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Transparency in Government

Protecting the Rights of Free Speech and Free Press

OUR MISSION

Ensuring the public’s business is conducted in public and protecting the First Amendment liberties of free speech and free press. Our 501(c)3 nonprofit assists all interested citizens through educational outreach.

Advocating for Access to Public Information

We speak out for protecting and strengthening the Texas Public Information Act, the Texas Open Meetings Act and other freedom of information and free speech laws. We also educate the public about these laws.

Honoring Those Who Fight for Open Government

The FOI Foundation of Texas presents the annual James Madison Award to journalists, elected officials, attorneys and vigilant citizens for distinction in pursuing open government and First Amendment rights. The most recent recipient is Patrick Canty, publisher of the Odessa American, for his leadership in a long-running legal battle over prompt access to public records.

PROTECTING THE PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO KNOW

Since its formation in 1978, the FOI Foundation has helped citizens access government meetings and records while protecting free speech and a free press. Information is essential to participating in our democracy.

  • FOI Hotline1.800.580.6651 available to anyone with a question concerning the Texas Public Information and Texas Open Meetings acts.
  • Latest News – Stay up to date with our latest news.
  • Donate NowDonate to assist open government efforts

GET TO KNOW FOIFT

The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas strives to ensure that the public’s business is conducted in public and protects the liberties of free speech and press guaranteed by the First Amendment.

We assist individual citizens, journalists and government officials through educational seminars, an annual conference and a speakers bureau.

We file briefs in important legal cases addressing open government and freedom of speech and press. Our FOI Hotline connects Texans with volunteer attorneys who explain open government laws.

Our Light of Day project teaches college students how to use public records in their reporting.

We are a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.

AWARDS

LEGAL CASES

LATEST NEWS

Latest FOIFT News

Protecting The Rights Of Free Speech And Free Press

2024 FOIFT state conference videos available for view

By |September 24th, 2024|

Videos of sessions and speeches at the FOI Foundation's 2024 state conference are now available on our website's video page. And here are the individual links with descriptions of the sessions: 2024 Conference Panel - First Amendment under fire https://youtu.be/M6zNeNf45zk 2024 Conference Panel - [...]

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