Hood County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Hood County?
Public records in Hood County, Texas are defined as information created, collected, or maintained by government bodies in the course of official business, as established under the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 552. These records document the activities and decisions of government entities and are generally accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
Hood County maintains a comprehensive collection of public records that includes:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases processed through the Hood County Clerk's office and the District Clerk's office
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and property assessments
- Vital Records: Birth certificates (limited to those born in Hood County), death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
- Business Records: Assumed name certificates (DBA), alcohol permits, and other business licenses
- Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax rolls
- Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports
- Meeting Minutes and Agendas: County Commissioners Court, boards, and committees
- Budget and Financial Documents: Annual budgets, expenditure reports, and audits
- Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (with restrictions), and jail records
- Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and variance requests
The Hood County Clerk serves as the primary custodian for many public records, including property records, marriage licenses, and county court records. The Hood County public records system provides online access to many of these documents. Meanwhile, the District Clerk maintains district court records, and various other departments maintain records specific to their functions.
Is Hood County an Open Records County?
Hood County fully complies with the Texas Public Information Act (PIA), codified in Texas Government Code § 552, which establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public. This statute, sometimes referred to as the Texas Open Records Act, ensures transparency in government operations throughout the state.
Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." This fundamental provision establishes the right of access that Hood County observes in its records management practices.
The county adheres to the principle articulated in Texas Government Code § 552.001(a) that states: "the fundamental philosophy of the American constitutional form of representative government... adheres to the principle that government is the servant and not the master of the people." This statutory language underscores the importance of governmental transparency that Hood County strives to maintain.
Hood County has implemented specific procedures for handling public information requests in accordance with state law. Each county department that serves as a records custodian follows these procedures to ensure consistent compliance with open records requirements.
The county also observes the Texas Open Meetings Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 551), which complements the Public Information Act by ensuring that governmental decision-making occurs in public view. Together, these "sunshine laws" create a framework for transparent governance that Hood County officials are legally obligated to follow.
How to Find Public Records in Hood County in 2026
Members of the public seeking access to Hood County records may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need. The county currently provides multiple pathways for records access:
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Online Access: Many Hood County records are available through the county's online portals:
- The County Clerk's public records search provides access to property records, marriage licenses, and other documents
- The District Clerk's records portal offers access to district court cases
- Court records maintained by the County Clerk are searchable online
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to request records:
- For property records, marriage licenses, and county court records, visit the County Clerk
- For district court records, contact the District Clerk
- For tax records, visit the Tax Assessor-Collector
- For law enforcement records, contact the Sheriff's Office
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Written Requests: Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, requestors may submit written requests for records not readily available online:
- Clearly identify the records sought with reasonable specificity
- Submit requests to the appropriate records custodian
- The governmental body must respond promptly, generally within 10 business days
- Use the county's Open Records Request form when applicable
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Electronic Requests: Many Hood County departments accept records requests via email. Contact information for specific departments is available on the county website.
When requesting records, it is advisable to be as specific as possible about the information sought. This facilitates prompt processing and reduces the likelihood of delays or additional correspondence to clarify the request.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Hood County?
Hood County assesses fees for public records in accordance with guidelines established by the Texas Attorney General under Texas Government Code § 552.262. The current fee structure includes:
- Standard Paper Copies: $0.10 per page for standard letter or legal size copies
- Certified Copies: $5.00 for the first page plus $0.10 for each additional page
- Oversize Copies: $0.50 per page for documents larger than legal size
- Electronic Records: $0.10 per page for PDFs or other electronic formats
- Research Time: $15.00 per hour for requests requiring extensive research or programming
- Labor Charges: May apply when requests exceed 50 pages or require extensive processing time
- Media Costs: Actual cost of CD, DVD, or other media used to provide records
Specific record types have statutorily established fees:
- Marriage License: $82.00 ($22.00 with premarital education certificate)
- Birth Certificate: $23.00 for the first copy, $3.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously
- Death Certificate: $21.00 for the first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously
- Property Record Filing: Varies based on document type and page count
The county accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and credit card (in most offices). Some online services may require credit card payment.
Under Texas Government Code § 552.267, a governmental body may waive or reduce fees if doing so is in the public interest. Additionally, § 552.261(d) allows for fee waivers when the cost of collecting the fee exceeds the amount of the fee.
Requestors should note that fees may be estimated in advance for requests expected to exceed $40.00, and prepayment may be required before records are processed.
