Legal Services

	"I received an email from a constituent requesting some basic information about the county and my office. The e-mail doesn't specifically say it's a public information request, do I still treat it like one?"

Does a request for information have to contain certain language to trigger the Public Information Act?

No. While the request must be in writing to trigger the Public Information Act, it need not be in any special form, and it need not invoke or mention the Public Information Act. A request is valid so long as it is in writing (including e-mail) and reasonably identifies the information sought. Under Texas Government Code §552.222, if you can’t be sure what information is being sought, you must contact the requestor to clarify the issue. For more information, see our publication Public Information Act.