Q: Are judicial officials and employees required to obtain open government training?

A: Judicial officials and judicial employees do not need to attend Public Information Act training, but they may be responsible for completing Open Meetings Act training. Judicial officials and employees do not need to obtain training regarding the Public Information Act because public access to information maintained by the court system is governed by Rule 12 of the Judicial Administration Rules of the Texas Supreme Court and by other applicable laws and rules (see Govt. Code 552.0035). However, if a judge or judicial employee serves as a member of a governmental body subject to the Open Meetings Act, we advise them to comply with the Open Meetings Act training requirements. If you are unsure if the open government training requirement applies to you, please consult with the Office of the Attorney General or the Office of Court Administration.