Public Information Office

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Submitting a Public Information Request

To request records maintained by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), you must submit a request in writing using one of the following methods:

1. Email: Pub.Info@TexasAgriculture.gov

2. Online Form

3. Fax: (800) 509-1159

4. Mail: Public Information Office | TDA | PO Box 12847 | Austin, Texas | 78711

5. In Person at any TDA Office.

Public information requests are not accepted by phone. You do not need to use a specific form to submit a request for information.

For questions about your request or how to submit a request for information, please contact us.

Email: Pub.Info@TexasAgriculture.gov

Phone: (512) 463-4075 or (800) 835-5832

About the Public Information Act

Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, also known as the Public Information Act (PIA), gives members of the public the right to access government records. This right of access is embodied in the following statement from PIA:

The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created.

To ensure that members of the public are not inhibited from requesting public information, the PIA prohibits governmental bodies from asking why the information is being requested. The PIA also sets forth procedures for handling requests for public information to ensure a timely, adequate response.

All government information is presumed to be available to the public. However, exceptions exist which may limit the public disclosure of certain types of confidential, privileged, or sensitive information. Governmental bodies must promptly release requested information that does not fall within one of the exceptions set forth in the PIA.

If the governmental body believes the requested information falls within one of the PIA's exceptions, it must request an opinion from the Texas Office of the Attorney General within 10 business days. If the governmental body fails to do so, the information is presumed to be public and must be released absent a compelling reason.

What to Include in Your Request for Information

In order to provide you with a timely response, your written request should include, at a minimum, the following information:

1. Your name (although not required--you may submit an anonymous request),

2. 2. Current contact information (email-preferred, phone number, address). This will be used to provide your response and so that we can contact you in the event more information is needed;

3. A detailed description of the information you are requesting, including any relevant dates, incident, investigation, or report numbers; and

4. Any other information that may helpful to identify the information requested and provide a timely response to your request.

You do not have to indicate why you need the information or what it will be used for. You will never be asked these questions when requesting public information.