OUR MISSION
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.
GET TO KNOW FOIFT
Latest FOIFT News
Protecting The Rights Of Free Speech And Free Press
U.S. Supreme Court orders new look at case of arrested Texas journalist
By The Associated Press Originally published Oct. 15, 2024 WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a federal appeals court to take a new look at the lawsuit filed by a Texas-based online citizen journalist who said she was wrongly arrested in a [...]
Five transparency experts on why AG Paxton’s Open Meetings Act lawsuit against Travis County has merit
By Tony Plohetski Austin American-Statesman Originally published Oct. 9, 2024 Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing the Travis County commissioners court, alleging that the five-member board violated the Texas Open Meetings Act when it secretly approved $115,000 in funding to help District Attorney [...]
2024 FOIFT state conference videos available for view
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 - [...]