The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552), gives you the right to access government records. All government information is presumed to be available to the public, although certain exceptions may apply. Governmental bodies shall release requested information as promptly as possible, unless the information is exempt from disclosure under the Public Information Act. 

The request must ask for records or information already in existence. The Act does not require a governmental body to create new information, do legal research, answer questions, or comply with a continuing request to supply information on a periodic basis. 

The Act is triggered when a person submits a written request to the Office of the City Secretary.  Upon receipt, the City will begin processing your request in the order received.

SUBMIT REQUEST ONLINE

Written requests for city records may also be submitted via 

• Email:  

PIR@brownsvilletx.gov

• Mail: 

City Secretary's Office - Open Records

City of Brownsville

P.O. Box 911

Brownsville, Texas 78521

• In-person:

City Secretary's Office 

1034 E. Levee

Brownsville, Texas 78521

Click here for the PIR form. NOTE: This form is made available for your convenience and is not required.

When making a request for public information, please keep in mind that some information may accrue a cost to process. Should the office determine that your request will be more than $40, a cost estimate will be provided to you.

Please visit the Texas Attorney General's website for more information about the Public Information Act (PDF).

To request records from the Brownsville Police Department, click here

To request records from Fire Department, please call (956) 548-6075