Public Records are handled by the Records Division of the Department of Moderation and overseen by the Harris County Clerk's Office.

Under the Public Information Act, some categories of information do not have to be released. Exceptions to disclosure fall into two general categories: 

1. Mandatory exceptions that make information confidential and require a governmental body to withhold information, and

2. Discretionary exceptions that allow but do not require a governmental body to withhold information. You may find information about mandatory and discretionary exceptions.

Confidential Information under the Public Information Act

In most instances, a governmental body is required to request a decision from the Attorney General in order to withhold information from a requestor. However, a requestor may permit a governmental body to redact information without requesting an Attorney General decision. You are not required to agree to the redaction of any information responsive to your request, but doing so may streamline the handling of your request. If you agree to redactions in this request, then you may request the redacted information in a future information request.

Section 552.001 of the Texas Government Code provides that public information is available to the public during the normal business hours of the government body.  Your request will be responded to within 10 business days after the date the information was requested.