Open Records (Public Information Act) Requests - FAQ
Open Records Home Page Make a Request
What information is subject to the Act?
Information in the possession of a governmental body is generally available to the public. "Open Records" is information that is collected, assembled or maintained by the governmental body, or for such a body if it owns or has a right of access to the information. If the governmental body wishes to withhold information from a member of the public, it must show that the requested information is within at least one of the exceptions to required public disclosure.
What is FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Parents have a right of access to their children's education records, when a student turns 18 or enters college the rights under FERPA transfer to the student.
Frequently Asked Questions (Office of the Attorney General)
If the FAQs do not answer your question, we recommend the following additional resources:
1. Review the What Requestors Should Know
2. Review the Basic Process and Deadlines Chart
3. Review the Public Information (Open Records) Handbook
4. Call the TEA Open Records Office at (512) 463-9734
5. Call the OAG Open Records Division Hotline (512) 478-6736 or Toll free (877) 673-6839
If you have any questions about an open records request or our procedures, please contact the Open Records Office at (512) 463-9734. Spanish speakers are available (se habla español)
Page last modified on 6/8/2011 10:15:39 AM.