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Open Records

Submitting Open Records & Media Requests
Open Records requests and media inquiries must be submitted through one of three channels:

    1. To submit a request electronically, utilize the Open Records Request portal below or email to openrecords@sltx.org.
    2. To submit a request by mail  please use the following address: Open Records Request
      Surplus Lines Stamping Office of Texas
      1601 E. Pflugerville Parkway, Suite 3301
      Pflugerville, TX 78660
    3. In person delivery to the address above.

     

    Open Records Process

    • Requests received after normal business hours will be considered officially received on the next business day.
    • Please note that surplus lines policy information is confidential under Texas Insurance Code §981.158 and may not be disclosed to the public.
    • SLTX is exempt from Texas Government Code Chapter 441 (Library and Archives Law) in accordance with Texas Insurance Code §981.159.
    • If the requested information cannot be produced within 10 business days, SLTX will notify you in writing with a reasonable date and time when the records will be made available.
    • Your request must be for records or information that already exists – the Public Information Act (PIA) does not require SLTX to answer questions, perform legal research, or continue to provide records as they are created in the future.
    • If an estimate of charges is provided, you must respond within 10 days of the date the estimate is sent. Failure to respond will result in the request being automatically withdrawn.
    • For estimated costs exceeding $100, a 50% deposit will be required before any work begins on fulfilling the request.  Deposits are only accepted via company or cashier’s check.  No personal checks or credit card payments are accepted.
    • Board Meeting Minutes are maintained as permanent records. If you are unable to locate the specific minutes you’re seeking, follow the Open Records request process to obtain them.

    SLTX is under no legal obligation to respond if the requirements of the PIA and our stipulated submission for Open Records Request are not followed. For more information about the Texas PIA, visit Texas Office of Attorney General, Open Records Division.

     

Question: What type of documents may I request?

Answer:

Your request should be for documents or other information already in existence. SLTX is not required to create information, perform legal research, or comply with a continuing request to supply information on a periodic basis such as information that may be prepared in the future.

Question: Can I make a public information request without using the online portal?

Answer:

We strongly encourage the use of our online Open Records Request portal for submitting public information requests, as it provides confirmation of receipt and helps ensure efficient processing.

However, if you prefer not to use the portal, you may submit your request in writing by:

Open Records Request
Surplus Lines Stamping Office of Texas
1601 E. Pflugerville Parkway, Suite 3301
Pflugerville, TX 78660

This guidance helps clarify that while the portal is the preferred method, alternative submission methods are available and accepted when properly directed.

Question: Can my request be expedited? Would it be faster to submit my request in person?

Answer:

No. The Public Information Act requires a response be produced within 10 business days from the date the request was received.

Question: Can I submit my request multiple ways/times to expedite?

Answer:

No. We encourage you to use the online portal to submit your Open Records request, and you will receive a confirmation that it was received.

Question: What happens if the requested information cannot be produced within 10 working days?

Answer:

If the information cannot be produced within 10 business days, SLTX will notify you in writing of the reasonable date and time it will be available.

Question: Why do I have to submit a deposit for my information?

Answer:

If estimated costs exceed $100, you must submit a 50% deposit before work begins on your request.

Question: What are SLTX's procedures to request public information?

Answer:

Tips to request information

  • Your request must be in writing. Only written requests trigger obligations under the Public Information Act.
  • Your request should be for documents or other information already in existence. SLTX is not required to perform legal research or comply with a continuing request to supply information on a periodic basis as such information is prepared in the future.
  • Be as specific as possible in your request and include a time frame for the information you are requesting as appropriate.
Question: What happens if the information I'm requesting is not publicly available?
  • If the information requested may be withheld due to an exception, SLTX has 10 business days after receiving the request to:
    • Request an Attorney General opinion and state which exceptions apply.
    • Notify you of the referral to the Attorney General.
    • Notify third parties if the request involves their proprietary information.
  • Requestors may send a letter to the Attorney General arguing for release and may review arguments made by SLTX. If the arguments disclose the requested information, you may obtain a redacted copy.
  • The Attorney General must issue a decision no later than the 45th working day from the day after the Attorney General received the request for a decision. The Attorney General may request an additional 10 working day extension.