public information act

Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Dallas Morning News receive Spirit of FOI Awards

FOIFT2017-09-14T19:40:42-05:00

For Immediate Release Sept. 14, 2017 AUSTIN _ Two Texas news organizations have won the Spirit of FOI Award for reports exposing problems with the state’s child welfare system and with one city’s police response to domestic violence. The Nancy Monson Spirit of FOI Award, presented by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, highlights journalism that upholds First Amendment principles and promotes or uses open government laws such as the Texas Public Information Act. The awards were presented Thursday at the FOI Foundation’s state conference in Austin. One of the awards went to the Corpus Christi Caller-Times in the Class [...]

Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Dallas Morning News receive Spirit of FOI AwardsFOIFT2017-09-14T19:40:42-05:00

Open government advocates now focusing on 2019

FOIFT2017-07-20T14:48:36-05:00

By John C. Moritz USA Today Network Originally published July 19, 2017 AUSTIN – When a former employee of the world’s largest aerospace corporation began asking about the specific terms of the company’s lease agreement for its operations in San Antonio, it set in motion a chain of events that would gut Texas’ open government laws. And bills to restore teeth to the law that requires state and local governments to tell the public what they’re doing and why they’re doing it were blocked during the recent legislative session and likely won’t be revived until 2019. “This was a huge setback [...]

Open government advocates now focusing on 2019FOIFT2017-07-20T14:48:36-05:00

State Board of Ed member fields private email controversy

FOIFT2016-11-07T19:43:57-06:00

By Aliyya Swaby The Texas Tribune Originally published Nov. 4, 2016 State Board of Education member David Bradley, R-Beaumont, is under fire for allegedly not releasing board-related emails from his private server in response to an open records request. The Texas Freedom Network says Bradley did not hand over all of his emails in October when the organization filed a request under the state Public Information Act. Bradley said Texas Education Agency staff is responsible for handling those requests, and that he is sure they have been thorough. TFN is calling on the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office to investigate the issue, according [...]

State Board of Ed member fields private email controversyFOIFT2016-11-07T19:43:57-06:00

County’s attorney wants limit on access to information without compensation

FOIFT2016-04-25T16:53:49-05:00

By Cassie L. Smith Waco Tribune-Herald Originally published April 23, 2016 McLennan County’s attorney hopes leaders adopt a policy aimed at deterring “intentionally abusive” open records requests, while others say the move could be construed as having a chilling effect on access to public information. Attorney Mike Dixon, who represents McLennan County and its officeholders, said county staff is trying to process burdensome active requests before looking into a provision in the Texas Public Information Act that allows counties to charge high-volume requesters for staff time. “There’s an inherent flaw where government assumes that people are going to use the act [...]

County’s attorney wants limit on access to information without compensationFOIFT2016-04-25T16:53:49-05:00

Judge: County must pay newspaper’s legal expenses

FOIFT2016-01-28T20:40:43-06:00

By Wes Gardner Fort Bend Herald Originally published Jan. 26, 2016 Visiting Judge Larry Wagenbach denied a motion Monday that would have required the Fort Bend Herald to pay thousands of dollars in attorney’s fees for the release of information deemed to be public record. The decision means The Herald is eligible to receive attorney’s fees from Fort Bend County if county officials do not appeal the judge’s decision. For full story through subscription, click here.

Judge: County must pay newspaper’s legal expensesFOIFT2016-01-28T20:40:43-06:00

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