Sec. 552.3221. IN CAMERA INSPECTION OF INFORMATION. (a) In any suit filed under this chapter, the information at issue may be filed with the court for in camera inspection as is necessary for the adjudication of the case.
(b) Upon receipt of the information at issue for in camera inspection, the court shall enter an order that prevents release to or access by any person other than the court, a reviewing court of appeals, or parties permitted to inspect the information pursuant to a protective order. The order shall further note the filing date and time.
(c) The information at issue filed with the court for in camera inspection shall be:
(1) appended to the order and transmitted by the court to the clerk for filing as "information at issue";
(2) maintained in a sealed envelope or in a manner that precludes disclosure of the information; and
(3) transmitted by the clerk to any court of appeal as part of the clerk's record.
(d) Information filed with the court under this section does not constitute "court records" within the meaning of Rule 76a, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and shall not be made available by the clerk or any custodian of record for public inspection.
(e) For purposes of this section, "information at issue" is defined as information held by a governmental body that forms the basis of a suit under this chapter.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 461 (S.B. 983), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics
Chapter 552 - Public Information
Subchapter H. Civil Enforcement
Section 552.321. Suit for Writ of Mandamus
Section 552.3215. Declaratory Judgment or Injunctive Relief
Section 552.322. Discovery of Information Under Protective Order Pending Final Determination
Section 552.3221. In Camera Inspection of Information
Section 552.323. Assessment of Costs of Litigation and Reasonable Attorney Fees
Section 552.324. Suit by Governmental Body
Section 552.325. Parties to Suit Seeking to Withhold Information
Section 552.326. Failure to Raise Exceptions Before Attorney General
Section 552.327. Dismissal of Suit Due to Requestor's Withdrawal or Abandonment of Request