Here is what you need to know to make a successful Public Information Act (PIA) request. A public information request must be in writing to the governmental body you believe maintains the documents. However, your written request needs to be for information already in existence. A governmental body is not required to answer questions, perform legal research, or create new information in response to your public information request.

Effective September 1, 2019, pursuant to section 552.234 of the Government Code, a person may make a request for public information only by delivering the request by one of the following methods to the governmental body's public information officer or the officer's designee: 

If you can, keep a copy of the request and proof of the governmental body's receipt of the request
fI you believe a governmental body has not properly responded to you Public Information Act request, contact the Open Records Hotline at: (512) 478-6737 Tol free: (877) 673-6839