A letter from government transparency organizations urges the Uniform Law Commission to prioritize the public’s right to know when it studies the redaction of personal information from public records. The June 17 letter was written by Sarah Brewerton-Palmer, legislative chair of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation, and was edited and endorsed by Todd Fettig, the […]
Tag: Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas (FOIFT)
It’s government’s duty to supply information without delay, Texas coalition leader says
“If you work in government, here’s something to remember: You work for the people,” writes Kelley Shannon, executive director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. “It’s your job to ensure citizens can interact with their government and have the information they need to hold it accountable. That includes handing over public records when […]
Texas city violates Open Meetings Act in session to teach … Open Meetings Act
An Odessa, Texas, “workshop” on the state’s Open Meetings Act was itself a violation of the Open Meetings Act, experts said. Alan J. Bojorquez, an Austin-based attorney who lead the workshop, said the meeting was exempt because it was for informational purposes, the Odessa American reported. Bojorquez also claimed it was a private meeting because […]
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Open record requests showing huge gaps in police officer training contribute to chief’s retirement
Bedford (TX) police chief Jeff Gibson announced Monday afternoon he is retiring after 23 years with the city. The announcement came a month after Gibson was questioned during a Sept. 22 city council work session when the mayor accused him of making false statements about the level of training officers received and of failing to […]
Judge’s ruling keeps Texas open meetings lawsuit alive
Judge Bobby Bell denied on Wednesday the Calhoun Port Authority’s latest motion to dismiss a Texas Open Meetings Act case filed by the Victoria Advocate. The newspaper claims the port should have written on the agenda for its May 9 meeting that it was going into closed session to discuss hiring former U.S. Congressman Blake […]
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Celebrating ‘Sunshine Month’ in Texas
FOI Focus Winter 2018 Newsletter Celebrating ‘Sunshine Month’ in Texas Perhaps you’ve heard of “Sunshine Week.” It’s a national event held each March to celebrate access to public information and the people’s right to know. We’re doing our part in Texas to raise awareness for Sunshine Week, which is […]
Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas: Call for entries for 2017 Spirit of FOI Awards
The FOI Foundation of Texas is pleased to announce 2017 guidelines for the Nancy Monson Spirit of FOI Award contest. The contest is open to newspaper, broadcast and online media. The Spirit of FOI Award recognizes outstanding work in promoting open government and the public’s right to know.
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Attorney: Strong evidence El Paso mayor, reps violated Texas Open Meetings Act
An attorney who specializes in open government believes there is strong evidence that showed four El Paso city council members and the mayor knowingly evaded the Texas Open Meetings Act in December.
Houston attorney Joe Larsen described the group's actions as "alarming." Larsen is a member of The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. The group works to ensure the public's business is conducted in public and protect the liberties guaranteed by the First Amendment.
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Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas is hosting an open government seminar at U of North Texas
FOI Foundation Texas offers Nov. 16 Open Government Seminar in Denton
The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas will host an Open Government Seminar in Denton in November featuring training in public meetings and public records laws.
The non-profit FOI Foundation, in cooperation with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office and the Mayborn School of Journalism at UNT, will offer the one-day seminar on Wednesday, Nov. 16. It is designed for government employees, journalists, attorneys and members of the general public interested in the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act.
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