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FOI Foundation of Texas announces Ralph Langer Scholarship recipients

2023-04-27T15:15:49-05:00

For Immediate Release April 27, 2023  AUSTIN – The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas has named Brianna Chavez, a journalism junior at Texas State University, as the recipient of the inaugural Ralph Langer Scholarship. Alongside her journalism studies, Chavez has worked as a life and arts reporter at the University Star, Texas State’s student-run newspaper. Some of her stories have been published by the Austin American-Statesmen. Chavez, who is in the first generation of her family to attend college, will receive a $6,000 scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year. The scholarship was created in memory of Ralph Langer, a guiding [...]

FOI Foundation of Texas announces Ralph Langer Scholarship recipients2023-04-27T15:15:49-05:00

IDEA Public Schools sues attorney general to keep hotel purchase records secret

2021-11-02T14:36:13-05:00

By Dave HendricksProgress TimesOriginally published Oct. 29, 2021 IDEA Public Schools filed a lawsuit against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in mid-October, attempting to block the release of records that may explain why the charter school system purchased a hotel in Cameron County. IDEA purchased the Inn at Chachalaca Bend, a boutique hotel in Los Fresnos, during October 2019. Less than a year later, Chief Financial Officer Wyatt Truscheit abruptly resigned amid questions about improper spending. IDEA decided to audit financial transactions authorized by Truscheit and other top executives. “During the course of this investigation, IDEA’s special counsel reviewed records related [...]

IDEA Public Schools sues attorney general to keep hotel purchase records secret2021-11-02T14:36:13-05:00

Researchers examine Texas, other state laws on public records response requirements, times

2021-10-26T22:28:56-05:00

Five research papers were accepted to the third annual National Freedom of Information Coalition FOI research competition, which was presented online Sept. 28, 2021, at the national FOI Summit. In all, seven one-page proposals were entered and five selected through double-blind peer review for final consideration. Then, a team of eight expert judges rated the full manuscripts based on importance, relevance to practitioners, and strength of methodology. Three of the papers earned cash prizes for excellence, of $500, $300 and $200. Top papers are guaranteed publication in the University of Florida’s Journal of Civic Information, which welcomes submissions from all researchers. Read [...]

Researchers examine Texas, other state laws on public records response requirements, times2021-10-26T22:28:56-05:00

2021 State Conference Videos

2021-10-05T20:10:31-05:00

Video recordings from the FOI Foundation's Sept. 24, 2021, state conference in Austin: Panel: Law enforcement transparency - Where do we stand?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlmmT9QWtmY Panel: Texas Legislature - Looking Aheadhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8wolQGfpTk Panel: Pro tips - Managing information roadblockshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ4MIPpyV2s Spirit of FOI Awards Presentationhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EtVXDkxE28James Madison Award presentation honoring Patrick Cantyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP2iXFBaDmo Luncheon Keynote: Interview of Texas Land Commissioner and AG candidate George P. Bush, by Bob Garrett of the Dallas Morning News; preceded by FOIFT board president Arif Panju remembering FOI hero Ralph Langerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3Qf75jkapY

2021 State Conference Videos2021-10-05T20:10:31-05:00

New transparency laws effective Sept. 1

2021-09-02T17:57:48-05:00

Two new Texas transparency laws passed in the spring legislative session took effect Sept. 1, addressing public records problems that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. Senate Bill 930 by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, and Rep. Mayes Middleton, R-Wallisville, ensures that governmental entities must release information on COVID-19 and other communicable disease outbreaks in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The names and locations of the facilities must be made available to the public. Individual patient information will be protected. Senate Bill 1225 by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, and Rep. Chris Paddie, R-Marshall, clarifies the "catastrophe notice" provision of the Texas Public [...]

New transparency laws effective Sept. 12021-09-02T17:57:48-05:00
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