Open Records Request

Open Records Request

Unlike Texas courts, the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) is a state agency that must comply with the Texas Public Information Act (PIA), Texas Government Code Chapter 552.

SOAH is required to process all requests for administrative case records, hearing recordings, or other information formally under the PIA. This applies to everyone requesting records from SOAH, including case participants and their attorneys.

There are no exceptions to the PIA that would allow for a less formal or more immediate method for requesting copies of SOAH records. All requests are treated uniformly, generally in the order received, without regard to the status of the requestor.

 

Access Case Records Online

re:SearchTX

It is not always necessary to submit an open records request for SOAH records. Case records for most SOAH hearings are publicly available online through re:SearchTX and may be relied upon in the same manner as an original or certified copy.

re:SearchTX

re:SearchTX is the electronic court records system hosted by the State of Texas and serves as the official repository of up-to-date SOAH case records and information. There is no cost to access SOAH records through re:SearchTX – simply create a free account at research.txcourts.gov to instantly access electronic records.

For more information on how to search SOAH case records online using the re:SearchTX system, please see SOAH's re:SearchTX at SOAH FAQs.

Attorney Use of re:SearchTX: Attorneys and authorized representatives have a professional responsibility to use re:SearchTX to the fullest extent possible. They must establish access to re:SearchTX, learn how to use the system, and actively monitor case filings. They are expected to get their own case records directly from eFileTexas and re:SearchTX whenever possible instead of using the SOAH open records process. See, SOAH Rule, 159.61(d).

Limits to Public Access: Certain confidential cases and documents are not available to the general public on re:SearchTX. This includes records relating to:

  • DPS – Administrative Driver’s License Revocation (ALR)
  • CPA – Confidential Tax Hearings
  • DFPS – Child Protective Services
  • OAG – Child Support Enforcement
  • TDI – Workers’ Compensation
  • TEA – Special Education Due Process
  • Confidential medical information
  • Information subject to a protective order

For more information, see SOAH Rules § 155.103 and § 159.53.

Confidential Access for Case Participants: For most cases, confidential documents can still be accessed by authorized individuals who have a specific role in the case. For more information, see re:SearchTX FAQs.

 

Westlaw Resources

SOAH decisions and proposals for decision (PFDs) in non-confidential cases dating back to 1996 are publicly available on Westlaw. Westlaw is a private subscription-based legal research service that is separate from the public services provided by SOAH.

To search for SOAH PFDs and decisions in Westlaw, go to State Materials > Texas > Administrative Decisions & Guidance > Office of Administrative Hearings Decisions.

Requests may be submitted as follows:

OR

  • Through a written request in accordance with Section 552.234 of the Texas Government Code by email or USPS mail.
    • Email: Open.Records@soah.texas.gov
    • Mail:
      • Public Information Coordinator
      • State Office of Administrative Hearings
      • P.O. Box 13025
      • Austin, Texas 78711-3025

Your request must be submitted using one of the methods provided. Only those open records requests submitted in accordance with these requirements trigger obligations under the PIA.

Charges for Public Information: You will be notified in writing if there are costs associated with your request. The Office of the Attorney General sets what a state agency may charge for information. For questions about the Public Information Act, please consult the Texas Office of Attorney General, Open Records Division.

SOAH must comply with all statutes and rules on confidentiality. Accordingly, some information in SOAH case records may not be disclosed and confidential records and information may be accessible only to certain authorized individuals.

If you are requesting confidential information, you may be required to verify your identity or provide proof of your authorization to receive the information. You may view or download a list of confidential case types and information at SOAH on our website.

Exceptions to disclosure under the PIA 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 on the Texas Attorney General’s website.

In most instances, a governmental body is required to request an open records decision from the Attorney General in order to withhold information from a requestor. However, you may authorize SOAH to redact information that is subject to an exception without having to first request an Attorney General decision. You are not required to agree to the redaction of any information responsive to your request, but doing so can help to expedite the handling of your request.

  • Requests should be as specific as possible and include the SOAH Docket Number when available.
  • Requests should only be for documents or other information already in existence.
  • The open records law does not require SOAH to create new information, answer questions, provide case status updates, perform legal research, provide supplemental service of process, or comply with a request to supply information in the future if it becomes available.
  • SOAH’s open records staff is not authorized to accept case filings or respond to case-related communications that are not open records requests. All case filings must be submitted to the SOAH Chief Clerk in accordance with SOAH’s filing rules. See SOAH Rule 155.101.
  • Financial reports, contract and purchase order information, and other SOAH publications can be found under Reports Publications.

If you believe that we have not responded as required by the Public Information Act, you may contact the Attorney General’s Open Records Division Hotline at 512.478.6736 or toll-free at 877.673.6839.