Texas Attorney General Opinions
KP-0348 1/13/21
Issue:
Does publication of investment information in a regularly published media source make that information “publicly released” and therefore no longer “confidential by law” under Government Code §552.143(b)?
Conclusion:
Not necessarily. That a newspaper account includes information that may also be found in confidential information maintained by a governmental body does not necessarily establish that the report derived from the confidential information. The facts recited in the request letter do not establish a basis for the conclusion that information reported in the newspaper was derived from information prepared or maintained by a governmental body or a private investment fund or that otherwise confidential information was publicly released as authorized under the Act. Read opinion.
Commentary:
The leak of information deemed confidential under the PIA does not strip the information of confidentiality under the PIA. Thus, agencies holding such information are still required to protect it in the face of a PIA, even if they might rather release the information for other purposes.
RQ-0396-KP 1/20/21
Issue:
Is residency for purpose of running for the office of county attorney based on intent or actual residency? Read opinion request.
Requested by:
Rusty Friedrichs, Goliad County Auditor