Chapter 552 of the Government Code was renamed the Public Informaiton Act in the 1995 Texas Legislative Session.  It is still referred to as the Open Records Act by many that deal with government records. Both names refer to the same statute.  The Office of the Attorney General, Open Records Division, is responsible for the interpretation of this law.  A current version of the Public Information Act publication is available at the Kilgore Public Libary or in the City Clerk's office at City Hall.

The Open Records Division of the Office of Attorney General contact information is as follows:

Information Hotline 1-877-673-6839 or 512-478-6736

Website Address:  http://www.oag.state.tx.us

Email Address: publicrecords@oag.state.tx.us

Every form of information is subject to this law; however, it only covers information that is in existence.  The City Manager or his designee is responsible for public records.    The public can ask for a copy of a record or just ask to review it.  The request must be in writing submitted on a form provided by the City or any format that includes the requestor's name, address, and phone number and details the information requested.   The City has the responsibility of responding to the request in a timely manner and can charge reasonable fees for copies and even for providing information to review if the request exceeds certain standards outlined in the stature (§552.261, Government Code).  The Office of the Attorney General has established a fee schedule that the City of Kilgore follows for cost of reproduction of documents requested.

Submit a Public Information/Open Records Request