Report on Procedures for Charging and Collecting Fees
For Providing Copies of Public Information
February 2011
Section 552.274(b) of the Texas Government Code requires that a state agency must issue a report describing that agency’s procedures for charging and collecting fees for providing copies of public information. The report must be issued during each odd-numbered year. The publication of this report fulfills that requirement.
As required by Section 552.262 of the Texas Government Code, the Comptroller of Public Accounts follows rules promulgated by the Texas Attorney General for determining the charge, deposit or bond required for providing information. The rules also prescribe the methods of computing the charges. These rules are found in Title I of the Texas Administrative Code, Sections 70.1 through 70.11.
The Comptroller charges for copies of public information in accordance with current laws and rules. If charges will exceed $40 or will require programming or reconfiguring of data, the requestor is provided with a cost estimate or statement as required by either Section 552.231 or 552.2615 of the Government Code. The Comptroller utilizes Section 552.267, to provide for waivers or reduction of costs when in the public interest. Other governmental bodies are not charged for information unless such a request requires extensive programming time. The Comptroller does not charge taxpayers for their own records. Employees are not charged for their own employment records. The Comptroller generally also waives charges of less than $20 to help ensure that members of the public have broad access to clearly public information. Additionally, individual members, agencies and committees of the legislature are not charged for information to be used for legislative purposes, as provided by Section 552.264.
In fiscal year 2010, this agency responded to 626,675 written requests for information and collected $8730.19 for public information requests. The agency cost to process payments, either check or cash, is approximately $10. In compliance with the current reporting requirements, this agency reports only the number of requests for information that were actually made in writing.
It should be noted that many members of the public take advantage of retrieving public information—free of charge—directly from the Comptroller’s website, Window on State Government. Agency staff also regularly advise requestors of the many types of public information that are available on Window on State Government. Providing members of the public immediate access to public information on the Internet saves agency resources and is more convenient for the requestor.
This agency, under the leadership of Texas Comptroller Susan Combs, remains committed to timely providing and making accessible public information.
This agency, under the leadership of Texas Comptroller Susan Combs, remains committed to timely providing and making public information accessible. Anyone with questions, comments or requiring further information regarding this report may contact the Open Records staff at open.records@cpa.state.tx.us.