Does Hood County Have Free Public Records?
Hood County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act establishes the right to inspect public information without charge during normal business hours. The following records are currently available at no cost:
- In-Person Inspection: Any non-confidential public record may be inspected free of charge at the appropriate county office during regular business hours
- Online Records Search: Basic search functions on the county's public records portals are provided at no cost, including:
- Election Results and Voter Information: Basic voter information and election results are available at no charge
- County Budget Documents: Annual budgets and financial reports are available for public inspection without charge
While inspection is free, fees apply when copies are requested or when extensive staff time is required to fulfill a request. Additionally, some online services may charge for document downloads or certified copies even when searches are free.
The Hood County Clerk's office maintains public access terminals where members of the public may conduct research and view records without charge. These terminals are available during regular business hours at the County Clerk's office.
Who Can Request Public Records in Hood County?
Under the Texas Public Information Act, any person may request public records from Hood County governmental bodies. Texas Government Code § 552.223 specifically states that "a requestor may make a written request for public information under this chapter to a governmental body by hand delivery, mail, facsimile, electronic mail, or any other appropriate method approved by the governmental body."
Key eligibility considerations include:
- Residency: Texas law does not restrict public information requests to Texas residents; any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request records
- Identification: For most general records, requestors are not required to identify themselves or state the purpose of their request
- Purpose Limitations: Under Texas Government Code § 552.222(b), a governmental body may not inquire into the purpose for which information will be used
- Special Provisions: Certain records have specific eligibility requirements:
- Birth certificates are restricted to the person named on the certificate, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest
- Criminal history information may have access restrictions based on the requestor's relationship to the case
- Voter registration information has specific permitted uses under Texas Election Code
For requests concerning one's own records, identification may be required to verify identity and prevent unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. When requesting records about another individual, access may be limited based on privacy protections established in Texas Government Code § 552.101 and other applicable laws.
Government agencies, including law enforcement, courts, and other authorized entities, have broader access to certain records than members of the general public under various statutory provisions.
What Records Are Confidential in Hood County?
Hood County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with exceptions established under the Texas Public Information Act and other applicable laws. Texas Government Code § 552.101 through § 552.158 enumerate specific categories of information that are exempt from public disclosure. These confidential records include:
- Personal Identifying Information: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information as protected under Texas Government Code § 552.147 and § 552.136
- Medical Records: Health information protected under HIPAA and Texas Medical Practice Act (Texas Occupations Code § 159.002)
- Juvenile Records: Records related to juvenile offenders as specified in Texas Family Code § 58.007
- Ongoing Investigations: Law enforcement records related to pending investigations as exempted under Texas Government Code § 552.108
- Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and attorney work product as protected by Texas Government Code § 552.107
- Personnel Information: Certain employee information including home addresses, phone numbers, family information, and emergency contact information of public employees under Texas Government Code § 552.117
- Victim Information: Information identifying crime victims, especially in cases involving sexual assault or family violence
- Critical Infrastructure: Information related to security systems, emergency response plans, and infrastructure vulnerabilities
- Certain Business Information: Trade secrets and proprietary commercial information as protected under Texas Government Code § 552.110
- Sealed Court Records: Records sealed by court order pursuant to various provisions of Texas law
- Adoption Records: Information related to adoptions as protected under Texas Family Code Chapter 162
- Certain Real Estate Information: Appraisals and negotiations prior to property acquisition as exempted under Texas Government Code § 552.105
When a request involves potentially confidential information, Hood County officials must apply the appropriate legal standards to determine if an exception applies. Under Texas Government Code § 552.301, if a governmental body believes requested information is exempt from disclosure, it must seek a decision from the Texas Attorney General within 10 business days, unless a previous determination applies.
The county balances the presumption of openness with legitimate privacy and security concerns as required by law. When portions of a record contain both public and confidential information, the county will redact the confidential content and release the remainder when possible.
Hood County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Hood County Clerk's Office
1200 W. Pearl St., Suite B
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3212
Hood County Clerk
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Hood County District Clerk's Office
1200 W. Pearl St., Suite 200
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3230
Hood County District Clerk
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Hood County Sheriff's Office
400 Deputy Larry Miller Dr.
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3307
Hood County Sheriff
Hours for Records Requests:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Hood County Tax Assessor-Collector
1410 W. Pearl St.
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3230
Hood County Tax Office
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays