Public Information Act

The Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 552, gives the public a right to request access to government records. This page explains how to submit a request to Atascosa County, how to make a request easier to process, and where to find additional information about the process.

Request Public Information

Start a request

You may use the County’s Public Information Request Form to describe the records you are seeking. A request must be in writing and should clearly identify the information requested.

Public Information Request Form

Public Information Officer

Molly Solis
County Attorney / Public Information Officer
pia@co.atascosa.tx.us

Send written Public Information Act requests to the email address above. If you use the County form, attach the completed form to your email.

How to Submit a Request

  1. Identify the records you want. Describe the documents, communications, reports, data, or other existing records as specifically as you can.
  2. Include a useful date range and department, if known. This helps route the request and narrow the search.
  3. Submit the request in writing. Email your request to pia@co.atascosa.tx.us. You may use the County’s request form, but the form is not required to describe a written request.

Public information requests are for records that already exist. A governmental body is not required to create new information, answer questions, or perform legal research in response to a Public Information Act request.

Tips for Making a Request

A focused request is usually easier to locate and process. When possible, name the specific records, give a date range, identify the County department or office that may maintain them, and respond promptly if clarification is requested.

Public information request tips infographic explaining how to write a request that works, including describing specific records, using a date range, naming the department, submitting in writing, and responding to clarification requests.
Open square version for a smaller screen
Public information request tips infographic explaining how to write a request that works, including describing specific records, using a date range, naming the department, submitting in writing, and responding to clarification requests.

What Happens After You Submit

After a written request is received, the County identifies and reviews responsive records. Depending on the request, the County may ask for clarification, provide information about estimated charges, begin releasing responsive records, or seek a ruling from the Texas Office of the Attorney General when an exception to disclosure may apply.

The infographic below summarizes the request process and the points that can affect the timeline.

Texas Public Information Act process infographic showing the five steps from receipt of a written request through records review and, when an exception may apply, an Attorney General ruling.
Open square version for a smaller screen
Texas Public Information Act process infographic showing the five steps from receipt of a written request through records review and, when an exception may apply, an Attorney General ruling.

Attorney General Ruling / Requestor Rights

If Atascosa County asks the Texas Office of the Attorney General to rule on whether requested information may be withheld, the requestor is notified. Requestors may also provide comments to the Attorney General’s Open Records Division. The infographic below explains the requestor-rights process provided by the County Attorney and PIA counsel.

Public information request infographic explaining requestor rights when a governmental body asks the Texas Attorney General for a ruling, including notice, comments, submission instructions, and the Attorney General ruling.
Open square version for a smaller screen
Public information request infographic explaining requestor rights when a governmental body asks the Texas Attorney General for a ruling, including notice, comments, submission instructions, and the Attorney General ruling.

Helpful Resources

Open Government Hotline

Texas Office of the Attorney General
512-478-6736
Toll-free: 877-673-6839

This page is intended to help members of the public navigate the Public Information Act process. For the text of the law and current statewide guidance, use the official Texas Government Code and Texas Attorney General resources linked above.