Open Records Decision No. 277
July 13, 1981

	Re:  Whether the qualifications of applicants for public employment are available 
under the Open Records Act

Mr. Simon Y. Rodriguez
General Counsel
Texas Board of Human Resources
706 Banister Lane
Austin, Texas  78769

Dear Mr. Rodriguez:

	You have requested our decision under the Open Records Act, article 6252-17a, 
V.T.C.S., as to whether the qualifications of applicants for the position of Commissioner 
of the Texas Department of Human Resources are available to the public.

	In Open Records Decision No. 257 (1980), we said that the names of applicants 
for the positions of superintendent of schools and chief of police are not excepted from 
disclosure under any provision of the Open Records Act.  Likewise, in Open Records 
Decision No. 264 (1980), we said that the names, addresses and qualifications of 
applicants for the position of city director of public safety are subject to disclosure.  We 
believe that the latter decision is dispositive of the present inquiry.  As in that decision, 
we assume that information about an applicant's qualifications refers to his formal 
education, licenses and certificates, employment experience, professional awards and 
recognition, and membership in professional organizations.  We understand that no other 
information about any applicant has been requested, and we express no opinion regarding 
its availability.

Very truly yours,

Mark White
Attorney General of Texas

John W. Fainter, Jr.
First Assistant Attorney General

Richard E. Gray III
Executive Assistant Attorney General

Prepared by Rick Gilpin
Assistant Attorney General

APPROVED:
OPINION COMMITTEE

Susan L. Garrison, Chairman
Jon Bible
Rick Gilpin
Bruce Youngblood