Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2026-093 approving a revised policy pertaining to City responses to repetitive Public Information Act requests; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Councilwoman Elizabeth Villafranca
BACKGROUND:
A policy addressing repetitive Public Information Act (PIA) requests provides a consistent and transparent framework for administering such requests, which require significant staff time and resources. Establishing a policy ensures that requests are handled uniformly and in accordance with procedures authorized by the Texas Government Code. The proposed policy allows the City to recover allowable costs and manage workloads more effectively while maintaining compliance with the Public Information Act.
While state law limits the costs that may be recovered from requestors, the Texas Government Code authorizes governmental bodies to establish procedures for handling repetitive requests submitted by the same requestor. The proposed policy amendments would provide administrative tools to assist in managing repetitive requests, but do not limit public access to information.
DISCUSSION:
At the June 16, 2026, City Council meeting, the City Attorney provided an overview of challenges associated with the increasing volume of PIA requests, including the administrative burden of repetitive requests that require significant staff time and resources. The City Council directed staff to move forward with amending the current policy to address repetitive requests.
The proposed policy amendment is intended to promote a more efficient and consistent process for administering repetitive requests and improve the City's ability to document and recover allowable costs.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
DISTRICT:
N/A
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-093 as presented.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-093, with modifications
3. I move to table this item for further consideration.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Res...
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