SECTION 71.1. Inspection of Public Information

(a) Access to documents. Unless otherwise provided by constitutional provision, statutory provision, or judicial decision, all documents on file with the Office of the Secretary of State (Office) are specifically declared to be public record.

(1) Public access to documents on file and maintained on site at an office of the Secretary of State requires the approval and supervision of an authorized Office employee to ensure the security and integrity of the documents.

(2) Documents will be available for examination during regular office hours in a manner that will not interfere with the operation of the Office.

(b) Written request. Apply to review documents on forms promulgated by the Office or in a written request describing the information by name and/or number.

(1) Be prepared to provide and verify the name and address of the applicant with a valid state driver license or other photo-identification.

(2) Applications will be handled in the order in which they are received.

(c) Documents Unavailable. If a document is in active use or in storage and, therefore, not available upon request, the Office shall specify in writing the date and hour that the requested document will be available for inspection.

(d) Limited copies available at time of request. The Office may limit the number of pages, which can be copied and supplied during a person's visit if the number of copies requested is beyond the reasonable capacity of the available personnel and machines. Copies in excess of the number available during a person's visit will be made and mailed to the applicant in the order in which the request is received.

(e) Designated inspection area. Persons inspecting documents may do so only in a designated inspection area. Each division of the Office shall designate an area where an employee may assist persons inspecting documents.

Source Note: The provisions of this §71.1 adopted to be effective September 6, 1999, 24 TexReg 6965; amended to be effective October 20, 2004, 29 TexReg 9671