Open Government Training

The Texas Government Code requires elected and appointed public officials to receive training in Texas open government laws. The Office of the Attorney General provides free video training courses to assist public officials in complying with this requirement. These videos are available at no cost and may be used as part of any training course on open government.

FERPA

Letter from the U.S. Department of Education (PDF) regarding the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Public Information Handbook

An in-depth look at how the Public Information Act works and how the exceptions to disclosure have been applied by the courts and the Office of the Attorney General. This publication serves as a reference tool for attorneys, government officials, and laypersons.
Public Information Handbook (PDF)

Open Meetings Handbook

An in-depth look at how the Open Meetings Act works, with sections on which governmental bodies must follow the Act, notice requirements, executive sessions, and required record-keeping of meetings.
Open Meetings Handbook PDF

Public Information Sign

As of January 3, 2000, in accordance with section 552.205 of the Government Code, all governmental bodies subject to the Texas Public Information Act are required to post a sign containing basic information about the rights of a requestor, the responsibilities of a governmental body, and the procedures for inspecting or obtaining public information.

A copy of the sign along with other pertinent information can be found on our PIA Poster Information page.

Proprietary Information Notification Form

Section 552.305(d) of the Public Information Act requires governmental bodies to notify a third party when someone requests the third party's proprietary information. This notification shall be "in the form prescribed by the attorney general." This downloadable letter is the form by which governmental bodies should notify such third parties. The letter is updated periodically.
 

Learn more on our Notice Statement to Persons Whose Proprietary Information is Requested page.

Text of the Public Information Act

Text to the Legislature's posting of the Public Information Act.

Text of the Open Meetings Act

Text to the Legislature's posting of the Open Meetings Act.