Requesting public information is simple. Here's what you need to know to make a successful Public Information Act (PIA) request. 

A public information request must be in writing to the governmental body you believe maintains the information.  However, your written request needs to be for information already in existence. A governmental body is not required to answer questions, perform legal research, or create new information in response to your public information request.

• Effective September 1, 2019, pursuant to section 552.234 of the Government Code, a person may make a request for public information only by delivering the request by one of the following methods to the governmental body’s public information officer or the officer’s designee:
1. United States mail;
2. electronic mail; 

3. hand delivery; or 

4. any other method approved by the governmental body.