How to request information

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The Public Information Act

State law gives you the right to access government records. All government information is presumed to be available to the public; however, exceptions may apply to the disclosure of certain information.

Tips to request information

1. Your request must be in writing. Only written requests trigger obligations under the Public Information Act.
2. Your request should be for documents or other information already in existence. Governmental bodies are not required to perform legal research or comply with a continuing request to supply information on a periodic basis as such information is prepared in the future.
3. Be as specific as possible in your request and include a timeframe when appropriate. Some examples:
   • Company rate filings: Include the complete company name, such as Allstate Texas Lloyds rather than Allstate. (If you are not sure about the company name, use our Company Lookup page.) Include the line of insurance ̶ personal auto, commercial auto, homeowners, general liability, medical malpractice, workers' compensation, etc. For example: "All Allstate Texas Lloyds rate filings submitted for personal auto in 2013." (Note: Form and rate filings for property and casualty insurers and life, accident, and health insurers are available at SERFF Filing Access.)
   • For Company Licensing and Registration Office information, please complete this request form.
   • For windstorm records: Include the application ID, type of inspection, and construction start date.
   • For workers' compensation claim files: Use the DWC Form-153. Please note that to receive the records, you must submit the original notarized copy of the form, and that the form must be completely and accurately filled out. You must also attach any required supplemental documents.
   • For Letters of Certification for Agents, Adjusters, and Entities, please use our Licensing Form.

Open records process

• If the information cannot be produced within 10 working days the public information officer will notify you in writing of the reasonable date and time when it will be available.
• You must respond to a written estimate of charges within 10 days of the date the estimate was sent or the request is considered automatically withdrawn.
• If estimated costs exceed $100, you must submit a deposit before work begins on your request.
• If the information requested may be withheld due to an exception, the agency has 10 business days after receiving the request to:
  1. Request an Attorney General opinion and state which exceptions apply.
  2. Notify you of the referral to the Attorney General.
  3. Notify third parties if the request involves their proprietary information.
• Requestors may send a letter to the Attorney General arguing for release and may review arguments made by the governmental body. If the arguments disclose the requested information, you may obtain a redacted copy.
• The Attorney General must issue a decision no later than the 45th working day from the day after the attorney general received the request for a decision. The Attorney General may request an additional 10 working day extension.