How to File a Texas Public Records Request

The Texas Public Information Act provides access to government records held by state and local entities. Agencies must respond within 10 business days.

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Texas Public Information Act (TPIA)

LawTexas Public Information Act (TPIA)
CitationTex. Gov't Code § 552
Response Deadline10 business days

Appeal Process

If the agency wants to withhold records, it must seek an Attorney General ruling within 10 business days. You may file suit in district court.

Key Provisions

  • ✓Response required within 10 business days
  • ✓Agency must request AG ruling to withhold records
  • ✓AG must issue decision within 45 business days
  • ✓Criminal penalties for knowingly withholding public information
  • ✓Attorney fees recoverable if you substantially prevail
  • ✓Electronic records must be produced in requested format

Texas Agencies

11 agencies available for filing. Click any agency for contact details and submission instructions.

Austin Police Department
APD-TX·~10 day response
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Dallas Police Department
DPD·~10 day response
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Harris County Sheriff's Office
HCSO-TX·~10 day response
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Houston Police Department
HPD·~10 day response
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San Antonio Police Department
SAPD·~10 day response
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Texas Attorney General
AG-TX·~10 day response
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Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
TCEQ·~10 day response·Email accepted
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Texas Department of Public Safety
DPS-TX·~10 day response·Email accepted
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Texas Department of Transportation
TxDOT·~10 day response·Email accepted
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Texas Governor's Office
GOV-TX·~10 day response·Email accepted
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Texas Health and Human Services
HHS-TX·~10 day response·Email accepted
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a public information request in Texas?▾
File a Texas Public Information Act request through FOIAfile. We'll format it with proper citations under Tex. Gov't Code § 552.
How long does a Texas agency have to respond?▾
Texas agencies must respond within 10 business days. If they want to withhold records, they must seek an Attorney General ruling within that same period.
What if a Texas agency doesn't respond?▾
Failure to respond within 10 business days is a violation. The agency must seek an AG ruling to withhold records, and criminal penalties may apply for knowing violations.

Public Records Laws by State

Federal
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) · 20 business days
Ohio
Ohio Public Records Act · Prompt (no fixed deadline; courts consider reasonableness)
California
California Public Records Act (CPRA) · 10 calendar days (+ 14-day extension)
New York
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) · 5 business days (acknowledgment) + reasonable time

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