The software, JustFOIA, streamlines online submissions, and aids staff in managing the volume of requests. (Contributed Photo)

Smith County launched a new open records request platform with a goal to improve convenience for the public and the efficiency for the county.

The software, JustFOIA, streamlines online submissions, and aids staff in managing the volume of requests. Users can choose between submitting a Sheriff’s Office Public Information Request form or a County Public Information Request for all other departments.

“JustFOIA will enable us to better serve the community by simplifying records request management,” Smith County Chief Information Officer Don Bell said. “We are excited about improving the efficiency of answering these requests.”

The public records request will be made online using a secure portal, allowing users to track the status of their request, make payments, if required and receive the records online.

Residents have the right to access government records, and public information officers are not allowed to ask the reason for the request.

The procedure to obtain information includes submitting the request, and ensuring there is enough information, description and detail about what is being requested so that accuracy and relevant information is located.

Once the information is released, it may be reviewed promptly, and if it cannot be produced within 10 working days, the responding officer will notify the requester of a reasonable date and time when it will be available.

Expectations may apply. Ongoing litigation needs a discovery request instead of a public information request and judicial records fall under a different rule.

The forms can be found at smith-county.com/government/about/public-information and the direct link is smithcountytx.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/newrequest.