Open Records Request
DESOTO LAUNCHING NEW SYSTEM TO MORE EASILY & EFFICIENTLY PROCESS TEXAS PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT (TPIA) REQUESTS
Beginning on March 4, 2024, the City of DeSoto has begun using a new open records request system to receive and more efficiently process your Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) requests.
DeSoto’s new JustFOIA system for open records requests will provide all users with a user-friendly interface that will make it easier to submit and track their public records requests online.
This will make it easier for the City to process TPIA requests and is likely to improve response times for requests that don’t require a detailed review.
The City of DeSoto welcomes the efficiency, transparency, and simplification of the open records request process that this new system will provide and will monitor its progress to ensure that requests are handled as efficiently as possible.
Use the following online form to make a public records request from the City of DeSoto under the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA): https://desototexas.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/newrequest
View the Texas Public Information Act Handbook from the Texas Attorney General’s Office: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/files/divisions/open-government/publicinfo_hb.pdf
View the Texas Public Information Act Made Easy publication from the Texas Attorney General’s Office which answers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Act: www.desototexas.gov/OpenRecordsGuideAdditional Resources
2024 Texas Public Information Handbook
This link will enable you to view the actual text of the Act.
2022 Open Meeting Act Handbook
This link will enable you to view the 2020 Open Meetings Act Handbook.
Texas Public Information Act Made Easy
This link will enable you to view a publication by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas that contains frequently asked questions about the Act.
Office of the Attorney General of Texas
This link will take you the Attorney General's Open Government resource.
Alicia Thomas City Secretary Phone: 972.230.9664 |
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Tachia Williams Mays Assistant City Secretary Phone: 972.230.9646 |
As a governmental entity, the City is subject to the Public Information Act (the "Act") that is sometimes referred to as the Open Records Act. The City of DeSoto strives to keep open the lines of communication with its citizens.
The request should also include the requestor's contact information: name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address. It is important that the contact information provided is accurate to avoid delays. In some cases, the City may need to contact the requestor to clarify the request.
Large, time-consuming requests may require the City to contact the requestor and confirm applicable charges. An advance deposit may be required. For more information on the Act, you may visit any of the links listed at above.
Requests may be submitted by any of the means listed. Note: If you choose to email your request, it will be directed to Alicia Thomas, City Secretary.
E-Mail: City Secretary
Online Form
The Act outlines in detail types of records that are prohibited or excluded from disclosure. If the City feels that the requested information falls within one of the statutory exceptions, the City must request a ruling from the Attorney General within ten (10) business days after the date the City received the written request. The Attorney General's office will then hand down an opinion on whether the information is to be released or withheld.