🎓 CEU/CLE Credits

The Office of the Attorney General will give CEU/CLE credits from the following organizations to those who attend the conference in person.

You must sign in daily to get CEU credit. Actual credit hours are to be determined. 

•    Texas County & District Clerks' Association 
•    Texas State Board of Public Accountancy 
•    Texas Municipal League
•    Texas State Bar 
•    TCOLE 

Details such as course number, provider number, and sponsor ID will be included in the printed agendas provided at the conference. 

You will be able to print your own certificate of participation after the conference.

 

 

 

Wed., Dec. 2, 2026

3:30 – 5:0o p.m.              Early Sign-in 

Thurs., Dec. 3, 2026

7 – 8 a.m.                    Registration   

8– 8:15 a.m.                Welcome Remarks                                       

8:15 – 9:15 a.m.          Open Meetings Act 101 

This is an introductory course on the Open Meetings Act (OMA). It will address the applicability of the OMA, basic notice requirements, open and closed sessions, record keeping, and penalties and consequences for failure to comply with the Act. Attending this session will fulfill the training requirement of Government Code section 551.005.    

9:15 - 10:15 a.m.          Public Information Act 101

This is an introductory course on the Public Information Act (PIA). It will address the background and applicability of the PIA, important deadlines, procedures for complying with the Act, the role of the Attorney General, and penalties and consequences for failing to comply.

10:15 – 10:30 a.m.      AM Break

10:30 – 12 p.m.           Responding to Public Information Act                                                      Requests  

This session will take a closer look at various procedures for responding to requests for information. The presentation includes sample response templates and outlines the notice requirements for a governmental body’s reply.

Noon – 1:30 p.m.       Lunch (On Your Own) 

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.         Ethics

This session will discuss ethical considerations in handling requests for information under the Public Information Act. It will explore the key decisions and judgment calls that arise when responding to requests.

2:30 – 3:15 p.m.         Records Retention  

This session provides an overview of the key concepts of records management for state agencies and local governments and highlights the importance of maintaining an effective and efficient records management program.

3:15 – 3:30 p.m.         PM Break

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.        ORD Round Table Discussion

Join attorneys from the Open Records Division for an inside look at how the division handles requests for rulings. The presenters will share insights on their review process and highlight common mistakes found in submitted briefs.

4:30- 5 p.m.               Q&A (Optional)

An optional Q&A session will be offered to address any remaining questions. Please note that cost-related questions will not be discussed during this session.

5 p.m.                          Conference Day 1 Adjourns
  

Fri., Dec. 4, 2026                        
 

7 – 8 a.m.                      Sign-in                              

8 – 9:30 a.m.               Cost Rules Exam and Q&A

Grab your coffee and let’s start the day with a pop quiz. Test your knowledge on the cost rules, including the basics covered on Day 1 and some more advanced concepts. The quiz will go over multiple practical and everyday examples of charges.

9:30 – 10:30 am.         Redacting on Your Own 

This session will cover the types of information that governmental bodies may withhold without requesting an attorney general decision. It will explain how to redact information as permitted under the Public Information Act and other applicable laws to ensure records are released quickly and accurately to requestors. 

10:30 – 10:45 a.m.      AM Break 

10:45 – 11:45 a.m.       After a Ruling & Practical Resources   

This session will focus on what to do once a ruling has been issued by the Open Records Division. The presenters will explain how to interpret the ruling and apply it to your information. This session will also highlight resources available to governmental bodies and requestors.

11:45 – 1:15 p.m.          The Future of the PIA Working Lunch &                                                   Panel Discussion (Lunch Provided) 

As technology, communication habits, and public expectations evolve, so do the challenges facing open government. This lunchtime conversation explores emerging trends shaping the future of the Public Information Act (PIA). Join us for an informal, thought-provoking discussion on how agencies can continue to adapt to these changes while maintaining compliance with the PIA.

1:15 – 2:15 p.m.            a. Law Enforcement Records  

This session will cover the exceptions that apply specifically to records created by law enforcement agencies. It will also examine how these records may appear in non-law-enforcement agency contexts.

                                      b. Competitive Bidding and Procurement  

This session will discuss how to handle requests for information pertaining to competitive bidding and procurement situations.  It will discuss the relevant exceptions to disclosure that may be raised by governmental bodies as well as the obligations imposed on a governmental body under section 552.305 of the Government Code for requests that may implicate the interests of third parties.

2:15 – 3:15 p.m.           a. Personnel Files and Privacy Expectations

This session will examine privacy doctrines and statutes that render certain information confidential under the law, with practical guidance on identifying common types of protected information. Presenters will also discuss effective strategies for reviewing personnel records to ensure compliance and accuracy.

                                         b. Deep Dive into section 552.301 of the                                                Government Code

This session is for the seasoned public information specialist.  It will provide an in-depth look into the requirements of section 552.301 of the Government Code.

3:15 – 3:30 p.m.           PM Break 

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.          a. Body Worn Camera Recordings   

This session will discuss handling requests for body-worn camera recordings. It will focus on the rules and statutes that differ from those governing other types of requests, including cost provisions.

                                      b. Common Administrative Record                                                            Exceptions

This session will cover the exceptions to disclosure that governmental bodies are permitted but not required to raise, including Sections 552.103, 552.107, and 552.111 of the Government Code.              

4:30- 5 p.m.                 Q&A (Optional)

An optional Q&A session will be held to address any remaining questions.         

5 p.m.                             Conference Adjourns