date and hour within a reasonable time when it will be available |
| The situationThe body has no responsive information | What the act setsIt notifies the requestor in writing no later than the 10th business day |
| The situationThe body wants to withhold under an exception | What the act setsIt asks the attorney general for a decision, and tells the requestor, no later than the 10th business day |
| The situationIts reasons, the request and the information go to the attorney general | What the act setsNo later than the 15th business day, with a copy of the comments to the requestor |
The body may ask what a request means, and may not ask why it is being made. The officer may not make an inquiry of a requestor except to establish proper identification, to clarify an unclear request, or to discuss narrowing a large one, and may not inquire into the purpose for which the information will be used. A written request for clarification that gets no written response by the 61st day, sent the way the section requires, withdraws the request.
A request is treated as withdrawn if the requestor does not inspect or copy the information, or pay the charges, by the 60th day after it is made available or the charges are stated. The exceptions to disclosure are in their own subchapter, not set out here.
Sources for this section (4)
- Gov't Code 552.221 — Application for public information; production of public information
- Gov't Code 552.301 — Request for attorney general decision
- Gov't Code 552.234 — Method of making written request for public information
- Gov't Code 552.222 — Permissible inquiry by governmental body to requestor
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Texas attorney.