Shining the light on public records in Texas.[/caption]

Throughout this week, Community Impact Newspaper will celebrate Sunshine Week, a nationwide campaign to educate the public about the importance of open government.

In Texas, information produced by state and local agencies is covered under the Texas Public Information Act, which means the public has a right to view it. The act defines public information as “written, produced, collected, assembled or maintained under a law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business.”

Dara Crabtree, city secretary for the city of Leander, said the types of information requested vary.

“Typically, I receive requests for accident and fire reports; environmental site assessment information for properties preparing to be built on; and copies of plats and development agreements so individuals can see what is being built around them,” she said.

LeAnn Quinn, Cedar Park city secretary, said “the majority of Public Information Requests are related to the police department for call and incident reports” within the city.

Sunshine Week is led by the American Society of News Editors and was established in 2005.