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Bell County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Bell County?

Public records in Bell County are documents, files, recordings, and other materials created or maintained by government agencies that are accessible to the public according to the Texas Public Information Act, codified under Texas Government Code § 552. This comprehensive legislation establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain exceptions as specified by law.

Bell County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

  • Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases processed through the Bell County District Clerk's Office and County Clerk's Office
  • Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments
  • Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
  • Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and assumed name certificates (DBA)
  • Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax liens
  • Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results
  • Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of County Commissioners Court and other boards
  • Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and audits
  • Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs and incident reports (with statutory limitations)
  • Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, permits, and zoning decisions

Each record type is maintained by specific county departments. For example, the Bell County Clerk's Office maintains vital records, property records, and assumed name certificates, while the Bell County Tax Assessor-Collector maintains property tax records.

Is Bell County an Open Records County?

Bell County fully complies with the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), as established under Texas Government Code § 552. This statute guarantees the public's right to access government records, with certain exceptions for confidential information.

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 provision establishes the fundamental right of access that Bell County observes in its operations.

Bell County has implemented specific procedures for handling public information requests in accordance with state law. The county follows the statutory timelines established in § 552.221, which generally requires governmental bodies to "promptly produce public information" and establishes that requests must be fulfilled "within a reasonable time, without delay."

Additionally, Bell County adheres to the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA), codified under Texas Government Code Chapter 551, which ensures transparency in governmental decision-making by requiring public meetings to be open and properly noticed.

The Bell County Commissioners Court has adopted policies that reinforce these state requirements, demonstrating the county's commitment to governmental transparency and public access to information.

How to Find Public Records in Bell County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Bell County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need. The county currently provides multiple access points for public records:

  1. Submit a Public Information Request:

    • Complete the county's Public Information Request Form
    • Submit requests to the specific department that maintains the records
    • Clearly identify the records being requested
    • Provide contact information for follow-up

  2. Visit County Offices in Person:

    • Records may be inspected during regular business hours
    • Staff can assist with locating specific documents
    • Self-service terminals are available for certain record types

  3. Access Online Resources:

  4. Contact Specific Departments:

  5. Submit Requests by Mail:

    • Send written requests to the appropriate department
    • Include specific details about the records being requested
    • Provide return address and contact information

Under Texas Government Code § 552.221, Bell County must respond to requests promptly, typically within 10 business days, either by providing the requested information or explaining why additional time is needed.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Bell County?

Bell County assesses fees for public records in accordance with the guidelines established by the Texas Administrative Code, Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70. The current fee structure includes:

  • Standard Paper Copies: $0.10 per page for standard 8.5" x 11" copies
  • Certified Documents: $5.00 per document plus copy costs
  • Oversize Copies: $0.50 per page for documents larger than 8.5" x 14"
  • Electronic Records: $1.00 per CD/DVD or actual cost for other media
  • Labor Charges: $15.00 per hour for requests requiring more than 50 pages or extensive programming
  • Vital Records:
    • Birth Certificates: $23.00 per copy
    • Death Certificates: $21.00 for first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy
    • Marriage Licenses: $82.00 to issue, $21.00 for certified copies

Accepted payment methods include:

  • Cash (in-person only)
  • Personal checks
  • Money orders
  • Credit cards (subject to processing fee)
  • Debit cards

Fee waivers or reductions may be available in certain circumstances, particularly for requests that serve the public interest, as provided under Texas Government Code § 552.267. Governmental bodies may waive or reduce charges when doing so would primarily benefit the general public.

Requestors should note that fees may vary depending on the specific department and record type. The county provides fee schedules upon request and posts current fee information on departmental websites.

Does Bell County Have Free Public Records?

Bell County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act. The following records are currently available at no cost:

  • In-Person Inspection: Under Texas Government Code § 552.221, members of the public may inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours. This right applies to most non-confidential records maintained by county offices.

  • Online Resources: Bell County offers several free online databases:

  • Public Terminals: Self-service computer terminals are available at several county offices for free public access to digital records, including:

    • The Bell County Clerk's Office
    • The Bell County Law Library
    • The Bell County District Clerk's Office

While inspection is free, reproduction costs apply when copies are requested. Additionally, requests requiring extensive staff time or programming may incur labor charges as permitted by state law, even if the initial inspection is free.

The Bell County website provides access to many public documents, forms, and information at no cost, supporting transparency and public access to government information.

Who Can Request Public Records in Bell County?

Under the Texas Public Information Act, any person may request public records from Bell County governmental bodies. The law establishes broad eligibility criteria:

  • Residency: Texas Government Code § 552.021 does not restrict access based on Texas residency. Non-residents have the same rights to request public information as Texas residents.

  • Identification Requirements: While requestors may be asked to provide contact information for communication purposes, Bell County cannot generally require identification as a condition for fulfilling public information requests. However, certain record types (such as vital records) may require identification to verify eligibility under state law.

  • Purpose Disclosure: Per Texas Government Code § 552.222, governmental bodies "may not inquire into the purpose for which information will be used." Requestors are not required to explain why they want public information, with limited exceptions for certain confidential records.

Special considerations apply to specific record types:

  • Vital Records: Access to birth certificates is restricted to the person named on the certificate, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct interest as defined by the Texas Health and Safety Code § 191.051.

  • Criminal History Information: Complete criminal histories are available only to authorized entities under Texas Government Code § 411.083.

  • Voter Registration Records: While generally public, certain information may be restricted for individuals with protective orders or participants in address confidentiality programs.

Commercial entities requesting large volumes of information may be subject to additional requirements regarding the intended use of the information, particularly if it contains personal identifying information.

What Records Are Confidential in Bell County?

Bell County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with exceptions established under the Texas Public Information Act. 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 § 552.147 and § 552.136

  • Medical and Mental Health Records: Protected health information under HIPAA and Texas Medical Practice Act (Texas Occupations Code § 159.002)

  • Juvenile Records: Information related to juvenile offenders as specified in Texas Family Code § 58.007

  • Active Criminal Investigations: Information that would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime (§ 552.108)

  • Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and attorney work product (§ 552.107)

  • Personnel Information: Certain employee information including home addresses, phone numbers, family information, and emergency contact information of public employees (§ 552.117)

  • Certain Victim Information: Information identifying victims of sexual assault or family violence (§ 552.138)

  • Critical Infrastructure: Information related to security systems, emergency response plans, and infrastructure vulnerability assessments (§ 552.139)

  • Economic Development Negotiations: Information related to economic development negotiations until agreements are executed (§ 552.131)

  • Test Items: Standardized test items and assessment instruments (§ 552.122)

  • Certain Election Records: Information related to the location of voting equipment and ballot box security (§ 552.1081)

  • Birth Records: Birth records less than 75 years old are available only to qualified individuals under Texas Health and Safety Code § 191.051

  • Adoption Records: Sealed adoption records as specified in Texas Family Code Chapter 162

When a request involves potentially confidential information, Bell County officials must seek a determination from the Texas Attorney General's Office within 10 business days, as required by § 552.301, unless a previous determination applies.

Bell County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Bell County Clerk's Office
550 East 2nd Avenue
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5171
Bell County Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Bell County District Clerk's Office
Bell County Justice Center
1201 Huey Road
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5197
Bell County District Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Bell County Tax Assessor-Collector
550 East 2nd Avenue
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5318
Bell County Tax Assessor-Collector

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

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